Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.

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Behind the Scenes

Built to Last

From Project Mastery to People Skills, Women in Construction Build Up the AOC
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Behind the Scenes

Promoting a Culture of Conservation and Energy Reduction

By laura condeluci | April 25, 2016

The Architect of the Capitol maintains the facilities for the Library of Congress, and we actively work as ambassadors for energy reduction within the Library of Congress buildings, while helping maintain their invaluable and irreplaceable collection of more than 158 million items.

Behind the Scenes

Energy Savings Performance Contracts Help AOC Exceed Energy Goal

By erin courtney | April 18, 2016

Energy Savings Performance Contracts have assisted the Architect of the Capitol in completing several conservation measures around the U.S. Capitol, House office buildings and Senate office buildings. These ESPCs were an important element in our strategy to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent.

History & Discoveries

Artfully Yours, Thomas Jefferson

By erin courtney | April 13, 2016

Our nation’s third president has his successes, as well as himself, memorialized in more than 10 pieces of art in the U.S. Capitol Building.

Behind the Scenes

Lighting the Way to Energy Savings

By franklin bradley | April 12, 2016

The Senate Jurisdiction's emphasis on energy-efficient lighting was integral to meeting our agency-wide energy reduction goal.

History & Discoveries

Water Features Everywhere

By sarah davis | April 7, 2016

There are more than 20 water features that Architect of the Capitol cares for. Spanning across the U.S. Capitol campus, each of the House office buildings, Senate office buildings, Library of Congress buildings, Supreme Court buildings and the U.S. Botanic Garden have some type of fountain or pool.

Projects

Stopple Valve System

By r c vaughn | April 5, 2016

A new technology now allows waterlines to remain filled while workers install a new valve. By deploying this construction best practice, the Cannon Renewal Project will save a tremendous amount of natural resources, require less manpower and result in savings to the American taxpayer.

Behind the Scenes

AOC Achieves 10-Year Energy Reduction Goal

By laura condeluci | April 1, 2016

The Architect of the Capitol's approach to sustainability and energy efficiency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., is built upon three defining elements: buildings, infrastructure and people. We are very proud of our recent accomplishment of 30 percent energy reduction.

Doing Good

A Veteran Helping Veterans

By sharon gang | March 29, 2016

This doing good story is of an AOC electrician who volunteers with Heroes on the Water, a national organization that helps veterans from all branches of the United States military unwind using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: Inspiration by Detail

By stephen t ayers | March 22, 2016

The Architect of the Capitol describes how he finds inspiration every day from the beautiful details of the Capitol campus.

History & Discoveries

Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month

By erin courtney | March 17, 2016

For Americans of Irish heritage, there is much to celebrate. Beginning with our Nation's founding, Irishmen risked their lives to establish what would become the United States of America.

Behind the Scenes

Passing the Torch

By erin courtney | March 16, 2016

The Curator Division's commitment to building knowledge continues to thrive under new leadership.

History & Discoveries

Artfully Yours, James Madison

By erin courtney | March 16, 2016

To celebrate the birthday of our nation's fourth president, we are highlighting the art featuring or including James Madison on the Capitol campus.

History & Discoveries

Cool Tools: A Tuning Fork?

By franklin bradley | March 10, 2016

Tuning forks are frequently used by musicians to adjust their instruments. So why does the Architect of the Capitol have one – and what makes it cool? Montgomery C. Meigs used this tuning fork during the 1850s Capitol Dome construction to evaluate its cast iron beams.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes: Senate Subway Branch

By elizabeth yoder | March 7, 2016

The Architect of the Capitol's Senate Subway Branch operates two subway systems to transport senators, staff and escorted visitors between the Capitol Building and the Senate office buildings. Let these AOC employees show you what it's like to work in their specialized shop and area of expertise.

Behind the Scenes

Celebrating Women's History Month

By erin courtney | March 2, 2016

At the Architect of the Capitol, approximately 25 percent of the workforce are women who participate in a variety of jobs on the U.S. Capitol campus. Architects, lawyers, archivists, curators, engineers, gardeners, custodians, technology developers and more are all represented by female employees.