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Women are integral members of the Dome Restoration Project
Behind the Scenes

Article

Women's History Month: Christine A. Merdon

By Erin Courtney
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As the mother of a teenager, Christine Merdon is, to say the least, busy. Coaching her daughter's Odyssey of the Mind Team, traveling to basketball games, planning birthday parties and more occupy her nights and weekends. During the day, she fulfills a lifelong dream of working at the Architect of
Visitors to Capitol Grounds rest beneath a Willow Oak tree.
Public Notice

Article

U.S. Capitol Grounds is Now an Accredited Arboretum

By AOC Staff
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The United States Capitol Grounds was recently named an accredited arboretum. The grounds are now listed in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a comprehensive list of arboreta and public gardens that have a substantial focus on woody plants for the benefit of the public, science and conservation. As a
AOC architect Eugene Poole teaches a class on "The Five Orders of Architecture" to students at Phelps High School.
Public Notice

Article

2017 Phelps School Award

By AOC Staff
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Eugene Poole, an architect Planning and Project Management (PPM) at Architect of the Capitol (AOC), was the keynote speaker at the Phelps Academy of Engineering 2017 Winter Celebration and was presented an award for his unwavering support of the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High
2016 carved into a column capital during the Capitol Exterior Preservation project's stone work.
Behind the Scenes

Article

A Sweet 2016

By Sarah Davis
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This past year has been filled with many sweet moments around the Capitol campus. From big events and projects (like Capitol exterior preservation above) to behind-the-scenes stories and fun celebrations, below are 10 that stand out to me. Winter Storm Jonas Snow removal on the West Front of the
Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire Orchid
Programs & Events

Article

Take Five: The U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson
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Things don't slow down just because it's winter. Below are five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) this season, including tropical flowers like the Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire orchid above. 1. See chocolate in its rawest form Cross section of a cacao (chococlate) pod. When
Stone sculpture.
Projects

Article

It's About Time

By Franklin Bradley
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Time has taken its toll on the United State Capitol's stone, but our preservation effort will restore even the finer details, hand-carved by artisans.
The work of the Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Behind the Scenes: Jack of All Trades

By Erin Nelson
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The Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get, often working within containments to ensure the safety of those who visit and work on the U.S. Capitol campus. In addition to insulation, the shop also performs dust control and hazardous materials abatement.
A portico of tall Corinthian columns gives the Supreme Court Building a monumental entrance.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: A Progression of the Imagination

By Stephen T. Ayers
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I long for the days when we can experience all of the magnificent national treasures on Capitol Hill as they were originally imagined. The entry sequence and progression through spaces are carefully thought out by architects as buildings are designed. These experiences are very powerful and
Russell Jones of the AOC Construction Division demonstrates a cool tool for applying grout to the Olmsted wall.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: Squaring Off With History

By Franklin Bradley
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Many of the tools we use around the Capitol campus are unique, historic and essential to our mission — in other words, they are cool tools! We asked employees to tell us about their coolest tools, and this feature represents our latest find. In 1873, Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to
Two adults and two children standing in front of a plane.
Doing Good

Article

Modern-Day Superhero

By Justin Kieffer
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Brian Roberson volunteers with Angel Flight Soars, working to transport cancer patients and others to treatment centers.
The U.S. Capitol Dome's cupola at night.
Public Notice

Article

Capitol Dome Successfully Restored

By AOC Staff
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This morning, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, announced that the first comprehensive restoration of the Capitol Dome in more than half a century is complete.
Two people walking outside.
Programs & Events

Article

An Idaho Gem to Grace Capitol Lawn

By Ted Bechtol
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As the Superintendent of Capitol Grounds, each year I am charged with selecting the Capitol Christmas Tree. In 2016, we looked to Idaho – specifically, the Payette National Forest – and began the search with the help of the United States Forest Service (USFS). There are 2.8 million acres of forest
Group of people wearing safety vests and hard hats.
Public Notice

Article

Architect of the Capitol Attaches Final Ornament to the U.S. Capitol Dome

By AOC Staff
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The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, Architect of the Capitol, joined members of the Dome Restoration team to attach the final restored ornament, a rosette, to the U.S. Capitol Dome.
Mural of people.
History & Discoveries

Article

Capitol Discovery

By Erin Courtney
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It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in search of a direct water route from Europe to Asia. He never did discover that passage, but he did stumble upon the Americas and kicked off centuries of exploration, and exploitation, of the western hemisphere
Triangle shaped sculpture.
History & Discoveries

Article

New Perspective, New Discoveries: A Close-up Look at Crawford's Progress of Civilization

By Dr. Michele Cohen
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We have made some interesting discoveries about the details of the sculptures and the sources of some of the depicted figures; we discovered and solved a few puzzles, and we also came across a few mysteries that we're still working on (and we'd welcome your help!).
Preservation Day graphic with multiple images in a collage.
Public Notice

Article

Preservation Day Celebration at the U.S. Capitol

By AOC Staff
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When the 89th United States Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, it changed the way America views, treats, and shares its history. Join us for a fun-filled observation of this anniversary, and learn how the "People's House" — the Capitol — is preserved for all! Architect
Group of people standing.
Public Notice

Article

Rotunda Reopens to the Public

By AOC Staff
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The Architect of the Capitol is pleased to reopen the U.S. Capitol's Rotunda following the successful completion of its restoration. Tradesmen and experts from historic preservation officers to engineers, craftsmen and painters worked day and night to restore this hallowed space.
Sculpture of three people.
History & Discoveries

Article

Letters and Numbers Abound

By Erin Courtney
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No matter where you look on Capitol Hill, numbers and letters abound. Passing three schools and multiple playgrounds on my way to work made me consider the variety of letters and numbers that appear on buildings or in art work on Capitol Hill. Considering the Capitol campus by the numbers (and
Sculpture detail of a person playing an instrument.
Projects

Article

Conserving the Grant Memorial

By Dr. Michele Cohen
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The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Curator for the Architect of the Capitol describes the restoration work on the bronze components and marble pedestals. When completed viewers will again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.
A room with a portrait, chair and clock.
History & Discoveries

Article

Artfully Yours, Alexander Hamilton

By Erin Courtney
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Here are five pieces of art depicting Hamilton at the U.S. Capitol.
Person holding a copper pipe.
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Library's HVAC Aces

By Sarah Davis
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Just below the main floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress, the cellar level is home to the Architect of the Capitol's Air Conditioning (AC) Shop for Library Buildings and Grounds. A spectrum of parts and tools — from very small pieces to a 150 horsepower motor that weighs
History & Discoveries

Article

USBG National Garden Turns 10

By Devin Dotson
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This fall, the National Garden at the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) turns 10 years old. Opened to the public on October 1, 2006, the National Garden is a key element of the USBG, along with the Conservatory and Bartholdi Park. The National Garden's Rose Garden celebrates the national floral
Hand using equipment.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge

By Lisa Maltbie
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Every one of us at the Architect of the Capitol, in every job we do, uses tools to serve, preserve and inspire. Many of the tools we use here are unique, historic and essential to our mission—in other words, they are cool tools! We asked employees to submit their coolest tool, and this feature
Doing Good

Article

Bridging the Gap

By Erin Nelson
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Millions of Americans volunteer every year, but few feel compelled to form their own organization. Greg Smith saw a problem in his community that had no solution, so he created one by starting his own non-profit – Kaizen Life Skills. Kaizen is a Japanese word that means continuous improvement, and
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Influences at Work and Play

By Stephen T. Ayers
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Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on influences in his work, and the work of others, at the U.S. Capitol. We are all an assembly of parts, pieces and life experiences, and we bring those experiences to the things we do every day. It's what makes us who we are! I've come to learn
Behind the Scenes

Article

One Team, One Energy Reduction Mission

By Laura Condeluci
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A 30 percent reduction in energy consumption is a major accomplishment. Take a look back at how we got there, and find out where we're going.
History & Discoveries

Article

Finding a Lasting Impression

By Sarah Davis
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Montgomery C. Meigs played a critical role in building a number of well-known landmarks in D.C. To ensure his credit would be preserved in history, Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Meigs' name on
Behind the Scenes

Article

A Passion for Pedaling

By Jamie Herr
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In 2014, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers stood before a large group of bicycle enthusiasts to accept a Bicycle Friendly Business Honorable Mention Award from the League of American Bicyclists. In his speech he challenged his staff to get the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) designated as a
Programs & Events

Article

Lend Me Your Ears

By Andrew Dentamaro
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"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." ― Plato The laying of the U.S. Capitol's cornerstone on September 18, 1793, would not have been complete without appropriate celebration. When President George Washington led a company of
Jets of water and a piece of stone.
Projects

Article

What's Happening Behind the Capitol Scaffolding?

By Erin Courtney
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To answer this question, we travel to a brick building in Vienna, Virginia, where the hum of an industrial-sized machine is unmistakable. Littering the fenced-in courtyard of the building are massive slabs of stone of all shapes and colors. Carving of a new rosette begun by a computerized numerical