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Charles “Buddy” Greenwell III in front of “The Box.”
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: "The Box"

By Kate Holder
| October 19, 2020
Across the Capitol campus, Architect of the Capitol (AOC) electricians are on constant alert to respond to emergency events and power outages that can disrupt electrical systems at any time. House Office Buildings electricians now have a "cool tool" that allows them to practice their emergency response without disrupting the live systems or even leaving the House Electrical Shop. The cool tool is a Systems Demonstration Box — affectionately known simply as "The Box." A closet-sized, wooden cabinet on rollers, The Box contains stand-alone, …
What Began as a Demonstration for Kids Is Now a Unique Training Tool
History & Discoveries

Article

Cool Tools: A Tuning Fork?

By Franklin Bradley
| March 10, 2016
As the temperature cooled down this winter, we asked Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employees to join a hot (and friendly) competition – AOC Cool Tools – and share the cool tools they use to get their jobs done. Every employee, in every job we do, uses tools, from a crane that lifts heavy loads to the pen that signs the …
As the temperature cooled down this winter, we asked Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employees to join a hot (and friendly) competition – AOC Cool Tools – and share the cool tools they use to get their jobs done. Every employee, in every job we do, uses tools, from a crane that lifts heavy loads to
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge

By Lisa Maltbie
| June 17, 2016
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 represents the coolest tool we found. The U.S. Capitol Building Sheet Metal Shop introduced a new auto brake machine which offers an unprecedented capacity to bend metal that is integral to the many renowned projects around the …
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
The Snow Rodeo training exercise on a new piece of snow removal equipment, the Ditch Witch SK600 mini skid steer
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: The Ditch Witch

By Erin Courtney
| March 1, 2018
Well before winter, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) prepares snow equipment, procures rock salt and ice melt supplies, and reviews the emergency and essential personnel snow response plans. And with good reason. Clearing snow around the Capitol complex in January 2018. The AOC is responsible for
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
| December 1, 2016
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 design the enlarged grounds of the U.S. Capitol . After careful study, he presented a plan for a sophisticated landscape to surround and …
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
The Capitol Materials Cart being shown to visitors in Emancipation Hall.
Programs & Events

Article

Cool Tools: Capitol Materials Cart

By Erin Courtney
| June 5, 2019
The new U.S. Capitol Materials Cart Program showcases a variety of AOC trades, including masonry, sheet metal, paint and wood-crafting.
A five-pointed star was cut within seconds by the Architect of the Capitol Sheet Metal Shop.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: Plasma Cutting Machine, a Matter of Precision

By Kate Holder
| March 10, 2020
Whatever the task, tools are essential to our work at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), and this latest example of an AOC "cool tool" ranks among the hottest and fastest tools we use. It generates temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more and accelerates to nearly the speed of sound. Those extreme but highly controlled conditions allow the tool to cut through metal like a hot knife through butter. And do so with …
It generates temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more and accelerates to nearly the speed of sound.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Keeping Your Cool at the Capitol

By Burl Keller
| July 6, 2016
The hexagon-shaped Summerhouse located on the West Front lawn offers seating and drinking fountains. If someone is exhibiting these signs, have the individual immediately rest in a cool, shaded or air conditioned area and have the person slowly drink water. Office buildings and other facilities on campus provide air conditioning but don't forget that the Summerhouse , on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, offers fresh water and a place to sit on Capitol Grounds . Visitors to …
On average, July is the hottest month in Washington, D.C. Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you live on, work or visit Capitol Hill, stay alert for signs that you, a colleague or a loved one is too hot. Visitors shade themselves from the summer sun with
A bowler hat discovered during the renewal of the Cannon House Office Building.
History & Discoveries

Article

Cool Cannon Construction Finds

By Kristen Frederick
| January 3, 2019
During the process of renewing the Cannon House Office Building, workers have found hidden treasures that had been lost or discarded by the laborers who constructed the building more than 100 years ago. Here's a small sampling of what has been discovered since the start of the Cannon Renewal project
The deburring tool used to remove sharp edges from sheet metal.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Two Thumbs Up for Taking the Edge Off

By Franklin Bradley
| August 9, 2017
Although it's small and seemingly simple, this little tool reduces injuries by saving hands, which is why we give it two thumbs up as a cool tool. …
A small and seemingly simple tool used by the Architect of the Capitol sheet metal mechanics reduces injuries by saving hands, which is why we give it two thumbs up as a cool tool. This deburring tool removes sharp edges from metal which must be custom fit to unique spaces.
Cover of Tholos Magazine, Volume 19.
Public Notice

Article

Volume 19 of Tholos Magazine Now Available

By AOC Staff
| June 21, 2021
The latest edition of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employee magazine, Tholos , is now available. Highlights include the articles below. Cool Tools : The Architect of the Capitol Sweeps Up the Past Organizational Transformation: A Season for Transformation, A Season for Change Seasonal Highlight: Collecting and Growing Texas Native Plants for Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation Feature: U.S. Capitol Cleanup Doing Good: Honoring Our …
The latest edition of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employee magazine, Tholos, is now available. Article themes include Cool Tools, Organizational Transformation, Seasonal Highlight, Doing Good, Project Updates, and Spotlight on Safety.
AOC Tholos Summer 2020 Cover
Public Notice

Article

Summer 2020 Issue of Tholos Magazine Now Available

By AOC Staff
| September 14, 2020
Spotlight on Safety : COVID-19 Cleaning Protocols AOC Tributes : John Lewis' Lying in State: A New Normal Feature : Benjamin Henry Latrobe's Capitol Contributions Doing Good : U.S. Botanic Garden Helps Urban Agriculture Programs at 28 Public Gardens Affected by COVID-19 Cool Tools : "The Box" Download the full Summer 2020 issue, or read the stories from this and previous issues on our blog. …
The latest edition of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employee magazine, Tholos, is now available. Article themes include Spotlight on Safety, AOC Tributes, Doing Good, and Cool Tools.
AOC employees test an underground utility locator on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Behind the Scenes

Article

We Dig Technology

By Erin Courtney
| March 26, 2019
Under a bright blue cloudless sky, Ronnie Pfiffer, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum pipefitter, stood on the West Front looking down with the focus and concentration of a Jedi. In his hands, he held not a lightsaber but a RIDGID SeekTech SR-60 Locator. The black and gold underground utility locator
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Library's HVAC Aces

By Sarah Davis
| July 1, 2016
"In addition to HVAC, our shop also does abatement work, insulation repairs, and electrical and plumbing repairs." "Dealing with old equipment and tight crawl space areas can sometimes be a challenge," said Jonathan Wilson, Work Leader. Access to the equipment itself, like heating and cooling valves, humidifiers, vacuum systems and exhaust fans, can be found in unique places. For example, the mechanical space for the Coolidge Auditorium is at the top of a tall spiral staircase. HVAC employees climb this spiral staircase to access the mechanical space for the Coolidge Auditorium. In …
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
Projects

Article

Expert Metalwork Revealed in Restoration of the U.S. Capitol Dome

By AOC Staff
| April 10, 2015
The sand mold cures in a matter of minutes and becomes as hard as sand stone.  Molten cast iron heated to more than 2,500 degrees is poured into the mold. This is something that is quite dramatic to witness! Once the mold is cool, the hardened sand mold is chipped away and a new ornament is revealed. The new ornament is shipped back to the U.S. Capitol and installed on the Dome. Attention to detail and historical preservation are paramount. The careful process even allows us to reclaim some of the original cast iron, saving the …
Restoring the U.S. Capitol Dome is a massive project. It's exciting to uncover the artistry of a long-gone era and to see elements of the Dome that have not been seen for decades. More than 1,300 cracks in the nearly nine million pound cast iron Dome are being repaired by experts working day and
Behind the Scenes

Article

Help Plants Beat the Heat

By USBG Staff
| July 27, 2016
But you can use a few tips from the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) to plan, plant and care for a great garden through the long summer days. Before planting your garden do your research. Washington, D.C., for example, famously lies on the dividing line for successfully growing cool climate lilacs (best to the north and west of town) and crepe myrtles (to the south and east). Get to know your temperature zones and choose appropriate plants. The National Garden of the USBG features native plants from the nearby Piedmont and Atlantic Coastal Plain, rather than the mountains. …
The heat of summer can be tough on plants. But you can use a few tips from the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) to plan, plant and care for a great garden through the long summer days. Before planting your garden do your research. Washington, D.C., for example, famously lies on the dividing line
Programs & Events

Article

CVC Guides Help Visitor "See" the Old Supreme Court

By Sharon Gang
| July 23, 2015
When Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) Guide John Claya encountered a guest with a visual disability near the Old Supreme Court Chamber, he used a creative tool to help her "see" the room. On Thursday, July 9, John was passing through the Small Senate Rotunda toward the Crypt when he noticed a family of
Members of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum inspect a vehicle operating on the U.S. Capitol campus.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Reclaiming an Ordinary Day

By Erin Courtney
| November 27, 2018
It is easy to take for granted an ordinary day strolling across the beautiful landscaped grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Chirping birds, chittering squirrels, humming lawnmowers and the excited voices of children on their first visit to Washington, D.C., make up the soundtrack of the Capitol campus. In
Black and white photo of the Capitol Power Plant's interior.
History & Discoveries

Article

Capitol Power Plant: A Century of Service

By AOC Staff
| December 5, 2010
This year, the Capitol Power Plant marks 100 years of steady service of steam and chilled water to heat and cool the Capitol. In that century of service, the plant has undergone significant changes as new buildings were built, and more modern and efficient equipment was installed. What hasn't changed over the years is the commitment of the staff to ensure that the Capitol Power Plant continues to provide these …
This year, the Capitol Power Plant marks 100 years of steady service of steam and chilled water to heat and cool the Capitol. In that century of service, the plant has undergone significant changes as new buildings were built, and more modern and efficient equipment was installed. What hasn't
Behind the Scenes

Article

One Team, One Energy Reduction Mission

By Laura Condeluci
| June 2, 2016
The Rayburn House Office Building needed a new roof, and in FY 2011, the AOC took the opportunity to make the new roof a cool roof. A cool roofing system helps reduce the amount of cooling needed in the summer because it reflects light instead of absorbing it. This means that less heat is transferred into the building below, which helps keep the interior spaces cooler — and that equates to cost savings. The U.S. Capitol is one …
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) achieved an extraordinary goal at the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 — successfully meeting the mandate to reduce energy consumption more than 30 percent from our 2003 baseline. This 30 percent reduction is a major accomplishment on its own. But it's even more
Intern Mary Delaney learns about an air handling unit from AOC Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Worker Valarie Buggie to better understand the parts and services required by heating and cooling systems.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Looking Ahead for Talent — Finding the Next Win

By AOC Staff
| March 19, 2018
"It was constantly on my mind: do the best that I can." Venturella still wasn't sure what to expect. "I thought that she might complete one project," he said. He tasked Delaney with creating a more efficient process for procuring replacement parts and services for the House heating and cooling systems. Perhaps Venturella would have had higher expectations if he had known that in addition to doing the work required for her finance major and two minors, Delaney also enjoys hurling. "It's an ancient Irish game, called the fastest sport in the world, because you're constantly running full …
"This program far exceeded what I expected," said Supply Management Officer Paul Venturella. He was speaking of the pilot program to have college students earn class credit while applying their specialized knowledge and skills to advance the work of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). The first
Anthony Littlejohn completes the COVID-19 cleaning protocols for AOC vehicles.
Behind the Scenes

Article

COVID-19 Cleaning Protocols

By Erin Nelson
| September 14, 2020
Here are a few photos that showcase these important cleaning protocols for vehicles, tools and office spaces.   …
AOC Staff Put In the Work to Keep Us Safe During COVID-19
Updated Children's Garden opens at U.S. Botanic Garden.
Public Notice

Article

Updated Children's Garden opens at U.S. Botanic Garden

By USBG Staff
| June 13, 2017
Cables positioned to resemble spider webs will soon be covered by newly planted kiwifruit plants as the vines grow and enclose the tunnel; digging area — an area defined by metal and wood walls provides children a space to dig with child-sized tools and learn about composting; dandelion sculptures — metal sculptures appear as oversize dandelions, with steel "seeds" attached at the tips of wires. When the wind blows, these "seeds" and wires will sway with the breeze; toadstool seats — concrete formed to look like mushrooms at various heights …
The United States Botanic Garden announces the reopening of the Children's Garden in the Conservatory. Families can enjoy the updated space, where children can explore and grow their imaginations. The garden features multiple updates including: a new platform discovery structure — a series of
Public Notice

Article

Good News for Sustainable Landscapes

By AOC Staff
| June 10, 2015
Sustainable landscaping program SITES, developed by United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and partners, was launched today by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI). SITES is the most comprehensive program and toolkit for developing sustainable landscapes. Its rating system can be applied to
Circular fountain on the U.S. Capitol's West Front.
History & Discoveries

Article

Calm and Collected Waters

By Sarah Davis
| June 20, 2018
Summer officially starts this week and the weather in Washington, D.C., is getting warmer. While water features on the U.S. Capitol campus look cool and refreshing, they aren't designed for humans to play in. These small areas of urban "blue space" may provide other benefits though, including mental tranquility and increased creativity. Below is a collection of seven water features that inspire. 1. Olmsted Fountains   Near the central entrance of …
Summer officially starts this week and the weather in Washington, D.C., is getting warmer. While water features on the U.S. Capitol campus look cool and refreshing, they aren't designed for humans to play in. These small areas of urban "blue space" may provide other benefits though, including mental
History & Discoveries

Article

A Cornerstone of American History

By Matt Guilfoyle
| March 18, 2013
Walk in the footsteps of the masons and laborers who worked the quarry at Government Island in Aquia, Virginia, to gather stone for the U.S. Capitol more than 200 years ago. On a cold March day, I decided to take a field trip back in time to a place where you can run your hands along history, and
Doing Good

Article

Rising to the Challenge: Elevator Mechanic Challenges Students

By Laura Condeluci
| January 27, 2016
By the end of the program, the students are capable of fixing a trapped elevator. Confident in their skills, Miller brings the students to the House Office Buildings to challenge them with a hands-on activity. They get the chance to examine and repair an elevator, using diagnostic tools, newly-aquired knowledge and critical thinking.   In addition to sharing his technical expertise and breaking down the trade for the students, Miller encourages them to think more broadly about their careers. He suggests that not only could students consider a career installing and maintaining …
For the past six years, Paul Miller, Elevator Mechanic Supervisor, has called on his experience with elevators at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to create an elevator training program for freshmen at the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School (Phelps). It's one way Miller
Group photo of the Architect of the Capitol high-voltage electricians on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Behind the Scenes

Article

High-Voltage Team Powers the Powerful

By Franklin Bradley
| July 26, 2017
The explosion reminded people of the dangers of gas and, during this period of conversion, alluring new uses for this revolutionary energy source were being discovered, making possible advances in communications, conveyance and cooling. One could say that the first text message ever sent emanated from the electrified U.S. Capitol when Samuel Morse tapped out, "What hath God wrought?" in his first telegraph message , sent from the chamber of the U.S. Supreme Court, which was still housed in the U.S. Capitol. The message went to …
Learn how the AOC's High-Voltage team keeps the campus running.
History & Discoveries

Article

5 Original Olmsted Trees

By Andrew Dentamaro
| July 7, 2016
Olmsted later added the brick Summerhouse to his design to provide visitors with a drinking fountain and a cool place to rest. There are currently about 890 trees surrounding the immediate Capitol Building on Capitol Square and more than 4,300 trees throughout the entire 274-acre Capitol Grounds. Some of the most majestic and unmistakable trees on campus were planted during the Olmsted period. 1. Pecan ( Carya …
In June 1874, Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) presented a plan for the U.S. Capitol Grounds for a sophisticated landscape that highlighted the building it surrounded. In his submission for the Architect of the Capitol's annual report, Olmsted wrote that, "The ground is in design part of the
History & Discoveries

Article

National Garden Highlights Regional Plants and Sustainable Practices

By Matt Guilfoyle
| May 12, 2014
Bill McLaughlin, U.S. Botanic Garden Plant Curator, has been there from its opening, helping guide the plant selection and placement while providing overall guidance to the philosophy of the National Garden. "We were sustainable before sustainable was cool," said McLaughlin. "There is no pop-up irrigation — it decides what grows where — and it can become wasteful. We hand water — you get fewer weeds. But we have a lot of space, and not a lot of gardeners — thank goodness for our volunteers." This focus on sustainable gardening is even true within the Rose …
As Congress meets in the halls of the U.S. Capitol, a small group of AOC employees toil in the heat a few hundred yards away to help a living national treasure thrive in an urban center. This is the National Garden at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Conceived as an outdoor laboratory for gardening in