Abstract. As 11th Architect of the Capitol, Mr. Ayers is responsible for all design, construction, maintenance and operation of the historic U.S. Capitol Building, the care of 553 acres of grounds, and 17.4 million square feet of buildings including the House and Senate Office Buildings, Capitol Visitor Center, Library of Congress Buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court Building, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, and other facilities.
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) provides a wide range of professional expertise and services to preserve and enhance the U.S. Capitol. The AOC works to support the needs of nearly 30,000 occupants and millions of tourists who visit the campus annually; ensure the buildings and grounds meet modern standards for sustainability and accessibility; and preserve the historic legacy of the landmarks entrusted to the AOC’s care. Since the U.S. Capitol is a public building, maintaining and preserving heritage assets can be challenging. Mr. Ayers will provide an overview of current projects such as the Dome Restoration Project and will showcase the talented and skilled employees who are effectively and efficiently preserving the historical buildings on Capitol Hill. The 2,200 employees of the AOC serve in diverse roles applying both modern techniques and historic tradecrafts in the care and preservation of the Capitol campus.
