Architects partner with AOC selection committee to congratulate Tom Austin on his appointment as the 13th Architect of the Capitol

WASHINGTON – July 1, 2024 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosted a welcome reception in the Speaker of the House’s office with Tom Austin, PE, CCM, PMP, who was selected as the new Architect of the Capitol (AOC).

The selection was made by a committee of Congressional leadership along with chairs and ranking members of key House and Senate committees, which have oversight of the AOC office. After a 10-month process that identified and interviewed qualified candidates, AIA leaders greeted Mr. Austin as he embarks on his 10-year term to serve in this critical role and offered to work together on our shared mission to preserve the nation’s treasured symbols of democracy.

The AOC is responsible for the development, operation, and preservation of the Capitol complex, which includes the U.S. Capitol, the congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings and grounds, the U.S. Supreme Court building and grounds, the U.S Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, and other facilities. The AOC oversees approximately 18.5 million square feet of space across 36 structures and 570 acres. The agency is comprised of approximately 2,400 employees and has a more than $1B annual budget. The Capitol campus is home to 30,000 daily occupants and hosts about 5 million visitors annually.

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