Architect of the Capitol

 
About Us Architects

 
Dr. William Thornton

William Thornton
Portrait By George B. Matthews, 1930, after Gilbert Stuart

 

  • Design selected by President George Washington, 1793; appointed a commissioner of the federal city by President Washington, 1794, and served until 1802
  • Dr. William Thornton +Read More

During the first decade of work on the Capitol,
three men were hired to oversee the construction.

Thornton's Work at the Capitol
During Thornton's tenure at the Capitol the north wing (shown in blue) was constructed.
Benjamin Henry Latrobe

B. Henry Latrobe
Portrait by George B. Matthews, 1931, after C. W. Peale

 

  • Hired by President Thomas Jefferson, March 6, 1803; construction halted by July 1, 1811
  • Hired by President James Madison, April 6, 1815
  • Resigned November 20, 1817
  • B. Henry Latrobe +Read More
Latrobe's Work at the Capitol
Latrobe constructed the Capitol's south wing (shown in blue) as well as rebuilding the interior of the north wing.
Charles Bulfinch

Charles Bulfinch
Portrait by George B. Matthews, 1931, after 1842 drawing by Alvan Clark

 


  • Hired by President James Monroe and the Commissioner of Public Buildings, January 8, 1818
  • Office abolished June 25, 1829
  • Charles Bulfinch +Read More
Bulfinch's Work at the Capitol
Bulfinch constructed the Capitol's central section (shown in blue), including the Rotunda and the original dome.
Thomas Ustick Walter

Thomas U. Walter
Portrait by Francisco Pausas, 1925, after a Mathew Brady photograph

 


Walter's Work at the Capitol
Walter added the present north (Senate) and south (House) wings and the present cast-iron dome (shown in blue).
Edward Clark

Edward Clark
Portrait by Constantino Brumidi

 


Elliot Woods

Elliott Woods
Portrait by George B. Matthews, 1931

 


David Lynn

David Lynn
Portrait by Charles J. Fox, 1954

 


  • Appointed by President Calvin Coolidge, August 22, 1923
  • Retired September 30, 1954
  • David Lynn +Read More
J. George Stewart

J. George Stewart
Portrait by Charles J. Fox

 


Stewart's Work at the Capitol
Stewart oversaw the extension of the Capitol's east central front (shown in blue).
George M. White

George M. White
Portrait by William Draper, 1981

 



In the period following Mr. White's retirement, William L. Ensign, FAIA, served as the Acting Architect of the Capitol.

Alan M. Hantman

Alan M. Hantman
Portrait by Michael Shane Neal, 2006

 

 
  • Nominated by President William Jefferson Clinton, January 6, 1997; confirmed by the Senate, February 3, 1997
  • Retired February 4, 2007
  • Mr. Hantman was the first Architect of the Capitol to be appointed under the new selection procedure established by legislation in 1989.
  • Alan M. Hantman, FAIA +Read More
Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP
Stephen Ayers

Architect of the Capitol | Washington, DC 20515
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