The 25 – Thomas E. Austin

On May 22, 2024, the bicameral Congressional Commission announced its unanimous selection of Thomas E. Austin to serve as the 13th Architect of the Capitol (AOC). In this role, Austin is responsible for leading the agency’s mission to preserve and maintain the campus’s historic buildings and grounds, including iconic structures comprising the House and Senate Offices, Capitol Visitor Center, Library of Congress, and U.S. Supreme Court.

“It is an honor to serve as the 13th Architect of the Capitol and steward of the historic and vital buildings that make up the Capitol campus, ensuring their preservation, functionality, and safety for Members of Congress, staff, and visitors,” said Austin in his testimony to the Committee on House Administration in June 2025.

Led by Austin, the AOC and its 2,500 employees handle facilities maintenance and operation of the historic U.S. Capitol, the care and improvement of more than 570 acres of grounds, and the operation and maintenance of 18.4 million square feet of buildings. This includes care of all works of art and maintenance and restoration of murals, outdoor sculpture, and architectural elements.

A licensed professional engineer, certified construction manager, and project management professional, Austin retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel after nearly three decades in engineering and leadership roles. He served overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia and was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and other honors.

His last decade of service focused on construction and facilities management roles with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and Arlington National Cemetery. Most recently, Austin oversaw the construction management advisory team for the Cannon House Office Building Renewal.

Already, in his one year as AOC, the veteran has implemented long-term strategies to maintain and preserve the campus while modernizing. “This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation works in concert to preserve our historic assets and improve aging infrastructure,” reveals Austin. “I am privileged, day in and day out, to be entrusted to lead this remarkable agency.”