The position of architect of the Capitol has received public attention lately following President Joe Biden’s dismissal of the most recent architect, Brett Blanton, on Monday.
But what is the role of the architect? And what do they do? The architect was initially the person who designed and oversaw the construction of the complex, dating back to 1793. But in recent years, the role has expanded past the construction and into the maintenance and upkeep of Capitol Hill and its grounds.
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The Capitol complex is the heart of more than 18.4 million square feet of buildings and 570 acres of grounds cared for by the architect. The land includes the complex, House and Senate office buildings, the Library of Congress, and the botanical gardens, among others. The architect’s office also oversees more than 2,000 employees.
Blanton’s day-to-day role consisted of overseeing the upkeep and maintenance of the complex and grounds. He also oversaw the implementation of new policies, especially related to security, and was in charge of all renovations and restorations on Capitol Hill.
Appointed to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump, Blanton sat as one of the three people on the Capitol Police Board. This means he helped decide where to put fencing and security when it comes to events on Capitol Hill, including during the State of the Union. The other two members are the sergeants-at-arms of the House and Senate. He is the deciding vote on security in the case of a tie between the sergeants, such as in Biden’s most recent State of the Union.
Other events at the Capitol include concerts during the Fourth of July, presidential inaugurations, and the lying in state for notable citizens, including presidents.
Blanton was dismissed as the architect Monday after he was accused of misusing government funds. He also came under fire for his response to the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill in 2021. Blanton was not on the grounds that day and coordinated with Capitol Police from the safety of his house.
“I’m trying to understand why you physically weren’t here on a pretty important day,” Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) said at a hearing of the House Administration Committee with Blanton last week. “Especially given the fact that you have access to information, being on the Capitol Police Board, about potential problems that we have on this campus.”
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He was later dismissed from his position after a bipartisan group of members of Congress called for his resignation. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) claimed he had lost trust in Blanton after the hearing. Allegations also came out from an inspector general’s report that he allowed his family to drive his government vehicle, misusing government funds in the process.
Chere Rexroat, the Capitol’s former chief engineer, has been chosen as the acting architect in Blanton’s place.
