← News · June 28, 2024
Reffett Associates Fills Nation's Top Architect Role
Following a nationwide search, a bipartisan congressional commission named Thomas Austin the 14th Architect of the Capitol.
SEATTLE, WA, May 24, 2024. Reffett Associates announces the successful completion of its recruitment for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). After an intensive, nationwide search, a bipartisan coalition from the United States Congress has named Thomas Austin as the nation's 14th Architect of the Capitol. The appointment was covered by The New York Times and Roll Call.
First created by President Thomas Jefferson, the Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the United States Capitol complex. Mr. Austin will be responsible for the experience of the millions of visitors who visit the U.S. Capitol and related federal buildings each year. He will ensure the preservation and protection of the country's most venerated sites, and he will lead the team of 2,000 federal employees who keep the Capitol building and grounds running smoothly so Congress can conduct its legislative work.
The bipartisan hiring committee, made up of top House and Senate leadership, released the following statement about its unanimous decision:
“The Architect of the Capitol plays a vital role welcoming millions of visitors to our nation’s Capitol and ensuring it is a functional workplace. Thomas Austin has managed construction projects and facilities of all sizes, maintained one of our nation’s most hallowed landmarks, and served our country in the military. We are confident that with his extensive experience, Thomas Austin will be an adept and capable Architect of the Capitol.”
The appointment follows passage of the Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act in December 2023. The legislation, led by Senators Klobuchar and Fischer and Representatives Steil and Morelle, empowered a congressional commission to appoint and remove the Architect by bipartisan majority vote. Thomas Austin assumes the role on June 24.
Austin has 30 years of engineering and facilities management experience, including four years as Director of Engineering for Arlington National Cemetery and service as Chief of the Facility Programs Division for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. In 2023 he retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after nearly three decades in engineering and leadership roles, including service in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia and as a Battalion Commander in the 18th Engineer Brigade. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Construction Manager, with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Master of Engineering Management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, an MBA from Webster University, and a Master of National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School.
Speaking about the recruitment, Marshall Reffett, Managing Director and project manager, said, “The Architect of the Capitol may be the most important, non-elected individual on Capitol Hill. The AOC preserves and maintains the Capitol complex ensuring that Congress has a safe place to conduct its business, visitors have a welcoming experience and the American people, for generations to come, are able to enjoy the heart of our democracy.”
About Reffett Associates
Reffett Associates is a nationally recognized, fully retained executive search firm founded in 1992 and headquartered in Seattle. A Veteran-Owned Small Business on the GSA Schedule, the firm recruits senior leaders for federal and public sector agencies, government contractors, retail and consumer companies, private equity, manufacturing, associations and nonprofits, and higher education.
Practice: Federal & Public Sector