Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again

8/28/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Historical Context & Purpose: Highlights the Founders’ vision for Federal civic architecture inspired by classical models from Athens and Rome, aiming to evoke civic virtue and connect modern democracy with its ancient antecedents.
Policy for Federal Architecture:
- Preferred Style: Mandates the use of classical and traditional architecture for applicable Federal public buildings to uplift public spaces and reflect American dignity and stability.
- Design Consideration: Requires that deviation from the preferred style be justified and carefully evaluated to ensure public respect and clear civic symbolism.
- Renovation Guidelines: Encourages redesign of existing structures, when feasible and economical, to align with the preferred aesthetic criteria.
Definitions:
- Applicable Federal public building: Includes Federal courthouses, agency headquarters, buildings in the National Capital Region, and properties costing over $50 million (excluding infrastructure projects).
- Architectural Styles: Clarifies terms such as “Brutalist architecture,” “Classical architecture,” “Deconstructivist architecture,” and “Traditional architecture” (which also covers historic styles like Gothic, Romanesque, etc.).
- General Public: Defines the audience for whom the design must resonate, excluding professionals or vested interest groups.
Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture:
- Designs must embody architectural excellence, reflect regional traditions, and incorporate fine art when appropriate.
- Emphasizes a needs-based approach that ensures Federal designs serve the aspirations and preferences of the American people rather than the architectural profession alone.
- Stresses the importance of site selection in cooperation with local agencies to enhance the overall streetscape and public environment.
GSA Actions & Implementation:
- The Administrator of GSA is tasked with updating procedures to incorporate the order’s policies and principles.
- Mandates that GSA architects possess or gain substantial experience in classical/traditional architecture, and establishes a senior advisor role for architectural design.
- Requires that design competitions emphasize classical/traditional expertise and notify the President if proposals diverge from the preferred style, including detailed justifications and cost estimates.
General Provisions:
- Clarifies that the order does not impair existing departmental authorities or affect roles of other oversight bodies like the Office of Management and Budget.
- Specifies that implementation is subject to applicable law and available appropriations, with publication costs borne by the GSA.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order mandates a preference for classical and traditional architecture in Federal buildings, which could lead to increased scrutiny and potential redesigns of existing structures. This may impact Vanderbilt University if any of its facilities or partnerships involve Federal buildings subject to these guidelines.
There is a risk that the emphasis on classical architecture could limit architectural innovation and diversity, potentially affecting academic programs related to modern architecture and design at Vanderbilt.
The requirement for Federal buildings to reflect regional architectural heritage may necessitate additional research and expertise, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Vanderbilt’s architecture and history departments.
Vanderbilt may need to consider how these architectural preferences could influence its own campus planning and development, particularly if Federal funding or partnerships are involved.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Architecture may see increased demand for expertise in classical and traditional architectural styles, potentially leading to curriculum adjustments or new course offerings.
History and Art History Departments could benefit from increased interest in classical and traditional architecture, providing opportunities for research and collaboration with Federal agencies.
The Office of Federal Relations might need to engage more actively with Federal agencies to understand the implications of these architectural guidelines on existing and future projects.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with Federal agencies for research and development may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new architectural policies.

Financial Impact

The preference for classical architecture could lead to increased costs for Federal building projects, potentially affecting funding allocations for other initiatives that Vanderbilt might be involved in.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if Federal discretionary grants prioritize projects that align with the new architectural guidelines.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in architectural history and preservation, particularly through collaborations with the General Services Administration and other Federal agencies.
As architectural preferences shift, there could be a change in the types of projects and partnerships that Vanderbilt pursues, potentially affecting revenue streams and strategic priorities.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, with potential impacts on academic programs and Federal partnerships.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Architecture should consider integrating classical and traditional architectural styles into its curriculum to align with the federal preference for these styles in public buildings. This could enhance the employability of graduates in federal projects and align the school’s offerings with current federal architectural policies.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in federal architecture policies to identify potential opportunities for collaboration or influence in federal building projects. Engaging with the General Services Administration (GSA) could provide insights into upcoming projects and design competitions.
Vanderbilt’s Department of History of Art could explore research opportunities related to the impact of architectural styles on public perception and civic engagement. This research could position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in the discourse on architecture and democracy.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy could host forums or discussions on the role of architecture in civic life, potentially influencing public opinion and policy regarding federal building designs.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Architecture to collaborate with federal agencies on design projects that emphasize classical and traditional styles. This could include joint research initiatives, design competitions, and workshops that align with federal architectural preferences.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on classical architecture by developing partnerships with architectural firms specializing in these styles. This could enhance the university’s reputation and provide students with unique learning and internship opportunities.
The emphasis on regional architectural heritage offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Southern Studies to engage in research and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how regional styles are incorporated into federal building designs.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to align Vanderbilt’s architectural programs and research initiatives with federal preferences for classical and traditional styles.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

30 days – The order mandates that, before GSA rejects a design that diverges from the preferred architecture, the Administrator must notify the President through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy not less than 30 days in advance.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

General Services Administration (GSA): Tasked with updating policies, overseeing design competitions, and ensuring that Federal public buildings adhere to the preferred architectural criteria.
Executive Departments and Agencies: All executive agencies responsible for Federal public buildings must implement the new architectural guidelines to ensure that their construction and renovation projects reflect the dignity and aesthetic principles set out in the order.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): While its core functions remain unaffected, OMB is mentioned to be consistent with the order’s provisions regarding budgetary and administrative proposals.
Office of the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy: This office is required to receive notifications regarding any proposed departures from the preferred architectural styles, ensuring Presidential oversight on significant design decisions.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of key Federal entities are directly impacted by the directive.)

Responsible Officials

Administrator of General Services (GSA) – Responsible for updating GSA’s policies and procedures, ensuring that agencies adhere to the preferred architectural standards, and executing multiple specific directives including training requirements for GSA architects and the recruitment of experienced architectural firms.
Chief Architect of GSA – Required to integrate the order’s directives into performance plans, specifically when evaluating and selecting design proposals for applicable Federal public buildings.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Must be notified at least 30 days in advance if the Administrator proposes approving a design that diverges from the preferred architecture, ensuring Presidential awareness of significant deviations.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives impact agency heads and other senior officials with decision-making responsibilities regarding Federal architecture).