flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Architect of the Capitol fired by President Biden after strong bipartisan criticism

Architects

Architect of the Capitol fired by President Biden after strong bipartisan criticism

Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton was let go this week following alleged abuse of authority, misuse of government property, and wasted taxpayer money.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | February 17, 2023
J. Brett Blanton was the 12th Architect of the Capitol, serving 2020-2023. Photo: AOC.gov
J. Brett Blanton was the 12th Architect of the Capitol, serving 2020-2023. Photo: AOC.gov

Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton was fired by President Biden for alleged ethical violations and strong criticism by members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.

Blanton was responsible for upkeep and operation of over 18 million sf of buildings and 570 acres of land at the U.S. Capitol. An investigation conducted by the Architect of the Capitol Inspector General’s Office found Blanton had “abused his authority, misused government property and wasted taxpayer money, among other substantiated violations.”

Blanton was sharply criticized during a House Administration Committee hearing, where he told lawmakers that he wasn’t on the grounds during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Blanton said he was “directing personnel” from his government vehicle, which he said served as his office’s mobile command post during the riot.

Blanton said the inspector general’s report “is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements, and conclusionary statements lacking evidence."

Tags

Related Stories

| Feb 21, 2013

AIA College of Fellows awards 2013 Latrobe Prize for 'The City of 7 Billion'

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows has awarded the 2013 Latrobe Prize of $100,000 for the proposal, “The City of 7 Billion.”

| Feb 21, 2013

BD+C's 2011 White Paper: Zero and Net-Zero Energy Buildings + Homes

We submit our eighth White Paper on Sustainability in the hope that it will inspire architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers, building product manufacturers, environmentalists, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, officeholders, and the public to foster the development of net-zero energy buildings and homes.

| Feb 21, 2013

BD+C's 2008 White Paper: Green Buildings + Climate Change

In this White Paper, we provide concrete ways in which AEC professionals can have a positive role in addressing climate change.

| Feb 21, 2013

Holl videos discuss design features of Chengdu ' Porosity Block' project

Architect Steven Holl has released two short films describing the development of Sliced Porosity Block in Chengdu, China.

| Feb 21, 2013

Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

| Feb 21, 2013

Stephen C. Wright joins Leo A Daly as Managing Principal in D.C.

International architecture, planning, engineering, interior design and program management firm LEO A DALY welcomes Stephen C. Wright, AIA, as the new managing principal of the Washington, D.C., office. Wright will oversee the D.C. team in executing federal, local government, private and non-profit projects and pursuing new business opportunities in markets including aviation, corporate and commercial, higher education, hospitality and institutional facilities.

| Feb 20, 2013

Architecture Billings Index sees strongest growth since 2007

The American Institute of Architects reported the January ABI score was 54.2, up sharply from 51.2 in December. This score reflects a strong increase in demand for design services.

| Feb 19, 2013

'Pop-up' proposal would create movable cultural venue for NYC

The Culture Shed, a proposed 170,000-sf project for New York City's Hudson Yards development, could be the ultimate in "pop-up" facilities. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Urban Planning

Bridging the gap: How early architect involvement can revolutionize a city’s capital improvement plans

Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) typically span three to five years and outline future city projects and their costs. While they set the stage, the design and construction of these projects often extend beyond the CIP window, leading to a disconnect between the initial budget and evolving project scope. This can result in financial shortfalls, forcing cities to cut back on critical project features.



Libraries

Reasons to reinvent the Midcentury academic library

DLR Group's Interior Design Leader Gretchen Holy, Assoc. IIDA, shares the idea that a designer's responsibility to embrace a library’s history, respect its past, and create an environment that will serve student populations for the next 100 years.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021