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Statement on the White House’s Memorandum Promoting Beautiful Civic Architecture

Mary Young

Dear Members, 


As many are already aware, on January 20th, 2025 the White House issued a Memorandum entitled “Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture” to the Administrator of the General Services Administration, which serves as the White House’s request to Review the GSA’s Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture. 


This action follows a previous Executive Order issued in December of 2020, during the first Trump Administration, which also called for “Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture.” This order mandated that the classical style, defined as “derived from […] Greek and Roman antiquity,” which encompasses “Neoclassical, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco” be the preferred style of architecture for federal buildings. 


At its issuance, AIA publicly denounced this directive, taking a style-neutral stance, and encouraging diversity of architectural styles. In part due to the AIA’s advocacy, this Order was revoked Biden Administration in February of 2021. 


Where We Stand 

AIA Illinois reaffirms AIA National’s Statement regarding our extreme concern for any revisions that may remove control from local communities, mandate federal design preferences, or otherwise hinder the freedom of local architectural expression. We believe that the style, character, and expression of a building must be reflective of the diverse communities in which architects serve. AIA Illinois remains agnostic of, and supports all, architectural styles and seeks to empower our members to work with each community to fulfill the responsibility of creating a building that best fits their needs. 


Our communities in Illinois are exemplary of this highest ideal, with Federal Buildings in a range of scales and styles, from many periods. Each is reflective of the community they inhabit, blending local culture and federal function. 



What’s Next 

As this is a Federal Order, AIA Illinois will support AIA National as they actively review the White House’s Executive Orders and continue to monitor the process laid out in the memorandum to ensure that feedback from our over 100,000 members is prioritized. At the State level, AIA Illinois & our Legislative Team is exploring any local & state level actions to protect the freedom of architectural expression, and to preserve community input in the design of public places and spaces. We will work diligently to keep you apprised of any advancements and welcome your input at council@aiail.org


Now is the time for Citizen Architects to act, as we have the distinct ability to pave the way to a better-built world. For those looking to leverage this power, I invite you to join our delegation on Capitol Hill at AIA National’s Leadership Summit, as well as at AIA Illinois Prairie Grassroots, our annual Lobby Day in Springfield. Empowered by you, AIA Illinois works everyday to champion the profession, I hope that you’ll join us in raising our collective voices. 


Sincerely, 


Jeremy Gentile, Assoc. AIA 

2025 President, AIA Illinois 

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