Architect's Notebook: One of My Favorite Things

While I often use this space to write about some of my favorite architectural features found on Capitol Hill, I want to use this Architect's Notebook to write about my favorite and most important part of this organization: AOC employees! More specifically, their spirit and their giving and generous spirit, to be exact. I am often asked what the favorite part of my job is, and I always respond that it's the opportunity to work with people that have such a generous spirit.

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I always love to see and hear how they regularly give of their time, talents and treasure as they volunteer throughout the agency. I appreciate the happiness and contentment on the faces of those volunteering with the students at the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School in Washington, D.C. Our volunteers have played an integral role in educating these future mechanics, architects, engineers and construction professionals. I feel the excitement and pride our employees have in sharing their jobs with children on "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day." And, I watch how they enthusiastically support others through their events and contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign.

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Their giving spirit extends to their jobs as well. Their welcoming smiles create a warm and hospitable atmosphere for our visitors. Their passion is obvious, whether in teaching a young child about plants or educating visitors about the history of our great nation. Their generous spirit shows up in how they treat each other and help each other, in generating new ideas, training each other and making sure everyone works safely. They give careful attention when working in our historic and iconic spaces. They go out of their way to take care of people, whether our customers, lost employees in the hallway or our visitors.

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When people compliment them on their work, I see the happiness it brings to them. And when they are leaving for the day, I can see that they are content and pleased with their work. I am proud of each of them and the work they do every day. The Architect of the Capitol is a better organization because of them.

Stephen T. Ayers is the 11th Architect of the Capitol.