Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025

This bill sets national design rules for new and renovated federal public buildings. It says buildings should uplift public spaces, be clearly civic in look, respect local styles, and involve local community input. It favors traditional and classical architecture, and makes classical the default in Washington, D.C., unless there’s a strong reason to do otherwise. Designs should show dignity and stability, use proven materials, be economical to build and run, be accessible, and, when appropriate, include art by living American artists.

The General Services Administration (GSA) must update its policies, hire and train staff with classical/traditional expertise, add a Senior Advisor for Architectural Design, and give extra weight to firms with that experience in design competitions. GSA should also recruit multiple design approaches in competitions. If GSA wants a design that departs from the preferred styles—like Brutalist or Deconstructivist—it must notify the White House domestic policy office ahead of time and explain why, including full cost and alternatives using preferred styles. An annual report to Congress tracks how these rules are followed. The bill does not create new legal rights to sue and is carried out as funds allow .

Key points

• Who is affected: Federal agencies, GSA, architects working on federal buildings, and nearby communities invited to give input .
• What changes: Preference for traditional/classical designs; added GSA staffing and training; stronger design competition rules; extra review and justification for non-preferred styles; yearly reporting to Congress .
• When: Implemented under existing law and available funding; reporting happens annually; no new private right to sue.