Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025

This bill sets new rules for how federal public buildings should look and be chosen. It says designs should uplift public spaces, be easy to recognize as civic buildings, and, when appropriate, reflect local styles. Traditional and classical styles are the preferred choices nationwide, and in Washington, DC, classical is the default unless there’s a strong reason to do something else. Local communities should have a big say in designs. If a design doesn’t follow the preferred styles, it must still show dignity and stability, and the government should carefully compare its beauty and total costs over the building’s life to classical options .

The General Services Administration (GSA) must update its policies, hire or train staff with classical/traditional expertise, create a Senior Advisor for Architectural Design, and give extra weight to firms with that experience in design competitions. If GSA wants to approve a non-preferred style—like Brutalist or Deconstructivist—it must explain why, compare costs and maintenance, and notify the White House domestic policy office before moving forward. Agencies are encouraged to include fine art by living American artists, use proven materials, control costs, ensure accessibility, and choose sites in cooperation with state and local agencies. Design should be guided by public needs and preferences, not by architects alone. GSA must also report to Congress every year on how these rules are being followed. The act is implemented consistent with existing law and available funding, and it does not create new legal rights for the public to enforce .

• Who is affected: Federal agencies, GSA staff, architects competing for federal projects, and local communities that provide input .
• What changes: Preference for classical/traditional designs; added expertise and oversight at GSA; extra steps and justification for non-preferred styles; annual reporting to Congress; emphasis on cost, durability, accessibility, public input, and local context .
• When: Ongoing once implemented under existing laws and funding; yearly reports to Congress are required .