Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025

The "Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025" establishes a new policy for the design of applicable federal public buildings, aiming for structures that uplift public spaces, inspire the human spirit, and command respect. It mandates that designs should incorporate substantial input from local communities and, as appropriate, respect regional architectural heritage. The bill explicitly states that traditional architecture and classical architecture are the preferred styles, with classical architecture being the default for federal buildings in the District of Columbia, absent exceptional factors. The legislation defines "applicable Federal public building" to include federal courthouses, agency headquarters, buildings in the National Capital region, and other public buildings costing over $50 million. It requires federal agencies to adhere to Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture , emphasizing architectural excellence, regional traditions, and the incorporation of fine art, while avoiding excessive uniformity. The General Services Administration (GSA) must update its policies, ensure its architects have training in classical or traditional architecture, and establish a Senior Advisor for Architectural Design . Furthermore, the GSA must give substantial weight to experience in these preferred styles during design competitions and notify the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy if a non-preferred design, such as Brutalist or Deconstructivist architecture, is proposed, providing detailed justifications and cost comparisons. The Administrator is also required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing adherence to these policies and principles.