Docomomo DC Statement on White House Memo Regarding GSA Architecture Principles
- Jeremiah Huth
- May 2
- 1 min read
Docomomo DC is deeply concerned by the recent White House directive calling for a review of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture.
We stand with both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and our national organization, Docomomo US, in opposing any revision that mandates stylistic preferences for federal buildings, restricts design freedom, or sidelines local communities in shaping their civic environments. Design excellence stems from openness, creativity, and public engagement—not from imposed uniformity.
As the Washington, D.C. chapter of Docomomo US, our mission is to advocate for the preservation and appreciation of modernist architecture. We believe that federal buildings should reflect the diversity, innovation, and evolving history of American design—including the significant contributions of the modern movement.
The GSA’s current Guiding Principles and its Design Excellence Program achieve just that—offering a framework that elevates both form and function while honoring regional and cultural context. These programs should be preserved and protected, not revised or restricted.
We echo the concerns expressed by Docomomo US, which has publicly countered the executive directive and reaffirmed the importance of inclusive, historically aware design in public architecture. Their full statement can be found here. Likewise, we support the AIA’s national statement, which can be found here.
Docomomo DC will continue to monitor this issue and advocate for architectural policies that uphold democratic values, support inclusive design, and respect the full continuum of America’s built heritage.
