--- title: Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, CCM, LEED AP Weighs In On Innovation description: Stephen T. Ayers, Architect of the Capitol and juror in the JBC Innovation in Masonry Competition offers his thoughts on innovation in design and construction. image: https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/stephen-t-ayers-architect-of-the-capitol-headshot.jpg --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/new-stone-construction/) - 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[Masonry Camp](https://www.imiweb.org/imi-masonry-camp/) - [CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News [November 14, 2017](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/architect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation) [Leave a comment](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/architect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation#comments-listing) [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) [To Innovate, Develop a Broad Perspective & Experience the 3-Dimensional World, Says Feltoon, AIA, AICP](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/to-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp) [14 BAC Members Graduate from IMTEF’s Instructor Certification Program](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/14-bac-members-graduate-from-imtefs-instructor-certification-program) # Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, CCM, LEED AP Weighs In On Innovation ![stephen-t-ayers-architect-of-the-capitol-headshot.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/stephen-t-ayers-architect-of-the-capitol-headshot.jpg?width=640&name=stephen-t-ayers-architect-of-the-capitol-headshot.jpg)Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, CCM, LEED AP, is the Architect of the Capitol. Under his leadership, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff serves Congress and the Supreme Court, preserving and maintaining the historic buildings, monuments, structures, and grounds of Capitol Hill. From the U.S. Capitol itself to the Supreme Court, many of Capitol Hill’s buildings are constructed from masonry materials. Maintaining historic structures requires experience, but it also welcomes new thinking and approaches that can lead to more effective preservation techniques. IMI recently reached out to Ayers, who is also serving as a juror in the [Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Design Competition](http://imiweb.org/jbcaward/),to get his thoughts on innovation in architecture and design.  ***Why is it more important now than ever for architects to innovate in desigm?*** Energizing and recruiting young professionals into the design and construction profession is important to me, and innovative design work can provide that spark to steer them into the design and construction profession. ***Do you have any tips for helping architects and designers tap into innovative thinking?*** Collaborate with experts in other fields for a more holistic approach to the built environment. Always be on the lookout for the latest innovations in materials and products, which can be incorporated into innovative designs. Identify common problems and consider how design can offer a solution: big problems are best solved by diverse groups of people with diverse perspectives focused on a common goal. ***What exciting potential do you think the future of design and construction holds?*** Our industry can use greater focus and attention on technology adoption, LEAN principles, process improvement and productivity gains. There is plenty of potential for our next generations of architects, engineers and constructors to improve these areas to help increase quality, reduce waste and lower costs. *Are you ready to innovate? The Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Design Competition is still open for submissions, with $30,000 in prizes up for grabs. If you’re an architect, designer, engineer, or student, *[register for the competition today](http://imiweb.org/jbcaward/)*!*   [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Farchitect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Farchitect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Farchitect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Farchitect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Architect%20of%20the%20Capitol%20Stephen%20T.%20Ayers%2C%20FAIA%2C%20CCM%2C%20LEED%20AP%20Weighs%20In%20On%20Innovation) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Farchitect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Farchitect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Related posts [![JBC Masonry Design Competition Winners Redefine Innovation](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Cream%20Modern%20House%20For%20Sale%20Facebook%20Post.png)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation) ##### [JBC Masonry Design Competition Winners Redefine Innovation](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation) The winners of IMI’s 2024 JBC Masonry Innovation Award Competition boldly redefine design and construction practices now and... ![International Masonry Institute](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hub/431585/file-2156342204.png) By [International Masonry Institute](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation/author/international-masonry-institute) - October 21, 2024 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation) [![2022 JBC Masonry Innovation Winners Showcase Inspiring Possibilities for Design and Construction](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/st-josephs-arrupe-hall.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction) ##### [2022 JBC Masonry Innovation Winners Showcase Inspiring Possibilities for Design and Construction](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction) The winners of IMI’s 2022 JBC Masonry Innovation Award represent the full breadth of possibilities for masonry design and... By [Elizabeth Kekeris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction/author/elizabeth-kekeris) - September 30, 2022 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction) [![Winners of Inaugural Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Competition Offer New Design, Construction Possibilities](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/jbc-innovation-in-masonry-competition-winners-with-calambokidis.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/winners-of-inaugural-joan-b.-calambokidis-innovation-in-masonry-competition-offer-new-design-construction-possibilities) ##### [Winners of Inaugural Joan B. 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