United States Commission of Fine Arts, independent agency of the United States with review authority over Washington, D.C. design and aesthetics
The United States Commission of Fine Arts is an independent federal agency located in Washington, D.C. that advises government officials on design and architecture matters. The seven-member board, appointed by the president, reviews proposals for new government buildings, memorials, coins, medals, and renovations throughout the city to ensure they reflect high design standards.
The commission was established in 1910 to help shape the development and appearance of Washington, D.C. Its authority expanded over the decades as presidents like Woodrow Wilson and Warren G. Harding granted it broader responsibilities to review not only buildings but also coins, medals, and artwork.
The commission's office is located in central Washington and is accessible to visitors interested in city development and design. Public meetings are held regularly where you can learn about upcoming projects and share thoughts on how the city's spaces should look.
The commission features a seal created by sculptor Lee Lawrie in 1950 that has served as its symbol ever since. It is one of the few federal bodies that reviews design at this level, meaning its decisions shape how the entire city appears to residents and visitors.
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