Elliott Woods had been employed by the Architect's office for 17 years prior to his appointment as Architect of the Capitol. He also served as the architect or associate architect for other public buildings in the Washington area. He was an honorary associate of the American Institute of Architects.

Under Woods's supervision, the first House and Senate office buildings (now called the Cannon House Office Building and the Russell Senate Office Building) were erected. A subway system connecting the Russell Building with the Capitol was also installed. The Capitol Power plant was put into operation in 1910. Within the Capitol, Woods made many improvements in the heating, lighting, and ventilating systems.