Alan M. Hantman, FAIA, was appointed Architect of the Capitol for a ten-year term in 1997 by President William Clinton. He was confirmed by the Senate on January 30, 1997, the first Architect to undergo confirmation according to new procedures established by legislation in 1989. Hantman’s tenure was marked by significant upgrades to life-safety and security measures in all facilities on Capitol Hill. Major construction activities included a large underground Capitol Visitor Center and an underground addition to the Supreme Court building.

Born in New York City in 1942, Hantman earned degrees in architecture and city planning from the City College and the City University of New York. Prior to his appointment he was Vice President of Facilities Planning and Architecture for the Rockefeller Center Management Corporation of New York City for 10 years and then served as their consultant. He previously worked as a development consultant, assistant chief architect, and project manager at major architectural and real estate services firms.

Following Mr. Hantman's retirement on February 4, 2007, Mr. Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP, AOC's Deputy Architect/Chief Operating Officer, in accordance with P.L. 108-7, is serving as Acting Architect of the Capitol until a new Architect is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.