No single design style should be imposed on federal buildings in a nation that embraces the freedom of creativity and values the importance of community. In order to prevent such top-down requirements in the future, the Democracy in Design Act of 2021 was introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. We need you, as a design professional, to show your support for this effort to preserve freedom in the design of our federal structures.
By signing this petition, you are encouraging Congressional leaders to move forward with the Democracy in Design Act of 2021 and protect the freedom of architects and all design professionals in design for the future. This petition will be presented to Congressional leaders as part of AIA’s Lobby Day activities to show the support of architects for this legislation.
FEDERAL PETITION
AIA stands firmly against any federal mandate on architectural design style. There is no design style that is inherently more or less valuable than any other. As a design professional, I support the bipartisan Congressional Democracy in Design Act of 2021. This legislation is important because:
- Officially maintaining a style-neutral position respects this country’s regional differences, as various communities may have different preferences, topographies, and design traditions.
- It encourages American architectural innovation.
- It supports a style-neutral approach that focuses on community-centered decision-making, demonstrated architectural skill, and public input for community-based federal building projects.
As architects and design professionals, we call on Congress to respect the creativity and freedom required to inspire the design of our federal structures. Government buildings must reflect the citizens they are designed to serve. We ask you to support and enact the Democracy in Design Act.