The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers is a nationally recognized leader in architecture, public service, and organizational transformation, with a distinguished career spanning government, nonprofit, and private sector roles. He most recently has served in multiple interim chief executive roles, including Interim CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences (twice, in 2022 and 2024) and Interim CEO of the American Institute of Architects in 2025, where he provided steady leadership during pivotal transition periods and helped position each organization for long-term success. 

Mr. Ayers previously served as the 11th Architect of the Capitol, appointed by Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. In that role, he oversaw the design, construction, maintenance, and preservation of the U.S. Capitol complex, including 18.6 million square feet of facilities and more than 570 acres of historic grounds. His tenure was marked by a focus on sustainability, operational excellence, and modernization of one of the nation’s most iconic and complex public assets.  

Following his public service, Mr. Ayers founded The Ayers Consulting Group, LLC, advising government and private sector clients on large-scale design, construction, and organizational strategy initiatives in the U.S. and internationally. He also served as Project Executive for the renewal of the AIA Headquarters building. 

A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Mr. Ayers is a licensed architect and Certified Construction Manager. His career reflects a unique blend of technical expertise, executive leadership, and a commitment to advancing the built environment through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.