It is an agency of the legislative branch of the federal government[1] and is accountable to the United States Congress and the Supreme Court.

[3]The head of the agency is appointed by a vote of a congressional commission for a ten-year term.

Until 1989, the architect of the Capitol was appointed by the president of the United States for an indefinite term.

[9] Beginning in 2024, the architect is appointed by a commission of the Senate and House and is eligible for reappointment after completion of a 10 year term.

The Architect of the Capitol is responsible to Congress and the Supreme Court for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of 17.4 million square feet (1,620,000 m2; 400 acres; 162 ha) of buildings and more than 553 acres (224 ha) of land throughout Capitol Hill.