The American Institute of Architects has published a letter to the General Services Administration cautioning against the mandating of preferred architectural styles for federal buildings. The letter, signed by AIA Interim Executive Vice President and CEO Stephen Ayers and addressed to GSA Acting Secretary Stephen Ehikian, comes in response to President Trumps recent memo on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture.AIA remains steadfast in our support for design freedom, community engagement, and the continued adherence to the Design Excellence Program and the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture, which have successfully shaped our federal building landscape for over six decades without federal mandates, the letter reads. These principles ensure that federal buildings remain functional, sustainable, and reflective of contemporary needs while respecting historical and regional contexts.While acknowledging the directives emphasis on ensuring federal public buil...