A new advisory committee has been formed in Washington with the mission to revolutionize the visual appeal of transportation infrastructure across the United States. This group, known as the Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Council, is tasked with offering recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to improve the "aesthetic value" of critical transit facilities such as highways, railway stations, and bridges. Having convened its first meeting in early February, the council has outlined two primary goals that are expected to shape the future landscape of the nation's transit designs.
U.S. Department of Transportation Establishes Advisory Council to Enhance Infrastructure Aesthetics
In November 2025, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, officially chartered the Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Council. This advisory body, comprising up to eleven members, though currently listing eight, held its inaugural session in early February. The council's primary function is to provide expert advice to the Secretary on the architectural and design aspects of the nation's transportation systems. Its mandate includes formulating recommendations on policies, design concepts, and funding allocations aimed at beautifying infrastructure while upholding safety and operational efficiency. The council is also responsible for identifying leading practices, establishing aesthetic performance standards, and advising on projects that not only elevate public spaces but also reflect the distinct character of local communities. Justin Shubow, president of the National Civic Art Society, chairs the council, with other notable members including architect Bradley Cambridge and various industry leaders from engineering and design firms like Ghyabi Consulting and Management, HNTB Corporation, Meisner+ Associates, Texas Department of Transportation, Michael Baker International, and STV, Inc. During the initial meeting, Chairman Shubow emphasized that while the council should not enforce a specific architectural style, it should recognize classical and traditional designs as valid and desirable options. He cited iconic structures such as San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and Cincinnati's Union Terminal as examples of the aesthetic quality the council aspires to promote. This emphasis aligns with a 2025 press release from the DOT, which stated the council's work would correspond with President Trump’s Executive Order 14344, titled "Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again," advocating for classical designs in federal buildings. Beyond stylistic considerations, discussions also touched upon the importance of artistic illumination for bridges and the integration of native wildflowers along roadways. Moving forward, the council has identified two key initiatives: launching a national design competition for innovative infrastructure proposals and developing a comprehensive design guidebook. This guidebook will outline new aesthetic recommendations for future transportation hubs, guiding project planners toward outcomes that emphasize harmony with natural landscapes, the use of indigenous materials, biophilic design principles, minimal signage, and the incorporation of public art. The council is scheduled to meet semi-annually, and its forthcoming decisions are anticipated to significantly influence the planning and construction of future public transportation projects across the country.
This initiative represents a significant step towards integrating aesthetic considerations into the practical realm of infrastructure development. By focusing on design, local character, and sustainability, the council has the potential to transform utilitarian structures into sources of civic pride and beauty. The balance between classical influences and contemporary innovation will be crucial in defining a new, visually engaging era for American transportation.