Joe Gebbia Appointed as First Chief Design Officer to Overhaul Government Services

Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, has been appointed as the first-ever Chief Design Officer of the US. Gebbia's task is to modernize federal services, making them as seamless and user-friendly as the Apple App Store. He plans to update government services through a program called "America by Design," aiming for initial results by July 4, 2026.

Title: Joe Gebbia Appointed as First US Chief Design Officer to Modernize Federal Services

Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, has been appointed as the first-ever Chief Design Officer (CDO) of the United States. President Trump signed an executive order on August 21, creating the role to focus on modernizing federal services through a program called "America by Design." Gebbia aims to make government services as seamless and user-friendly as the Apple App Store, with initial results targeted for July 4, 2026 [1][2][3][4].

Gebbia will oversee the National Design Studio, which operates within the White House Office of the Executive Office of the President. His primary task is to redesign federal web portals and physical locations that significantly impact Americans' daily lives. He will consult with agency heads to achieve this goal, with an initial focus on websites and services used by Social Security recipients, veterans, and all citizens [1][2].

The appointment comes at a time when the United States' digital infrastructure is in dire need of modernization. Federal agencies manage over 26,000 websites, many of which are outdated, fragmented, and difficult to navigate. Even with substantial annual maintenance budgets, citizens, businesses, and government employees face challenges in efficiently accessing services [1][2].

Gebbia, an American entrepreneur and designer, is well-versed in user experience and design. He co-founded Airbnb and Samara, and has spoken internationally on entrepreneurship and design. His experience in transforming Airbnb into a global platform with millions of listings across over 190 countries positions him well to lead this initiative [1][2].

The National Design Studio will coordinate with federal agencies to update the United States Web Design System and ensure compliance with the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act. Gebbia will also work to standardize design practices, reduce duplication, and improve efficiency across government services [4].

The appointment of Gebbia as the CDO marks a significant step in the Trump administration's efforts to modernize federal services. It remains to be seen how effectively Gebbia can translate his design expertise into tangible improvements for the American public.

References
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/who-is-joe-gebbia-airbnb-co-founder-becomes-first-chief-design-officer-plans-to-make-government-services-as-seamless-as-the-apple-app-store/articleshow/123479789.cms
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/who-is-joe-gebbia-airbnb-co-founder-becomes-first-chief-design-officer-plans-to-make-government-services-as-seamless-as-the-apple-app-store/articleshow/123479789.cms
[3] https://skift.com/2025/08/21/airbnb-co-founder-joe-gebbia-to-be-named-u-s-chief-design-officer/
[4] https://www.designboom.com/design/trump-airbnb-joe-gebbia-inaugural-us-chief-officer-america-design-initiative-08-22-2025/