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Between the White House and the Capitol, a Slice of California

Edith Ramirez’s suite has views of the Capitol building and the National Gallery.Credit...Darren S. Higgins for The New York Times

Living history

Our headquarters building is on Pennsylvania Avenue in what’s known as the Federal Triangle, between the White House and Capitol Hill. It was built in the 1930s in the classical revival style and is on the National Register of Historic Places. We’re an independent federal agency whose dual missions are protecting consumers and ensuring competition across the economy.

1. Stately presence

I’m in a fourth-floor office that traditionally is for the head of the agency. I was assigned to it in 2010 when I joined as a commissioner, because my predecessor, Jon Leibowitz, who had been a commissioner on the third floor, wanted to stay there after his promotion. He had a balcony and liked the view.

When I was promoted in 2013, it was a coincidence that I was already in the chairman’s suite. I can see the Capitol building from the window behind my desk and the National Gallery from the other window. Occasionally, I can hear protests and other events taking place at the National Mall.

West Coast colors

I’m from California and wanted a warmer feeling for the office, so I had the blue walls painted cream. When I moved here, I rented a small apartment near Chinatown, a 20-minute walk from the office. In Southern California, people drive everywhere, and I often joked that we even drove to get our newspaper. I drive to work here. The job keeps me so busy that every minute counts.

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Edith Ramirez is chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission in Washington.Credit...Darren S. Higgins for The New York Times

By the book

I brought very few personal items with me because I had a short time to move. I was a litigator before this, and one of the things I brought to the office was a reference book on federal rules of litigation that private practitioners frequently use in California.

2. Old Glory and company

The flags are reminders about our responsibility to the country and to American consumers. The F.T.C. flag was created in 1977. It showcases our seal, which was designed by Tiffany & Company in 1915 when the agency got its start. Often, when guests visit, especially from other countries, they want a photo taken with the flags. Protocol matters in Washington, even in the way flags are positioned. The American flag should be first, closest to the desk. Once they were switched when furniture was moved. A staff member walked in and immediately noticed the mistake.

3. A rare presidential visit

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A photo of the F.T.C. building signed by President Obama during his visit in January 2015.

President Obama signed the photo of the F.T.C. building when he visited in January 2015 and announced initiatives addressing identity theft and privacy. We’re part of the executive branch even though we’re independent. It was the first time a president had visited since Franklin Roosevelt came for the building dedication in 1937. President Obama was a year ahead of me at Harvard University. He and I worked together on the Harvard Law Review as students.

Long days and working lunches

I tend to work at home in the morning because it provides quiet time and allows me to concentrate on important reading or writing. Once I enter the office, it’s one meeting after another. I grab something from the cafeteria for lunch and eat at my desk, or I might have a work-related lunch out. I often work until 7 or 8 p.m. and then work another hour or two at home.

4. Worldwide mission

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Artwork that caught Edith Ramirez’s eye when she was on vacation in South Africa.Credit...Darren S. Higgins for The New York Times

Our work requires a lot of international engagement and travel. We meet with other agencies and participate in forums like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. This spring, I was in Singapore, Hong Kong, Mexico, Toronto, Paris and Brussels. The African artwork caught my eye when I was in South Africa to see the 2010 World Cup during a personal vacation.

5. A century of service

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Artwork commemorating the 100th anniversary of the passage of the F.T.C. Act.

In 2014, we marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the F.T.C. Act with a series of events that included a centennial dinner and a talk by John Milton Cooper, the author of a biography on President Woodrow Wilson, who signed the act establishing the F.T.C. into law. The artwork commemorating the centennial recasts elements of the F.T.C. seal in vivid colors to capture how the agency has both honored its history and adapted to the changing times.

Interview conducted and condensed by Patricia R. Olsen.

A version of this article appears in print on  , Section BU, Page 4 of the New York edition with the headline: Tucked Between the White House and the Capitol, a Slice of California. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

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