US President Donald Trump has hired a new architect to oversee the construction of a vast ballroom at the White House, officials said.
Following reports that Trump had clashed with the previous architect, James McCrery, over the size and scope of the addition, the White House said architects Shalom Baranes Associates will take over the project. Mr McCrery will remain as a consultant.
The East Wing was demolished in October to make way for Trump's multi-million dollar ballroom, which the White House has called a "much needed and exquisite addition".
Since then, the proposed blueprint has expanded from a ballroom with a capacity of 500 people to a space that can fit 1,350 guests.
According to US media, Mr McCrery was concerned the ornate 90,000 sq ft (8,360 sq m) project would overshadow the rest of the White House.
The house where the president lives and entertains is 55,000 sq ft while the West Wing, which includes the Oval Office and other work spaces, is 40,000 sq ft, according to the White House Historical Association.
It is unclear if Mr McCrery stepped back from the project voluntarily. The Washington Post, quoting a source familiar with the planning, said he wanted to remain a part of the design team because he was "worried that another architect would design an inferior building".
The BBC has contacted Mr McCrery for comment.
The White House said new teams would need to be hired at different stages of the construction.
"Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation's capital for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project," said Davis Ingle, a spokesman for the White House.
He added that the ballroom would be the "greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office".
The White House announced plans to build a new ballroom in July, fulfilling Trump's often-repeated desire. Trump said the project was being fully funded by him and donors.
The construction plan will be assessed by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) before building can begin, according to the White House.
The project has prompted criticism from conservationists groups and Trump's political opponents, who have raised questions about its oversight.
On Thursday, Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill that would require NCPC approval before tearing down a historic federal building.
Blumenthal pledged that the bill, the No Palaces Act, "prevents future presidents from recklessly destroying historic sites like the East Wing without approval from the independent National Capital Planning Commission or consideration from Congress."
