Fact check: Who designed the original White House building?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, the original White House building was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban ^{[1] [2]}. The sources consistently confirm that George Washington personally selected Hoban's design in 1791 ^{[1] [2]}, with construction beginning in 1792 ^[2]. One source adds the specific detail that Washington had previously admired Hoban's work on Charleston's County Courthouse, which influenced his selection ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question, while straightforward, lacks several important contextual elements that the analyses reveal:

• The selection process: Washington didn't simply commission Hoban directly - there was apparently a design selection process where Hoban's proposal was chosen from among options ^{[1] [2]}
• Hoban's background and previous work: The architect was Irish-born and had demonstrated his skills through other notable projects like Charleston's County Courthouse, which caught Washington's attention ^[2]
• Timeline specifics: The design selection occurred in 1791, with actual construction commencing in 1792 ^[2]
• Presidential involvement: George Washington was personally and directly involved in the architect selection process ^{[1] [2]}

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no apparent misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward factual inquiry about historical architectural attribution. The question is neutral and seeks basic historical information without any loaded language or assumptions. The analyses consistently support a single, uncontroversial answer with no conflicting viewpoints or disputed claims identified across the sources.