Enforcement Actions - T

Woodland Hills —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Sammie Tabrizi, architect license number C-34954, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Tabrizi certified false or misleading information on her 2019 License Renewal Application. Tabrizi paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 25, 2019.

Chino —The Board adopted a proposed decision imposing a $1,000 administrative fine on Shiv Talwar, architect license number C-23417, for violations of Business and Professions Code sections 5536.22 (Written Contract) and 5558 (Business Entity Report). After an administrative hearing it was found that Talwar had used a written contract to provide professional services to a client which failed to include his license number and a description of the procedure to accommodate additional services. It was also found that Talwar failed to file with the Board the name and address of the business entity through which he provided architectural services. The order of adoption became effective on October 11, 2021.

Sacramento —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Tarik Said Taeha, dba Space Plus Dimensions, Space Plus Dimensions Architects, and SPDArchitects, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and Title 16, California Code of Regulations section (CCR) 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect). The action alleged that on or about December 9, 2014, Taeha prepared first and second floor plans for a residence located in Folsom, California. The title block on the plans contained the words "Architecture," "Planning," "Landscape," "Architecture," "Interior Design," and "Graphics" below the name of his business, Space Plus Dimensions. In addition, on or about September 3, 2016, in response to the Board’s requests for information regarding a complaint made against him, Taeha sent emails to Board staff from the email address "spdarchitects@gmail.com." Furthermore, on or about May 1, 2017, Taeha’s advertisement on the Internet at porch.com under the business name "SPDArchitects" described the business as an "architecture firm," offered "Architecture Services," and was listed under the heading "Sacramento Architects," and Taeha’s advertisements on the Internet at ehardhat.com, homeyou.com, and towncontractors.com under the business name "SPDArchitects" were listed under the heading "Architects." Taeha also used the business names "Space Plus Dimensions Architects" and "SPDArchitects" without an architect who is in management control of the services that are offered and provided by the business entities and either the owner, a part-owner, an officer, or an employee of the business entities. The citation became final on June 12, 2017.

San Bruno —The Board issued a two-count citation with a $750 administrative fine to Susan T. Tam, architect license number C-31263, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) sections 5536.22(a)(4), (5), and (8) (Missing Contract Elements) and California Code of Regulations (CCR) title 16, section 160(c)(1) (Timely Response to Board).

On August 29, 2022, the Board received a complaint alleging possible violations of the Architects Practice Act (Act) regarding the Respondent’s involvement with a project located on Loomis Street in San Francisco, California. On September 30, 2022, the Board sent the Respondent an initial request for a written response to the allegations, project documentation, and any other information which the Respondent believed could help the Board resolve the matter. The Board’s initial request letter also reminded the Respondent of a licensee’s duty to cooperate with the Board’s investigation under CCR 160(c)(1).

On or about October 30, 2022, the Respondent provided the Board with a written letter refuting the allegations of professional misconduct but did not provide the requested underlying documentation. The Respondent was not willing to provide the executed contracts, project drawings, and project correspondence requested by the Board, without the Client’s authorization due to concerns over “maintaining Client confidentiality.”

Once a citation was issued, the Respondent provided the requested documents to the Board on October 24, 2023. Respondent’s failure to respond to the Board’s requests for information regarding an investigation within 30 days constituted a violation of California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 160(c)(1).

The Respondent’s architectural services contract lacked specific elements required by the Architects Practice Act, including the Respondent's license number, a description of the procedure that the architect and the client will use to accommodate additional services and contract changes, including, but not limited to, changes in the description of the project, in the description of the services, or in the description of the compensation and method of payment, and a statement in at least 12-point type that reads: “Architects are licensed and regulated by the California Architects Board located at 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA 95834.” Respondent’s failure to include the required elements in her contract for the above-referenced project constituted a violation of Business and Professions Code sections 5536.22(a)(4), (5), and (8). Tam paid the citation, which became final on November 21, 2023.

Venice —The Board issued a one-count modified citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Robert E. Thibodeau, architect license number C-25585, for an alleged violation of BPC 5536.22(a)(3) (Written Contract). The action alleged Thibodeau failed to include his architect license number in a written agreement to provide drawings to remodel an existing residence located in Los Angeles, California. Thibodeau paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 7, 2017.

San Bernardino —The Board issued a five-count citation that included a $6,500 administrative fine to Zaccharin Thibodeau, dba Get It Done, An Architectural Design Company and Zachitect Designs, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged on or about September 27, 2018, Thibodeau’s company, “Get It Done, An Architectural Design Company,” included the word “architectural” in its name and had a website that offered architectural services. There was a picture of Thibodeau on the website that identified him as the co-owner. Thibodeau’s business name, “Get It Done, An Architectural Design Company” included the word architectural, and his website included the word architectural without an architect who was in management control of the services that were offered and provided by the business entity and either the owner, a part-owner, an officer, or an employee of the business entity, which violated Business and Professions Code section 5536 and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134.

On or about April 12, 2018, Thibodeau signed a contract entitled “Architect Contract” to provide “Architect’s” services to P.S. for a single-family residence located in Cerritos, California. This contract identified Thibodeau as an architect and offered architectural services 49 times. In an email to P.S. dated June 11, 2018, Thibodeau identified himself as an architect in his signature line. On or about March 5, 2018, Thibodeau signed a contract entitled “Architect Contract” to provide “Architect’s” services to C.B. for a property located in San Bernardino, California. On or about June 28, 2018, Thibodeau produced plans for the property including a title block that said, “Get It Done, An Architectural Design Company.” These contracts, email, and plans that identified Thibodeau as an architect, or qualified to engage in the practice of architecture, violated Business and Professions Code section 5536(a).

On or about March 5, 2018, Thibodeau used the business name “Zachitect Designs.” This business name included a term confusingly similar to the word architect. Zachitect Designs had a website that described the firm as “Southern California’s Premiere Architect Firm.” These devices might indicate to the public that Thibodeau is an architect, is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture, or is an architectural designer, and violate Business and Professions Code section 5536(a). The citation became final on April 11, 2020.

San Diego —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Robert W. Thiele, architect license number C-26759, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Thiele certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Thiele paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 11, 2018.

Santa Monica —The Board issued a three-count modified citation that included a $4,000 administrative fine to Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, dba MINARC, Inc., an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of CCR 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect) and BPC 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and 5536.1(c) (Unauthorized Practice). The action alleged that Thorsteinsson’s company, MINARC, Inc. initiated an agreement offering to prepare plans and specifications for a 4,000 square foot steel stud insulated panelized house located in Los Angeles, California. Thorsteinsson subsequently prepared architectural schematic design, design development and construction drawings for the project and submitted them for permit to the City of Los Angeles, Department of Building and Safety. The project does not satisfy the criteria for an exempt project type as defined in BPC 5537(a) and required a licensed design professional for preparation of plans, drawings, or specifications. On or about September 16, 2014, the Internet revealed that Thorsteinsson’s company website minarc.com contained the Meta tag keywords, "architect," "architecture" and "minarc" and under About & Bio tab, it described Thorsteinsson’s company practice, which included small-scale renovations to new construction, in residential, commercial and public settings. Thorsteinsson’s company, MINARC, Inc., is listed on the website linkedin.com under the "Architecture & Planning" category. Thorsteinsson is also listed on linkedin.com and shows "Architectural" design as part of his skills and expertise. Thorsteinsson’s company, MINARC, Inc. is listed under the "Architect(s)" category on the website yelp.com and angieslist.com. The title block on the permitted set of architectural construction drawings for the project contained Thorsteinsson’s business name, MINARC (which is an abbreviation for "Minimalism in Architecture"). Thorsteinsson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 20, 2015.

Sacramento —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Shawn M. Tibor, architect license number C-22284, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Tibor certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Tibor paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 18, 2019.

Los Angeles —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Laurence Tighe, architect license number C-25441, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Tighe certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Tighe paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on July 12, 2018.

Woodland Hills —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Rajab Torabi, an unlicensed person, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect; Misdemeanor).

On or about February 24, 2022, Torabi provided a written proposal to Mr. A.J. of Calabasas, California, to "Provide architectural, structural plans and structural calculations for one story remodeling and addition. RJ Engineering and Construction Co. is hereby proposing to provide all Architectural and structural details plans as per city code requirements." The fee was $23,000 for "architectural, structural and submit to the city" with a completion time of 8 weeks. The client signed the proposal and paid $8,000 as a deposit. The plans had not been approved after eight months of delays.

Torabi’s description of his services as "Architectural" is a device that might indicate to the public that he is an architect or qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in California. Such conduct constitutes violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) and California Code of Regulations title 16, section 134(a). Mr. Torabi paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on April 15, 2023.

Manhattan Beach —The Board issued a seven-count citation that included a $7,000 administrative fine to Mark Trotter, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of BPC 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and 5536.1(c) (Unauthorized Practice). The action alleged that Trotter executed three agreements offering to provide building design services for three-story residences, located in Manhattan Beach, California. Trotter also prepared plans for two of the residential projects. In addition, Trotter executed agreements offering to provide building design services for a three-story townhouse and a three-story condominium, located in Hermosa Beach, California. These building types do not fall within the definition described in BPC 5537(a) and 5538 as an exempt building and required a licensed design professional for preparation of plans, drawings, or specifications. Trotter paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 25, 2015.

Burlingame —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Audrey Tse, architect license number C-26290, for alleged violations of BPC 5558 (Mailing Address; Filing Requirements) and 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements) and CCR 104 (Filing of Addresses). The action alleged that Tse failed to immediately notify the Board of a change in her mailing address and certified false or misleading information on her 2015 License Renewal Application. Tse paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 21, 2015.

San Francisco —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Jonathan Tsao, architect license number C-12728, for alleged violations of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements) and CCR, title 16, section 160(b)(2) (Rules of Professional Conduct). The action alleged that Tsao failed to provide documentation to the Board from the course provider upon a Board audit and failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information regarding an investigation within 30 days. The citation became final on July 25, 2018.

Los Angeles —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Guy Edward Turner, dba GT Architecture, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of BPC § 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and CCR § 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect). The action alleged that on or about November 22, 2016, Turner met with a client to discuss design services for an existing single-family residence located in Woodland Hills, California. At the meeting, the client gave Turner cash as a down payment for the preparation of construction plans, and Turner provided the client with a handwritten "RECEIPT FOR RETAINER FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES," and his business card, which included the business name "GT Architecture" and the web address "GTarchitectureLA.com." On or about December 19, 2016, the client was provided with a drawing consisting of exterior elevations for the project. The title block on the drawing included Turner’s logo, which contained the words "GT," "GUY TURNER," and "ARCHITECTURE." In addition, on or about July 27, 2017, Turner’s LinkedIn profile described him as an "Owner" and "Designer" at "GT Architecture" in Hollywood, California, and stated his specialties include "Architectural Design," and Turner’s Houzz profile under the business name "GT Architecture" stated the business "offers full architectural services from concept design to construction drawings and permit expedite." Furthermore, Turner’s advertisement on the Internet at gosmith.com under the business name "GT Architecture" stated the business "specializes in architect," and Turner’s advertisement on the Internet at manta.com under the business name "GT Architecture" stated: "Architectural Design, construction plans Hollywood Los Angeles, hillside remodel, renovations, custom homes, additions & alterations, Permits City of LA." Turner also used the business name "GT Architecture" without a California licensed architect who is in management control of the services that are offered and provided by the business entity and either the owner, a part-owner, an officer, or an employee of the business entity. The citation became final on October 18, 2017.

Los Angeles —The Board issued a four-count citation that included a $12,000 administrative fine to Guy Edward Turner, dba GT Architecture and Guy Turner Design, an unlicensed person, for alleged violations of BPC section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and CCR, title 16, section 134(a) (Use of Term Architect Without Architect in Management Control). The action alleged that on or about September 7, 2017, Turner was hired by Client V.R. to create designs for two single-family dwellings located in Los Angeles, California. Turner provided the client with contracts and invoices for “Architectural Fees,” “architectural design services,” and “Architectural Details.” Turner’s signature stated, “Guy Turner Principal” for “GT Architecture.”

On or about October 26, 2015, Turner was hired by Client J.B. to provide plans for a garage and ADU for a residence in Los Angeles, California. Turner provided the client with a contract and proposal stating, “GT Architecture” and “Proposal for Architectural Services.” Turner provided the client with the site plan he designed, the title block of which contained the business name “GT Architecture.”

On or about July 13, 2020, Turner was contacted by an investigator from the Department of Consumer Affairs Division of Investigation who was conducting an undercover investigation into Turner for violations of the Architects Practice Act. Turner provided the investigator with a business card identifying his company as “GT Architecture,” an email using the signature “Guy Turner, Principal, GT Architecture,” and a proposal for “Architectural Services.”

Turner used the business name "GT Architecture" without a California licensed architect who was in management control of the services that were offered and provided by the business entity and either the owner, a part-owner, an officer, or an employee of the business entity. Turner’s websites for GT Architecture and Guy Turner Design included pictures and plans from previous design projects, some of which appeared to be non-exempt dwellings. Turner’s business websites, and Houzz, LinkedIn, Manta, and Facebook profiles offered “architectural services,” “Architectural Design,” “Architectural Drawings,” and referred to Turner as an “Architectural Designer.” The Citation became final on April 10, 2021.

Yucaipa —Effective December 22, 2005, Garry Ray Terwilliger’s architect license number C-21148 was revoked. The action was the result of a Default Decision, which was adopted by the Board.

An Accusation was filed against Terwilliger for alleged violations of BPC sections 5536(a) (Practice Without a License or Holding Self Out as Architect), 5536.5 (State of Emergency; Practice without License or Holding Self Out as Architect), 5583 (Fraud in Practice of Architecture), and 5584 (Willful Misconduct). The Accusation alleged that while his license was expired, Terwilliger executed a written contract to provide architectural services and offered to provide architectural services for a residential structure that was damaged by a natural disaster for which a state of emergency was proclaimed by the governor. He also failed to provide any service to the victim after receiving a deposit, failed to refund deposits, and failed to satisfy a small claims judgment.

Respondent renewed his delinquent license, and in another project, received a deposit to provide architectural services. He failed to provide a complete plan, failed to complete and/or make corrections to the plans, and abandoned the project.

Mill Valley —Effective November 9, 2016, Steve C. Thompson’s architect license number C-5746, was publicly reproved for violations of BPC 5536.22(a)(4) and (5) (Written Contract) and 5588 (Report of Settlement or Arbitration). Thompson’s written contract failed to contain a description of the procedure that the architect and client will use to accommodate additional services and a description of the procedure to be used by either party to terminate the contract. Thompson also failed to report to the Board in writing within 30 days a judgment of $5,000 or greater against him in an action alleging negligence in the practice of architecture. Thompson was ordered to pay the Board $500 as a penalty for his delay in reporting to the Board a judgment against him arising from the project at issue in this matter and to reimburse the Board $1,500 for its enforcement costs. The action came after a Proposed Decision was adopted by the Board.

Incline Village —Effective October 31, 1997, Daniel J. Tonnemacher’s, architect license number C-10227 was revoked after the Board adopted a Proposed Decision ordering revocation. An Accusation was filed against Mr. Tonnemacher pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 5586 (Public Agency; Disciplinary Action). The action was taken after it was determined that the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design revoked Mr. Tonnemacher’s Nevada architect license for acts of incompetence and negligence in the practice of architecture that resulted in substantial financial loss and delay to his clients and failure to disclose that he had been found guilty by a trial court of violating the law.

Los Angeles —Effective October 20, 2011, Ryuji Tsuyuki’s architect license, number C-18519, was revoked. The action was the result of a Default Decision and Order, which was adopted by the Board.

An Accusation was filed against Tsuyuki for violations of Business and Professions Code section 5584 (Willful Misconduct) and California Code of Regulations sections 150 (Willful Misconduct) and 160(b)(2) (Unprofessional Conduct). The Accusation alleged that Tsuyuki was hired to prepare architectural drawings to enlarge a kitchen and a room above a garage for a residence. Tsuyuki was paid $15,000; however, he failed to complete the drawings and submit them to the city planning authority over the course of two years and he failed to return telephone calls or respond to emails from the homeowners. Tsuyuki also failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information in conjunction with its investigation of the homeowners’ complaint, within 30 days of its written request.