Enforcement Actions - A

Los Angeles—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $250 administrative fine to Richard Henry Abramson, architect license number C-20660, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536.22(a) (Written Contract). The action alleged that Abramson failed to execute a written contract with his client prior to commencing professional services for a residential addition and remodel project located in West Hollywood, California. Abramson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on January 19, 2018.

Culver City—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Trevor David Abramson, architect license number C-17597, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Abramson certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. Abramson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 24, 2016.

South Gate—The Board issued a one-count modified citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Nilton M. Acosta, dba Property & Home Design, Inc., an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 16, section 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect; Responsible Control within Business Entity). The action alleges Acosta presented his client with a contract, an invoice, and an employee company email signature block that included "ARCHITECTURE+ENGINEERING" in the logo and described the company’s services as "Architectural Plans, Engineering, and Title 24." Acosta’s business card, letterhead, storefront sign, and banner offered "Architecture Design Engineering" services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects and included "ARCHITECTURE+ENGINEERING" in his company’s logo. Acosta advertised with Facebook, LinkedIn, and Yelp profiles wherein he identified himself as an "architect," described his company’s services as "architectural," "architectural design," "architecture," and "arquitectura," and categorized his company under "Architects." Acosta also used the business name "Property & Home Design, Inc.," without having 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. Acosta paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 5, 2019.

Bonsall—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,500 administrative fine to James Adams, an unlicensed individual, dba Archavision International, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code sections 5536(a) and 5536.1(c), and California Code of Regulations title 16, section 134(a). On or about January 7, 2020, Adams executed a contract with J.W. (client) to provide design services for a commercial winery project in Fallbrook, California. Adams’ scope of work included the preparation of plans, elevations, sketches, and renderings for four different venues. Adams quoted the client $342,500 for these services, of which $157,250 was paid.

Adams’ offering to and preparing plans for a new commercial winery project, which is not a building exempt from the licensing requirements of the Architects Practice Act, constituted a violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) and 5536.1(c).

Adams' use of a business name, which includes an abbreviation of the term “architect” 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, constitutes a violation of California Code of Regulations title 16, section 134(a). His contract and online profiles using that name, including his company LinkedIn profile, which also stated “Archavision International is an architecture & planning company” and his company Google profile which described him as “Architect in Newport Beach, California,” are devices that might indicate to the public that Adams is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in California in violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a). Adams paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on May 13, 2022.

BAKERSFIELD—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $3,000 administrative fine to Pedro Aguilar, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code sections 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and 5536(b) (Misrepresentation; Stamp) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect). The action alleged that Aguilar, a draftsman, used the stamp, signature, and title block of his employer, a California licensed architect.

The action alleged that homeowners from Bakersfield paid Aguilar over $10,000 to design a balcony and staircase for the second floor of their home. The homeowners alleged that Aguilar misrepresented himself as an architect, signed their contract using the title “ARCH. PEDRO AGUILAR,” and offered to provide “Architectural Services.” Aguilar also used the email address “archfaco@gmail.com.”

Aguilar’s contract, billing invoices, and plans contained his employer’s logo and business name that includes the term “architect.” The description of his services as “Architectural,” his use of the title “Architect” and his email address, are devices that might indicate to the public that Aguilar is an architect or qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a).

The plans created by Aguilar included the title block, logo, stamp, and signature of Aguilar’s employer, a California licensed architect who had no knowledge of the project, in violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(b). The citation became final on August 20, 2020. 

Sebastopol—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Donald Raymond Alameida, architect license number C-19767, for an alleged violation of BPC 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Alameida certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. Alameida paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 11, 2016.

Corona—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Gilbert Mark Alcala, architect license number C-29983, for alleged violations of BPC 5600.05(a)(1) and (b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Alcala certified false or misleading information on his 2013 License Renewal Application and failed to make records of completion of the required coursework available to the Board for auditing upon request. Alcala paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on April 28, 2015.

Daly City—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Donna Alconcel, dba Donna Alconcel Designs, an unlicensed individual, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code (BPC) sections 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and 5536.1(c) (Unauthorized Practice). The action alleged that Alconcel executed a Proposal for a Residential Remodel (Proposal) offering to provide professional services for a residence located in San Francisco. The Proposal stated, 3rd Floor: Add bedroom and bathroom on 3rd level and that the project will include Two (2) sets of the necessary architectural drawings required for construction and presentation to the Building Department. The three-story residential project is not an exempt building described in BPC section 5537(a). Alconcel’s preparation of design plans for the non-exempt third-story residence wherein the plans contained a title block stating, "Donna Alconcel Designs" constitutes the practice of architecture as defined in BPC section 5500.1. Alconcel used the business name "Donna Alconcel Design," which included the term "architectural" in its description of services, without having 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. The citation became final on March 25, 2019.

Sherman Oaks—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Laurence Allen, architect license number C-13120, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Allen certified false or misleading information on his 2013 License Renewal Application. Allen paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 12, 2015.

Anaheim—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Caesar C. Alzate, architect license number C-12276, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Alzate certified false or misleading information on his 2018 License Renewal Application. Alzate paid the fine, satisfying citation. The citation became final on April 29, 2019.

Torrance—The Board issued a three-count citation that included a $7,500 administrative fine to Gary Padilla Alzona, dba Sol-Lunar and Solluna, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code sections (BPC) 5536(a) and (b) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and 5536.1(c) (Signature and Stamp on Plans and Documents; Unauthorized Practice). The action alleged that Alzona affixed a fraudulent stamp not belonging to himself but that of a licensee named Dean W. Lee on plans. Said stamp read "Licensed Architect," "State of California," "Sol-Lunar," "Dean Lee," "No. C27692," and "Ren. 10/31/2012." Alzona also used the fraudulent stamp on plans for a residence located in Los Angeles, California. The title block on the plans states "Solluna Architecture/Construction," and "Drawn By: GPA."

Alzona also executed a written "Proposal to do Architectural Services…" for a single family dwelling located in Bel Air, California. The proposal was on letterhead with Alzona’s firm name, "SolLunar" and the term "Architecture Construction." Alzona submitted invoices to the client dated January 4, 2010, January 18, 2010, May 9, 2010 and April 5, 2011, on letterhead stating the firm name and the title "Architecture Construction." The citation became final on September 30, 2015.

El Cerrito—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Bart D. Ancheta Jr, architect license number C-16922, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Conditions; Certifications; Audit; False or Misleading Information; Disciplinary Action; Coursework Regarding Disability Access Requirements; Submission of Letter to Legislature). The action alleged that Ancheta certified false or misleading information on his 2023 License Renewal Application. Ancheta paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 7, 2024.

Sacramento—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $250 administrative fine to Gregg D. Ander, architect license number C-19923, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Conditions; Certifications; Audit; False or Misleading Information; Disciplinary Action; Coursework Regarding Disability Access Requirements; Submission of Letter to Legislature) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 165(b). The action alleged that Ander certified false or misleading information on their 2023 License Renewal Application. Ander paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 14, 2024.

Laguna Niguel—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Paul Scott Anderson, architect license number C-18792, 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 Anderson certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Anderson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 19, 2018.

New York, New York—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Ross Sherwood Anderson, architect license number C-16923, for an alleged violation of BPC 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Anderson certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. Anderson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on September 30, 2015.

Fontana—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $2,500 administrative fine to Douglas Duane Andresen, architect license number C-14504, for alleged violations of BPC section 5584 (Willful Misconduct) and CCR, title 16, section 160(a)(2) (Rules of Professional Conduct). The action alleged that Andresen failed to verify the property line prior to commencing the design of an addition to the client’s residence, which resulted in construction into the setback of a neighboring property. The citation became final on November 7, 2019. Andresen paid the fine, satisfying the citation.

Desert Hot Springs—The Board issued a five-count citation, including an administrative fine in the amount of $16,500 to Anthony Araiza, an unlicensed person, dba Studios 2007 Narkweather Architects, Inc. and The Desert Group, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code sections 5536(a) and (b) (Misrepresentation; Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect; Use of Stamp) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, sections 134(a) and (b) (Use of the Term Architect; Responsible Control within Business Entity).

On or about May 5, 2021, Araiza ordered his employee to renew the California architect license of his deceased business partner. Araiza then obtained a stamp resembling an architect's stamp with the new license renewal date, continued to use that license number and stamp on plans and permit applications, and continued to use the Narkweather Architects name and title block on plans so he could offer and charge for architectural services. Araiza applied the deceased architect's stamp and signature to plans for multiple projects located in Indian Wells, California and Rancho Mirage, California.

Araiza also claimed “architectural design” experience and used the title “architect” and the business name “Araiza Architects" on his LinkedIn profile, where he also displayed sample projects that require a license to design. He also posted a letter offering services through Studios 2007 which included “architecture.”

Araiza used the terms “architectural” and “architecture” in Studios 2007 Narkweather Architects, Inc. and The Desert Group's description of services 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(a), and California Code of Regulations, title 16, sections 134(a) and (b). The Subject also applied an architects' stamp to plans implying that he was so licensed, which violated Business and Professions Code section 5536(b). The citation became final on June 12, 2024.

Moreno Valley—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Joseph Aragon, an unlicensed individual, doing business as Paragon Design, Inc., for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a).

The action alleged that Aragon agreed to provide J.K. with blueprints for his restaurant conversion located in Murrieta, California. Aragon was paid a total $4,000 but the plans he submitted to the city of Murrieta were never approved. The title block on the Aragon’s plans included a reference to commercial services and stated, “International Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects.” His company website stated “The mission of Aragon Construction, Inc. is to deliver high-quality and practical glazing and architectural solutions to the public and private sectors,” and included a portfolio of residential apartments and commercial buildings, which are not exempt from licensing requirements under Business and Professions Code section 5537. Aragon’s company Houzz profile was also categorized under Architects.

Aragon was served with notice of the violations, but he did not respond to multiple requests to make corrections. His title block, company websites, and Houzz profile are devices 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 a violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a). The citation became final on October 27, 2022.

Sacramento—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Fred Arastoo, aka Freydoon Arastozadeh, aka Freydoon Zadeh, aka Freydoon A. Zadeh, dba Aras Design and Construction, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5536(b) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and 5536.1(c) (Unauthorized Practice). The action alleged that Arastoo submitted an application with plans for a 69-unit attached town home apartment building in Sacramento, California to the Sacramento County Community Development Department. The plans contained a stamp affixed in the title block that resembled the design of an architect’s stamp. The stamp included Arastoo’s business name, "Aras Design & Construction, Inc.," "State of California," "No. 28135," and "EXP 01-31-2015." The number on the stamp is the same as Arastoo’s New York architect license number; however, that same architect license number in California belongs to another architect. The citation became final on August 25, 2015.

Sausalito—The Board issued a one-count modified citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Millard Arterberry, dba Arterberry Design, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of BPC section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect; Misdemeanor) and CCR, title 16, section 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect; Responsible Control within Business Entity). The action alleges Arterberry executed an "Agreement for Services," which included statements that "Architectural Services Include" and Arterberry Design agrees to provide all architectural services as described above for the remodeling of an existing single-family residence located in Sausalito, California. In Arterberry’s Nextdoor profile, he described himself as a "Local Architect" and included the statement, I am a local architect living in Hurricane Gulch [Sausalito, California], and provided the title of "Architect." Arterberry’s two personal LinkedIn profiles included the terms "Architectural Design" and "Architecture" under Featured Skills & Endorsements, his Archinect profile included "Architecture" under Areas of Specialization; and his Houzz profile under the business name Millard Arterberry Custom Home Design categorized him under "Architects" and included "Architectural Design" and "Architectural Drawings" under Services Provided. Arterberry used the business name "Arterberry Design," which included the term "architectural" in its description of services, without having 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. Arterberry paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 26, 2019.

Porter Ranch—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Audrey Katheryn Aronoff, architect license number C-33039, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Conditions; Certifications; Audit; False or Misleading Information; Disciplinary Action; Coursework Regarding Disability Access, and Zero Net Carbon Design Requirements; Submission of Letter to Legislature). The action alleged that Aronoff certified false or misleading information on her 2023 License Renewal Application. Aronoff paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 13, 2024.

Oakland—The Board issued a three-count citation that included a $2,500 administrative fine to Richard Michael Avelar, architect license number C-8713, for alleged violations of BPC 5536.22(a)(4) and (5) (Written Contract) and 5584 (Willful Misconduct and Negligence). The action alleged that Avelar’s contract to design and construct a new home for a project located in Danville, California did not include a description of the procedure that the architect and the client will use to accommodate additional services and a description of the procedure to be used by either party to terminate the contract. In or around April 2013, Avelar commenced grading the property for the project without a permit. In or around January 2014, the Town of Danville issued Avelar a Notice of Incomplete Application letter based on a review of the project’s application material. Avelar failed to prepare construction documents capable of obtaining the Town of Danville approval for a permit. Avelar paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on August 4, 2015.

Van Nuys—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Zaven Ayvazian, dba ZAA Studio, 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 Ayvazian’s company profile on LinkedIn was categorized under “Architecture & Planning,” stated, “Recognized throughout the Los Angeles architect community for their communication and ongoing collaboration with clients and builders,” and offered “Architecture” under Specialties. Further, Ayvazian’s company signage was displayed in front of a residence located in Los Angeles, California offering “Residential & Commercial Architectural Design.” Ayvazian used the term “architectural” and “architecture” in ZAA Studio’s description of services 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. Ayvazian paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on April 10, 2020.

Newport Beach—The Board issued a one-count modified citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Masum Mohammad Aziz, architect license number C 24129, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536.22(a) (Written Contract). The action alleged that on or about June 29, 2015, Aziz failed to execute a written contract with his client prior to commencing professional services for a residential project located in Newport Beach, California. Aziz paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on January 24, 2019.

Redding—Effective October 21, 1998, Louis Wayne Alves’ architect license number C-10855 was revoked after the Board adopted a Default Decision ordering revocation. An Accusation was filed against Mr. Alves pursuant to Business and Professions Code sections 5584 (Willful Misconduct and Negligence), 5585 (Recklessness), and 5586 (Public Agency; Disciplinary Action). The action was taken based on evidence that Mr. Alves failed to adequately supervise or review the work of his employees prior to signing documents prepared by them in the production of asbestos management plans. Mr. Alves was certified as an Asbestos Consultant by Cal/OSHA and represented that his architectural firm was able to provide asbestos consulting services. Mr. Alves contracted with the Pierce Joint Unified School District to perform an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act inspection of their facilities and to develop an asbestos management plan to enable the school district to manage the asbestos in the schools and to meet federal guidelines for asbestos abatement. As a result of his conduct, Mr. Alves was served with disciplinary act ion by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Mr. Alves never responded to the complaint and the EPA filed a default order fining him $56,000.

Los Angeles—A Statement of Issues was filed against Janice Marie Ambry to deny her Application for Licensure for violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536 (Practice without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action against Ms. Ambry was based on evidence that she engaged in the unlawful practice of architecture, advertised and offered to provide architectural services and unlawfully prepared plans and affixed a stamp to plans which indicated to the public that she was licensed by the State of California as an architect. In March 1985, Ms. Ambry was issued an architect license. On September 30, 1987, the license expired and was not renewed. The Board’s investigation revealed that after Ms. Ambry’s license expired, she: 1) signed employment verification forms under the penalty of perjury indicating that she was licensed as an architect and that the applicants were under her direct supervision performing architectural duties; 2) advertised in the Santa Monica yellow page telephone directory under the heading "architects"; 3) signed and stamped construction documents for a residence indicating that she was a "Licensed Architect" and bearing the legend "State of California"; and 4) used letterhead and business cards which stated "Ambry and Associates Residential Architecture and Planning." The Board adopted a stipulated settlement effective October 21, 1998. The terms of the settlement included a license be granted to Ms. Ambry and she be placed on probation for five years with specific terms and conditions, including payment of a civil penalty in the amount of $1,150 and reimburse the Board $7,000 for investigative costs.