California Architects

Administrative Disciplinary Action:  

David A. Udkow

Scottsdale, AZ - Effective March 30, 2020, David A. Udkow’s architect license number C-8912 was revoked, and he thereby lost all rights and privileges as an architect in California. The action was a result of a Default Decision and Order, which was adopted by the Board on February 28, 2020.

An Accusation was filed against Udkow for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code sections 5586 (Discipline by a Public Agency), 5579 (Fraud in Obtaining License), 5582, and 5582.1, and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 151 (Aiding Unlawful Practice).

The Accusation alleged that on or about August 22, 2012, the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Residential Design (Nevada Board) adopted a Settlement Agreement and Order that disciplined Udkow for (1) reviewing and sealing architectural drawings for three projects in Las Vegas, Nevada for submittal to the building department that were not prepared under his responsible control; (2) aiding an unauthorized person to practice architecture in Nevada; and (3) not executing a written contract with the client before providing professional services. On or about October 1, 2012, Udkow surrendered his architect license to the Nevada Board.

Udkow also was disciplined by the Colorado Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors (Colorado Board) and the Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects (Montana Board) on January 21, 2014, and April 7, 2015, respectively, based upon the action that was taken against him by the Nevada Board. The Colorado Board issued a Letter of Admonition to the Subject, and the Montana Board suspended his license through a Final Order by Default. 

A review of Udkow’s 2013 and 2015 California Architect License Renewal Applications dated June 20, 2013, and May 25, 2015, respectively, revealed that he had indicated under penalty of perjury that he had not been disciplined by a public agency during either of the previous two-year renewal cycles.

On or about March 2, 2016, an Ohio architect issued a “Consultant Work Authorization” to Udkow to “Review/Sign/Seal plans for Landlord and City submittal” for a fee of $1,700 to obtain a building permit for a business referred to as BTG in Torrance, California. The next day, Udkow signed and stamped the construction documents, which had not been prepared by him, or under his responsible control.

 

 

Citations:

Zaven Ayvazian

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, subdivision (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.

Michael Burke

Irvine – The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $3,500 administrative fine to Michael Burke, dba Bar International Design and Development Co., Inc. (Bar International), Bar Building Division, LLC, and The Development Bar, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that an auto and truck services company (client) hired Burke and his company, Bar International, in September 2014, to design and engineer a 1,400 square foot gas station convenience store in Bell Gardens, California. The contract between the client and Bar International dated September 29, 2014, was signed by Burke as “Architect for Bar International Design & Development Inc.,” and promised schematic design, architectural sheets, and “plans finalized for architectural stamp.” Change orders dated October 14, 2014; October 30, 2014; January 8, 2015; February 10, 2015; and April 3, 2015, included an “Architect’s Project Number,” specified “Not valid until signed by architect,” and were signed by Burke.

Burke’s invoices to the client dated October 2, 2014, October 8, 2014, October 14, 2014, October 30, 2014, and November 13, 2014, itemized conceptual design, schematic design, and design development of “plans finalized for architectural stamp.” The company’s contract with an outside engineering firm dated March 5, 2015, designated Michael Burke of Bar International as the architect of record. Preliminary design sheets for the Bell Gardens project displayed a title block listing Commercial Design and Architecture under Bar International’s description of services. A design agreement between the client and Bar Building Division, LLC dated March 24, 2016, promised “Complete architectural drawings” and “All documentation for planning commission submittal.” Burke used a contract he signed as Architect for Bar Building Division, LLC, Project Status Reports specifying “architectural/ planning commission submittal,” and an Estimated Timeline for “complete architectural” services.

As new commercial construction, the designs for a gas station convenience store, restaurant, and expansion are not exempt from licensing requirements under Business and Professions Code section 5537. Burke represented his company as an architectural firm, provided architectural services, and included architecture in his company’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.

In February 2020, Burke’s business, The Development Bar, maintained a website offering project management and design services and featured the design of the client’s gas station convenience store among its many commercial design accomplishments. By advertising non-exempt commercial architectural services through his company’s website, Burke violated Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a). The citation became final on March 11, 2020.

Helmi El Senoussi

Las Vegas, NV – The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $3,500 administrative fine to Helmi El Senoussi, dba Bar International Design and Development Co., Inc. (Bar International), Bar Building Division, LLC, and The Development Bar, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that an auto and truck services company (client) hired El Senoussi and his company, Bar International, in September 2014, to design and engineer a 1,400 square foot gas station convenience store in Bell Gardens, California. The contract between the client and Bar International dated September 29, 2014, was signed by El Senoussi’s unlicensed partner, Michael Burke, as “Architect for Bar International Design & Development Inc.,” and promised schematic design, architectural sheets, and “plans finalized for architectural stamp.” Change orders dated October 14, 2014, October 30, 2014, January 8, 2015, February 10, 2015, and April 3, 2015, included an “Architect’s Project Number,” specified “Not valid until signed by architect,” and were signed by Michael Burke.

El Senoussi’s invoices to the client dated October 2, 2014, October 8, 2014, October 14, 2014, October 30, 2014, and November 13, 2014, itemized conceptual design, schematic design, and design development of “plans finalized for architectural stamp.” The company’s contract with an outside engineering firm dated March 5, 2015, designated Michael Burke of Bar International as the architect of record. Preliminary design sheets for the Bell Gardens project displayed a title block listing Commercial Design and Architecture under Bar International’s description of services. A design agreement between the client and Bar Building Division, LLC dated March 24, 2016, promised “Complete architectural drawings” and “All documentation for planning commission submittal.” El Senoussi used a contract signed by Michael Burke as Architect for Bar Building Division, LLC, Project Status Reports specifying “architectural/planning commission submittal,” and an Estimated Timeline for “complete architectural” services.

As new commercial construction, the designs for a gas station convenience store, restaurant, and expansion are not exempt from licensing requirements under Business and Professions Code section 5537. El Senoussi represented his company as an architectural firm, provided architectural services, and included architecture in his company’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.

In or around February 2020, El Senoussi’s business, The Development Bar, maintained a website offering project management and design services and featured the design of the client’s gas station convenience store among its many commercial design accomplishments. By advertising non-exempt commercial architectural services through his company’s website, El Senoussi violated Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a). The citation became final on March 11, 2020.

Christopher Faulhammer

Venice – The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Christopher Faulhammer, dba BSPK Design, Inc., E-Z Builders, Inc., and Think Design Office, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged Faulhammer provided a “Design Services Proposal” to Mr. R.Y. (client) to remodel a one-story house located in Tujunga, California. The agreement provided for a complete interior remodel to an existing home. It offered “architectural and engineering design services” and an architect to be provided by Faulhammer. Faulhammer’s personal LinkedIn profile identified him as a “Project Architect” and his company’s Archinect profile included “Architecture” under Services Offered. Faulhammer used the term “architecture” in BSPK Design, Inc’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. Faulhammer paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on April 16, 2020.

Kamran Farahi

Los Angeles – The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Kamran Farahi, dba Farahi Construction, Inc., an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged Farahi reused sets of swimming pool plans and/or plan details he had previously purchased from an architect on seven swimming pool construction projects, for which those plans were never designed or otherwise intended to be used. Farahi’s use of plans that had been stamped and signed by an architect or the firm’s engineer for another project, without their consent, violated Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a). The citation became final on February 13, 2020.

John R. Garakian

Laguna Beach - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to John R. Garakian, architect license number C-9826, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Garakian certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application. Garakian paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 24, 2020.

Rodolfo Garces

Palmdale - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Rodolfo Garces, dba Affordable Blueprints Inc., ADS Architecture Group, and Affordable Drafting Services, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Garces’ Buzzfile and LinkedIn profiles described him as providing “architecture” and “architectural” services. Further, his company’s Manta, ProMatcher, and Yelp profiles used the terms “architects,” “architecture,” and “architectural” in ADS Architecture Group and Affordable Drafting Services’ description of services, without an 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 March 1, 2020.

Roi Gavriely

Canoga Park - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Roi Gavriely, dba Loyalty Construction, Inc., an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Gavriely’s company print advertisement, company website, and Angie’s List profile described him as providing “architectural” services and offering “architects” without an 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 February 13, 2020.

Sebastian Rey Gonzalez

San Diego - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Sebastian Rey Gonzalez, dba S3DA Design, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged Gonzalez described himself in advertising as an “Architect” and described the company, S3DA Design, as an “architectural design firm” that provides “architectural services” on the company website. Gonzalez’s company Facebook profile categorized him as an “Architectural Designer” and listed “Architectural Design” under Services. Gonzalez’s company Upwork profile described the company as providing “Architectural and Interior designing- Structural engineering” and stated, “Our professional engineers and architects have years of experience in servicing many great clients. We are an architectural design, structural engineering, and interior design company” and “Feel free to contact us if you like to know more about our architectural and structural services.” The Upwork profile also included the words “Architecture” and “Interior Architecture” to describe the company’s services. Gonzalez’s company Yelp profile was categorized under “Architects.” Gonzalez’s company ZoomInfo profile described him as an “Architectural Designer.” Gonzalez used the terms “architectural” and “architecture” in S3DA Design’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, subdivision (a), as defined in California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134, subdivision (a). The citation became final on May 14, 2020.

Mark G. Harold

Fresno - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Mark G. Harold, architect license number C-10301, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Harold certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application and failed to complete the coursework on disability access requirements. The citation became final on March 20, 2020.

Michael J. Harlock

Corte Madera - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Michael J. Harlock, architect license number C-12696, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Harlock certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application. Harlock paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 20, 2020.

Thomas W. Jull

Oakland - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Thomas W. Jull, architect license number C-25981, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Jull certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application and failed to complete the coursework on disability access requirements. The citation became final on March 19, 2020.

Jeffrey C. Kadlowec

Las Vegas, NV - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Jeffrey C. Kadlowec, architect license number C‑31642, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5579 (Fraud in Obtaining License). The action alleged that on or about June 12, 2019, a Settlement Agreement and Order by the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design (NSBAIDRD) became effective, based on a Notice of Charges filed on or about May 14, 2019 against Kadlowec, alleging that he failed to act with reasonable care and was negligent in the practice of architecture. NSBAIDRD sent Kadlowec a letter on or about June 13, 2019 stating, “be aware that this Board does consider this settlement agreement to constitute disciplinary action.” The action alleged that Kadlowec represented on his October 17, 2019 California license renewal application that he had not been disciplined by a public agency during the preceding two-year renewal period. The citation became final on February 27, 2020.

Robert J. Klob

Chandler, AZ - The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $3,000 administrative fine to Robert J. Klob, dba Robert Klob Designs Inc., an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Klob’s company website advertised that he provides design plans for Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) homes in California. The action further alleged that on or about June 18, 2018, Klob sent a client a Proposal and Agreement for Residential Design Services to provide designs, drawings and documents for a new custom home in Lake Arrowhead, California using ICF, which is not described in Business and Professions Code section 5537, subdivision (a) as an exempt building. The citation became final on February 20, 2020.

Erik Kramer

Redwood City - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Erik Kramer, dba Speck Design, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Kramer identified himself as an “Architect” on his company website. The citation became final on February 13, 2020.

Ruth Michael

Chicago, IL - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Ruth Michael, architect license number C-36234, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Michael certified false or misleading information on her 2019 License Renewal Application and failed to complete the coursework on disability access requirements. Michael paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 19, 2020.

Karim Moradi

San Diego - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Karim Moradi, dba S3DA Design, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged Moradi solicited business from a California licensed architect as the “Technical Marketing Manager” of a company named “S3DA Structural & Architectural Design.” Both the company’s website and Moradi’s personal email signature included “Structural & Architectural” in the logo to describe the services offered by the company. Moradi’s personal LinkedIn profile described him as an “Architectural Designer” under Experience and included “Architectural Design” under Skills & Endorsements to describe his services. Moradi’s personal Twitter profile stated, “We provide #Architectural #Structural…#California” services. Moradi used the term “architectural” in S3DA Design’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, subdivision (a), as defined by California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134, subdivision (a). The citation became final on May 14, 2020.

Kunal Nagpal (Santa Rosa) The Board issued a four-count citation that included a $10,000 administrative fine to Kunal Nagpal, dba Emerge Rebuild, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134, subdivision (a) (Use of the Term Architect; Responsible Control Within Business Entity). The action alleged that Nagpal represented himself as an architect and his company as an architectural firm when he entered into contracts to rebuild the homes of three victims of the October 2017 Tubbs Fire. The parties executed a Detail Design Agreement, which provided for "Preliminary Architectural Designs," "architectural renderings," and "architectural and structural design and specifications," documents which were to be "checked and verified by a licensed professional." Nagpal’s company website advertised that their natural disaster recovery team, "which comprises of insurance specialists, architects, and general contractors," would assist fire victims by "first getting funds approved by insurance companies and then assisting with rebuilding the home for you by managing every step along the way," including Debris Cleanup, Insurance, Financing, Design/ Architect/ Engineering/ Permitting, and General Contracting. Nagpal paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 27, 2020.

John Newton

Oakland - The Board issued a three-count citation that included a $2,500 administrative fine to John Newton, dba John Newton Design & Development, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Newton submitted plans for three three-story residences to the City of Berkeley. These plans were not stamped by a licensed professional. The plans prepared by Newton indicated three distinct living levels in each of the houses, which are not exempt from the requirements of the Architects Practice Act pursuant to Business and Professions Code sections 5537, subdivision (a) and 5538. Newton paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 20, 2020.

Scott A. Rivers

Long Beach – The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Scott A. Rivers, architect license number C-23228, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Rivers certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application and completed the coursework on disability access requirements after his October 31, 2019 license renewal date. Rivers paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 12, 2020.

Jeffrey A. Shiozaki

Saratoga - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Jeffrey A. Shiozaki, architect license number C-35153, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Shiozaki certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application and completed the coursework on disability access requirements after his November 30, 2019 license renewal date. Shiozaki paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 13, 2020.

Anat Shmariahu (Los Gatos) The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Anat Shmariahu, dba Anav Design, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536, subdivision (a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Shmariahu executed an “Architectural Design Proposal,” which included a feasibility study for remodel designs, a complete set of “architectural drawings,” delivery of drawings, and submittal to the City of San Jose to obtain a permit. Shmariahu’s personal profile on Dwell.com described “White House” and “Japan House” projects, which identified her as the “architect” and stated, “I directed the architecture and interior design of the house…” Shmariahu’s company website and Bayfickr profile stated Anav Design “is specialized in single houses architecture.” The citation became final on March 6, 2020.

Ann Y. Sullivan

Kensington – The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Ann Y. Sullivan, architect license number C-6498, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Sullivan certified false or misleading information on her 2019 License Renewal Application and completed the coursework on disability access requirements after her July 31, 2019 license renewal date. Sullivan paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on May 22, 2020.

Zaccharin Thibodeau

San Bernardino – The Board issued a citation that included five causes for citation and 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, subdivision (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, subdivision (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, subdivision (a). The citation became final on April 11, 2020.

Gregory P. Wesner

Castro Valley - The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Gregory P. Wesner, architect license number C-27967, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05, subdivision (a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Wesner certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application. Wesner paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 26, 2020.