Architect tells Wichita Falls council he believes city is denying state‑licensed authority

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — During the public comment period of the Nov. 18 Wichita Falls City Council meeting, registered architect Philip Townsend told the council he believes the city is denying architects the rights afforded by the Texas Occupations Code and urged officials to follow state law.

Townsend identified himself as a registered architect, provided his address and license number, and said he has appeared before the council multiple times on the issue. He cited provisions of the Texas Occupations Code he said confirm that licensure does not prevent a licensee from performing acts under state authority and said the code allows architects to provide expert opinion and testimony.

“You go look it up,” Townsend said, and added that the city’s actions deny his rights. “I’m before you because you’re denying my rights, and therefore, you’re subject to the official oppression,” he said, referencing Texas Penal Code section 39.03.

Townsend told the council staff had previously said other cities do not agree with his view; he said other cities’ practices are not relevant and pressed the council to accept the statutory language he cited. The council did not respond on the record with a legal or policy determination during the public comment period. Council rules prohibit deliberation or action on matters not on the agenda during public comment.

Townsend’s claims were presented as assertions in public comment; the council did not indicate immediate follow-up action on the record.