California Architects Board stresses written contracts, details disciplinary cases and new continuing-education rules

A presenter for the California Architects Board on Monday urged architects and consumers to use detailed written contracts and described multiple disciplinary cases that led to fines and license revocations.

“Avoiding common mistakes, a guide for architects,” the presenter said at the start of the video, noting that “the practice of architecture is governed by the Architects Practice Act” and that violating the act can prompt reprimand, fines, suspension, probation, or license revocation. The presenter directed viewers to the board’s website and noted that contracts must include, among other items, a project description, services to be provided, compensation and payment method, the architect’s name/address/license number, client and project addresses, change-and-termination procedures, and a statement in at least 12-point type that “architects are licensed and regulated by the California…