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 Architects Board located at 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, California 95834.”

The board highlighted case examples intended to show how failures in contracting and practice can harm clients and lead to discipline. In one example, an architect who said a written contract was unnecessary because the client was family was issued “a citation which included a $5,000 fine for his failure to execute a written contract.” In another, an architect working on an earthquake-damaged home did not execute a contract, failed to detect and report a damaged masonry fireplace, and filed a mechanics lien; the presenter said the board found the actions to be willful misconduct and revoked the architect’s license.

The video also cited a case in which an architect delayed completing plans, recommended demolition that prevented the client from obtaining a construction permit, and then demanded additional payments of $35,000 (later increased to $65,000) to release drawings; the presenter said that conduct led to discipline and license revocation. In a separate instance the presenter described alleged specification of bolt dimensions below code minimums that “possibly compromi[s]ed structural integrity,” resulting in a citation and a $2,250 fine. The board described a particularly severe case on a school project where it reported “180 individual instances of errors, omissions, and violations of law,” the school was condemned and rebuilt at a cost of $4,000,000, and the architect’s license was revoked.

The presenter also reviewed continuing-education obligations tied to license renewal: five hours on disability-access coursework and, since 2023, five hours on net-zero carbon design. The presenter said the board audits roughly 3% of license renewals each year and that common violations include failing to complete required coursework in the two years prior to renewal, failing to keep records of coursework completion, or completing coursework only after submitting a renewal application.

The California Architects Board concluded by reminding licensees and consumers that the board has authority to investigate alleged violations and to receive and investigate complaints against licensees. “Do not hesitate to call or write the board with any questions or concerns,” the presenter said, and the presentation closed with an appeal to adopt the act’s requirements to protect both architects and clients.

The board did not announce any new rulemaking or individual enforcement actions in the video; the presentation summarized past disciplinary outcomes and current compliance requirements and encouraged viewers to consult the board’s website for the full Architects Practice Act and complaint procedures.