Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 55 - The Board of Governors of the Licensed Architects, Landscape Architects and Registered Commercial Interior Designers of Oklahoma
1. Katie Goodson – Practicing Architecture Without a License
Violation: She prepared architectural plans for two projects (a county building and a church) without being licensed in Oklahoma.
Rules Violated: Title 55 requires that only individuals licensed by the Board can practice architecture. Offering services or presenting oneself as an architect without a license is strictly prohibited.
Outcome: The Board fined her $5,000. This case shows the importance of licensure before practicing architecture.
2. Richard Paszkiet – Unlicensed Practice and Forgery
Violation:
Practicing architecture without a license
Using an Oklahoma architectural seal without authorization
Submitting forged documents to authorities
Attempting to use someone else’s license
Rules Violated: Title 55 prohibits the use of seals by unlicensed persons and forbids false or misleading claims about licensure. Misrepresentation and forgery are serious professional violations.
Outcome: He was fined $34,000. This case highlights how dishonesty and unlicensed practice are treated severely.
3. Matthew Smith – Unauthorized Copying of Documents
Violation: He copied architectural documents without permission, violating rules about document control.
Rules Violated: Title 55 requires licensed professionals to control the use of technical documents and prohibits unauthorized copying, as it can mislead clients or authorities.
Outcome: The Board fined him $10,000 and required 12 hours of ethics continuing education. This case emphasizes that misuse of professional documents is a serious offense.
4. Marsha Hoffman and Lisa Bradford – Failure to Complete Continuing Education
Violation: Both did not meet their continuing education requirements before license renewal.
Rules Violated: Title 55 requires architects, landscape architects, and registered interior designers to complete a minimum number of continuing education hours to maintain competence.
Outcome: Each was fined $1,500. This shows that even failure to maintain education can trigger disciplinary action.
5. RamTech Building Systems – Unlicensed Firm Providing Architectural Services
Violation: The company offered architectural services without having a Certificate of Authority and without employing licensed architects.
Rules Violated: Title 55 requires that entities offering architectural services must have certification and employ licensed individuals responsible for work.
Outcome: The Board fined the company $7,500. This demonstrates that both individuals and entities must follow licensing laws.
6. Jeffrey Fry – Failure to Comply with Previous Board Consent Order
Violation: He did not follow terms of a prior consent agreement with the Board resolving an earlier violation.
Rules Violated: Title 55 allows the Board to enforce compliance with previous orders. Failing to follow a consent agreement is a violation of professional conduct rules.
Outcome: He was fined $10,000. This shows the Board ensures accountability, even for prior settlements.
Summary of Patterns in Board Enforcement
Practicing without a license always triggers fines.
Forgery, misuse of seals, and misrepresentation are treated as severe violations.
Failure to complete continuing education is taken seriously.
Firms, as well as individuals, are held accountable.
Noncompliance with prior Board orders can lead to additional fines.
These cases collectively illustrate how Title 55 enforces licensing, ethical conduct, education, and compliance in the architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design professions in Oklahoma.
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