PROBABLE CAUSE PANEL MEETING

June 15, 2004

I. Unlicensed Cases

Artdecord Engineering, Inc.
Case No. 2003-086028

Probable Cause was found that Artdecord Engineering, Inc. of Winter Springs, Florida does not have a certificate of authorization but did have a licensed architect that served as its qualifier. Even though the qualifier told the president of the firm he could not offer architectural services until the certificate of authorization was obtained, the firm did so through a written proposal and on the Internet. Upon learning of the complaint, the qualifier withdrew his name as qualifier for the firm. An Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed, along with the issuance of a Notice and Order to Cease and Desist.

Spencer Goliger
SGA Architects
Case No. 2003-084621

Probable cause was found that Spencer Goliger of Palm Beach, Florida is not licensed and is listed as providing architectural services in an advertisement contained within the Florida Design Magazine. Further, the Subject's firm brochure makes reference to his architectural skills. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued, along with a request that Mr. Goliger sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from individually offering architectural services or words to that effect. He will also change his advertisement and brochure deleting any reference to architectural or words to that effect in relation to himself individually. If Mr. Goliger fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

Frederick A. Grantham
Case No. 2003-085876

Probable Cause was found that Frederick Grantham of Miami, Florida was previously licensed; however, his license went into a null and void status on February 28, 1997. On a title block for an addition to a residence dated January 2002, the Subject held himself out as an architect and uses his null and void license number. An Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed, along with the issuance of a Notice and Order to Cease and Desist.

Homeco
Barclay A. Mavis
Case No. 2003-084836

Probable Cause was found that Homeco of Pembroke Pines, Florida is not licensed and is advertising services under the heading "Architect" in the Miami Herald Newspaper. Further, the Subject is offering architectural drawings on his website. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued on this case, along with a request that Barclay Mavis sign an affidavit stating he will no longer advertise as an architect and will change his website to remove all references to architectural drawings. If Mr. Barclay fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

Ruben Leon
Ruben Leon's Architectural Drafting
Case Number 2003-081938

Probable Cause was found that Ruben Leon of Naples, Florida is not licensed and was offering architectural drafting on his business cards. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued, along with a request that Mr. Leon sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from offering architectural drafting or words to that effect. If Mr. Leon fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

Nester Rojas
NG General Representation, Inc.
Case No. 2003-083616

Probable Cause was found that Nester Rojas of Miami, Florida is not licensed and entered into a contract with the Complainant to provide a complete set of architectural drawings signed and sealed by an engineer. The Subject then entered into a contract with an architectural firm to provide the documents. The Subject is essentially brokering architectural services. An Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed, along with the issuance of a Notice and Order to Cease and Desist.

II. Licensed Cases

Gloria N. Ellinwood
Case No. 2003-084688

Probable Cause was found that Gloria Ellinwood, a licensed interior designer in St. Petersburg, Florida entered into a contract to perform services she was not licensed to perform. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.

James R. Ervin
Case No. 2004-019098

Probable Cause was found that James Ervin, a licensed architect in Tallahassee Florida, signed and sealed plans for a residence that were prepared by a draftsman that was not licensed without ever meeting with the client. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.

Omega Architectural Productions, Inc.
Case No. 2003-081720

Probable Cause was found that Omega Architectural Productions, Inc. of Ft. Pierce Florida, has a certificate of authorization; however, the firm's qualifier is listed as licensed architect John Foster who no longer works there. The firm states that their new qualifier is Hugo Riebe but he says he doesn't work for them anymore and will make arrangements to officially end the association. Therefore, there is not a qualifier or an architect in responsible supervisory control and the firm is offering services under the name "Omega Architectural Productions". Further, if anyone does a search on the Internet the firm will be shown as a licensed architectural firm. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.

Robb & Stucky
Case No. 2004-001827

Probable Cause was found that Robb & Stucky of Naples, Florida, is offering interior design services in an advertisement that does not contain a license number. The Subject also offers "Architectural Detail" in the advertisement. The Subject's Certificate of Authorization has been delinquent since March 1, 2003. The firm was previously fined in Case Number 99-06534 for practicing on an inactive or delinquent license. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.

Ronald L. Uphoff
Case Nos. 2003-087552, 2003-081661 & 2004-002178

Probable Cause was found that Ronald Uphoff of Okeechobee, Florida, a licensed architect, has failed to satisfy the terms of a Final Order that was entered on August 13, 2003. The Order required a fine of $2,500.00 and costs of $717.00 be paid within thirty days. The Subject paid $2,000.00 but has failed to pay the balance. Further, Mr. Uphoff signed and sealed a letter on September 16, 2003, proposing a construction alternative to a project. Mr. Uphoff practiced architecture over a month after his license was suspended. Pursuant to a Final Order entered in 1997, the Subject submitted plans for review in accordance with the terms of his probation. Frank Abbott reviewed the plans and found the drawings were not prepared to a high standard of practice and due care. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.

Maria E. Valls
Case No. 2003-081665

Probable Cause was found that Maria Valls of Key Biscayne, Florida, is a licensed architect that was on probation for failing to perform a statutory or legal obligation, failing to date plans, and sealing documents depicting work she was not competent to perform. Pursuant to the terms of her probation, she was required to provide documents from three projects for review by the Probation Committee. The plans were reviewed by Frank Abbott and the plans failed to meet a reasonable standard of practice and due care in their initial preparation. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.

Thomas H. Williford
Case No. 2003-079338

Probable Cause was found that Thomas Williford of Holder, Florida, a licensed architect signed and sealed a set of drawings that were prepared by a drafting company that was not licensed without visiting the job site or meeting with the client. The plans were reviewed by Frank Abbott who found the plans lacked clarity and were not prepared to a reasonable professional standard. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.