Board Meeting

May 23, 2003

Dixon Alvarino
Case No. 2002-013873
Case No. 2001-07026

The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design announces that on May 23, 2003, a final order was entered imposing a fine of $7,000.00 against Dixon Alvarino, Miami Beach, Florida for the unlicensed practice of architecture.

Mr. Alvarino was a licensed architect prior to March 11, 2001, at which time his license went into a null and void status for failing to satisfy the renewal requirements. While his license was no longer active, he continued to apply for building permits to the City of Miami Beach Building Department and held himself out as an architect on the Internet.

After reviewing the evidence that showed Mr. Alvarino was offering and providing architectural services, the Board entered a final order imposing a fine of $7,000.00.

Alfred T Drake
Case No. 2000-09223

The Board rejected a proposed counter settlement stipulation between the parties. The counter stipulation provides for a one-year suspension with the Board reviewing five of the Respondent's prior commercial projects, three years probation, additional continuing education hours, and a fine of $1,000.00 The complaint involved architectural services provided by the Respondent for a funeral home located in New Port Richey, Florida.

Juan Gomez
Case No. 2001-02287

The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design announces that on May 23, 2003, a final order was entered suspending Juan Orlando Gomez, Miami, Florida for aiding and abetting unlicensed activity.

Mr. Gomez, a licensed architect, entered into a partnership with Aldo M. Paredes to bid on project involving the construction of a clubhouse for a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, owned by Donald Trump. Mr. Paredes was not a licensed architect; however, he held himself out as such under the newly formed partnership with Mr. Gomez.

After reviewing the evidence that showed Mr. Gomez aided Mr. Paredes in the unlicensed practice of architecture, the Board suspended Mr. Gomez for one year.

Guillermo Gonzalez
Case No. 2001-07332

The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design entered a final order approving a settlement stipulation that included two years probation, a reprimand, $3,000.00 fine, and costs of $516.47. The complaint alleged that Mr. Gonzalez committed negligence and failed to exercise proper responsible supervisory control for a project in Miami, Florida.

Rafael Hidalgo
Case No. 2002-010779

The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design announces that on May 23, 2003, a final order was entered imposing a fine of $10,000.00 against Rafael Hidalgo, Loxzhatchee, Florida, for the unlicensed practice of interior design and architecture.

Mr. Hidalgo was a licensed interior designer prior to March 11, 2001, at which time his license went into a delinquent status for failing to satisfy the renewal requirements. While his license was no longer active, he advertised interior design and architectural services.

After reviewing the evidence that showed Mr. Hidalgo was offering interior design and architectural services, the Board entered a final order imposing a fine of $10,000.00.

Tasuku Ohazama
Case No. 2001-09506

The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design entered a final order, which placed Mr. Ohazama license on probation for eight years, and imposed fines and costs of $6,313.11. The complaint alleged that Mr. Ohazama failed to exercise proper responsible supervisory control over three projects in Wakulla, Florida.

Susan Shaugnessy
Case No. 2001-01098

The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design announces that on May 23, 2003, a final order was entered approving a settlement stipulation with Susan Shaugnessy, Stuart, Florida, regarding a complaint involving allegations of practicing beyond the scope of her interior design license, unlicensed practice of architecture, and making deceptive or fraudulent statements.

Mrs. Shaugnessy, a licensed interior designer, entered into a contract to provide interior design services to remodel a condominium located in Palm Beach, Florida. After obtaining over $104,000.00 for the project, Mrs. Shaugnessy was terminated due to the lack of progress on the project.

After reviewing the settlement stipulation, the Board suspended Mrs. Shaugnessy for two years and imposed a fine of $3,000.00.

Ronald Uphoff
Case No. 2002-00835

The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design announces that on May 23, 2003, a final order was entered approving a settlement stipulation with Ronald Uphoff, Ockeechobee, Florida, regarding a complaint involving aiding and abetting unlicensed activity.

Mr. Uphoff, a licensed architect, entered into a contract with Kenneth Michael Conner to provide architectural services for a development in Coral Springs, Florida owned by WCI Communities. Mr. Conner is not licensed to practice architecture; however, with the assistance of Mr. Uphoff he was able to design many residences in this community.

After reviewing the settlement stipulation, the Board suspended Mr. Uphoff for two years and imposed a fine of $2,500.00.