Probable Cause Panel Meeting
August 28, 2006
I. Unlicensed Cases
Abinader Home Theaters, Inc.
Tony Z. Abi-Nader
Probable cause was found that Abinader Home Theater, Inc. of Miami, Florida
is not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and is offering
architectural services on its website. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist
was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Abi-Nader sign an affidavit
stating the firm will refrain from offering architectural services and will
change its website deleting any references to architecture or words to that
effect. If Mr. Abi-Nader fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative
Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
Abite Design, Inc.
Maximo Tejada
Case No. 2006-025974
Probable cause was found that Abite Design, Inc. of Naples, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in Florida and is offering such services on
its business card and in an advertisement. A Notice and Order to Cease and
Desist was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Tejada sign an affidavit
stating the firm will refrain from offering such services in the future and will
change the firm's business card and advertisement to delete any references to
architecture or words to that effect. If Mr. Tejada fails to return the
affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
Michael Bataille
Drafting Design Services, Inc.
Case No. 2006-027598
Probable Cause was found that Michael Bataille of Winter Haven, Florida is
not licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and contracted to
provide design services for a residence. The plans required the seal of a
licensed architect. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued along with
the requirement that Mr. Bataille sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from
offering architectural services or words to that effect. If Mr. Bataille fails
to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be
filed.
Mario V. Blanco
Case No. 2005-062510
Probable Cause was found that Mario V. Blanco of Miami, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and contracted to
provide drawings for a residence that were signed and sealed by an architect.
Further, Mr. Blanco is holding himself out as an architectural designer. A
Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint
seeking fines was filed.
Bodei Contracting, Inc.
Scott Bodei
Case No. 2005-049304
Probable cause was found that Bodei Contracting, Inc. of West Palm Beach,
Florida is not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and is listed under
the architects heading in the yellow pages. A Notice and Order to Cease and
Desist was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Bodei sign an affidavit
stating the firm will refrain from offering architectural services and will
change the listing in the yellow pages. If Mr. Bodei fails to return the
affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
Clive Booker
Design Spectrum International, Inc.
Case Nos. 2005-002161 & 2005-002171
Probable Cause was found that Clive Booker of Miami, Florida is not licensed
to practice interior design in Florida and contracted to provide such services.
Further, Mr. Booker held himself out as an interior designer and is offering
such services through a business entity without a certificate of authorization.
A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative
Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Susan J. Burgess
The Heartland Group
Case No. 2005-053071
Probable Cause was found that Susan Burgess of Pensacola, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and entered into a
contract with the owner to provide consulting services as the owner's agent to
obtain architectural plans. The owner then entered a contract with the Florida
licensed architect to perform the services. Ms. Burgess is referenced in the
contract between the owner/architect as the owner's designated representative.
Ms. Burgess was paid the total design fee from the owner and paid the architects
directly. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an
Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Paula Caldas
D-Essentials, Inc.
Case Nos. 2005-026226 & 2006-026214
Probable Cause was found that Paula Caldas and D-Essentials, Inc. of Weston,
Florida is not licensed to practice architecture or interior design in the State
of Florida and are offering architectural and interior design services on their
website. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative
Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Giovanni Caretti
Caretti Turner Associates, Inc.
Case No. 2006-028562
Probable cause was found that Giovanni Caretti of Miami, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in Florida and is offering such services in an
advertisement in the Florida Design Magazine and on its website. A Notice and
Order to Cease and Desist was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Caretti
sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from offering architectural services
and will change the advertisement deleting any references to architecture or
words to that effect. If Mr. Caretti fails to return the affidavit, an
Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
T. Russell Debose
TR Debose Architectural Design & Elements
Case No. 2005-041791 & 2006-033103
Probable Cause was found that T. Russell Debose of Indialantic, Florida is
not licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and is doing
business as TR Debose Architectural Design & Elements. Mr. Debose's title block
appeared on a set of drawings for a commercial project that were signed and
sealed by a Professional Engineer. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist and an
Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Duffy Complete Relocation
Steve W. Duffy
Case No. 2005-047542
Probable Cause was found that Duffy Complete Relocation of Hollywood, Florida
is not licensed to practice architecture or interior design in the State of
Florida and is offering such services in both a brochure and on its website. The
firm lists many commercial projects in which it provided these services. A
Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint
seeking fines was filed.
Julian Fajardo
Case No. 2006-026240
Probable cause was found that Julian Fajardo of Miami, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in Florida and is holding himself out as an
architect on his company's website. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was
issued along with the requirement that Mr. Fajardo sign an affidavit stating he
will refrain from holding himself out as an architect and will change the
company's website deleting any references to architecture or words to that
effect. If Mr. Fajardo fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative
Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
Tracy A. Gregory
TAG for Design
Case No. 2005-063289
Probable Cause was found that Tracy Gregory of Palm Harbor, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in Florida and prepared preliminary drawings
for the Tampa Hotel and presented the drawings to the Tampa City Historic
Preservation Architectural Review Committee. A Notice and Order to Cease and
Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Felix Gurruchaga
Case No. 2005-060185
Probable Cause was found that Felix Gurruchaga of Miami Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and contracted to
provide architectural services for a commercial project. A Notice and Order to
Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was
filed.
Kitzman Interior Design Solutions, Inc.
Gordon Kitzman
Case No. 2006-025567
Probable Cause was found that Kitzman Interior Design Solutions, Inc. of
Orange Park, Florida is not licensed to practice interior design in the State of
Florida and is offering interior design services over the Internet. A Notice and
Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking
fines was filed.
Thomas Lamb
Thomas Everett Lamb Design
Case No. 2006-024961
Probable cause was found that Thomas Lamb of Tampa, Florida is not licensed
to practice architecture in Florida and prepared plans for a residential
project. Notes in the title block make reference to an architect. A Notice and
Order to Cease and Desist was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Lamb
sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from offering architectural services
and will change his notes on the title block deleting any references to
architecture or words to that effect. If Mr. Lamb fails to return the affidavit,
an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
L. Reese Cumming Interiors, Inc.
L. Reese Cumming
Case No. 2006-0
Probable cause was found that L. Reese Cumming Interiors, Inc. of Naples,
Florida is not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and is offering such
services in an advertisement that appeared in the Naples Design Magazine. A
Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued along with the requirement that
Mr. Cumming sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from offering
architectural services and will change the advertisement deleting any references
to architecture or words to that effect. If Mr. Cumming fails to return the
affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
William Michalski, Jr.
WM Residential Designs
Case No. 2005-046554
Probable Cause was found that William Michalski of Jacksonville, Florida is
not licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and entered into
an oral contract to perform architectural services for a retail coffee shop.
Further, Mr. Michalski held himself out as an architect to the complainant. Mr.
Michalski was paid but never provided any drawings. A Notice and Order to Cease
and Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Monaco Interiors Group, Inc.
Tiffany Wooley
Case Nos. 2005-063569 & 2005-063487
Probable Cause was found that Monaco Interiors Group, Inc. of Boca Raton,
Florida is not licensed to practice interior design or architecture in the State
of Florida and is offering interior design and architectural services in an
advertising brochure. Further, the firm is holding out employees as interior
designers even though they are not licensed. A Notice and Order to Cease and
Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Andrew B. Parker
Parker & Company
Case No. 2005-46407
Probable Cause was found that Andrew Parker of Palm Beach, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture or interior design in the State of Florida and
his title block offers both architectural and interior design services. A Notice
and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking
fines was filed.
Milton Pasco
MP Construction Consultants & Assoc.
Case No. 2005-059311
Probable Cause was found that Milton Pasco of Oldsmar, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and entered into a
contract to provide design services for a commercial project. A Notice and Order
to Cease and Desist was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was
filed.
Salini Design
B. Displays, Inc. and Arturo Belkind
Case No. 2005-038053
Probable Cause was found that Salini Design of North Miami, Florida is not
licensed to practice interior design in the State of Florida and its website
offers interior design service. Further, it lists commercial projects in which
it provided design services. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued
and an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Francisco Sermer
Case No. 2005-025255
Probable Cause was found that Francisco Sermer of Oakland Park, Florida is
not licensed and held himself out as an architect and contracted to provide
architectural services for a residence. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist
was issued and an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
James E. Taylor
Design West Associates, Inc.
Case No. 2006-025812
Probable Cause was found that James Taylor of Orlando, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in the State of Florida and prepared drawings
to remodel a residence. Mr. Taylor's business card, letterhead, and title block
offer architectural services. Further, Mr. Taylor held himself out as an
architect to the client. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and
an Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
Earnest D. Turner
Caretti Turner Associates, Inc.
Case No. 2006-028578
Probable cause was found that Earnest of Miami, Florida is not licensed to
practice architecture in Florida and is offering such services in an
advertisement in the Florida Design Magazine and on its website. A Notice and
Order to Cease and Desist was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Turner
sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from offering architectural services
and will change the advertisement deleting any references to architecture or
words to that effect. If Mr. Turner fails to return the affidavit, an
Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
Tuscany, Inc.
Gary Foleno
Case No. 2005-041803
Probable Cause was found that Tuscany, Inc. of Melbourne, Florida is a
licensed general contractor but not licensed to practice architecture in the
State of Florida. The firm's title block on a set of commercial drawings offers
architectural services. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued and an
Administrative Complaint seeking fines was filed.
James E. Walsh
Case No. 2005-041820
Probable Cause was found that James Walsh of Merritt Island, Florida is a
licensed professional engineer but not licensed to practice architecture in the
State of Florida and is offering architectural engineering services on his title
block. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued along with the
requirement that Mr. Walsh sign an affidavit stating he will refrain from
offering architectural services and will change his title block. If Mr. Walsh
fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be
filed.
Kristen Woodcox
Designs by Woody, Inc.
Case No. 2006-060275
Probable cause was found that Kristen Woodcox of Hollywood, Florida is not
licensed to practice architecture in Florida and is offering architectural
interiors on its website. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued
along with the requirement that Ms. Woodcox sign an affidavit stating she will
refrain from offering architectural services will change her website deleting
any references to architecture or words to that effect. If Ms. Woodcox fails to
return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.
I. Licensed Cases
Ames Bennett
Ames Bennett & Associates, P.A.
Case No. 2005-046441
Probable Cause was found that Ames Bennett of Palm Beach, Florida, is a
licensed architect in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida
Statutes. Mr. Bennett's title block was in violation. Mr. Bennett signed and
sealed plans that contained the title block of a drafting company offering
architectural and interior design services. An Administrative Complaint seeking
discipline was filed.
Marjorie Berg
Case No. 2005-018930
Probable Cause was found that Marjorie Berg of Boca Raton, Florida, a
licensed interior designer in the State of Florida, violated Chapter 481,
Florida Statutes. Ms. Berg failed to provide to the Board of Architecture and
Interior Design proof of completion of the core curriculum courses, or pass the
equivalency test of the Building Code Training Program and a citation was
issued. The citation was served by certified mail to Ms. Berg's address of
record twice. Both times it was returned to the office. Therefore, Ms. Berg
failed to respond to the citation. An Administrative Complaint seeking
discipline was filed.
David Berton
Case No. 2005-015519
Probable Cause was found that David Berton of Denver, Colorado, a licensed
architect in the State of Florida, violated Chapter 481, Florida Statutes. Mr.
Berton failed to provide to the Board of Architecture and Interior Design proof
of completion of the core curriculum courses, or pass the equivalency test of
the Building Code Training Program and a citation was issued. The citation was
served by certified mail to Mr. Berton's address of record three times. Mr.
Berton failed to respond to the citation and an Administrative Complaint seeking
discipline was filed.
Bruce C. Bower
Case No. 2006-027583
Probable Cause was found that Bruce Bower of Winter Haven, Florida, a
licensed architect in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida
Statutes. Mr. Bower signed and sealed drawings for a residence without ever
meeting with the client. An unlicensed draftsman had the contract with the
client and paid Mr. Bower directly. Mr. Bower's title block contained his phone
number and address. Further, in responding to this complaint, Mr. Bower failed
to include his license number in his letterhead. An Administrative Complaint
seeking discipline was filed.
John H. Bowley
Case No. 2005-018175
Probable Cause was found that John H. Bowley of Houston, Texas, a licensed
architect in the State of Florida, violated Chapter 481, Florida Statutes. Mr.
Bowley failed to provide to the Board of Architecture and Interior Design proof
of completion of the core curriculum courses, or pass the equivalency test of
the Building Code Training Program and a citation was issued. The citation was
served by certified mail to Mr. Bowley's address of record, but there was no
response. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
Susan Breitbart
Case No. 2005-020909
Probable Cause was found that Susan Breitbart of Cooper City, Floirda, a
licensed interior designer in the State of Florida, violated Chapter 481,
Florida Statutes. Ms. Breitbart failed to provide to the Board of Architecture
and Interior Design proof of completion of the core curriculum courses, or pass
the equivalency test of the Building Code Training Program and a citation was
issued. The citation was served by certified mail to Ms. Breitbart's address of
record, but it was returned to the office. An Administrative Complaint seeking
discipline was filed.
Patricia Kukes
Kukes & Simons Interiors, Inc.
Case No. 2005-056883
Probable Cause was found that Patricia Kukes of Boca Raton, Florida, a
licensed interior designer in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481,
Florida Statutes. The case is based on an audit of the continuing education
credits claimed by Ms. Kukes when she renewed her license. Ms. Kukes affirmed at
renewal that she had completed the required hours; however, she provided
evidence of having taken only four continuing education hours during the audit
period. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
Lisa Hampton Lovetto
Case No. 2005-056873
Probable Cause was found that Lisa Hampton Lovetto of Naples, Florida, a
licensed interior designer in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481,
Florida Statutes. The case is based on an audit of the continuing education
credits claimed by Ms. Lovetto when she renewed her license. Ms. Lovetto
affirmed at renewal that she had completed the required hours; however, she
provided evidence of only 17 continuing education hours during the audit period.
An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
RJ McDonald
Case No. 2005-045927
Probable Cause was found that RJ McDonald of Whitestone, New York, a licensed
architect in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida Statutes. The
case is based on an audit of the continuing education credits claimed by Mr.
McDonald when he renewed his license. Mr. McDonald affirmed at renewal that he
had completed the required hours; however, he provided evidence of having taken
only 18 continuing education hours during the audit period. An Administrative
Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
Moulton Layne, PL
David Moulton
Case No. 2005-023847
Probable Cause was found that Moulton Layne, PL of Vero Beach, Florida, is a
licensed architectural firm in the State of Florida and violated chapter 481,
Florida Statutes. The firm failed to notify the owner of change orders during
the course of construction. The contract required the firm to prepare change
orders for the owner's approval. The firm also allowed an employee to hold
himself out as an architect when he was not licensed. The file was reviewed by
the board's expert, Jerry Hicks, who concurred with the charges. An
Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
Ramji P. Shah
Arc Design Group
Case No. 2005-026802
Probable Cause was found that Ramji Shah of Tampa, Florida, a licensed
architect in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida Statutes. The
Complainant entered into a contract with Arc Design Group to perform
architectural services on a commercial project on February 24, 2004. Mr. Shah is
the architect in responsible supervisory control and qualifier for Arc Design
Group but was living in Las Vegas at the time the contract was entered into. At
some point, the project was transferred to R.C. Rowland & Associates, Inc. to
provide architectural services which is evidenced by an invoice which was dated
April 20, 2004. R.C. Rowland & Associates, Inc. is located at a different
address than Arc Design Group and Mr. Shah is listed as the qualifier. Mr. Shah
claimed that he no longer qualified R.C Rowland & Associates, Inc. when he moved
to Tampa in 2001 but never notified the board office. Plans were pared for the
project with the title block of Arc Design Group and bearing the seal of a
professional engineer that is not employed by either Arc Design Group or R.C.
Rowland & Associates, Inc. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was
filed.
Tina Teresa Soo Hoo
Case No. 2005-056996
Probable Cause was found that Tina Teresa Soo Hoo of Miami, Florida, a
licensed architect in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida
Statutes. The case is based on an audit of the continuing education credits
claimed by Ms. Soo Hoo when she renewed her license. Ms. Soo Hoo affirmed at
renewal that she had completed the required hours; however, she provided
evidence of having taken only 19 continuing education hours during the audit
period. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
Galyn J. Vogel
Case No. 2005-056864
Probable Cause was found that Galyn Vogel of Tampa, Florida, a licensed
interior designer in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida
Statutes. The case is based on an audit of the continuing education credits
claimed by Mr. Vogel when he renewed his license. Mr. Vogel affirmed at renewal
that he had completed the required hours; however, he provided evidence of
having taken only 12 continuing education hours during the audit period. An
Administrative Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
Robert S. Weinstein
Case No. 2005-047963
Probable Cause was found that Robert Weinstein of Delray Beach, a licensed
architect in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida Statutes. The
case is based on an audit of the continuing education credits claimed by Mr.
Weinstein when he renewed his license. Mr. McDonald affirmed at renewal that he
had completed the required hours; however, he provided evidence of having taken
only 18 continuing education hours during the audit period. An Administrative
Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
Michael Alexander Yaros
Case No. 2005-056910
Probable Cause was found that Michael Yaros of Tampa, Florida a licensed
architect in the State of Florida, violated chapter 481, Florida Statutes. The
case is based on an audit of the continuing education credits claimed by Mr.
Yaros when he renewed his license. Mr. Yaros affirmed at renewal that he had
completed the required hours; however, he failed to provide evidence of having
taken any continuing education hours during the audit period. An Administrative
Complaint seeking discipline was filed.
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