PROBABLE CAUSE PANEL MEETING

July 29, 2009

NOTE:    To obtain additional information on the cases listed below, the web address is www.MyFloridaLicense.com then click on “For Consumers.”   If you want to obtain a copy of the final order/action from the main web address you can click on Request Public Records and send an e-mail request to the Agency Clerk’s Office.

I.                   Unlicensed Cases

Architectural Services & Engineering, Inc.

Warren Mertins

Case No. 2009-004867

Probable cause was found that Architectural Services & Engineering, Inc. and Warren Mertins of Lutz, FL, a licensed engineering firm, are not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and offers architectural services in its business name and advertisements. Further, Mr. Mertins is offering these services through a corporation without a certificate of authorization. An Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed and a Notice and Order to Cease and Desist will be issued. 

Michael Coviello

Coviello Associates, Inc.

Case No. 2008-062274

Probable cause was found that Michael Coviello and Coviello Associates, Inc. of Venice, Florida, are not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and are offering commercial design services. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist from offering commercial design services was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Coviello sign an affidavit stating he has changed his advertisements and will not offer such services in the future.  If Mr. Coviello fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

Design for Real Living, LLC

Carrie Kraus

Case No. 2009-006126

Probable cause was found that Design for Real Living, LLC and Carrie Kraus of Jacksonville Beach, FL, are not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and are offering such services on its web site. The web site makes reference to a commercial project. Further, Ms. Kraus is offering these services through a business entity without a certificate of authorization. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist from offering architectural services was issued along with the requirement that Ms. Kraus sign an affidavit stating she has changed his web site and will not offer such services in the future.  If Ms. Kraus fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

Digital-I Design Studio

Faisal Syed

Case No. 2009-005336

Probable cause was found that Digital-I Design Studio and Faisal Syed of Rosemary Beach, Florida, are not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and are using the title architectural illustrator. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist from offering architectural services was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Syed sign an affidavit stating he has changed his web site and will not offer such services in the future.  If Mr. Syed fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

David J. Johnson

Plans Unlimited

Case No. 2009-002206

Probable cause was found that David J. Johnson and Plans Unlimited of Jacksonville, FL, are not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and prepared drawings for a commercial structure. Further, Mr. Johnson is offering these services through a corporation without a certificate of authorization. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist from offering architectural services was issued along with the requirement that Mr. Johnson sign an affidavit stating he will not provide such services in the future.  If Mr. Johnson fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

Trisha Monk

Interior Images

Case No. 2009-005190

Probable cause was found that Trisha Monk and Interior Images of Bedford, TX, are not licensed to practice interior design in Florida and are holding themselves out as licensed interior designers on their web site. Further, Ms. Monk is offering these services through a business entity without a certificate of authorization. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist was issued along with the requirement that Ms. Monk sign an affidavit stating she has changed her web site and will not offer such services in the future.  If Ms. Monk fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

Small Space Designs, LLC

Holly M. Baker

Case No. 2008-066391

Probable cause was found that Small Space Designs, LLC and Holly M. Baker of  Tampa, FL, are not licensed to practice architecture in Florida and are offering architectural services on its web site and business card. A Notice and Order to Cease and Desist from offering architectural services was issued along with the requirement that Ms. Baker sign an affidavit stating she has changed her advertisements and will not offer such services in the future. If Mrs. Baker fails to return the affidavit, an Administrative Complaint seeking fines will be filed.

II.        Licensed Cases

Russell G. Brabec

Design & More

Case No. 2008-005445

Probable cause was found that Russell G. Brabec of Tallahassee, Florida, is a Florida licensed interior designer and began work on two projects without the authorization from the client. The work included electrical and plumbing which Mr. Brabec is not licensed to perform. Further, Mr. Brabec is operating through a business entity with a delinquent certificate of authorization. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline will be filed.  

Carl N. Elliot

Case No. 2009-012788

Probable cause was found that Carl N. Elliot of Miami, FL, is a Florida licensed architect, has failed to pay a citation for failing to display his certificate of authorization number. The citation has become a final Order and Mr. Elliot has still not paid the fine. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline will be filed.

David E. Langlais

David Langlias & Associates, Inc.

Case No. 2009-018707

Probable cause was found that David E. Langlais of North Miami, FL, is a Florida licensed interior designer. However, his firm does not have a certificate of authorization. Mr. Langlais entered into a contract to perform design services for a commercial project. The design services appear to fall within the practice of architecture and the plans fail to contain the required disclaimer for interior design drawings. Administrative Complaint seeking discipline will be filed.

Perla Lichi

Perla Lichi Design

Case No. 2008-031275

Probable cause was found that Perla Lichi of Tamara, FL, is a Florida licensed interior designer, entered into a contract for a residential project. Ms. Lichi failed to adequately coordinate the project. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline will be filed.

Carlos Palmer           

Case No. 2008-067138

Probable cause was found that Carlos Palmer of coral Gables, FL, is a Florida licensed architect, and signed and sealed plans for a residential project that were prepared by an unlicensed firm. Further, Mr. Palmer has been unable to provide the proper documentation for signing and sealing drawings prepared outside of his office. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline will be filed.

Fred H. Prather

Case No. 2009-019394

Probable cause was found that Fred H. Prather of Port Charlotte, FL, is a Florida licensed architect, and signed and sealed plans fro a residential project without ever meeting with the client. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline will be filed.

Jessica S. Rubin

Case No. 2008-024362

Probable cause was found that Jessica S. Rubin of Bala Cynwyd, PA, is a Florida licensed interior designer, failed to respond to a random continuing education audit conducted by the Department. Ms. Rubin was issued a citation on May 5, 2008, which she disputed. At the January 9, 2009 Probable Cause Panel meeting, the case was submitted for reconsideration, at which time the recommendation was to close the case if Ms. Rubin could provide her continuing education hours within 30 days. As of this date, Ms. Rubin has not responded. An Administrative Complaint seeking discipline will be filed.