Last week's LA Times article, "Architect of Hollywood Hills mansion damaged in fire, is charged in firefighter's death," stirred discussion, particularly among architects, as the individual who designed the home was not a licensed architect. Aside from requesting that the LA Times retract the word "architect" from the article, the [AIA|LA], in conjunction with [AIACC] Executive Vice President, Paul Welch, Hon. AIA, have released the following statement... — AIA|LA
Previously: Architect charged for the death of a firefighter
Statement from AIA|LA...
Editor,
The recent Los Angeles Times article concerning the negligent activities of an individual purporting to be an architect, and how those activities resulted in the tragic death of Los Angeles Firefighter Glenn Allen, serve to remind us all that the profession of architecture is about much more than aesthetics.
The profession of architecture is carefully regulated in the state of California by the California Architects Board (CAB). While the title of "architect" is easily understood by the public, unfortunately, we find many examples of misuse of the term. Despite the Los Angeles Police Department, Fire Department, Building Department, and District Attorney's Office identifying Gehard Albert Becker as an architect, and Mr. Becker identifying himself an architect, a query of the California Architects Board's (CAB) records confirms that Mr. Becker is not, nor was he ever, licensed to practice architecture in California.
Although Mr. Becker claims that he is an architect in Germany, California law is very clear that an individual must be licensed by the CAB to use the title Architect (Business & Professions Code section 5500) and legally practice architecture in California. Any use of the term in relation to the built environment by an individual not licensed to practice architecture in California is a violation of the Architects Practice Act (Business & Professions Code section 5536 a, b, and c).
The AIA|LA is the voice of the architecture profession in Los Angeles, we are dedicated to serving and empowering our members through advocacy, educational and outreach programs as well as educating the public on the value and importance of architecture. This tragedy serves to remind us that each day, millions of Californians live, work, and play in safe environments designed by licensed architects; that the decisions of architects impact not only the eye and the mind, but the body as well; and that the health, safety, and welfare of the public is serious business best left to licensed professionals.
4 Comments
Hello, AIA of Los Angeles, Before posturing and getting all emotional, do check and make sure you have all your facts. The issue is not whether he was licensed in california or not but it is illegal for a state to forbid a person from accurately describing that the person has a license in another country. That may simply be known on the person's website for which he does practice in Germany. Internet is a public domain that transcend and is in fact not legally part of u.s. Jurisdiction as it is an international public domain. So, a client who would hired him knew he was a foreign architect. The violation occurs if the person conducts services in contract using the architect title or referring o services as architectural services as he advertises offering of architectural services to california. I would advise caution with posturing to make yourself sound intelligent, important and an authority while making yourself sound like a dumbass. Has it occured the newspaper don't make distinction between architects and building designers and they legally do't have to nor do they legally have to check if a person is licenses. They never have and never will check. Newspaper reporters do not have time nor does the editors. The licensing boards can not legally pursue fining the newspaper and publishers. Newspapers and such are expression of speech and falls into constitutional domain of freedom of speech. Be sure... Ok.
Ya I guess the guy couldn't get his IDP finalized...cause no one read german in the NCARB office....just kidding.
So Rick B should the newspaper also not bother to check if a doctor whose incompetence kills a patient is actually a doctor or not? Because, you know, they don't have time?
Rick b or not to b....that is the question. What is wrong with a journalist checking to see if a guy is registered with the department of consumer protection to see if the a proclaimed architect is registered with the state of California. Who cares if he is registered in Germany if he is doing work in California.
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