Enforcement Actions - R

Jacksonville, FL —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $3,500 administrative fine to Yves Rathle, dba Studio Yves Inc., an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect), Business and Professions Code section 5536.5 (State of Emergency; Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect), and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a) (Use of Term Architect Without Architect in Management Control). The action alleged that Rathle represented himself as an architect and his company as an architectural firm when he entered into a contract to rebuild the home of a victim of the 2017 Sonoma fires.

The parties executed a contract that included both the terms “architecture” and “drawchitecture” on the side heading, and stated that “if the home increases in size by greater than 15%, the Architect reserves the right to request additional fees.” The contract included Rathle’s name on the header with the word “architect” underneath it, and the “Terms and Conditions” page of the contract repeatedly made references to the “Architect” on the project. Rathle provided the Client with drawings that had “Studio Yves Inc architect+design” written on the bottom.

Rathle’s company website, blog, social media profiles, and articles contained multiple references to “architecture,” “landscape architecture,” “interior architecture,” and “DRaWchitecture,” and referred to Rathle as an architect based out of San Francisco, California.

Rathle paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 22, 2021.

Atascadero —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Gregory Allen Ravatt, architect license number C-20808, for alleged violations of BPC section 5584 (Negligence) and CCR, title 16, section 160(a)(2) (Competence). The action alleged that Ravatt was hired to create plans for an addition to his client’s single-family residence.

After construction was completed, the client discovered that water was intruding into the downstairs addition.

Ravatt did not adequately ensure that the architectural plans had met the waterproofing requirements. An architect in good standing, practicing in California under similar circumstances, for a design on a hillside lot with new below-grade floor area being added, would have at a minimum noted or specified waterproofing requirements on his own drawings, without relying on a consultant to do so.

Ravatt’s failure to specify waterproofing requirements on his drawings constituted negligence in the practice of architecture and a violation of Business and Professions Code section 5584, and failure to act with reasonable care and competence as defined in title 16, California Code of Regulations section 160(a)(2).

Ravatt paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The Citation became final on May 19, 2021.

Turnwater, Washington —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Brian R. Regehr, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect). On or about January 31, 1995, Regehr’s architect license number C-9580 expired and may not be renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated.

The first cause for citation alleged that Regehr’s business card for RoundDwell, business name "Regehr & Associates/Architect," billing invoices, and website, wherein Regehr used "architect" multiple times and described his services as "architectural," show that he offered and stated that he performed services that required a license and engaged in the practice of architecture in California without a license.

The second cause for citation alleged that Regehr used the business names "RoundDwell" and "Regehr & Associates/Architect," which included the terms "architect" and "architecture" in the title and description of services, without a California licensed architect who is in management control of the services that were offered and provided by the business entity and either the owner, a part-owner, an officer, or an employee of the business entity. Regehr paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 3, 2019.

San Clemente —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Miles Samuel Reifsnyder, architect license number C-24620, for an alleged violation of BPC 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Reifsnyder certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. Reifsnyder paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on May 10, 2016.

San Francisco —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Lily Remoundos, an unlicensed individual dba RE: Design, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a). The action alleged that, on or about November 8, 2020, Remoundos executed a contract to prepare design documents for the renovation of a three-story residence located in San Francisco, a project which is not exempt from licensing requirements under Business and Professions Code section 5537(a)(1). Such conduct therefore constitutes the practice of architecture as defined in Business and Professions Code section 5500.1 and a violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a). Remoundos paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on January 3, 2023.

National City —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $3,500 administrative fine to Ubaldo Amaury Reyes, dba J7 Plans & Permits, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of BPC 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Reyes provided his client, a senior citizen, with a proposal offering "architectural services," "Architecture," and a "complete set of Architectural Plans" for an addition to a single-family residence located in San Diego, California. Reyes’ advertisement on the Internet at yellowpages.com under the business name "J7 Plans & Permits" also included "Architectural Plans for New Construction, Additions, Remodel, Landscape, Hardscape, and any other Work (Residential or Light Comm) that needs Plans & Permits" under "Services/Products." The citation became final on June 3, 2016.

Mill Valley —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Hildegard Anna Richardson, architect license number C-11183 for an alleged violation of BPC section 5536.22(a) (Written Contract). The action alleged that Richardson failed to execute a written contract with her client for a new phase of work on a residential project located in Sonoma, California prior to commencing the professional services. Richardson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on August 28, 2019.

Los Angeles —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Fabio N. Rigo de Righi, architect license number C-27735, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Rigo de Righi certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Rigo de Righi paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on July 12, 2018.

Menifee —The Board issued a one-count modified citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Agustin De Jesus Garcia Rivas, aka Agustin Garcia, dba Jenkins & Garcia Architecture, an unlicensed individual, for violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536 (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect).

On or about January 27, 2017, Rivas prepared and executed a written contract to provide architectural services for a project in Lakeview, California for a fixed fee of $4,000. The contract included “Lic# 4179,” which belonged to Rivas’ deceased business partner, architect Robert G. Jenkins, who had passed away on August 8, 2016. The contract used the terms “architect,” “architecture,” and “architectural” to describe Rivas’ services. Rivas continued to use the business name “Jenkins & Garcia Architecture” in advertising until 2018.

Rivas’ contract and advertising, wherein Rivas offered “architecture” and “architectural” services, are devices that might indicate to the public that Rivas is an architect or qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in California.

Rivas’ use of the business name “Jenkins & Garcia Architecture” without an architect who was in management control of the services that were offered and provided by the business entity and either the owner, a part-owner, an officer, or an employee of the business entity violated Business and Professions Code section 5536 and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a). Rivas paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 27, 2020.

Long Beach —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Scott A. Rivers, architect license number C-23228, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Rivers certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application and completed the coursework on disability access requirements after his October 31, 2019 license renewal date. Rivers paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 12, 2020.

Kapolei, Hawaii —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to John I. Roberts, architect license number C-29946, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Roberts certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Roberts paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on January 17, 2018.

Daly City —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to James Morrison Robertson, architect license number C-7921, for alleged violations of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements) and California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 16, section 160(b)(2) (Rules of Professional Conduct). The action alleged that Robertson failed to provide documentation to the Board from the course provider upon a Board audit and failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information regarding an investigation within 30 days. The citation became final on July 10, 2018.

Santa Barbara —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Aaron Robinson, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a) (Use of the Term Architect).

The action alleged that Robinson used the business name “re:design Architectural Studios” to do business in California and used the website www.redesignarchitecturalstudios.com to offer architectural services in Santa Barbara, as well as other locations in California. The website advertised “bespoke architectural design,” “efficient architectural home design plans,” “detail oriented architecture,” and “architectural / landscape design.” The website also showed a design concept for a three-story residence titled “The Bermuda,” which is not an exempt structure under Business and Professions Code section 5537.

The website for the Bontena Brand Network contained an interview with Robinson that described him as “Owner and Principle Designer of re:design architectural studios from Santa Barbara.”

Robinson’s Yelp, Houzz, Facebook, and LinkedIn profiles used the business name “Redesign Architectural Studios,” listed the business as located in Santa Barbara, and referred to Robinson as the “Senior Architectural Designer.” The profiles also referred to the business as an “architecture and design firm” which offered “architectural plans” and “architectural design” services in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Southern California, and “anywhere you want to live.” Robinson’s business profiles on Yellowpages, Payhip, and Alignable used the name “re:design Architectural Studios,” and the address in Santa Barbara, California.

Robinson’s business name, website, online profiles, and articles, wherein he described himself as an architectural designer and his services as “Architecture “ and “Architectural," are devices that might indicate to the public that Robinson is an architect or qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in California. Such conduct constitutes violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134(a). The citation became final on September 3, 2020. 

Pacifica —The Board issued a four-count citation that included an $8,003 administrative fine to Luis Antonio Robles, architect license number C-21700, for alleged violations of California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 160(b)(2) (Willful Misconduct; Failure to Respond to the Board’s Investigation) and Business and Professions Code section 5558 (Name and Address of Entity Through Which License Holder Provides Architectural Services; Filing Requirements). The first three causes alleged that Robles failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information within 30 days regarding three separate investigations. The fourth cause alleged that Robles failed to file with the Board the proper and current name and address of the entity through which he provides architectural services. Robles paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 21, 2019.

The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Luis A. Robles, architect license number C-21700, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Robles certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application and completed the coursework on disability access requirements after his December 31, 2019 license renewal date. Robles paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 22, 2020.

Clovis —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Gary A. Rogers, architect license number C-16583, for an alleged violation of BPC 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Rogers certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. Rogers paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 22, 2016.

Newhall —The Board issued a one-count modified citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Louis Fabian Romero, an unlicensed individual, for an alleged violation of BPC 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Romero executed a Home Improvement Contract to provide "Architectural" drawings for the remodel of a single-family residence project located in Arleta, California. Romero paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on April 7, 2015.

Hadley, Massachusetts —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Peter Randolph Root, architect license number C-18565, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Root certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Root paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on December 27, 2018.

Goleta —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Andrew Roteman, architect license number C-14544, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5584, California Code of Regulations title 16, section 150 (Willful Misconduct), and California Code of Regulations title 16, section 160(c)(1) (Failure to Respond to Board).

Mr. Roteman was hired in 2019 to provide architectural services for an addition to his client’s existing residence. The plans were submitted to the city of La Puente, who issued a six-page list of corrections on October 24, 2019. Mr. Roteman failed to complete the architectural services and stopped responding to his client, halting completion of the project.

Mr. Roteman’s failure to make corrections required by the city of La Puente for the project constitutes a violation of Business and Professions Code section 5584 and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 150, Willful Misconduct.

Between July 26, 2021, and January 28, 2022, the Board sent Mr. Roteman four requests for a response to the allegations via certified mail, regular mail, email, and telephone. Mr. Roteman’s failure to respond to the Board’s requests for information regarding an investigation within 30 days constitutes a violation of California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 160(c)(1). The citation became final on February 25, 2022.

North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $1,500 administrative fine to Bruce Arthur Rothe, architect license number C-20891, for alleged violations of BPC 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements) and CCR 160(b)(2) (Rules of Professional Conduct). The action alleged that Rothe failed to provide documentation to the Board from the course provider upon an audit of his 2015 License Renewal Application and certified false or misleading information on the Application. He also failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information within 30 days in regards to an investigation. The citation became final on October 25, 2016.

Sherman Oaks —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Stuart A. Royalty, architect license number C-25881, for alleged violations of BPC section 5600.05, subdivisions (a)(1) and (b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Royalty certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application and failed to maintain records of completion of the required coursework for two years from the date of license renewal and failed to make those records available to the Board for auditing upon request. Royalty paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 13, 2019.

Laguna Niguel —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Patrick O’Reedy Russell, architect license number C-17294, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5600.05(b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Russell failed to maintain records of completion of the required coursework for two years from the date of license renewal and failed to make those records available to the Board for auditing upon request. Russell paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 9, 2018.

Arroyo Grande —The Board issued a one-count modified citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Randall W. Russom, architect license number C-24410, for an alleged violation of CCR, title 16, section 160(b)(2) (Failure to Respond to Board Investigation). The action alleged that Russom failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information regarding his continuing education coursework within 30 days. Russom paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 10, 2019.

Jacksonville Beach, FL —The Board issued a one-count citation, including an administrative fine in the amount of $500 to Christopher Ryan, architect license number C-33620, dba Design Everest (DE), for alleged violations of California Code of Regulations title 16, section 134.

The Board received several complaints against the business entity DE, for unlawfully advertising architectural services. When contacted by the Board, Ryan, who had become a part-owner of DE, claimed that the company was compliant with the Architects Practice Act because he was is in management control as the Director of Architecture at DE. Ryan’s role, therefore, was to exercise general oversight of the professional services offered and provided by the business entity, ensuring DE’s compliance with the Architect’s Practice Act. This included ensuring that all of their projects, even those that would otherwise be exempt from licensing requirements, were under the responsible control of a licensed California architect. Ryan provided the Board with a list of licensed architects who were purportedly in responsible control of DE’s current projects.

However, Ryan failed to ensure that all the architects providing architectural services through DE had reported their association to the Board as required by Business and Professions Code Section 5558 and California Code of Regulations title 16, section 104.

Ryan’s failure to maintain management control at DE while allowing the company to include architecture in their description of services constituted a violation of California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 134. Ryan paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 16, 2024.

Anaheim —Donald Arthur Rennie’s architect license number C-18514, was suspended for six months for violations of Business and Professions Code section 5584 (Negligence or Willful Misconduct). The Board’s action was prompted by Mr. Rennie’s negligence resulting in substantiated financial loss and delay to his client. Mr. Rennie had agreed to design a residence for a Los Angeles couple; however, Mr. Rennie’s plans were inadequate and incomplete, and he refused to complete the project despite having been paid by the client. Mr. Rennie’s actions forced the clients to retain another architect to complete the project.

Mr. Rennie’s license was suspended for six months and he was placed on probation for five years, effective January 16, 1998. His probation requires that he take and pass an examination administered by the Board and complete a professional education course.

Mountain View —Effective January 21, 2015, Jeffrey Walter Richardson’s architect license number C-29033, was revoked; however, revocation was stayed, his license was suspended for 90 days, and he was placed on probation for five years with specific terms and conditions, including reimbursing the Board $3,112.50 for its investigative and prosecution costs. The action came after a stipulated settlement was negotiated and adopted by the Board.

An Accusation was filed against Richardson for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5577 (Conviction of Certain Crimes; Record; Evidence; Procedure). The Accusation alleged that Richardson was convicted of violating the following: Vehicle Code sections 23153(b) (Driving with a Blood Alcohol of 0.08% or More and Causing Injury) and 20002(a)(2) (Hit and Run Driving Causing Property Damage); and Penal Code sections 273a, subdivision (a) (Causing or Permitting a Child to Suffer or Inflicting Pain or Suffering on a Child) and 647(i) (Prowling and Peeking).

Goleta —Effective April 21, 2023, Andrew Roteman’s architect license number C-14544 was revoked. The action came after a Default Decision was issued by the Board in connection with two complaints received by the Board.

An Accusation filed against Roteman on January 18, 2023, alleged four causes for discipline for violations of: (1) Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536.22 and BPC section 5578 (No Written Contract), (2) BPC section 5578 and California Code of Regulations title 16 section 160(c)(1) (Failure to Respond to the Board), (3) BPC section 5584 and California Code of Regulations title 16 section 150 (Willful Misconduct), (4) BPC section 5578 and California Code of Regulations title 16 section 160(c)(1) (Failure to Respond to the Board).

The Accusation alleged that in April 2021, Roteman was hired by R.H. to design a storage building in Whittier, California. With a verbal agreement he received a retainer payment of $3,000. Roteman failed to respond to his client’s requests for status updates and when the plans were finally submitted and required corrections, Roteman demanded additional fees. Roteman then failed to respond to the Board's requests for information about the project.

In another project, Roteman entered into a written agreement with C.B. to provide architectural services for a residential addition in Malibu, California. Despite receiving a payment of $4,380, Roteman failed to deliver the agreed-upon documents and did not inform C.B. of the reason. Respondent also failed to respond to the Board's information requests.

The Board’s Default Decision and Order was issued on March 22, 2023, and became effective on April 21, 2023.

Woodland Hills —Effective July 23, 2004, Sam Rotter’s architect license, number C-29196, was revoked, after the Board adopted a Proposed Decision. An Accusation was filed against Rotter for violations of Business and Professions Code sections 5536.22 (Written Contract), 5583 (Fraud in the Practice of Architecture), and 5584 (Willful Misconduct). The Accusation was based on evidence that Rotter and his brother were potential buyers of a residence (property). Rotter, without consulting or contracting with the owner of the property for any architectural services, chose to perform site analysis and feasibility studies in anticipation of purchasing the property. The owner canceled escrow. Rotter felt that the owner "breached" her agreement with them to purchase the property and used his architectural license to file a Mechanic’s Lien against the owner in the amount of $56,283.72 for architectural design drawings. This caused the owner financial harm by encumbering her property and preventing her from selling it.