Enforcement Actions - C

Laguna Niguel —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Todd Alexander Calish, architect license number C-12773, 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 Calish certified false or misleading information on his 2013 License Renewal Application. Calish paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 19, 2015.

Larkspur —The Board issued a two-count administrative citation that included a $2,000 fine to Larry Lee Cannon, architect license number C-5648, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that while Respondent’s license was expired, Cannon executed an agreement with the Town of Los Gatos to provide "architectural" consulting services for evaluation of development proposals within the Town of Los Gatos and subsequently prepared a Peer Review Report for the Town of Los Gatos for a project located in Los Gatos, California. Cannon’s company letterhead on the cover of the Peer Review Report contained the word "Architecture" as a description of the services he provides. Cannon’s license expired on July 31, 2011 and was not renewed until December 27, 2013. Cannon paid the civil penalty, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on September 8, 2014.

Seattle, Washington —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Donald Edwin Carlson, architect license number C-8011, for alleged violations of BPC 5600.05(a)(1) and (b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Carlson certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application and failed to make records of completion of the required coursework available to the Board for auditing upon request. Carlson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on August 4, 2015.

Berkeley —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $4,000 administrative fine to Gustave Carlson, an unlicensed individual, dba Gustave Carlson Design, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, sections 134(a) and (b). The action alleged that Carlson was misrepresenting himself as an architect through his online presence and advertising.

Carlson’s Houzz, LinkedIn, and Instagram profiles were categorized under "Architects," referred to his business as an architecture firm, described his projects as "architectural," and offered "architectural design."

The Board found at least 18 separate articles written about interviews with Carlson, all of which referred to him as an "Architect" or described his services as "Architecture" and "Architectural." Several of these interviews were published on well-known magazine and newspaper websites such as ElleDecor.com, Sunset.com, and SFChronicle.com. On or about March 17, 2022, the magazine Elle Décor made an Instagram post about Carlson for their article interviewing him, referring to Carlson as "Architect Gustave Carlson." Carlson made multiple posts to his Instagram account about this article, all using the hashtag #architecture.

Carlson’s website, Houzz, LinkedIn, and Instagram profiles, and 18 interview articles, wherein Carlson is referred to as an "architect" and described his services as "Architecture" and "Architectural," are devices that might indicate to the public that Carlson is an architect or qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in California. He also used the terms "architecture" and "architectural" in his company’s description of services 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. Such conduct constitutes violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, sections 134(a) and (b). Carlson paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on March 23, 2023.

San Marcos —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Joseph Patrick Carrick, architect license number C-7166, 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 Carrick certified false or misleading information on his 2013 License Renewal Application. Carrick paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on April 28, 2015.

Reseda —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $3,000 administrative fine to Matthew Carter, an unlicensed person, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect; Misdemeanor).

On or about July 9, 2019, Carter, doing business as Carter Estate Investments LLC, executed a "Commercial Design Contract" with Mr. N.V. to prepare architectural plans to submit to the City of Los Angeles for approval of a commercial project located on South Centinela Avenue in Los Angeles, California; for a fixed fee of $6,129.75. Carter was paid for his services but failed to receive permit approval. The project was not exempt from licensing requirements under Business and Professions Code sections 5537 and 5538, as a non-bearing wall was to be removed, and a new structural steel beam installed.

Carter also represented himself as a licensed architect by using an email signature line with the title of "Architect." His personal LinkedIn profile offered architecture services and stated, "My career as an architect…." and "at 31 years old I started my own Architectural Design and Real Estate Development company." Under Experience it stated, "I am an Architect by trade with 7+ years of working experience in the field. I am still working as an Architect." Carter’s company Yelp profile, doing business under CEI Designz, was also categorized under "Architects."

Carter’s practice of architecture without a license constituted one violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a). His email signature line, contract, and online profiles wherein Carter described his services as "Architecture" and "Architects," are devices that might indicate to the public that he is an architect or qualified to engage in the practice of architecture in California and constituted an additional violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a). The citation became final on April 29, 2023.

Mill Valley —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Daniel Timothy Castor, architect license number C-31089, for an alleged violation of BPC § 5600.05(b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Castor 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. Castor paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on November 2, 2017.

Los Angeles —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Jeanine G. Centuori, architect license number C-28180, 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 Centuori certified false or misleading information on her 2017 License Renewal Application. Centuori paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on December 8, 2017.

Oak View —The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Lawrence James Chalk, architect license number C-21565, for alleged violations of BPC section 5584 (Willful Misconduct) and CCR, title 16, section 160(b)(2) (Willful Misconduct; Failure to Respond to Board Investigation). The action alleged that Chalk received a total of $500 from his client as a down payment for architectural and engineering services and failed to either provide the client with the architectural and engineering services for which he was paid or refund the prepaid fees for those services to the client. Chalk also failed to respond to the Board’s requests for information regarding an investigation within 30 days. Chalk paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 7, 2019.

Indio —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Nachhattar Chandi, dba Chandi Group USA, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Chandi had changes made to an architect’s plans for a commercial project in Jurupa Valley, California, without the consent or knowledge of the architect and then used the architect’s stamp to submit the plans for permits. Chandi paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on December 21, 2020.

Emeryville —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to John K. Chang, architect license number C-32235, 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 Chang certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. Chang paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on January 26, 2016.

Laguna Niguel —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Brent Carl Chase, architect license number C-24121, for alleged violations of BPC 5600.05(b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Chase 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. Chase paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on September 10, 2015.

Los Angeles —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Nathaniel Raymond Chiappa, architect license number C-31889, for an alleged violation of BPC 5600.05(b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Chiappa 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. Chiappa paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 8, 2015.

San Anselmo —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Thomas Brian Chiaramonte, architect license number C-29727, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5600.05(b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Chiaramonte 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. Chiaramonte paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 20, 2017.

Los Angeles —The Board issued a three-count citation that included a $6,000 administrative fine to Meng Lee Chin, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of BPC 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that Chin has a website, "Mengdynasty.com," which advertises "Your One Stop for Architecture & Landscape Design." The website contains a page entitled "Creative Designs" and lists Meng Design International ""Architecture | Interior | Landscape." Another website for Chin located at "mengdesignintl.wix.com/la " advertises Interior | Architecture | Landscape." The website states that Chin is an "Interior Architectect/(sic) Designer, " and contains pages which offer "Architectural Design" and "Interior Architecture Design Services." Chin is a member of "The Artist Conglomerate" located on the Internet at meetup.com/TheArtistConglomerate. The listing under the heading "Introduction" states "Meng Dynasty" "Architecture Interior | Landscape…" The citation became final on January 21, 2015.

Irvine —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $300 administrative fine to Jefferson J. Choi, architect license number C-31631, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536.4(a). The Board received a complaint on or about April 17, 2020, from an architectural firm alleging that Choi had used the firm’s plans to design a shopping center in Long Beach without the consent of the firm or the licensed architect who prepared them.

Choi had obtained the plans from his client after the original architect had withdrawn for lack of payment, and made minor changes to them without first obtaining permission from the previous architect. Choi’s use of another architect’s instruments of service without obtaining the consent of the architect in a written contract, written agreement, or written license specifically authorizing that use is a violation of BPC section 5536.4(a). Choi paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on December 3, 2021.

Rosemead —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Min Kevin Chung, architect license number C-33001 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 Chung certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application. Chung paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 26, 2019.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Gerald Lamont Clark, architect license number C-5804, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Clark certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. The citation became final on March 15, 2016.

Bakersfield —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Joseph Eugene Clark, architect license number C-21195, 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 Clark certified false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application. Clark paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on July 30, 2019.

Placentia —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Charles M. Clements, architect license number C-26257, 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 Clements failed to complete five hours of coursework within the two years prior to his license renewal and provided false or misleading information on his 2019 License Renewal Application as it related specifically to the coursework on disability access requirements. Clements paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on July 19, 2019.

Santa Monica —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Barbara Jo Wilson Coffman, architect license number C-12386, 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 Coffman certified false or misleading information on her 2013 License Renewal Application. Coffman paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on August 21, 2015.

Fullerton —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Jeffrey Scott Coffman, architect license number C-25115, 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 Coffman 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. The citation became final on October 2, 2018.

San Francisco —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Eric Cole, architect license number C-34014, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5600.05(a)(1) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Cole certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. The citation became final on May 31, 2016.

Long Beach —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Cameron Crockett, architect license number C-31503, for alleged violations of BPC 5536.22(a)(1), (3) and (4) (Written Contract). The action alleged that Crockett executed an AIA Standard Form of Agreement with his client to provide extensive interior and exterior remodel of a residence located in Rossmoor, California. The agreement did not include a description of services to be provided by the architect to the client, the license number of the architect, and a description of the procedure that the architect and the client would use to accommodate additional services. The agreement also included the incorrect first name and address of the client and the project site. Crockett paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on November 25, 2014.

Beverly Hills —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Robert York Crockett, architect license number C-19399, for an alleged violation of BPC 5536(a) (Practice Without License or Holding Self Out as Architect). The action alleged that while Crockett’s license was expired, he executed an "AIA Document B155 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for a Small Project." The Agreement contained the words "Architect" and "Architectural" and Crockett was listed as the "Architect." He also signed his name on the signature line under the heading, "Architect." Crockett paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on July 28, 2016.

New York, New York —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Patrick Richard Crosgrove, architect license number C-19975, 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 Crosgrove certified false or misleading information on his 2013 License Renewal Application. Crosgrove paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on February 19, 2015.

Mill Valley —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Evan R. Cross, architect license number C-27319, 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 Cross certified false or misleading information on his 2015 License Renewal Application. Cross paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 8, 2015.

Coronado —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to Martin Thomas Crossman, architect license number C-22290, for an alleged violation of BPC § 5600.05(b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Crossman 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. Crossman paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on December 6, 2017.

Oceanside —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $500 administrative fine to John Robert Crowe, architect license number C-17811, 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 Crowe certified false or misleading information on his 2017 License Renewal Application. Crowe paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on January 26, 2018.

San Diego —The Board issued a one-count citation, including an administrative fine in the amount of $900 to Philip Cudaback, architect license number C-25598, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code (BPC) 5536.22(a).

Cudaback was hired to design a one-bedroom addition to a home in San Diego. His client reported late responses, poor communication, and an uncorrected typo in the plans. The Board did not find a violation of professional misconduct for these allegations, but it did find that Cudaback failed to utilize a written contract containing the terms required by BPC 5536.22. Cudaback relied instead on an email outlining only the service price.

Cudaback’s failure to include all the required elements in his written contract for professional services contributed to the communication issues and misunderstanding between him and his client and constituted a violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536.22(a). The citation became final on September 3, 2023.

La Quinta —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Nicole Michele Cuneo, architect license number C-32690, for an alleged violation of BPC 5600.05(b) (License Renewal Process; Audit; False or Misleading Information on Coursework on Disability Access Requirements). The action alleged that Cuneo 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. Cuneo paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on December 7, 2015.

San Diego —The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $3,000 administrative fine to Anthony G. Cutri, architect license number C-11116, for an alleged violation of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536.22(a).

In November 2013, Cutri agreed to design a $600,000 single-story residence, casita, and garage for a plot of land his cousin and her husband (Clients) were going to buy in the city of Santee. Cutri told them no contract was necessary because they were “famiglia.” By July 19, 2014, the Clients had paid the agreed upon total price of $35,000.

On or about April 27, 2015, Cutri surprised his Clients with a “proposal” to take over additional services, including entitlements, grading plan, plan check/building permits and construction administration. The Clients had believed that many of these services were included in their original agreement, but there was no initial written contract establishing the original scope or the method for accommodating additional services. The additional fees resulted in a total of $40,175 that the Clients paid to Cutri.

Cutri took until April 2018 to finish the plans. He initially told his Clients that there “wasn’t a lot involved” in the plan check process and that he would “cover it.” In fact, the plans were rejected by the city’s plan review service. Cutri then delayed the project further by denying responsibility for the corrections. Finally in late 2018, the plans were approved, but when the Clients sent them out for bids, the construction estimates all came back at well over $1,000,000. They never pulled the permits and eventually had to sell their land.

Cutri’s failure to execute a written contract prior to providing professional services constituted a violation of Business and Professions Code section 5536.22(a), and caused tremendous confusion surrounding the project details including: the cost and scope of architectural services, the estimated construction costs, the timeline for completion, responsibility for coordinating with consultants, plan check corrections, and other aspects of the project, such as Title 24, structural calculations, entitlements, grading plans, construction administration, printing and submission to the city of Santee.

In addition to the architectural fees, none of which was returned, there was significant financial injury to the Clients, in that they were left with a fully graded pad of land that they could not afford to build on and were forced to sell. Both Clients are senior citizens, and one is disabled, facts of which Cutri was aware. Cutri entered into a stipulated settlement with the Board which became effective on February 16, 2022.

Cutri paid the fine, satisfying the citation.

Encino —Effective July 24, 1999, Gordon Wayne Calhoon’s architect license number C-11576 was revoked after the Board adopted a Stipulation in Settlement ordering revocation. An Accusation was filed against Mr. Calhoon for violations of Business and Professions Code sections 5583 (Fraud in the Practice of Architecture), 5584 (Negligence or Willful Misconduct) and 5586 (Public Agency; Disciplinary Action). Mr. Calhoon was hired as an architect and contractor to demolish and rebuild residences that were damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Board action was taken based on evidence that Mr. Calhoon falsely represented that, as an architect, he could act as a contractor. After getting the projects, Mr. Calhoon acted as a contractor (without being appropriately licensed) and failed to adequately supervise the construction, resulting in a material injury to both homeowners. He used an unlicensed contractor to supervise construction, and approved work which he knew did not comply with relevant building codes. The Contractors State License Board issued a citation to Mr. Calhoon based on evidence that he provided contracting services prior to being issued a license.

Pasadena —Effective November 14, 2016, Tien Hsi Chu’s architect license number C-15558, was revoked. Chu was also ordered to reimburse the Board $4,005 for its enforcement costs. The action came after a Proposed Decision was adopted by the Board.

An Accusation was filed against Chu for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code sections (BPC) 490 (Conviction of a Crime), 498 (License Secured by Fraud, Deceit, or Knowing Misrepresentation), 5577 (Conviction of Certain Crimes), and 5579 (Fraud in Obtaining License). The Accusation alleged that on or about August 25, 2014, after pleading nolo contendere, Chu was convicted of one misdemeanor count of violating Penal Code section 472 (counterfeit seal) in the criminal proceeding entitled The People of the State of California v. Tien Hsi Chu (Super. Ct. Los Angeles County, 2014, No. 4AH01921). The Court placed Chu on 36 months probation, and ordered him to complete 25 hours of community service. The circumstances underlying the conviction are that on and between 2004 through 2013, Chu had a business relationship with E.G.L., a licensed civil engineer. E.G.L. provided consulting services for Chu on his projects with the express condition that E.G.L. would not stamp or sign on any drawings or calculations. Without E.G.L.’s knowledge or authorization, Chu obtained a civil engineer’s seal using E.G.L.’s name and civil engineer license number C56706. Further, without E.G.L.’s approval or knowledge, Chu used the counterfeit engineer seal on structural drawings, plans, and specifications, and submitted the counterfeit engineer stamped documents to municipal building departments for reviews and approvals. Within the seal impression on all documents that Chu used the counterfeit seal, Chu made a forgery of E.G.L.’s initials. In addition, Chu obtained the renewal of his architect license by fraud or misrepresentation when represented and certified under penalty of perjury on his 2015 License Renewal Application that he had not been convicted of a crime during the preceding renewal period when in fact, on or about August 25, 2014, Chu sustained a criminal conviction.

Santa Rosa —Effective July 6, 2020, Ethan Wilson Cliffton’s architect license number C-11466 was revoked. The action came after a Default Decision was issued by the Board.

An Accusation filed against Cliffton alleged six causes for discipline for violations of: (1) Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5585 and California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 16, section 160(a)(2) (Incompetency); (2) BPC sections 5536.4(b), 5578, and 5584 (Willful Misconduct, Failure to Release Instruments of Service); (3) BPC sections 5584 and 5585 (Willful Misconduct and Recklessness); (4) BPC section 5584 (Willful Misconduct); (5) BPC sections 5536.22(a)(3) and (4) and 5578 (Failure to Comply with Contract Requirements); and (6) BPC section 5584 and CCR, title 16, section 160(b)(2) (Willful Misconduct, Failure to Respond to Request for Evidence).

The Accusation alleged that on or about April 15, 2015, Cliffton executed a contract to design a new residence to replace his clients’ existing home in Redwood City, California. The contract did not contain Cliffton’s architect license number or a description of the procedure to accommodate additional services.

Cliffton initially told his clients that construction drawings would be completed by May 2015; however, after several delays and revised completion dates, Cliffton indicated that his final drawings would be submitted to the building department on September 22, 2015. Based on this anticipated submission date, Cliffton then recommended that the clients demolish their existing home in preparation for the construction of their new home. Acting on his advice, the clients demolished their home in September 2015. For over three years, the clients then rented another home awaiting completion of construction.

On or about January 14, 2016, Cliffton suggested the clients obtain a partial permit for foundation and slab construction, but they were unable to do some because Cliffton had not finished the construction drawings. The clients had paid all of Cliffton’s invoices to that date, approximately $52,000, but never received completed construction drawings from him and had to engage another architect to complete the project.

Cliffton then refused to release his drawings to the new architect unless the clients paid him an additional $35,000. He later increased this amount to $65,000. Additionally, Cliffton told the clients’ structural and mechanical engineers and Title 24 consultant, who were under contract with the clients, to cease work and destroy all their documents.

On July 1, 2016, the Board requested a written response to the allegations and supporting documents from Cliffton. In response, he provided only a brief statement, copies of his correspondence to the Better Business Bureau, and the clients’ draft lawsuit against him.

The Board’s Default Decision and Order was issued on June 5, 2020, and became effective on July 6, 2020.