State Board of Architectural Examiners public meetings in 2021

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners will meet via Zoom to discuss legal counsel reports including rulemaking on military licensure and firm names, ratify licenses, and review financial statements. The meeting is held under emergency proclamation due to COVID-19. Public comment is invited.

• Rulemaking on military licensure (LAC 46:I: Chapter 11, Section 1709)
• Rulemaking on adoption and amendment of rules (LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, Section 2303)
• Rulemaking on declaratory rulings (LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, Section 2305)
• Ratification of licenses issued
• Review of September and October 2021 financial statements

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Board interviewed candidates and selected Tyson Ducote for the Executive Director position. The Board also updated financial authority for the agency's bank accounts to reflect this change in leadership.

• Selected Tyson Ducote to fill the Executive Director position
• Removed Katherine E. Hillegas as Board representative (7-0)
• Authorized Tyson Ducote as primary signatory and agent for Whitney, Regions, and Capitol One Bank accounts (7-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners will meet via Zoom to review the interview process and questions, then conduct an interview. The meeting includes public comment and other business. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or financial items listed.

• Review of Interview Process and Questions
• Interview
• Public Comment
• Other Business

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners Complaint Review Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss allegations of misconduct in several cases (2021-09 through 2021-15) and take action on some. They will also consider an inquiry about the use of the term 'architect' by a civil engineer. The meeting includes approval of minutes and a consent order for Case No. 2021-05.

• Discussion of Case 2021-12
• Action for Case 2021-09
• Action for Case 2021-10
• Inquiry – use of term 'architect' by a civil engineer
• Approval of Consent Order for Case No. 2021-05

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Board reviewed the advertising efforts and resumes received for the vacant Executive Director position. It was determined that interviews will be conducted on December 10, 2021. Staff and legal counsel will update the 2016 interview questions for Board consideration.

• Approved limiting meeting matters to the listed agenda (7-0)
• Scheduled Executive Director interviews for December 10, 2021
• Approved adjournment (7-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Board will meet via Zoom to conduct an agenda review and address the search for a new Executive Director. The meeting also includes a period for public comment.

• Executive Director Search

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners holds a virtual meeting due to the state of emergency. The agenda includes public comment and a legal counsel report on incidental practice. No other substantive items are listed.

• Legal counsel report on incidental practice
• Public comment period
• Meeting conducted via Zoom due to emergency declaration

The Board reviewed proposed edits to the definition of Incidental Practice for architecture and engineering. Members suggested modifications to the definition for further consideration. No final definition was approved.

• Approved limiting meeting matters to items listed on the agenda (7-0)
• Tabled final definition of Incidental Practice pending further modifications
• Approved motion to adjourn (7-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Board amended the FY22 budget to increase legal services funding and granted conditional waivers to two firms to use 'Architects' in their names while providing only engineering services. The Board also ratified several professional licenses and appointed a new member to the Architects Selection Board.

• Approved $10,000 increase to FY22 legal services budget for a total of $80,000 (6-0)
• Granted conditional name waiver to MNK Architects (5-0)
• Granted conditional name waiver to U.P. Architects and Engineers (5-0)
• Approved pursuit of collection for fines and costs in Case 2019-08 and Case 2019-09 (6-0)
• Appointed Carrie Hunsicker to the Architects Selection Board (5-0)
• Ratified licenses and certificates issued from May 28 to September 12, 2021 (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from June 4, June 21, and August 18, 2021 (6-0)
• Postponed discussion on Incidental Practice draft language

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners is meeting via Zoom to discuss the executive director search, receive a legal counsel report on rulemaking (including military licensure) and COVID-19, and consider a FY22 budget amendment. The board will also ratify licenses, review financial statements, and elect officers for 2022.

• Executive director search discussion
• FY22 budget amendment
• Rulemaking on military licensure (LAC 46:I: Chapter 11, Section 1109)
• Ratification of licenses issued
• Waiver requests for MNK and U.P. Engineers and Architects

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Complaint Review Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct. The committee will take action on four specific cases and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Review of Case 2021-08, Case 2021-09, and Case 2021-12
• Review of Case 2021-05
• Approval of June 3, 2021 minutes
• Approval of June 21, 2021 minutes

The Complaint Review Committee decided on disciplinary actions for three cases involving license violations. One respondent faces license revocation for a felony conviction, while another faces a $1,500 fine for a misstatement on a reciprocal application.

• Issued letter of caution and closed case 2021-08 (3-0)
• Proposed consent order for case 2021-12 to revoke architect license (3-0)
• Proposed consent order for case 2021-05 including $1,500 fine and administrative costs (3-0)
• Approved June 3, 2021, CRC minutes (3-0)
• Approved June 21, 2021, CRC minutes (3-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners will meet via Zoom to discuss operational issues, hear public comment, and take action on an audit compliance report and a Louisiana Tech AERF extension request. The meeting is held under emergency provisions due to the state of emergency.

• Audit Compliance Report (Action)
• Louisiana Tech – AERF Extension Request (Action)
• Public comment period

The Board accepted the resignation of Executive Director Katherine E. Hillegas and authorized the search for a replacement. The Board also approved the Audit Compliance Report for the period ending June 30, 2021, and granted a grant extension to Louisiana Tech University.

• Approved legal counsel to consult another attorney on staff and board safety (7-0)
• Accepted resignation of Kathy Hillegas and approved process to hire new Executive Director (7-0)
• Approved Audit Compliance Report (6-0)
• Approved AERF grant extension for Louisiana Tech University through 2021-2022 academic year (6-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Board revoked the license of Henry A. Boudreaux and fined Prevot Design Services, APAC for practicing with an expired certificate. It also approved two business name waivers and the FY22 budget with a 3% increase for unclassified employees.

• Revoked architect license of Henry A. Boudreaux (4-0)
• Fined Prevot Design Services, APAC $4,000 plus $1,582.85 in costs (4-0)
• Approved Ship Architects' use of 'architect' in business name with subtitle conditions (6-1)
• Approved HBRS Architects' use of 'architect' in business name with registration conditions (7-0)
• Approved FY22 budget including a 3% increase for unclassified employees (7-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Complaint Review Committee accepted two executed consent orders related to misconduct allegations. Both cases were forwarded to the full Board for final consideration.

• Accepted executed Consent Order for case 2019-25 and forwarded to full Board (3-0)
• Accepted executed Consent Order for case 2021-02 and forwarded to full Board (3-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners will discuss and potentially take action on several rulemaking items, including military licensure and adoption/amendment of rules. The board will also review minutes, committee reports, and financial statements. The meeting is conducted via Zoom due to the declared state of emergency.

• Rulemaking on LAC 46:I: Chapter 11, Section 1109 Military Licensure
• Rulemaking on LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, Section 2303 Adoption and Amendment of Rules
• Rulemaking on LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, Section 2305 Declaratory Rulings
• AG Opinion: Use of Title Architect (FYI)
• Licenses issued for ratification (Action)

The Board accepted consent orders for two firms practicing with expired certifications and ratified a list of new and reinstated licenses. Additionally, the Board appointed three representatives to the Architect Selection Board.

• Accepted consent order for Dalton Architects, Inc. including $4,500 fine and $490.60 in costs (4-0)
• Accepted consent order for Architects Plus, L.L.C. including $1,500 fine and $373.49 in costs (4-0)
• Approved licenses and certificates of authority issued April 14 to May 27, 2021 (7-0)
• Appointed Kristopher Palagi, Jeffery Michael Kudla, and Benton Patterson to the Architect Selection Board (7-0)
• Approved minutes of the April 16, 2021 meeting (6-0-1)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners' Complaint Review Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss a new complaint, review Case 2019-25, hold an informal conference on that case, discuss Case 2021-02, and vote on consent orders for Cases 2021-04 and 2021-06. The meeting includes an executive session for confidential complaint review.

• Review/discussion of new complaint
• Case 2019-25 – review and informal conference
• Discussion of Case 2021-02
• Approval of Consent Order for Case No. 2021-04
• Approval of Consent Order for Case No. 2021-06

The committee determined that one inquiry did not violate licensing law and fell outside its jurisdiction. Two executed consent orders were accepted and forwarded to the full Board. The committee also approved the April 16, 2021, meeting minutes.

• Determined an inquiry was not a violation of LSBAE licensing law and lacked jurisdiction
• Approved April 16, 2021, CRC minutes (3-0)
• Accepted executed Consent Order for case 2021-04 and forwarded to full Board (3-0)
• Accepted executed Consent Order for case 2021-06 and forwarded to full Board (3-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners Complaint Review Committee will meet via Zoom on April 16, 2021. The agenda includes discussion of several complaint cases in executive session, followed by actions on six cases and approval of a consent order. The meeting is held virtually due to the inability to achieve an in-person quorum.

• Discussion of eight complaint cases in executive session
• Actions on six cases (Nos. 2019-18, 2021-04, 2021-06, 2021-02, 2019-25, 2020-06)
• Approval of consent order for Case No. 2021-03
• Approval of minutes from February 16, 2021

The Complaint Review Committee proposed sanctions for several cases of expired practice and fraud, including one permanent license revocation. The committee also accepted one executed consent order and paused one investigation pending litigation.

• Approved February 25, 2021 minutes (3-0)
• Case 2019-18: Approved monitoring for 6 months before potential closure (3-0)
• Case 2021-04: Proposed consent order with $4,500 fine and administrative costs (3-0)
• Case 2021-06: Proposed consent order with $1,500 fine and administrative costs (3-0)
• Case 2021-02: Proposed consent order with $4,000 fine and administrative costs (3-0)
• Case 2019-25: Proposed permanent revocation of Louisiana architect license (3-0)
• Case 2020-06: Approved pausing investigation until associated litigation concludes (3-0)
• Case 2021-03: Accepted executed Consent Order for full Board consideration (3-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners is meeting via Zoom to discuss rulemaking on military licensure and declaratory rulings, review legal counsel reports, and ratify previously issued licenses. The agenda includes financial statements for February and March 2021 and updates from the NCARB. No votes on major policy or spending are listed.

• Rulemaking on LAC 46:I: Chapter 11, Section 1109 Military Licensure
• Rulemaking on LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, Section 2303 Adoption and Amendment of Rules
• Rulemaking on LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, Section 2305 Declaratory Rulings
• Ratification of licenses issued
• February and March 2021 financial statements

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Board approved rule changes regarding military licensure, the adoption and amendment of rules, and a new rule for declaratory rulings. It also accepted a consent order for a firm practicing with an expired license and ratified several new professional licenses.

• Approved rule changes to LAC 46:I: Chapter 11, § 1109 (Military Licensure) and LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, § 2303 (Adoption and Amendment of Rules), and new rule LAC 46:I: Chapter 23, § 2305 (Declaratory Rulings) (7-0)
• Accepted consent order for RGD Architecture, Inc. including a $4,000 fine and $316.98 in costs (4-0)
• Approved licenses and certificates of authority issued from February 22, 2021, through April 13, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved minutes of the February 26, 2021 meeting (7-0)

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Board will meet via Zoom teleconference to review the agenda and approve previous minutes. The session includes discussions regarding NCARB, legal counsel reports, and various rulemaking petitions.

• NCARB presentation and discussion
• Legal report on Incidental Practice Task Force
• Discussion of NOLA proposed ordinance
• SCS request regarding use of Title Architect
• Rulemaking regarding military licensure and declaratory orders

The Board accepted three disciplinary consent orders involving unlicensed practice and continuing education violations. It also approved the reallocation of $10,000 for cloud software migration and ratified several new professional licenses.

• Approved $10,000 reallocation for Laserfiche cloud migration (7-0)
• Accepted consent order for Jeremiah Bell Sr. (Case # 2019-15): $3,500 fine and $753.61 costs (4-0)
• Accepted consent order for Lickel Architecture, P.C. (Case # 2020-07): $1,500 fine and $509.82 costs (4-0)
• Accepted consent order for Kimberly K. Finney (Case # 2021-01): $1,500 fine, $317.03 costs, and 12 CE hours (4-0)
• Approved December 11, 2020 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Ratified licenses issued Nov 30, 2020, through Feb 21, 2021 (7-0)
• Agreed to begin rulemaking for military licensure, declaratory orders, and rule petitions
• Determined that proposed New Orleans infrastructure survey requirements fall outside the scope of architectural practice

State Board of Architectural Examiners

The Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners' Complaint Review Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss updates on four cases (2019-18, 2020-02, 2020-07, 2021-03) and a matter involving a licensee revealing disciplinary action after receiving reciprocal licensure. The committee will then take action on cases 2020-02 and 2021-03, approve a consent order for case 2020-07, and act on the reciprocal-licensure disclosure issue. The meeting includes an executive session for discussions.

• Discussion of Case 2019-18 (update), Case 2020-02 (update), Case 2020-07, Case 2021-03
• Discussion of licensee revealing disciplinary action after reciprocal licensure
• Action for Case No. 2020-02
• Action for Case No. 2021-03
• Approval of Consent Order for Case No. 2020-07

The Complaint Review Committee proposed a consent order for a licensee practicing with an expired license and dismissed one case for insufficient evidence. The committee also initiated an investigation into a licensee who failed to disclose out-of-state disciplinary action on a reciprocal license application.

• Approved December 11, 2020, CRC minutes (3-0)
• Dismissed case 2020-02 for insufficient evidence (3-0)
• Proposed consent order for case 2021-03 including $4,000 fine, administrative costs, and reporting to NCARB (3-0)
• Instructed Deputy Director to open investigation into licensee for non-disclosure of out-of-state disciplinary action
• Accepted executed Consent Order for case 2020-07 and forwarded to full Board (3-0)