Summary: The National Ethics Council (“Council”) has suspended the membership of Roman T. Holowka, AIA, for two years for violating Rule 1.101 and Rule 3.103 of the Institute’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (“Code of Ethics”).

Rule 1.101 states: In practicing architecture, Members shall demonstrate a consistent pattern of reasonable care and competence, and shall apply the technical knowledge and skill which is ordinarily applied by architects of good standing practicing in the same locality.

Rule 3.103 states: Members shall not materially alter the scope or objectives of a project without the client’s consent.

The Complainants contracted with a construction company to build their home based on design drawings apparently taken out of a plan book. The construction contract provided for a two-story home of approximately 2,500 square feet, and the design drawings showed three bedrooms, which was the project scope desired by the Complainants. The design drawings also showed a “bonus room” on the second floor above the garage.

The contractor referred the Complainants to Mr. Holowka to provide construction drawings. Mr. Holowka and the Complainants spoke by telephone to establish the architect’s fee. This was the only time Mr. Holowka talked with his clients prior to issuance of the building permit. He never met with them in person, he refused to return their telephone calls, and he was unresponsive to their concerns and communications throughout the project.

The construction drawings prepared by Mr. Holowka showed the bonus room as finished space (i.e., a fourth bedroom) resulting in a total floor area of approximately 3,000 square feet, thus increasing the size and cost of the house. The Complainants did not learn about the change until they paid for the building permit. They did not want the larger house but felt pressured to proceed based on the completed drawings.

The National Ethics Council ruled that Mr. Holowka violated Rule 1.101 of the Code of Ethics by showing a consistent pattern of unresponsiveness and lack of professionalism. The Council also ruled that Mr. Holowka altered the scope and objectives of the project in violation of Rule 3.103 by adding a bedroom to the Complainant’s home without their consent. The Council imposed the penalty of a two-year suspension of membership on Mr. Holowka.