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AIALos Angeles

A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects

AIA|LA Statement on Tragic Death of LA Firefighter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nathalia Morales-Evanks,

AIA|LA Communications Coordinator

nathalia@aialosangeles.org

Los Angeles, February 28th, 2012 Last weeks LA Times article, Architect of Hollywood Hills

mansion damaged in fire, is charged in firefighters death, stirred much buzz in the architecture

community 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 American Institute of

Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA), in conjunction with AIA California Council (AIACC) Executive Vice

President, Paul Welch, Hon. AIA, have released the following statement in response to the issues

brought up by this tragedy. Mr. Welchs words echo the true spirit of the AIA to champion the profession

of architecture, and remind all that the responsibility of architects is far more than just good design.

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 PoliceDepartment, 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.