Protecting the Integrity of Our Profession

June 2026

Fellow AIA Inland California Members,

One of the most important responsibilities we share as licensed architects is safeguarding the integrity of our profession and the public trust placed in our work. Today, I would like to bring attention to an issue that directly affects architects throughout California and has the potential to impact every licensed design professional.

Approximately one year ago, I was contacted by a client seeking assistance with plan check corrections for a tenant improvement project. The client had previously hired an online service provider to prepare project drawings. During the course of reviewing the documents, I discovered that my professional seal and signature had been fraudulently affixed to plans submitted for permit review—without my knowledge, authorization, or involvement.

The client had been led to believe that I had approved and sealed the documents. The use of my license and seal was entirely unauthorized and constituted a direct violation of California law and the standards that govern our profession.

Addressing the situation required significant time and effort. I worked with the client to correct the permit documents, notified the local jurisdiction of the fraudulent submission, and issued a cease-and-desist notice to the service provider responsible. Because the individual involved was operating outside the United States, meaningful legal remedies were limited, and there was no practical way to determine whether similar misuse had occurred on other projects.

 While this experience was personally concerning, it also exposed a broader challenge facing architects and engineers throughout the state. In many jurisdictions, there are limited mechanisms for verifying the authenticity of professional licenses, seals, and signatures attached to submitted plans. As technology and remote services continue to expand, opportunities for fraudulent activity increase, creating risks for licensed professionals, permitting agencies, clients, and the public.

In response, I began discussions with the office of California State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh to explore potential legislative solutions that would strengthen protections for licensed design professionals and improve verification procedures for permit submissions. The goal is straightforward: to ensure that professional licenses, seals, and signatures cannot be misused without accountability while reinforcing public confidence in the architectural profession and the regulatory systems that protect public health, safety, and welfare.

I am encouraged that this issue has gained the attention of key organizations throughout California. Both AIA California and the California Architects Board have expressed support for efforts to address the unauthorized use of professional licenses and seals. In addition, these organizations are working to develop educational webinars and resources to help architects better understand the risks associated with seal and signature fraud, identify preventative measures, and navigate appropriate reporting procedures when violations occur.

The growing recognition of this issue underscores that it is not an isolated incident. Rather, it represents a challenge that affects our entire profession and requires a coordinated response from architects, regulators, permitting agencies, and professional organizations alike.

As this effort moves forward, the AIAIC Board of Directors and I remain committed to advocating for meaningful legislative action and working alongside industry leaders across California. I encourage each of you to stay engaged, remain informed, and take advantage of the educational opportunities being developed around this important issue. Together, by sharing our experiences and supporting efforts that strengthen professional safeguards, we can protect the integrity of our licenses, uphold public trust, and preserve the standards that define our profession.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence, public service, and the advancement of architecture throughout Inland California and beyond.

David Higginson, AIA
President
AIA Inland California Chapter