Information on Filing a Complaint
“In order to safeguard life, health and property and to promote the public welfare, the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, and licensed interior design are declared to be subject to regulation in the public interest.”
OS 59 Section 46.2
In order to ensure the safety of the public, the Oklahoma Board of Architects, Landscape Architects and Licensed Interior Designers investigates all complaints and violations through its enforcement and compliance officer. Rulings and decisions are based on the current Oklahoma State Architectural and Licensed Interior Designers Act. All disciplinary actions are made public and shared with other registration boards throughout the United States.
Once an investigation has begun, all files and information related to the investigation are confidential until presented in a public meeting before the Board. If the information is not presented in a public meeting, it will remain confidential. (59 O.S., Section 46.24(E))
Filing a Complaint
1. Individuals who wish to file a complaint in regards to a suspected violation committed in Oklahoma by an unlicensed or a licensed person or firm can find a complaint form at https://oba.portalus.thentiacloud.net/webs/portal/register/#/complaint/categories.
2. The form should be filled out completely, including a detailed description of the violation, and should be accompanied by as many documents that support the complaint as possible.
Please do not file a complaint if any parties involved in the complaint are anticipating litigation or if litigation is already underway. The complaint can be investigated after the legal action is resolved, unless the immediate failure to investigate would adversely impact public health, safety, or welfare.
3. The complaint and documentation will then be reviewed and evaluated by the Investigation Committee to determine if the matter falls within the Board’s jurisdiction, if a violation has occurred, or if more information is required.
4. Unless the complaint is determined to be outside the Board’s jurisdiction or there are insufficient grounds to support any action by the Board, the Investigation Committee will begin a full investigation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public are being guarded.
Investigating a Complaint
5. Once an investigation has begun, the Investigation Committee will notify the architect, landscape architect, interior designer, unlicensed individual, or firm of the need for further documents or proofs, and will communicate with other parties involved to determine the truth and validity of the allegations of the complaint.
6. If probable cause is found that a violation has occurred, a public hearing will be scheduled, at which time the Board will hear all facts and testimonies, and will vote on the final charges. Prior to the hearing, the accused person will receive a notice outlining all the charges, as well as his or her right to appear before the Board at the hearing.
The authority of the Board is established by the Oklahoma State Architectural and Licensed Interior Designers Act. The Board has not been granted the authority to settle contract disputes between licensed professionals and clients.
