It is that time of year when gifts among friends are common, but if those friends are in private firms and public agencies, those gifts can cost both parties their careers. Even the appearance of impropriety can create a public relations nightmare. It is vital that firms act in compliance with applicable laws. Gift-giving laws... Continue Reading →
Hot potato: design firms as code examiners
Issue For a number of reasons, including budgetary cutbacks, lack of skilled workers, and staffing demands caused by disasters or emergency situations, local building code entities sometimes seek to transfer their administrative responsibilities to certify design compliance with codes or construction compliance with design and regulatory requirements to design firms. Challenges and Opportunities Stepping into... Continue Reading →
Architects and ADA compliance
In September, the law firm of Collins Collins Muir + Stewart reported on three cases (two in Illinois and one in California) that may be signaling good news for architects when it comes to claims involving allegations of ADA non-compliance. In the case of Equal Rights Center v. Niles Bolton Associates, a disability advocacy group... Continue Reading →