(a)        The Board shall have the power to suspend or revoke a license or certificate of registration of an architect or a registration of an interior designer, to deny a license or certificate of registration of an architect or a registration of an interior designer, or to reprimand or levy a civil penalty not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500.00) per violation against any registrant who is found guilty of:

(1)        Dishonest conduct, including but not limited to:

a.         The commission of any fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in any professional relationship with clients or other persons; or with reference to obtaining or maintaining license, or with reference to qualifications, experience and past or present service.

b.         Using or permitting an individual professional seal to be used by or for others, or otherwise representing registrant as the author of drawings or specifications other than those prepared personally by or under direct supervision of registrant.

c.         Using a professional license or registration from the Board that had been suspended or revoked.

d.         Conduct of the registrant resulting in the imposition of other disciplinary action by a regulatory body of another state for any cause other than failure to pay applicable fees.

e.         Surrendered or did not renew a professional license or registration after the initiation of any investigation or proceeding by such body.

(2)        Incompetence, including but not limited to:

a.         Gross negligence, recklessness, or excessive errors or omissions or building failures in registrant’s record of professional practice; or

b.         Mental or physical disability or addiction to alcohol or drugs so as to endanger health, safety and interest of the public by impairing skill and care in professional services.

c.         The registrant has been adjudged mentally incapable by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(3)        Unprofessional conduct, including but not limited to:

a.         Practicing or offering to practice architecture or interior design without a current license or registration from this Board.

b.         Knowingly aiding or abetting others to evade or violate the provisions of this Chapter, or the health and safety laws of this or other states;

c.         Knowingly undertaking any activity or having any significant financial or other interest, or accepting any compensation or reward except from registrant’s clients, any of which would reasonably appear to compromise registrant’s professional judgment in serving the best interest of clients or public.

d.         Willfully violating this Chapter or any rule or standard of conduct published by the Board, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

e.         Falsely impersonating a practitioner or former practitioner of a like or different name or practicing under an assumed or fictitious name.

f.          Grossly unprofessional conduct.

(b)        Actions to recover civil penalties against any registrant may be commenced by the Board pursuant to Chapter 150B of the N.C. Gen. Stat.. In determining the amount of any civil penalty, the Board shall consider the degree and extent of harm caused by the violation. The clear proceeds of any civil penalty collected hereunder shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-457.2 ?(1915, c. 270, s. 5; 1919, c. 336, s. 3; C.S., s. 4993; 1953, c. 1041, s. 1; 1957, c. 794, s. 8; 1973, c. 1331, s. 3; 1979, c. 871, s. 1; 1989, c. 81; 1998-215, s. 128; 2021-81, s. 1.)