We advised an architecture firm client which discovered serious structural deficiencies in the masonry shaft walls of a multi-story hotel under construction. These shafts comprise the building’s entire lateral force resisting system, raising significant concerns about overall structural integrity and public safety, a matter specifically addressed by the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 (225 ILCS 305/2), which declares the practice of architecture to affect the public health, safety, and welfare, which architects must prioritize. The architect alerted the owner / general contractor to the defects, which involved insufficient reinforcement in the grade beams and improper installation of rebar, affecting the connection between the masonry walls, supporting grade beams, and precast floor planks. Despite repeated communication from the architect over many months, urging comprehensive investigation and repair, the owner / general contractor did not take adequate corrective action. These deficiencies violated applicable building codes and, in the architect’s judgment, materially and adversely affected the safety of the finished project. We counseled the architect on their ethical and legal obligations related to life safety, including those outlined in Section 1150.90 of the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989. We assisted the architect in documenting the deficiencies and communicating the gravity of the situation to the owner, ultimately prioritizing the health, safety, and welfare of the public. This led the owner to recognize the severity of the situation and undertake the necessary, albeit costly, repairs to address the structural defects.
