Architectural Malpractice

Municipal Building

Situation

The original architecture firm provided architectural and structural engineering services for the design of a Municipal Building. Portions of the building began to collapse after a period of time, and were subsequently condemned, causing the relocation of the entire municipal staff and operations and significant political repercussions in the community.

Investigation

The municipality hired DiGeronimo PC to investigate. DiGeronimo's report determined that the architect had significantly undersized the structure, failed to provide proper structural bracing, and failed to properly administrate construction. Because the original architect did not engage a structural engineer, DiGeronimo PC determined that the architect was solely responsible for the inadequate structural design.

Result

The Board of Arbitrators found the conduct of the architect abusive and grossly negligent. Award went to the municipality.