Officials Bring Manslaughter Charge Against Architect
Officials in Los Angeles have brought involuntary manslaughter charges against an architect for the installation and construction of fireplaces that did not meet building codes. According to press reports, the fireplaces were built of wood framing and lined on the bottom, sides, and top with combustible drywall that ordinarily is used for standard walls. A Los Angeles firefighter fighting the blaze was buried under debris when the ceiling collapsed; the firefighter died subsequently. It appears that the architect was responsible for both the design and construction of the residence. These charges of course have be to be proven in court; nevertheless it is a reminder that design professionals may face criminal charges when they egregiously fail to meet minimum standards and such failure results in the loss of human life.