Witney architect removed from professional register

Allegations were made against Anthony Pettorino relating to a renovation and extension at a property in Oxford.

In a statement the Architects Registration Board (ARB) said that ‘serious concerns about architects are rare’.

A hearing of ARB’s Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) concluded on January 10, with the erasure of Mr Pettorino of AJP Architects Ltd in Witney following a finding of 'unacceptable professional conduct'.

See also: More 111 callers sent to A&E

The PCC heard that Mr Pettorino had been instructed to design and contract manage the renovation of his client’s property. It was alleged that Mr Pettorino:

• had not entered into a written agreement with his clients which adequately covered the terms of engagement

• did not have adequate and appropriate insurance in place to meet a claim

• had not provided an effective service and/or worked to fit the brief in a timely manner

• had not managed the purchase of materials effectively

• had not communicated adequately

• had not managed his business appropriately and/or reported the liquidation of his company to the Architects Registration Board.

Mr Pettorino admitted these allegations and accepted they amounted to UPC.

It was also alleged that Mr Pettorino:

• had not managed a conflict of interest appropriately

• acted dishonestly and/or without integrity by using client monies for his own benefit

• had not returned money for goods/services not delivered

• had not maintained and/or provided adequate records of costs.

Mr Pettorino denied these allegations.

The PCC considered the failings were serious and had placed the client at risk and amounted to UPC.

When considering sanction, the PCC noted that Mr Pettorino had no adverse regulatory history and had expressed regret for the failings.

However, in view of the fact that Mr Pettorino’s actions were deliberately dishonest, the PCC considered this was sufficiently serious so as to diminish not only his own reputation but that of the profession as a whole.

Read also: Ceiling link continues at Sainsbury's Local

Furthermore, even though he had indicated he would not undertake further building contract management projects, because Mr Pettorino had demonstrated poor awareness of his professional obligations, the PCC also considered there remained a risk of unacceptable professional conduct being repeated in other areas of his work.

Given these circumstances, the PCC decided the protection of the public and the reputation of the profession required that Mr Pettorino be erased from the Architects Register.

Mr Pettorino was contacted however said he was 'unable to offer any comments at this time'.