Board approves consent agreement requiring license surrender and fine; moves to deny applicant and issues education letters; approves certificates

RIDGELAND, Miss. — The Mississippi State Board of Architecture on July 22 approved enforcement and licensure actions, including a consent agreement in a disciplinary matter, an intent to deny a reciprocity application, letters of education and routine certificate approvals.

Executive Director John Cothron told the Board the Investigative Committee held an informal conference with the architect respondent in Complaint #2024‑11 and recommended a revised consent agreement that includes a public reprimand, a $2,500 fine, voluntary surrender of the respondent’s license, and written notification requirements to clients, project jurisdictions and the Board. A motion by Larry Bishop, seconded by Richard McNeel, to approve that revised consent agreement passed unanimously.

On licensing matters, the Board approved certificates issued since the April 2025 meeting by motion of Richard McNeel, seconded by Bradford Jones; that motion passed unanimously. The minutes list numerous certificates approved by reciprocity, examination or reinstatement (details recorded in the Board’s certificate attachment).

Regarding an application from Michael T. Johnson, the Board discussed solicitation prior to licensure and unlawful use of title. Members asked Executive Director Cothron to research NAICS classification for architectural services and whether a new code could cover residential design services; Charles Barlow recused himself from that discussion. The Board voted to issue letters of education to the respondent regarding unlawful use of title and later voted 4–0 (Barlow recused) to issue an intent to deny Johnson’s reciprocity application with authority to propose a consent agreement providing for a public reprimand and a $1,000 fine in lieu of denial.

Cothron also summarized other complaints: in Complaint #2025‑1 both the contractor and tenant provided assurances of compliance and staff will continue to monitor the project; Complaints #2025‑3 and #2025‑4 involve alleged unlawful use of title and possible unlicensed practice and were summarized for Board consideration.

Motions recorded in the minutes include: approval of minutes, approval of certificates, approval of the revised consent agreement in Complaint #2024‑11 (mover Larry Bishop, seconder Richard McNeel), motions to issue letters of education (mover Larry Bishop, seconder Leigh Jaunsen), and the motion to issue an intent to deny Michael T. Johnson’s application (mover Larry Bishop, seconder Leigh Jaunsen; vote 4–0, Barlow recused).