A Troy, N.Y., man has been indicted for allegedly posing as a licensed architect in order to secure work on a half-dozen building projects around the Albany area.
Paul J. Newman of Cohesion Studios Inc. has been charged with defrauding construction companies, business owners, and local governments. The New York Attorney General's office alleges that Newman drafted architectural renderings for more than 100 properties including some for multiple large housing projects.
Newman also allegedly submitted foundation inspections, field reports, energy compliance certificates, and engineer letters to multiple towns and cities falsely certifying that he was a licensed architect. The state attorney general’s office alleges that Newman forged state a Registered Architect stamp or Professional Engineer stamp crafted from registration numbers and signatures borrowed from an actual architect and engineer.
Newman reportedly was assessed a $4,500 fine by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design for doing work on a church project without the proper licensing. Newman is the sole employee of Cohesion Studios, according to prosecutors. Newman allegedly did work in a number of other states and places, including Puerto Rico and Brazil. He could receive a sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
Thomas Jefferson University launches the Institute for Smart and Healthy Cities
Will address climate change, social equity, rapid urbanization, and health.
Codes and Standards | Jan 14, 2021
Petition urges FEMA to update flood maps, set tougher standards for floodplain construction
Environmental and planning groups note soaring claims, flood insurance debt.
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2021
Proposed change to IECC process irks efficiency advocates
New procedure would diminish influence of local code officials.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2021
Two net-zero hotel projects could portend a new hospitality trend
Energy-intensive sector comprises 10% of all commercial real estate.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
Zero Energy Buildings growth driven by government policy, stringent codes, technologies
Restraints include high upfront cost, and lack of universal definition and approaches.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
HUD releases new Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements
First update of ‘safe harbors’ in 15 years provides better clarity for design and construction firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Court ruling gives UpCodes upper hand in fight over building codes database
Battle over IP property claims by ICC and other codes bodies continues.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Houston creates tax incentives for green stormwater elements
Businesses that install green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting are eligible.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Trump’s classical design aesthetic mandate for federal buildings likely to be felt for years
May limit the number of firms that could compete for contracts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Workers on some of Virginia’s major construction projects sue subcontractors for wage theft
Projects include new General Assembly Building, outpatient facility at Virginia Commonwealth University.