Questione giuridica chiave
Whether the architect was contractually liable for damages caused by installing beams in violation of building regulations without warning the clients.
Decisione estratta
Yes. As a specialist engaged to perform and supervise the works, the architect had to point out the unlawful design and its possible adverse consequences; failure to do so made him liable in damages.
Motivazione estratta
The unlawful insertion of the beams created an objectively illegal condition likely to trigger neighbor objections and compulsory alteration. A building owner may rely on the architect to execute the work in conformity with building rules and to expressly warn of intended deviations. The clients' supervision or partial benefit from the work did not amount to approval of the illegality.