Remodel plans show the existing 200A panel staying where it is but the room around it becoming a master bathroom, with a linen closet built against the adjacent wall.

They missed several code requirements:

Working Space (NEC 110.26): The panel needs 30" wide x 36" deep clear working space in front. A bathroom layout likely violates this with fixtures, doors, or the linen closet encroaching.

Illumination (NEC 110.26(C)): If the panel is in a dwelling unit, it requires a switched lighting outlet within the working space. Bathrooms need their own lighting per NEC 210.66, but the panel area needs separate illumination.

GFCI Protection (NEC 210.8(A)(1)): Bathroom receptacles must be GFCI protected. If any new bathroom circuits are added, they need GFCI protection.

Accessibility (NEC 110.26(A)): The panel must remain accessible without tools, keys, or special knowledge. A linen closet door or bathroom access could create accessibility issues.

Ventilation: Bathroom moisture could affect the electrical panel. While not explicitly required by code for panels, excessive humidity is problematic.

Structural: The linen closet built against the adjacent wall may interfere with required clearances or create accessibility problems.

The architect likely assumed "accessible" means the cover clears, but code requires specific working space dimensions and conditions that a bathroom remodel typically violates. This needs electrical review and likely panel relocation or significant layout changes.

The architect missed NEC 110.26(A)(1) Working Space Depth and 110.26(A)(2) Working Space Width.

1. Depth (110.26(A)(1)): You need 36" minimum clear depth in front of the panel. A "linen closet built against the adjacent wall" likely projects into this zone. If the closet face is <36" from the panel face, it’s a violation. You cannot store linens in the working space (110.26(B)).

2. Width (110.26(A)(2)): You need 30" minimum clear width centered on the panel. If the closet sidewall encroaches on this 30" width, it’s a violation.

3. Dedicated Space (110.26(E)): The space equal to the panel width/depth extending to the structural ceiling (6 ft min) is dedicated to electrical. No plumbing, ductwork, or structural framing for the closet can intrude here.

4. Bathroom Prohibition (230.70(A)(1) / 240.24(D)): Service panels and overcurrent devices cannot be located in bathrooms. Converting the room to a master bath makes the panel location illegal, regardless of accessibility. The panel must be relocated.

5. Moisture/Corrosion (110.11): Bathroom humidity corrodes bus bars and breakers. Panel enclosures are not rated for this environment.

Bottom line: The panel must be moved out of the bathroom footprint. This requires a service upgrade/relocation permit, utility coordination, and a licensed electrician. The architect’s "no electrical changes" statement is incorrect and creates a dangerous, unpermittable condition.