Duties to the profession

Architects should conduct themselves in a way that demonstrates professionalism, competence, honesty and respect.

This applies to:

• dealings with clients
• dealings with builders, consultants and regulators
• management of conflicts and complaints
• supervision of staff
• dealings with other architects
• public statements and representations.

The obligations apply within an architect’s practice, in the context of project work, as well as in contexts where conduct may affect the reputation or integrity of the profession.

Compliance with the Code, and a strong compliance culture, will help to ensure that architects discharge their duties to the profession.

Conduct that is likely to engender confidence in the profession includes:

• Within a practice:
  • maintaining appropriate professional knowledge and skills
  • treating colleagues respectfully and fairly
  • communicating honestly
  • mentoring and appropriately supervising staff
• In a project context:
  • providing services competently and with due care
  • treating clients and collaborators respectfully and fairly
  • communicating honestly
• Beyond a project context:
  • communicating honestly
  • treating members of the profession respectfully
  • cooperating with regulators

The types of conduct that could undermine confidence in the profession include:

• making false claims about qualifications or experience;
• serious conflicts of interest that are not managed appropriately;
• abusive or seriously unprofessional behaviour;
• persistent failure to communicate or respond appropriately;
• deliberately misleading clients or regulators;
• knowingly authorising unsafe or non-compliant work.