Code of ethics
Code of ethics and professional conduct
The conduct expected of every registered member — in dealing with clients, with the public, with other professionals, and with the Institute.
The provisions clients most often need
Conflicts of interestDisclose and manage any conflict before you act.
Fees and disclosureBe clear and honest about fees and terms.
Competence to accept workOnly take on work you are competent to do.
Name or stampNever lend your name or stamp to work you did not do or supervise.
In practice
Why these four matter most
Most complaints concern these four provisions: conflicts of interest, fees and disclosure, competence to accept work, and lending a name or stamp to work done by someone else. Each links to the relevant clause below.
Questions clients ask
My contractor says he can do the drawings.
Ask whether he is registered, and check. Contractors build; designing and supervising a design is separate work reserved by law to registered professionals. A contractor who both designs and prices the work also removes any independent check on either.
I already have drawings from someone unregistered. Can an architect just sign them?
No. A registered professional may not take responsibility for work they did not do or supervise, and doing so is a conduct matter. They can review the drawings and tell you what would need redoing, which is worth doing before you spend more.
Can an engineer design my building?
Engineers and architects are separately registered for separate work.
Frequently asked questions
A colleague asked me to stamp their drawings. Is that allowed?
No. Taking responsibility for work you did not do or supervise is a conduct matter, and it is one of the more serious ones.
Can I act for two clients on opposite sides of the same site?
That is a conflict of interest.
Read the complaints procedure
Unsure whether something is a conflict? Ask before you act: {contact}.