Ethical Guidelines for Architects

Ethical Guidelines for Architects

• Architects must not serve as professional advisers or jurors in competitions if they have prior knowledge or involvement in the preparation of such competitions.
• Engagement as a Consulting Architect is permissible, but accepting employment for competition projects is prohibited.
• Soliciting projects known to be committed to another Architect is strictly forbidden.
• Undertaking commissions for projects previously worked on by another Architect requires written notification and confirmation of termination of original employment.
• Any project involving additions or modifications to structures previously worked on must also notify the past architect, regardless of client changes.
• Architects are expected to limit claims about work done to the specific contributions they made, especially when retaining elements of original designs.
• When working with architectural heritage, restoration possibilities should be fully considered.
• Criticism or discredit of another Architect's work must not be done maliciously or unfairly.

Professional Conduct

• Architects must not allow their names to be associated with any enterprises that could harm their reputation or the architectural profession.
• Signature and seal should only be affixed to documents directly supervised by the Architect.
• Advising clients against questionable projects is essential, even at the risk of losing commissions.
• Cost estimates provided to clients should be explained as conditional and not guaranteed to avoid securing commissions through misleading information.
• Architects should consider client needs and community impact when designing within budgetary constraints.
• Billing for services should reflect professional standing and adhere to prescribed minimum fees.

Client Relations

• Compensation should strictly come from professional fees billed directly to the Client, avoiding any other forms of returns or rewards.
• Transparency about potential conflicts of interest in business dealings is necessary to maintain integrity.
• Dispute resolution methods such as negotiation or arbitration should be included in client agreements.
• Professional work must be done promptly within agreed timelines.

Responsibilities to Colleagues and Subordinates

• Rendering services requires a formal agreement; preliminary services should not be conditional without agreement.
• Using donated services for competitive advantage is not allowed, except for civic or religious projects.
• Architects involved in the formulation of competition programs cannot enter as competitors.
• Compliance with laws, ethical codes, and organizational bylaws is mandatory.

Professional Integrity

• Architects should pursue success through hard work rather than solicited publicity.
• Confidentiality in client matters must be upheld, prioritizing the Client's interests above personal gains.
• The importance of mentorship and loyalty within the profession is highlighted.
• Constructive criticism and inspirational behavior are encouraged for professional growth.
• A commitment to professionalism and ethical standards is essential in all dealings.

Liabilities and Penalties

• Violations of the Code may lead to severe penalties including suspension, revocation of registration, fines ranging from P100,000 to P5,000,000, or imprisonment from 6 months to 6 years.

Miscellaneous Provisions

• Invalid sections of the resolution do not affect the validity of others remaining in effect.
• The resolution became effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a daily newspaper.