Architect's Codes of Conduct PDF

Lec 2 (CLO 1,2) – Architect’s Codes of Conduct Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan Architect’s Codes of Conduct Architects operate within a complex ethical and professional framework guided by codes of conduct. These codes govern behavior,...

Lec 2 (CLO 1,2) – Architect’s Codes of Conduct Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan Architect’s Codes of Conduct Architects operate within a complex ethical and professional framework guided by codes of conduct. These codes govern behavior, practices, and responsibilities, ensuring that architects maintain the highest standards in their work. Codes of conduct vary by jurisdiction, but they generally cover similar aspects. Here is a detailed analysis of the common clauses within an architect's code of conduct: 1- Duty to Public Welfare Clause: Architects are expected to prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of the public in their practices. Analysis: This clause reinforces the ethical obligation that architects have towards society at large. It requires architects to consider the long-term impacts of their designs on communities, environmental sustainability, and public safety. Failing to meet these criteria can result in disciplinary actions and damage to reputation. 2- Professional Competence and Skill Clause: Architects must maintain a level of competence and undertake tasks only when they are skilled to do so. Analysis: This clause holds architects accountable for their skill set. It is unethical to undertake a project for which they are not qualified. This clause protects the client and the public by ensuring a standard of quality is met. Lec 2 (CLO 1,2) – Architect’s Codes of Conduct Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan 3- Honesty and Integrity Clause: Architects must operate under the principles of honesty and integrity. Analysis: Integrity is paramount in the architectural profession. Whether in dealing with clients or the public, architects must provide accurate information, honest estimates, and be transparent in their dealings. The objective is to maintain trust and the professional reputation of the field. 4- Conflict of Interest Clause: Architects should avoid conflicts of interest and must disclose any circumstances that may influence their judgment. Analysis: This clause prevents architects from compromising their professional obligations for personal or financial gains. Transparency is key, and undisclosed conflicts can lead to significant ethical and professional repercussions. 5- Confidentiality Clause: Architects are obligated to maintain client confidentiality unless otherwise authorized or required by law. Analysis: This clause safeguards sensitive client information. Disclosure without consent can result in legal ramifications and can severely damage the architect's reputation. 6- Quality of Service Clause: Architects must provide a high standard of service to their clients, which includes competent execution and timely delivery. Analysis: This provision is designed to ensure customer satisfaction and uphold the Lec 2 (CLO 1,2) – Architect’s Codes of Conduct Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan reputation of the profession. Substandard service can lead to legal liabilities and disciplinary actions. 7- Professional Development Clause: Architects are required to continue their professional development and stay updated with the industry norms and technological advancements. Analysis: Lifelong learning is integral to maintaining competency in architecture. The profession is continuously evolving, and failure to keep up to date can result in obsolescence and ethical issues related to competency. 8- Accountability and Oversight Clause: Architects are accountable for their professional activities and must maintain appropriate records. Analysis: This emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in practice. Poor record-keeping could lead to legal issues, conflicts, and questions of ethical conduct. 9- Collaboration and Teamwork Clause: Architects are encouraged to collaborate with other professionals and give due credit for joint efforts. Analysis: This encourages an interdisciplinary approach and acknowledges that modern architecture often requires the skills and insights of multiple professionals. It also aims to prevent plagiarism and promotes ethical collaboration. 10- Public Criticism Clause: Architects should not publicly criticize other architects or related professionals in an unjust or malicious manner. Analysis: This maintains the overall dignity and mutual respect within the profession. Unjust criticism can lead to legal actions and tarnish the collective reputation of the industry. Lec 2 (CLO 1,2) – Architect’s Codes of Conduct Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan 11- Compliance with Laws Clause: Architects must comply with the applicable laws and regulations related to the practice of architecture in their jurisdiction. Analysis: This is a non-negotiable aspect of professional conduct. Non-compliance can result in legal ramifications, loss of license, and a tarnished reputation. In summary, the code of conduct in architecture is designed to uphold the ethics, quality, and integrity of the profession while safeguarding the interests of the public and clients. Violation of these clauses can result in disciplinary action, including revocation of licenses and legal consequences. Public Welfare Compliance Integrity with Laws Conflict of Public Criticism Interest Architect's Codes of Conduct Competence Collaboration and Skill Accountability Confidentiality Professional Quality of Development Service  Lec 4: Role of Arch in Design Management (CLOs: 1, 2) Dr. Afaq Hyder DESIGN AND THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTS  Creating a new building seen as a clear process, which requires input from a variety of resources, using a range of abilities and skills to arrange and manage factors as well as resolving aggressive and difficult issues.  Role of architect in the design process has a great influence on the success of subsequent processes in construction projects and on the outcome of the quality of the final product.  Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE), in terms of environmental, social values and building performance are key factors to determine the quality practice.  Architects needs to develop a strategy to promote this increasingly important aspect of architectural practice, Architects Council of Europe (ACE) president Georg Pendl mentioned that, “ the value of design shouldn’t just be about cost, what is most important is its impact on the life of people”.  Architecture and design impact on many aspects of life, a good design should finishes with an analysis of findings, the identification of gaps in knowledge and a proposal for future strategy.  In design process, architects and urban designers have to take account of an array of contextual, environmental, social, economic and spatial intentions and attributes, including the relationship of these issues to a building or site.  Whereas the role of local government in establishing architectural and design policies require developers to promote and protect distinctive local character and identity, “to avoid the danger of communities being absorbed in an unrecognizable urban whole”. Fig 1: Design Value  Architects need to possess considerable technical knowledge to design buildings and places that can contribute to a range of government policy intentions. For example; promoting health and wellbeing, enhancing social interaction, education and learning, sense of identity, productivity at work, improving safety, boosting local economies through enhancing, and promoting environmental goal. Lec 4: Role of Arch in Design Management (CLOs: 1, 2) Dr. Afaq Hyder  Architect during design use scientific principles, technical information, define structure, constraints and potential solutions.  The designer’s ability to visualize and to prediction are important assets in any spatial planning process which demands an exploration of possibilities and interests.  A typical process start from the Preliminary Design when the architects started to prepare drawings illustrating possible solutions till they end to the final and detailed design, Fig 2 Fig 2: Design Process  Learning about design and architecture can help to build an appreciation of its form and function and contribution to society and wider environment, Table 1. Table 1: Architecture Design Concerns  Lec 4: Role of Arch in Design Management (CLOs: 1, 2) Dr. Afaq Hyder Table 2: Architecture Practice & Knowledge Field  Architect at practice requires a wide range of knowledge but also contributes to addressing critical issues currently facing to people.  Architecture design requires students to attain understanding across a vast range of subjects and disciplines, as shown in Table 2. Lec 4: Role of Arch in Design Management (CLOs: 1, 2) Dr. Afaq Hyder In order to complete the design RIBA suggest the following sequences of various stages in design process Fig. 3 The process of brief and design programming development In design process, number of the architectural team members varies according to design complexity and the organization size, in general the architectural team members are as under; Lec 4: Role of Arch in Design Management (CLOs: 1, 2) Dr. Afaq Hyder 1. Principal / Partners, 2. Team Leaders or Associates, 3. Project leaders, 4. Architects 5. Architectural Technicians. The Principle Architect: An architect is a person trained and licensed to plan, design, and oversee the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design and construction of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or use, the Architects team, experience and levels shown in the Table 3. Ref: 1. 2. 3. Architects Job. RIBA 2000 Lec 4: Role of Architect in Project Construction (CLO 2,3) ARC531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan Role of Architect in Construction of Project Construction projects are complex undertakings that require the collaboration of various professionals, and architects play a crucial part in Duties of an Architect this process. The role of an architect in the construction of a Project Challenges project is multifaceted and Const. Quality Faced by an Architect involves various responsibilities, such as material selection, Architect in Construction managing the project timeline, cost management, risk Importance management, and ensuring the Project Cost of Material Selection quality of construction and the finished building. The architect Project Timeline must also overcome various challenges, such as client expectations, budget constraints, regulatory compliance, site constraints, and coordination with other professionals. Ultimately, the success of a construction project depends on the architect's ability to manage these responsibilities and challenges effectively. Duties of an Architect 1. Design: The first and foremost duty of an architect is to design the building. This involves creating detailed drawings and specifications that will guide the construction process. These documents must take into account the client's needs, local building codes, and environmental considerations. 2. Material Selection: An architect is responsible for selecting the appropriate materials for the construction. This Lec 4: Role of Architect in Project Construction (CLO 2,3) ARC531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan involves choosing materials that are suitable for the climate, durable, and within the budget. 3. Project Timeline: Creating a project timeline is another essential duty of an architect. This involves setting milestones for the project and ensuring that all parties involved in the construction are aware of the deadlines. 4. Cost Management: Managing the cost of a project is a critical responsibility of an architect. This involves preparing a budget, monitoring expenses, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the project stays within budget. 5. Quality Control: Ensuring the quality of construction and the finished building is another crucial duty of an architect. This involves conducting regular site visits, inspecting the work of contractors, and ensuring that the construction is proceeding according to the plans and specifications. 6. Risk Management: Identifying and managing risks associated with the construction is another essential duty of an architect. This involves assessing potential risks, such as weather, site conditions, and construction methods, and developing strategies to mitigate them. Challenges of Site and Construction Client Expectations: Managing client expectations can be a significant challenge. Clients may have unrealistic expectations regarding the cost, timeline, or design of the project. 1. Budget Constraints: Staying within budget is always a challenge as construction projects often encounter unforeseen expenses. 2. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the design and construction comply with local building codes and regulations can be a significant challenge, especially in regions with strict regulations. Lec 4: Role of Architect in Project Construction (CLO 2,3) ARC531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan 3. Site Constraints: Site constraints, such as the size and shape of the plot, soil conditions, and surrounding buildings, can pose significant challenges to the design and construction process. 4. Coordination with Other Professionals: Construction projects involve various professionals, such as engineers, contractors, and local authorities. Coordinating with all these parties and ensuring everyone is on the same page can be a significant challenge. 5. Technological Challenges: Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and integrating them into the design and construction process can be a challenge. Importance of Material Selection Material selection is a critical aspect of the construction process as it impacts the cost, durability, and environmental performance of the building. The architect must consider various factors when selecting materials: 1. Durability: The selected materials must be durable and capable of withstanding the local climate and conditions. 2. Cost: The cost of the materials must be within the budget of the project. 3. Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of the materials, including their embodied energy and recyclability, must be considered. 4. Aesthetic Appeal: The materials must be aesthetically pleasing and complement the design of the building. Managing Project Timeline Managing the project timeline is essential to ensure the timely completion of the construction. The architect must set realistic milestones for the project and ensure that all parties involved in the construction are aware of the deadlines. Regular Lec 4: Role of Architect in Project Construction (CLO 2,3) ARC531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan progress meetings must be held to monitor the progress of the construction and make necessary adjustments to the timeline if required. Cost Management Managing the cost of the project is another critical responsibility of the architect. This involves preparing a detailed budget for the project, monitoring expenses, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the project stays within budget. The architect must also negotiate contracts with contractors and suppliers to ensure the best value for money. Risk Management Identifying and managing risks associated with the construction is essential to ensure the success of the project. The architect must assess potential risks, such as weather, site conditions, and construction methods, and develop strategies to mitigate them. This may involve selecting alternative construction methods or materials or developing contingency plans. Ensuring Quality of Construction and Finished Building Ensuring the quality of construction and the finished building is a critical responsibility of the architect. This involves conducting regular site visits, inspecting the work of contractors, and ensuring that the construction is proceeding according to the plans and specifications. The architect must also ensure that the finished building meets the client's expectations and complies with local building codes and regulations. ………x…………..x…….  Lec 7: Types of Architectural Practices (CLO 2,3) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan Introduction Starting an architectural practice is a dream for many architects. It involves more than just being a good designer; one needs to be a savvy business person as well. This lecture will cover the elements required to start a business in architectural practice, the types of architectural practice, and how fresh graduates can start their business. Starting your own architectural practice involves careful planning and consideration of various elements. It is essential to have a detailed business plan, obtain the necessary licenses and permits, secure funding, have a strong portfolio, and develop a marketing and branding strategy. Fresh graduates are advised to gain some experience, develop a portfolio, build a network, and create a detailed business plan before starting their business. Elements to Start Business of Architectural Practice 1. Business Plan A well-thought-out business plan is essential. It should outline your business goals, target market, competition analysis, marketing and sales strategy, and financial plan. 2. Legal Considerations Decide on the legal structure of your business. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate in your region. Consider getting professional liability insurance. 3. Funding Determine how much capital you will need to start and run your business until it becomes profitable.  Lec 7: Types of Architectural Practices (CLO 2,3) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan Consider your options for obtaining this capital, whether it be from personal savings, bank loans, or investors. 4. Office Space and Equipment Decide whether you will work from home, rent office space, or purchase a property. Obtain the necessary equipment and software to run your practice. 5. Portfolio Develop a strong portfolio of your work. This will be essential for attracting clients. 6. Marketing and Branding Develop a marketing and branding strategy to promote your services. Consider developing a website, business cards, and promotional materials. Types of Architectural Practice 1. Sole Practitioner An architect who practices alone and may or may not have support staff. 2. Partnership A business structure where two or more architects share the ownership, responsibility, and liability of the practice. 3. Associate A mid-level employee who typically has more than five years of experience and may be in a leadership position. 4. Corporation A legal entity separates from its owners, which may involve multiple architects and support staff. 5. Design-Build A practice where the architect is also the contractor and is responsible for both the design and construction of the project.  Lec 7: Types of Architectural Practices (CLO 2,3) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan How Fresh Graduates Can Start Their Business 1. Gain Experience Before starting your own practice, it is advisable to gain some experience by working for an established firm. 2. Develop a Portfolio While working for others, develop a strong portfolio of your work. 3. Build a Network Establish relationships with potential clients, contractors, and suppliers. 4. Develop a Business Plan Create a detailed business plan outlining your business goals, target market, competition analysis, marketing and sales strategy, and financial plan. 5. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits Ensure you have all the necessary licenses and permits to operate in your region. 6. Consider Your Funding Options Determine how much capital you will need to start and run your business until it becomes profitable and consider your options for obtaining this capital. 7. Start Marketing Your Services Develop a marketing and branding strategy and start promoting your services. ………x…………x………. Ref: Architect’s Essentials of Starting a Design Firm, by Peter Piven, FAIA Architect’s Handbook of Professional, Bradford Perkins, FAIA. Lecture 7 – Architect’s Contract Document (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan Architect’s Contract Document Contract is the foundation for any architectural engagement and forms the legal agreement between the architect and the client, outlining their respective obligations, responsibilities, and rights. Architect's Contract Documents are foundational to any architectural endeavor. They are more than mere formalities – they are a safeguard for both the architect and the client, ensuring clarity, security, and a mutual understanding of expectations. As future architects, understanding how to draft, analyze, and negotiate these contracts is a key skill that can significantly impact your projects' success. The Significance of Contract Documents Establishes a clear framework of terms and conditions under which architectural services are rendered. Ensures mutual understanding between the client and the architect. Minimizes potential conflicts and disputes by clarifying roles and expectations. Main Components of an Architect's Contract Document 1. Title and Introduction: Identifies the parties involved (the architect and the client). Provides a brief overview of the project. 2. Scope of Services: Clearly defines the services that the architect will provide throughout the project, from preliminary design to post-construction. Lecture 7 – Architect’s Contract Document (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan It may include feasibility studies, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration. 3. Compensation and Payment Terms: Specifies the architect's fee structure, whether it’s a fixed sum, hourly rate, or a percentage of the project's cost. Describes the payment schedule, milestones, or other criteria upon which payments are based. Addresses additional fees or provisions for changes in the project scope. Figure 2: Noncompliance with agreement...? 4. Project Timeline: Outlines the expected timeline for the project, highlighting crucial milestones. May include provisions addressing delays, extended services, and responsibilities of each party to ensure timely project progression. 5. Client's Responsibilities: Details of the information or approvals the client must provide. Specifies the client’s financial obligations. Highlights the consequences of any client-caused delays. 6. Ownership of Documents: Addresses who owns the architectural drawings, plans, digital models, etc. Typically, the architect retains ownership (or copyright) of the designs, and the client receives a license to use them for a specific purpose and location. 7. Termination Clause: Defines the conditions under which the contract can be terminated by either party. Describes the notice period and any compensation or penalties associated with early termination. 8. Dispute Resolution: Establishes the procedures for resolving disputes, whether through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Lecture 7 – Architect’s Contract Document (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan Can significantly impact how disagreements are handled, potentially saving time and money. 9. Insurance and Liability: Details of the types and levels of insurance the architect must carry. Clarifies liability clauses, including indemnifications or any limitation of liability. 10. Miscellaneous Provisions: Addresses various other important aspects like confidentiality, assignment, governing law, and more. Key Points for Developing a Solid Contract 1. Clarity and Precision: Every term, condition, and service should be clearly defined to eliminate ambiguities. 2. Flexibility: Ensure there are provisions for changes, as most projects evolve over time. 3. Fairness: The terms should be fair and equitable to both parties. 4. Legal Review: It's crucial to have the contract reviewed by a legal professional familiar with architectural contracts and local laws. Lecture 7 – Architect’s Contract Document (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan TEMPLATE of ARCHITECT’S CONTRACT PARTIES INVOLVED: Architect: XYZ Architectural Firm, [Address] Client: ABC Company, [Address] 1. Contract Introduction and Overview: Explanation: This section establishes the parties involved and provides a brief summary of the agreement's intent. This agreement, made this [Date], is between XYZ Architectural Firm, hereafter referred to as "Architect", and ABC Company, hereafter referred to as "Client", for architectural services related to [Project Description]. 2. Scope of Services: Explanation: This section defines what services the architect will provide, from preliminary design to construction completion. The Architect agrees to provide the following services: a) Preliminary design consultations b) Schematic design development c) Construction documents preparation d) Assistance in contractor selection e) Project management and oversight 3. Compensation and Payment Terms: Explanation: This outline how the architect will be paid, whether as a lump sum, hourly, or as a percentage of construction costs. The Architect will be compensated as follows: a) Lump sum fee of [Amount], payable in five installments based on project milestones. b) Any additional services outside of the defined scope will be billed at an hourly rate of [Hourly Rate]. Lecture 7 – Architect’s Contract Document (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan 4. Project Timeline and Schedule: Explanation: This section provides a timeline for the project, highlighting important milestones and completion dates. The project will commence on [Start Date] and aims to complete by [End Date]. Key milestones include: a) Preliminary design completion: [Date] b) Schematic design approval: [Date] c) Commencement of construction: [Date] 5. Client Responsibilities: Explanation: Details what is expected from the client, such as providing information, approvals, or any specific resources. The Client agrees to: a) Provide all necessary information about the site. b) Review and approve designs in a timely manner. c) Ensure payment schedules are adhered to. 6. Ownership of Documents: Explanation: Addresses copyright and ownership issues of the documents and designs. All drawings, blueprints, and digital models remain the intellectual property of the Architect. The Client is granted a license to use them exclusively for this project. 7. Termination: Explanation: Defines conditions under which the contract can be ended by either party. Either party may terminate this agreement with a [Number of Days, e.g., "30"] day written notice. Upon termination, the Client is liable for all services rendered up to the termination date. 8. Dispute Resolution: Explanation: This outlines how disputes or disagreements will be handled, usually through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to seek resolution through neutral arbitration before resorting to litigation. Lecture 7 – Architect’s Contract Document (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr. Afaq Hyder Chohan 9. Miscellaneous Provisions: Explanation: Captures any other terms and conditions or clauses that might be unique to the particular project or agreement. Both undersigned parties have understood and agree on all components (1-9) and their sub sections of this contract. Signatures: [Architect's Name] XYZ Architectural Firm Date: Signatures: [Client's Name] Date: Lec 8- Architects Fees and Services Compensation (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr Afaq Hyder Architects Fees and Services Compensation The modes of service fees compensation and payment terms for an architect can vary based on the nature of the project, the preferences of the client, and the specific services provided. It's important for architects and clients to openly discuss and mutually agree upon the compensation mode and payment terms. Ensuring clarity in these terms can prevent future disputes and maintain a positive architect-client relationship. Following are some of the most commonly used modes: Modes of Service Fees Compensation 1. Fixed Fee or Lump Sum: The architect charges a fixed amount for the entire project or a specific phase. This mode is suitable for projects with a clearly defined scope. 2. Hourly Rate: The architect charges based on the actual number of hours spent on the project. Often used for consultations, small projects, or when the scope of work is unclear at the outset. 3. Percentage Fee: The architect charges a percentage of the total construction cost. Commonly used for projects where construction costs can be estimated in advance, and the fee will be proportional to the overall cost of the project. Lec 8- Architects Fees and Services Compensation (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr Afaq Hyder 4. Cost-Plus Fee: The architect charges for the actual costs incurred (e.g., labor, materials) plus a markup or fixed fee for profit. Suitable for projects where costs might vary, allowing the architect to cover expenses and still make a profit. 5. Royalty-based Fee: The architect receives a royalty or recurring fee based on the usage or replication of a design, especially in mass-produced projects like housing complexes or product designs. 6. Hybrid or Combination Fee: A combination of any of the above methods. For instance, an architect might charge a fixed fee for the design phase and then a percentage fee for the construction phase. Payment Terms 1. Upfront Payment/Retainer: An initial payment made before the commencement of services, ensuring commitment from both parties. 2. Progress Payments: Payments made at various project milestones or phases. For example, after the completion of the design phase, the submission of planning permissions, or at certain construction stages. 3. Monthly Invoices: Regular payments, usually based on hourly rates or a fixed monthly charge. Lec 8- Architects Fees and Services Compensation (CLO 3,4) ARC 531 Dr Afaq Hyder 4. Completion Payment: A final payment made upon completion of the project or a specific phase of the project. 5. Holdback or Retention: A percentage of the total fee is withheld until the project is fully completed to ensure satisfactory performance. This is especially common in construction contracts. 6. Contingency Fund: A portion of the budget set aside for unexpected costs. If these funds are not used, decisions about their disbursement (whether returned to the client or taken as an additional fee) should be stated in the contract. 7. Late Fees and Interest: Terms detailing any fees or interest charges for late payments. ------x---------x------