Your responsibilities
The Architects Code
The Architects Code of Conduct and Practice (the Code) is a set of standards of conduct and competence expected of all architects on the Register. It is your responsibility to keep up to date with its content and to meet its expectations. If you fail to do this, we may carry out a disciplinary investigation, which may affect your registration. When you completed your application to join the Register you declared that you had read and understood the Code, but you should also make sure that you read the professional practice standards that we issue.
If you have any questions about your obligations under the Code, you should contact our professional standards team at professionalstandards@arb.org.uk
Competence
As an architect you are expected to be competent to carry out the professional work you do. Standard 2 of the Architects Code assures those using your services that you will carry out their work with appropriate knowledge and skill.
You should keep up to date in all aspects of your work to make sure you maintain the knowledge and skills you need. This is known as continuous professional development (CPD).
You can find out more about maintaining competence on our website.
Conduct
One of the new responsibilities you will have as a professional is to make sure that you do not act in a way which weakens your reputation or that of the profession. This is supported by Standard 1 of the Code, which says you should act with honesty and integrity at all times. The Code also covers how you behave in your private life where your conduct might affect your fitness to practise as an architect.
We issue guidance notes on specific areas of conduct, such as the importance of having appropriate insurance and what to do if you become bankrupt. It is your responsibility to make sure that you keep up to date with this guidance when it is issued.
Explaining information to your clients
Your clients can also download a form called ‘Meeting with your architect’ which guides them through some key areas for discussion when you first meet. You may want to tell them about this when you make your initial appointment.
Feedback from people who have used this form has been very positive. The form is designed to encourage potential clients to discuss key issues at the beginning to reduce the likelihood of complaints later on.