Rules of Conduct are mandatory components of the AIA Code of Ethics.
They are grouped under six ethical categories called Canons.
Unlike aspirational goals (Ethical Standards), Rules must be followed — violations may result in disciplinary action.
Rules support public trust, create safeguards for clients, and in general uphold the integrity of our profession.
TAKEAWAY 1
The Rules of Conduct are mandatory ethical requirements for all AIA Members. They serve to protect the public, uphold professional integrity, and ensure accountability in architectural practice.
CANON I - GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
Rule 1.101
Members must consistently show reasonable care and competence in their practice, aligned with the standards of quali ed architects in their area.
Rule 1.401
No harassment or discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, age, disability, caregiver status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Rule 1.402
Members must not act with disregard for others’ rights, including bullying, intimidation, or retaliation.
Rule 1.403
Members shall not design spaces intended for execution, regardless of legality.
Rule 1.404
Members shall not design spaces intended for torture, including prolonged solitary con nement (de ned as 22+ hours/day for 15+ days).
TAKEAWAY 2
Architects must act competently and ethically, respecting human dignity and avoiding conduct that causes harm. The AIA prohibits discrimination, harassment, and participation in designing spaces for torture or execution.
CANON II - OBLIGATIONS to PUBLIC
Rule 2.101
Members must not knowingly violate laws in their professional practice. Includes copyright laws.
Rule 2.102
No o ering or giving payments/gifts to public o cials to in uence decisions on projects.
Rule 2.103
Members in public service may not accept gifts or payments intended to in uence judgment.
Rule 2.104
Members must not engage in fraud, in or outside of practice.
Rule 2.105
If a client decision violates law and endangers public safety, Members must:
Advise against it
Refuse to consent
Report it if not resolved
CANON II - OBLIGATIONS to PUBLIC CONT.
Rule 2.106
Members may not assist clients in illegal or fraudulent acts.
Rule 2.301
Members must disclose any compensation or economic interest when making public statements.
Rule 2.401
Members must inform clients of potential environmental impacts resulting from their work.
TAKEAWAY 3
Members must follow the law, avoid corrupt practices, and report client decisions that jeopardize public safety. Architects are also responsible for disclosing con icts and environmental risks when serving the public.
CANON III - OBLIGATIONS to CLIENT
Rule 3.101
Members must consider all applicable laws and regulations when providing services. May rely on quali ed consultants.
Rule 3.102
Members may only perform services they are quali ed for by education, training, or experience — or must hire quali ed consultants.
Rule 3.103
Members must not signi cantly change project scope or goals without client consent.
Rule 3.201
Avoid con icts of interest unless fully disclosed and accepted by all a ected parties.
Rule 3.202
When serving as a neutral interpreter of contract documents, Members must act impartially.
Rule 3.301
Members must not mislead clients about likely outcomes or claim results that would violate law or ethics.
Rule 3.401
Client con dentiality must be maintained unless disclosure is required by law or ethical duty.
TAKEAWAY 4
Architects must serve clients with honesty, technical competence, and respect for con dentiality. Any con icts of interest must be disclosed, and services must only be o ered within areas of quali cation.
CANON IV - OBLIGATIONS to PROFESSION
Rule 4.101
Members must report serious ethical violations by other Members when there is substantial reason to believe a breach has occurred.
Rule 4.102
Do not sign or seal professional documents unless you had responsible control over their preparation.
Rule 4.103
Do not knowingly make false statements in a professional capacity.
Rule 4.201
Members must be truthful and accurate about quali cations, roles, and work for which they claim credit.
Rule 4.202
Members must make reasonable e orts to ensure employees and those they supervise follow the Code.
TAKEAWAY 5
Architects must represent themselves truthfully and report serious violations by peers when integrity is at stake. They must also ensure the ethical conduct of those they supervise.
CANON V - OBLIGATIONS to COLLEAGUES
Rule 5.101
Members must treat colleagues and employees with respect and ensure an equitable work environment.
Rule 5.201
Members supervising interns must reasonably assist them in documenting experience for licensure.
Rule 5.301
Members must recognize the professional contributions of colleagues, employees, and associates.
Rule 5.302
Departing Members may not take rm materials (drawings, reports, data, etc.) without employer permission.
Rule 5.303
Members must not unreasonably prevent a departing employee or partner from taking copies of their own work (non-con dential), though reasonable conditions may be set.
TAKEAWAY 6
Mutual respect, fair treatment, and acknowledgment of others' contributions are central to professional relationships. Departing employees should retain access to their own non-con dential work, with reasonable conditions.
CANON VI - OBLIGATIONS to ENVIRONMENT
Rule 6.501
Members must consider and discuss with clients the environmental e ects of their project decisions, including impacts on energy use, water, materials, ecosystems, and climate resilience.
Architects have a professional responsibility to promote sustainable design that minimizes harm to the environment and human health. Projects should re ect adaptation strategies to address extreme weather, resource limitations, and climate change.
Ethical practice includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting water and air quality, and selecting materials that promote long-term environmental health.
TAKEAWAY 7
Architects have an ethical duty to consider environmental impacts in every project. This includes reducing harm to ecosystems, promoting sustainability, and advising clients on climate-related risks.
CANON VII - APPLICATION and ENFORCEMENT
The Code applies to all professional activities of AIA Members.
National Ethics Council (NEC) oversees enforcement, as appointed by the AIA Board of Directors.
Anyone (Members or public) may le formal charges of violations.
Penalties imposed by the NEC may include:
Admonition (private)
Censure (public)
Suspension
Termination of AIA Membership
Appeals are allowed; most proceedings are con dential, except public penalties.
Certain criminal charges or convictions result in automatic suspension or termination.
The Code may be amended by delegates at the AIA’s annual meeting or by a 2/3 Board vote.
TAKEAWAY 8
The AIA enforces its Code through the National Ethics Council, with procedures in place for complaints, penalties, and appeals. Severe ethical violations or criminal charges may lead to suspension or termination.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Professional, Legal, and Moral Responsibility
Builds trust between architects, clients, colleagues, and the public.
Ensures the health, safety, and welfare of society through ethical design.
Encourages accountability, transparency, and professional excellence.
Promotes sustainability, social equity, and human dignity in the built environment.
Protects the integrity and future of the profession.
TAKEAWAY 9
The AIA enforces its Code through the National Ethics Council, with procedures in place for complaints, penalties, and appeals. Severe ethical violations or criminal charges may lead to suspension or termination.
