The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has published its proposals for a new Code of Conduct and Practice for Architects.
The Architects Code is a fundamental text for all architects that defines the principles that they should hold themselves and colleagues to. It explains an architect’s commitments to their clients and the public, and provides a clear framework for safe, ethical and effective practice.
The new draft Code is founded on six Standards, which have been decided following research and engagement with both the public and the profession. Each Standard is underpinned by explanatory text and supported by examples of the behaviours that ARB would expect to see from an architect meeting that Standard.
The six Standards are:
- Communication and collaboration
The proposals are announced in the shadow of the final Grenfell Inquiry report, published last week. That report underscored some of the key principles of professionalism, such as recognising the boundaries of one’s level of competence, and the paramount importance of safety. These principles are enshrined in the draft Code and the standards it establishes for the profession.
The new Code will be further supported by a suite of guidance on how architects can meet the Standards in specific situations and contexts. The proposals for the individual guidance documents ARB is currently planning to publish are available on the ARB website.
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said: “Architects have a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone in our society. Last week’s report following the Grenfell Tower tragedy highlighted how crucial it is that all professions in the built environment maintain their competence and behave in an ethical way.
“The Code of Conduct and Practice provides a compass for architects in their practice and describes the standards and behaviours expected of architects by one another, their clients, and members of the public. We’ve designed this new Code through research with the public and workshops with architects, and we’re now consulting on it so that everyone can have their say.”
As the statutory regulator for architects, ARB has a legal requirement to set a code of conduct and practice. The Code has been drafted to respond directly to the expectations of the public and clients as identified through independent research, and insights shared with ARB by architects and other built environment professionals.
The draft Code and the guidance proposals are published for public consultation, in which ARB is seeking the views of architects, students, learning providers, clients, those who work with architects, and those who use the spaces that architects design.
The consultation will be open for three months and is due to close 12 December. Those interested in participating can do so here. Following the consultation’s conclusion, ARB will analyse responses and consider changes to the proposals.
The Board intends to finalise the new Code and develop the accompanying guidance in early 2025.
