ARCHITECT'S IDEAS & ADVICE ON A TO Z OF HOUSE CONSTRUCTION IN INDIA

The profession of Architecture calls for men of integrity, business capacity and artistic ability. The Architect acts as a professional advisor to his Client and his advice must be absolutely disinterested and his honesty of purpose must be above suspicion. He has moral responsibility to his profession, associates and employees.

HOW IS THE PROFESSION OF AN ARCHITECT GOVERNED?
The practice of profession of an Architect is governed by the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989 (as amended in 2003), which deals with professional Ethics and Etiquette, Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges, Architectural Competition guidelines etc. Pursuant to these Regulations, the Council of Architecture has framed guidelines governing the various aspects of practice to promote the standard of professional conduct required of an Architect. An Architect is required to observe professional conduct as stipulated in the Regulations of 1989 and any violation thereof shall constitute a Professional Misconduct, which will attract disciplinary action as stipulated under the Architects Act, 1972.

WHAT ARE THE ARCHITECTS' PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT REGULATIONS AS PER COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE?
A brief summary of the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989 (as amended in 2003) is given here. I have purposely cut out the legal language so that it does not sound so boring.
- An Architect shall apply his skill to the creative, responsible and economic development of the country and contribute to the quality of the environment and future welfare of society.

- He shall promote the advancement of Architecture, standards of Architectural Education and Architectural practice.

- An Architect shall provide professional services of a high standard, to the best of his ability.

- He shall maintain a high standard of integrity and conduct himself in a manner which is not derogatory to his professional character nor bring architects into disrepute.

- He shall inform his Client of the Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges and agree that these conditions shall be the basis of appointment. He shall observe and uphold the Council’s Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Charges.

- He shall not sub-commission to another Architect the work for which he has been commissioned without the prior agreement of his client.

- He shall not give or take discounts, commissions or other inducements for the introduction of Clients or of work.

- He shall compete fairly with other Architects and in competition with other Architects, not prepare designs for a Client without payment or for a reduced fee.

- He shall not supplant or attempt to supplant another Architect.

- He shall not attempt to obtain, offer to undertake or accept a project for which he knows another Architect has been selected or commissioned, unless he has evidence that the selection or agreement has been terminated and he has given the previous architect written notice that he is so doing.

- He shall act with fairness and impartiality when administering a building contract.

- He shall not have or take as partner in his firm any person who is disqualified for registration, by reason of the fact that his name has been removed from the register.

- If an Architect practices as a partner in a partnership firm or is in-charge to a company registered under the companies Act, 1956, he shall ensure that such firm or company, complies with the Architects professional conduct regulation.

- He shall recognize and respect the professional contribution of his employees, his associates and provide them with suitable working environment, compensate them fairly and facilitate their professional development.

- He shall recognize and respect the professional contribution of his Consultants and enter into agreement with them defining their scope of work, responsibilities, functions, fees and mode of payment.

- He shall comply with the Council’s guidelines for Architectural Competitions.

- He shall not advertise his professional service save the following exceptions:
. He may exhibit his name outside his office or on a building for which he is or was an Architect.
. He may allow his name to appear in advertisements inserted in the press by suppliers or manufacturers of materials used in a building he has designed.
. He may allow his name and address to be published in advertisements in connection with calling of tenders or staff requirements, etc.
. He may allow his name to appear in brochures prepared by clients for the purpose of advertising or promoting projects for which he has been commissioned.
. He may allow his name to be associated with illustrations and descriptions of his work in the press or other public media.
. He may produce or publish brochures describing his experience capabilities for distribution to potential clients whom he can identify by name and position.
. He may allow his name to appear in the classified columns of the trade/professional directory and/or telephone directory.
. He may publish a notice of change of address on three occasions and correspondents may be informed by post.

WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT?
Violation of any of the provisions of these regulations shall constitute professional misconduct.
When on receipt of a complaint made to it, the Council is of the opinion that any Architect has been guilty of professional misconduct which, if proved, will render him unfit to practice as an Architect, the Council may hold an inquiry. After holding an inquiry and after hearing the Architect, the Council may reprimand the said Architect or suspend him from practice as an Architect or remove his name from the register.