Canons of the AIA Code of Ethics

Canon 1: General Obligations

• maintain and improve knowledge and skill

• respect the body of architectural accomplishment

• consider the social and environmental impact of professional activities

• exercise learned and uncompromised professional judgment

Canon 2: Obligations to the Public

• embrace spirit and letter of the law governing their professional affairs

• promote and serve the public interest in personal and professional activities

• never try to influence a public official with payment or accept payment intended to influence judgment

Canon 3: Obligations to the Client

• serve clients competently and in a professional manner

• exercise unprejudiced and unbiased judgment when performing all professional services

• be truthful in client communications and maintain client confidentiality

Canon 4: Obligations to the Profession

• uphold the dignity and integrity of the profession

• not sign and seal documents for which they do not have responsible control

• be honest about qualifications

Canon 5: Obligations to Colleagues

• respect the rights and acknowledge the professional aspirations and contributions of colleagues

• nurture fellow professionals through their education and careers

Canon 6: Obligations to the Environment

• promote sustainable design and development principles

• use sustainable practices within one’s firm and encourage clients to do the same