SAIA code of ethics

SAIA CODE OF ETHICS

Introduction

• The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) and Regional Institutes are committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence.

• Membership requires adherence to the SAIA objectives aimed at improving health and safety standards for society and enhancing the natural environment through professional skills.

• Members, registered professional architects, are educated and trained to provide leadership, critical judgment, specialist knowledge, skills, and aptitude for design and development in the built environment.

Structure of the Code of Ethics

• The Code is divided into three sections:
    - Principles: Broad principles of ethical conduct.
    - Rules: Mandatory guidelines; violation can lead to disciplinary action by the Institute.
    - Notes: Commentary to assist members; not part of the Rules.

• Responsibilities outlined for:
    - The public and the environment.
    - Clients and users of architecture.
    - Architectural profession colleagues.
    - Promotion of architectural art and science.
    - Other affected parties like contractors, consultants, and the public.

4.4.1 Principle One: Responsibility to the Public

• Members must:
    - Ensure professional actions support the quality and sustainability of environments and public health and safety.
    - Accurately state qualifications, experience, and authorship.
    - Identify themselves professionally on materials (stationery, signage, publications).

Notes for Principle One

• Members should:
    - Provide advice considering public interest.
    - Seek community service opportunities within their professional training.
    - Raise community awareness of architects' societal impacts.
    - Educate the community about architectural services available.
    - Provide information for community decision-making regarding the built environment.
    - Respect the natural environment while enhancing the built one.
    - Conserve natural resources and national heritage.
    - Comply with the Institute’s environmental policy.
    - Consider public interest in the context of:
      - Barrier-free environments
      - Historic and architecturally significant buildings
      - Urban conservation areas
      - National parks and nature reserves
      - Areas of scientific or archaeological interest
      - Coastline, rivers, lakes, and islands
      - Urban parks and scenic areas.

4.4.2 Principle Two: Responsibility to Clients and Employers

• Members must:
    - Provide conscientious and competent professional services.
    - Safeguard client trust.
    - Conduct practice within legal compliance.
    - Adhere to Institute's procedures and protocols per the SAIA Practice Manual.
    - Inform clients of potential conflicts of interest.
    - Not transfer or reduce service scope without client consent and clear responsibility changes.
    - Not work without a clear written agreement on terms and scope.
    - Maintain client confidentiality.

Notes for Principle Two

• Members should:
    - Ensure appropriate registration to practice architecturally.
    - Note that violations of local laws are grounds for discipline, including copyright infringements.
    - Advise clients against unlawful decisions affecting project safety and health.
    - Not mix roles of expert advice with those of arbitration in practice.
    - Not abandon commissions without cause.

4.4.3 Principle Three: Responsibility to Other Members

• Members must:
    - Act with integrity toward fellow members.
    - Respect Codes adhered by other professional consultants.

Notes for Principle Three

• Members should:
    - Not interfere with another architect's commitment to a project.
    - Avoid actions that harm others' reputation or business.
    - Respect confidentiality in reviewing another's work and notify them beforehand.
    - Notify members if taking over their work following client notification.
    - Not partner with disqualified individuals in practice.
    - Practice courtesy towards fellow members when seeking clients.
    - Comply with Institute guidelines for employing architects.
    - Inform employers about actions that could contravene the Code.

4.4.4 Principle Four: Responsibility to the Institute and the Profession

• Members must:
    - Support advancements in architecture.
    - Uphold the profession's dignity and integrity.
    - Promote architectural excellence ensuring service quality is not compromised for fees.
    - Not enter competitions without prior approval from the Institute or adherence to guidelines.

Notes for Principle Four

• Members should:
    - Not sign work lacking responsible control.
    - Strive to improve architectural standards and education.
    - Provide constructive critiques of architecture.
    - Administer building contracts impartially and responsibly.
    - Not falsely certify expenditures during a contract or fail to fulfill certifications already issued.
    - Engage in Institute affairs and report changes in addresses or employment promptly.
    - Pay subscription fees as required and report prejudicial competitions to the Institute.

4.4.5 Principle Five: Responsibility to Third Parties

• Members must:
    - Maintain professional integrity towards third parties affected by their work.
    - Avoid actions that could unfairly harm third parties’ legitimate interests.
    - Not misrepresent facts or give misleading information to the public.

Notes for Principle Five

• Third party definition:
    - Represents any individual or legal entity not directly associated by contract but affected by members’ work. Included are:
      - Building contractors employed by the member’s client
      - Subcontractors to those contractors
      - Other consultants to the client
      - Property purchasers from clients
      - Occupants/users of architect-designed buildings.

• Members should:
    - Avoid issuing prejudicial certificates to affected third parties.
    - Disclose conflicts of interest impacting impartiality.
    - Refrain from actions that compromise third-party rights due to irregular conduct.