THE

ARCHITECT’S
CODE OF
ETHICS
PRBOA Resolution No. 5
Series of 2018
June 4, 2018- City of Manila
 But what is this existing board
resolution and why is it needed
to be amended?

ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF THE ARCHITECT’S

CREDO, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE OF BOARD
RESOLUTION NO. 02, SERIES OF 2006, ENTITLED,
“ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF
ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR REGISTERED AND LICENSED
ARCHITECTS AND FOR HOLDERS OF TEMPORARY/
SPECIAL PERMITS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266,
KNOWN AS THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004”
 Referred as BOARD

• RA 9266 mandates PRBOArch to monitor the conditions affecting

the practice of Architecture and adopt such measures as may be
deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high
professional, ethical and technical standards of the profession;
• PRBOArch resolution No. 02 S. of 2006 on the adoption and
promulgation of the CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT for Registered
Licensed Architects and for the holders of Temporary special permits
under RA 9266. Article VII of the code enjoins every registered and
licensed architect to recite with vigor, passion and hope the
Architects Credo during special or important occasions, e.g. mass
oath taking, IAPOA’s Affair and Board events;
• The Architect’s Credo is a compendium of principles, beliefs
and values that architects are expected to adhere to in the
conduct of their personal and professional dealings;
• There is a need to update the Architect’s credo to be attuned to
the present times. In this regard, the United Architects of the
Philippines (UAP), endorsed through Board Resolution No. 99,
s. of 2017-12018, its proposed Architect’s Credo for the
Consideration of the board and the Commission
 BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 02, SERIES OF 2006
Consists of eight articles:

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
II. THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE
PEOPLE
III. THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS/
HER CLIENT
IV.THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE
CONTRACTOR
V. THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO
MAMNUFACTURERS, DEALERS, AND AGENTS
VI.THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS/
HER COLLEAGUES AND SUBORDINATES
VII.THE ARCHITECT’S CREDO
VIII.MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
THE ARCHITECT’S CREDO
• Accountability
• Norm of Conduct
• Professional Excellence
• Ethical Relationship
• Sharing
• Respect
• Legacy
THE 8 ARTICLES VS THE ARCHITECT’S CREDO
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
II. THE ARCHITECT’S
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION
TO THE PEOPLE
III. THE ARCHITECT’S
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION Accountability
TO HIS/ HER CLIENT Norm of Conduct
IV. THE ARCHITECT’S Professional Excellence
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION Ethical Relationship
TO THE CONTRACTOR
Sharing
V. THE ARCHITECT’S
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION Respect
TO MAMNUFACTURERS, Legacy
DEALERS, AND AGENTS
VI. THE ARCHITECT’S
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION
TO HIS/ HER COLLEAGUES AND
SUBORDINATES
VII. THE ARCHITECT’S CREDO
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
• Accountability
I shall work with this general objective; that I am accountable to
God, to mother earth, to my country, to my fellowmen, and to
myself

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Traits of Architects:

• highest integrity,
• responsiveness,
• business acumen,
• sensibility,
• artistic and technical ability.

Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities:

• beyond reproach;
• he/she acts as professional adviser to his/her Client and his/her advice must be unprejudiced;
• Norm of Conduct
I shall uphold the ideals and follow the norms of conduct of this
noble profession
ARTICLE II
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE PEOPLE
Section 3. Relations with the Public.:
• responsibilities are the natural outcome of good citizenship
• carries with it civic responsibilities towards the public of his/her professional pursuit,
• or whether they partake of informative and educational matters or of his/her normal interest in public welfare; and, accordingly,
he or she
3.1
• shall respect and help conserve the systems of values and the natural, historic, and cultural heritage of the community in which
he/she creates architecture.
• He/she shall strive to improve the environment and the life and habitat within it in a sustainable manner, fully mindful of the
effect of his/her work on the widest interests of all those who may reasonably be expected to use the product of his/her work.
3.2
• shall promote the interest of his/her professional organization and do his/her full part of the work to enhance the objectives and
services of the organization.
• He/she should share in the interchange of technical information and experience with the other design professions and the
construction industry.
3.3
• as a good citizen shall abide by and observe the laws and regulations of the government and comply with the Code of Ethical
Conduct and the Standards of Professional Practice.
• He/she shall at all times endeavor to properly observe the laws on the practice of architecture and on the planning and design
of buildings and their environs.
• He/she shall at no time act in a manner detrimental to the best interest of the architectural profession.
3.4
• shall not use paid advertisement, nor use self-laudatory, exaggerated, or misleading publicity. However, he/she
may, in the context of advancing public knowledge of the Architect’s function in society, as well as of architecture
itself, opt to write books, be a regular columnist of a publication, or be a contributor to the preparation of any other
literature, or actively participate in any forum, seminar, workshop, or similar assemblies through verbal or visual
presentations and, in the process, show his/her own true worth as a professional, in which case he/she may
receive remuneration or honorarium for such undertakings.
3.5
• shall not solicit, nor permit to solicit, in his/her name, advertisements or other support towards the cost of any
publication presenting his/her work. He/she shall refrain from taking part in paid advertisement endorsing any
materials of construction or building equipment.
3.6
• shall not deceive the public as to his/her professional competence, nor claim any professional specialization
unless supported by academic qualification, track record or relevant expertise, professional resources available
to him/her which will enable him/her to handle the work particularly requiring such specialization and sanction,
by his/her peers in the profession.
3.7
• may exhibit his/her professional shingle outside his/her office, or display a project billboard indicating relevant
information, which may include pictorial reproduction thereof, in a modest manner
 • Professional Excellence
I shall pursue moral and professional excellence to the utmost
level of integrity through industrious dedication and meaningful
application to my work that merits a reputation for quality of
services worthy of fair remuneration
ARTICLE III
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS/HER CLIENT
Section 4. Relations with the Client. - The Architect's relation to his/her Client is dependent upon good faith. To ensure the
continued existence of such state of good relationship, the Architect's position carries with it certain moral obligations to
his/her Client and to himself/herself. The Architect shall always endeavor to protect the Client's interests but never at the
expense of higher public interests and public welfare; and, accordingly, he/she
4.1 shall introduce to a prospective Client the professional services he/she is able to perform provided it is limited to the
presentation of examples of his/her professional-experience and does not entail the offering of free preliminary sketches
or other services without the benefit of an agreement with the Client for legitimate compensation.
4.2 shall acquaint or ascertain from the Client, at the very inception of their business relationship, the exact nature and
scope of his/her services and properly inform the Client of the corresponding professional fees.
4.3 shall advise a Client against proceeding with any project whose practicability may be questionable due to financial or
legal important and/or exigent conditions, even if such advice may mean the loss of a prospective commission to the
Architect.
4.4 shall explain the conditional character of estimates and in no case shall he/she guarantee any estimates or cost of the
work in order to secure a commission, unless provided for by law, as in certain government projects.
4.5 shall consider the needs and stipulation of his/her Client and the effects of his/her work upon the life and well-being of
the public and the community as a whole and shall endeavor to meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of the
project commensurate with the Client's budget.
4.6 shall bill his/her Client for services rendered a professional fee commensurate with the work involved and with his/her
professional standing and experience based upon the Basic Minimum Fee prescribed under the. "Standards of
Professional Practice."
4.7 shall undertake the construction of a project even when the plans were prepared by him/her when it conforms with
pertinent sections of the "Standards of Professional Practice".
4.8 shall be compensated for his/her services solely through his/her professional fee billed directly to the Client. He/she
shall not ask for any other returns in whatever form from any interested source other than the Client.
4.9 shall be free in his/her investments and business relations outside of his/her profession from any financial or personal
interests which tend to weaker his/her standing as an unprejudiced and honest adviser, free to act in his/her Client's best
interests. If the Architect has any other business interest's which would relate to, or affect the interest of the Client, he/she
should inform the Client of such a condition or situation.
4.10 shall include in his/her agreement with the Client a clause providing for negotiation, mediation/conciliation and/or
arbitration as alternative methods for the settlement of disputes.
4.11 shall carry out his/her professional work without undue delay and within an agreed reasonable time limit.
4.12 shall keep the Client informed at all times of the progress of the work undertaken on the Client's behalf and of any
issue that may affect project quality and cost.
• Ethical Relationship
I shall pledge myself to the highest standard of professionalism in
relation to clients, colleagues, industry partners, and society.
• Sharing
I shall dedicate myself to the pursuit of creative endeavor
towards the goal of enlightened Art and Science, generosity
sharing it.
• Respect
I shall respect the rights and works of my colleagues in the
profession and confine my comments to constructive intents.
ARTICLE VI
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS/HER COLLEAGUES AND SUBORDINATES
Section 7. Relations with his/her colleagues and subordinates (his/her big and small brothers/sisters). - The Architect has moral
responsibilities towards his/her profession, his/her colleagues, and his/her subordinates; and, accordingly, he or she
7.1 shall not render professional services without a professional service agreement. He/she shall neither offer nor provide preliminary services
on a conditional basis prior to definite agreement with the Client for the commission of the project.
7.2 shall abide by the Basic Minimum Fee prescribed under the "Standards of Professional Practice". He/she shall not use donation of
professional services as a device for obtaining competitive advantage except for worthy civic or religious projects. Neither shall he/she submit
solicited or unsolicited sketches or drawings in competition with other Architects unless such competitive arrangements are conducted
substantially under the terms of me Architectural Competition Code.
7.3 shall not, in any case, enter as competitor in any Architectural Competition when he/she has direct
involvement in the formulation of the Program thereof, or when he/she has been engaged to act as
Professional Adviser or Juror for such competition. Neither shall the Architect accept and act as
professional adviser or juror in any architectural competition when he/she has had any information or has
reviewed or assisted in the preparation of such competition. Nor shall be retained as a professional adviser
in a competition, accept employment as an Architect for the competition project, except as Consulting
Architect.
7.4 shall not, under any circumstances or through any means, solicit any project already known to him/her
as previously committed to another Architect, whether such a commitment is still in the process of
negotiation or has already been definitely agreed upon.
7.5 shall not undertake a commission for which he/she knows that another Architect has been previously
employed unless he/she notifies me other Architect of the fact in writing and has conclusively determined
that the original employment has been terminated and duly compensated for.
7.6 shall not undertake a commission for additions, rehabilitation, or remodeling of any erected structure
undertaken previously by another Architect without duly notifying him of the contemplated project even
when the Client/Owner is no longer the same. When the greater mass, area, or design of the original
structure is substantially maintained, the new Architect should limit his/her advertisement or claim only to
the extent of the specific work he/she has done to me structure. Whenever the nature of work involved
examples of our architectural heritage, the Architect must look at all possibilities of restoration.
7.7 shall not maliciously, or unfairly criticize, or discredit another Architect or the latter's work.
7.8 shall refrain from associating himself/herself with, or allowing the use of his/her name by any enterprise
that may negatively affect himself/herself or the architectural profession.
7.9 shall not affix his/her signature and seal to any plans or professional documents prepared by other
persons or entities and not done under his/her direct personal supervision.
7.10 shall provide employees and subordinates with a suitable work environment, compensate them fairly,
and facilitate their professional advancement. He/she shall tutor and mentor the young aspirants towards the
ideals, functions, duties, and responsibilities leading to the ethical practice of the architectural profession.
7.11 shall unselfishly give his/her share in the transfer of technical knowledge and experience to his/her
colleagues and young aspirants and do his/her part in fostering unity in the furtherance of the profession.
7.12 shall unselfishly give his/her time and effort to the advancement of the profession thru his/her active and
personal commitment and involvement with the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of
Architects (IAPOA) and in undertaking specific advocacy work to ultimately benefit the architectural
profession.
7.13 shall ensure that the conduct of his/her professional practice abides by appropriate and effective internal
procedures, including monitoring and review processes, as well as sufficient qualified and supervised staff to
enable the firm to function efficiently.
7.14 shall neither appropriate the intellectual property of, nor unduly take advantage of the ideas of another
architect without express authority from the originating architect.
7.15 shall build his/her professional reputation on the merits of his/her own service and performance and
shall strive to continuously update his/her professional know-how. He/she shall recognize and give credit to
others for professional work performed.
7.16 shall not, when offering services as an independent consultant, quote a fee without first receiving an official invitation for him/her to do so.
The Architect must have sufficient information on the nature and scope of the project to enable him/her to prepare a fee proposal clearly
indicating the services covered by the fee in order to protect the Client and the public from under-resourcing or underpricing by some
unscrupulous parties.
7.17 shall not undertake professional work unless the parties shall have clearly agreed in writing to the terms of the architectural commission, to
wit:
7.17.1 scope of work,
7.17.2 delineation of responsibilities,
7.17.3 any limitation of responsibilities,
7.17.4 fee or method of calculating it,
7.17.5 mode of alternative dispute resolution, and
7.17.6 any provision for termination.
7.18 shall continue to raise the standards of aesthetic excellence, functional logic, architectural education, research, training, and practice.
7.19 shall, as appropriate, promote the allied arts and contribute to the knowledge and capability of the construction industry.
7.20 if he/she possesses substantial information which leads to n reasonable belief that another Architect has committed a violation of this Code,
shall file a formal complaint with the designated body.
7.21 if he/she is leaving his/her Architect-Employer shall not, without the permission of the latter, take with him/her designs, drawings, data, or
other relevant materials even if personally performed by him/her. On the other hand, the Architect-Employer shall not unreasonably withhold
such permission, except when some confidentiality of any such documents must be reasonably protected.
7.22 shall not discriminate on grounds of race, national origin, age, gender, marital status, religion, or any disability which would hinder the
performance of his/her professional work.
• Legacy
I shall endeavor to do my duty in the protection of our common
environment and the preservation of architectural heritage for the
sake of the present and future generations.
 ARTICLE IV
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE CONTRACTOR
Section 5. Relations with Contractor. - The Contractor depends upon the Architect to safeguard fairly the Contractor's interest as well as
those of the Client; and, accordingly he or she
5.1 shall give the Contractor every reasonable assistance to enable him/her to fully understand the contents of the Contract Documents by
furnishing clear, definite, and consistent information in all pertinent contract documents to avoid unnecessary mistakes that may involve
extra costs to either the Contractor or the Client.
5.2 shall not knowingly call upon the Contractor to correct or remedy oversights or errors in the Contract Document to the Contractor's or the
Owner's financial disadvantage.
5.3 shall, immediately upon his/her personal knowledge and inspection, reject or condemn material, equipment, or workmanship which is
not in conformity with the Contract Documents in order not to cause unnecessary delay and additional expense to the Contractor.
5.4 shall reject any offer of free professional engineering or allied design service/s, or receive any substantial aid, gifts, commissions, or
favors from any Contractor or Subcontractor which will tend to place him/her under any kind of obligation to return such favors.
5.5 shall promptly inspect each phase of the work completed and if found according to the terms of the Contract Documents, issue the
corresponding Certificates of Payment and the Final Certificate of Completion, respectively, to the Contractor.
ARTICLE V
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO MANUFACTURERS, DEALERS, AND AGENTS
Section 6. - Relations with Manufacturers, Dealers, and Agents. - An exchange of technical information between the Architect and those who
manufacture, supply, and handle building materials or equipment is necessary and, therefore, encouraged and commended, provided that:
he/she
6.1 shall not solicit free professional engineering/allied design or other technical services from manufacturers or suppliers of building
materials or equipment when these are accompanied by an obligation detrimental to the best interest of the Client, or which may adversely
affect the Architect's professional opinion.
6.2 shall not seek commissions, discounts, fees, gifts, or favors from agents or firms handling building materials or equipment which may
place him/her in a reciprocal frame of mind. All market discounts shall be credited to the Client.
SO HELP ME GOD.