Architects will act with integrity, honesty, and professional competence.
Architects will have regard for the best interests of both their clients and the public.
Architects will honestly represent the extent of their expertise.
Architects will respect the rights of their colleagues and appropriately recognize their contributions.
Architects will demonstrate respect for the natural and cultural environments of the people and places that are influenced by their work.
Architects will provide mentorship and guidance in the interests of the profession.
Background
Following the OAA’s release of a Code of Ethics in May 2010, the Association received a significant amount of commentary from its members. This
mostly positive feedback generated robust discussion at OAA Council
about the Code and how it could be improved, just as other codes and
standards are updated periodically. This led to the release and publication of the Ontario Architects’ Code of Ethics,
Version 2.0 in December 2014, which incorporates member feedback and the Council’s
discussions on the matter.
Generally speaking, nothing has been added or deleted from Version
1.0; there are no new ethical standards nor have any ethical standards
been removed. The updated Code consolidates related ethical standards
into fewer, more comprehensive statements. Council also reconsidered
some of the grammar to hit a consistent positive, imperative tone, as
well as simplifying the font and graphic presentation. The Code of
Ethics is not law; it is an aspirational document against which
architects can check themselves, in the course of their practice.