Chapter-1 Professional Ethics
Profession: Profession is a systematic Knowledge acquired through specialized training and education
and practicing the same as occupation.
Profession required
> Systematic higher education
> Independent governing body
>Formal code of ethics
We can say that every profession is an occupation but every occupation is not profession. For
occupation to be profession it should meet above major criteria.
Every profession delivers service to the society and society gives back credibility and professionals build
confidence to move forward. Positive change in society is fundamentally the collective works of the
professionals. Professions are ideally made up of people with high ethical standards who have special
knowledge and skills.
(Note: An occupation is any activity you do to earn a living regardless of training. A profession is a
specialized type of occupation that requires extensive education, advance training and adherence to a
strict ethical code.)
Characteristics/Features of a profession
1) Systematic knowledge and skill based on scientific theory:
Professionals are assumed to have extensive theoretical knowledge and possess skills based on that
knowledge so that they are able to apply in practice. Without acquiring systematic knowledge and
possessing certain skills the occupation cannot be a profession.
2) Formal education:
Profession demand lengthy structured training usually university degree and license .
3) Governing body:
The Governing body of a profession is typically referred as a regulatory body or professional body.
The regulatory bodies are statutory authority established by the government with the legal mandate to
protect the public. They inforce minimum standard of practice, grant licenses, protecting the public
interest, penalizing professionals who violate ethical or technical rules. E.g. NEC, NMC etc.
Professional associations are voluntary, membership-based organization to serve, promote and advance
the interests of its members. It provides career networking, optional training, and advocacy etc. E.g.
NEA, NMA etc.
4) Sense of community:
We feeling through professional association. Every member has some set of behavior that is similar to
other person of the same profession. Members unite through professional associations to protect their
legal rights, autonomy and safety.
5) Service motive:
Driven by commitment to help society over mere financial gain.
6) Code of ethics:
Bound by a strict code of conduct prioritizing public welfare.
7) Licensing:
Requires a formal license or certification to legally practice
8) High status and rewards:
The successful profession achieve high status, public prestige and rewards for their work due to critical
nature of the work. Society grants professionals high respect, deference and elevated social standing.
9) Legitimacy:
Legitimacy as a characteristics of a profession is the social and legal validation that grants a professional
group the rightful authority to practice, self-govern and command public trust. By possessing recognized
legitimacy a profession earns public trust and jurisdictional authority required to govern its own
standards, independently perform complex work and serve society.
Ethics:
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that studies moral principles. It is the science of morality. It seeks to
teach us how we can pass correct moral judgements upon human conduct and consider it as right or
wrong with reference to supreme ideal of human life.
Professional Ethics:
Professional ethics are the moral principles, values and standards that guide behavior, decision making
and interaction in a workplace. They established expectations on how professionals should interact with
client, colleagues and society ensuring integrity, accountability and trust.
While different industries like (medicine, law, engineering etc.) have tailored guidelines almost all
professional ethics are built on these core principles.
1) Integrity:
Being honest, transparent and truthful in all communication and actively avoiding conflict of interest.
2) Confidentiality:
Protecting sensitive information about client, employers and colleagues.
3) Respect:
Treating clients and coworkers with dignity and fairness, free from discrimination and harassment.
4) Objectivity:
Making Decision based on facts, evidence and professional judgement rather than personal bias or
outside pressure.
Code of Conduct
A code of conduct is a formal document that outlines the specific rules, policies and behavioral
expectations for everyone with in organizations or profession.
Key features of a code of conduct
1) Behavioral Rules: It states exactly what employees and members can and cannot do.
2) Compliance: It highlights specific laws and regulations that must be followed.
3) Consequences: It clearly defines what happens if someone violets the rules.
Code of conduct and code of ethics
(Professional behavior and judgement)
A code of ethics provides the broad moral principles, a code of conduct translates those principles into
daily actions and specific rules. Code of ethics is similar to a code of conduct in general sense. Both are
sets of professional standards to guide the behavior of an organization’s members, however there are
some subtle differences.
Code of ethics and code of conduct differ most when a professional must choose between long term
public safety and immediate employer rules. A code of ethics relies on judgement to protect the public.
Code of conduct requires strict obedience to specific company rules and procedures which is shown in
behavior. Conduct focuses on business loyalty and legal compliances. Ethics is about honesty,
professional judgement and actual core for all human society.
Behavior is external action. It is visible, measurable thing you actually do or say based on rules and
regulations. Judgement is the internal thinking process. It involves using values, morals and critical
thinking to decide what is right, fair or good in a situation.
A simple breakdown in Architectural design
Ethics (judgement) > Thinking about how a building affects the community wellbeing.
Conduct (Behavior) > Acting in accordance with office hours, safety dress codes and contract
formatting.
In short ethics guides your mind and conduct regulates your actions.
Note:
(The clash between code of conduct and ethics occurs mainly in corporate field, it does not
mean there is no clash in government level, but comparatively very low in government cases.
This is because in code of conduct of council level public safety and environmental sustainability
is given priority.
In clash between code of conduct and code of ethics first there arises moral dilemma then
employee chooses ethics over company rules and regulation then moral objections arises
where he wants to sort out objection internally rather than going in public. If he feels company
works will harm public safety and company does not change their decision after having
discussion then he feels, he needs to expose the work in public which is called whistleblowing.
While doing so he is wrong by company code of conduct but right by ethics.)
Whistleblowing:
Whistleblowing is the act of a person in which he/she brings the internal institutional issue in
which he/she has been involved to the public with the assumption that if he/she remains silent
on such an issue public welfare and safety are likely to be in danger.
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
Founded in 1834 as the institute of British Architect (IBA) by a group of prominent architects including
Thomas Philip De Gray and John Soane. Its purpose was to separate professional architects from
builders and trade workers aiming to advance civil architectural and promote intellectual knowledge. In
1837 king William IV granted the institute it’s Royal Charter. It officially added Royal to its name in1866.
RIBA is a professional membership association not a regulatory body. It is a voluntary organization that
supports architects. It helps architect to achieve their goals.
Types of membership
I) Student membership II) Associate membership III) Chartered membership
IV) Fellows membership V) Affiliated membership
The RIBA code of professional conduct is built on these three core principles.
1) Integrity
i) Honesty: Act with transparency in all professional and business dealing.
ii) Impartiality: Provide unbiased advice regardless of personal gain.
iii) Trust: Avoids actions that brings the profession into disrepute
iv) Ethics: Declare any potential conflicts of interest immediately.
2) Competence
i) Knowledge: Maintaining high standards of skill and professional judgement.
ii) Development: Complete mandatory continuing professional development (CPD).
iii) Reliability: Only undertake work you have the resources to complete
iv) Clarity: Ensure clients understand the scope, risks and cost of a project.
3) Relationship
i) Respect: Treat all people with dignity and respect.
ii) Social Justice: Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
iii) Environment: Support sustainable practices to minimize ecological impact.
iv) Fairness: Manage teams and contractors ethically and without discrimination.
AIA (American institute of Architects)
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the largest professional membership organization for
licensed architects, emerging professionals and allied partners in the US. Founded in 1857, it serves as
the collective voice for the architectural community. It lobbies local and national government bodies on
issues like building codes, sustainability and urban planning. It connects over 1 lakh members through a
vast network of local, state, and international chapters. It Promotes the value of architecture and good
design to the general public, helps architects to design less carbon, ecofriendly buildings that use less
energy. Provides training and tools architects need to run profitable practices.
AIA code of ethics and professional conduct
“AIA code of ethics and professional conduct” provides an ethical framework to guide architectural
professionals in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.
The three tier structure: The documents organizes it’s guidelines into three strict hierarchical levels.
1) Canons – Principle of conduct
2) Ethical Standards (E.S) - Specific goals
3) Rule of conduct- Mandatory, legally defined regulation
The Six canons of AIA code are
1) General Obligations
Advancing knowledge, maintaining judgement and considering social, environmental impacts.
E.S. 1.1 (knowledge and skill) - Architects must strive to improve their professional knowledge and
technical skills.
Rule 1.101 (Standard of care) – Architects must perform work with care and skill expected of
professionals in good standing.
E.S. 1.4 Human rights
Rule 1.401 – Shall not discriminate based on race, religion, gender etc.
2) Obligations to the public
Members must uphold the law and prioritize public health, safety and welfare above all other
commercial interests.
E.S. 2.1 (conduct) –Architects should uphold the law and promote public safety in their professionals
activities.
Rule 2.105 (Public safety) – Architect must report a client to building officials if the client decision
violates safety codes.
3) Obligations to the client
Serve clients diligently, honesty and without bias.
E.S. 3.1 (competence) – Architects should serve clients with reliable and unbiased professional
judgement.
Rule 3.103 – Shall not alter the scope or objectives of a project without client’s consent.
E.S. 3.4 (Confidentiality)
Rule 3.401 – Shall not knowingly disclose information to others.
4) Obligations to the profession
Members should uphold the integrity and dignity of the profession.
E.S. 4.1 (Honesty and fairness)-Architect should pursue professional work fairly and honestly.
Rule 4.101 – Shall file a complaint for violation of code with the NEC ((National Ethics Council).
Rule 4.102 – Shall not sign or stamp drawing, specification reports or other work for which they don’t
have responsible control.
5) Obligations to colleagues
Members should respect their rights and acknowledge the professional aspirations and contribution of
their colleagues.
E.S. 5.1 – Professional environment
Rule 5.101 (Discrimination) – Workplace discrimination and harassment are strictly prohibited.
6) Obligations to the environments
Member should promote sustainable design and development principle in their professional activities.
E.S. 6.1 -Energy conservation
Rule 6.501- Architect must discuss the environmental effects and sustainable design options of a project
to their clients.
Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)
The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the premier national professional body for architects in India.
Established in 1917, it actively represents over 30,000 members, promotes architectural education, and
sets high standards for the profession. It brings licensed local architects under one unified national
association to form network, share research, and collaborate. It enforce strict, mandatory rules of
conduct regarding client fees, transparency, and professional behavior. It actively lobbies regional and
national governments to update building bye-laws, improve urban planning, and mandate sustainability
practices. It supports local architectural colleges, defines educational benchmarks and hosts professional
training workshops.
The 4 Core Principles in code of conduct of IIA
1) Obligations to the Client: Maintain complete honesty, deliver high-quality work, and never accept
secret kickbacks from suppliers.
2) Obligations to the Profession & Colleagues: Architects are strictly banned from stealing clients from
competitors or taking over active projects until the previous architect is fully paid and formally
terminated. Give proper design credit to other architects and pay employees fairly
3) Personal Integrity & Conflicts of Interest: Architects must maintain complete transparency and
honesty by disclosing any financial stake in material supply or construction companies to clients in
writing before using them on a project.
4) Public and Environmental Responsibility: Architects must strictly comply with all local building and
safety bye-laws while actively prioritizing sustainable development and minimizing environmental
damage.
Society of Consulting Architectural & Engineering Firms (SCAEF)
The Society of Consulting Architectural & Engineering Firms (SCAEF), Nepal was established on
November 20, 1990, to protect and advance the domestic consulting industry. Before its inception, the
government primarily relied on foreign consultants for large projects, leaving local firms limited to small-
scale assignments. It helps to increase the involvement of Nepalese firms in major projects, decreasing
the country’s reliance on foreign consulting agencies. It creates a conducive atmosphere for healthy,
professional competition among registered architectural and engineering firms. It encourages smaller
firms to pool resources so they can jointly bid on massive, large-scale national infrastructure
assignments. It establishes corporate ties with international engineering and construction societies (such
as FIDIC).
Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA)
The Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) is the premier professional body representing architects
throughout Nepal. Established in 1990 (2047 B.S.), it serves as an umbrella network uniting professionals
across the private sector, government agencies, and academia. SONA protects the professional rights,
interests, and legal standing of architects practicing in Nepal. Actively campaigns for a statutory
Architect's Council in Nepal—similar to the Nepal Engineering Council—to legally govern independent
architectural registration and practices. It also promotes disaster-resilient eco-friendly designs and local
architectural conservation. Integrates Nepalese architects into international networks like ARCASIA and
the UIA.
The SONA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is a mandatory framework that ensures architects in
Nepal practice with integrity, responsibility, and fair competition.
It is summarized by given core duties:
Public & Heritage: Prioritize safety, sustainable design, and the conservation of Nepal's
cultural heritage.
Client Trust: Ensure financial transparency, written contracts, and immediate disclosure of
conflicts of interest.
Professional Integrity: Uphold the profession's dignity, reject bribery, and avoid misleading
advertising.
Fair Competition: Respect colleagues' work, never steal active clients, and follow SONA’s
minimum fee guidelines.
Legal Compliance: Maintain continuous learning and strictly adhere to national building codes
and bylaws.
Practice Qualification
The professional requirements for architects vary from place to place but usually consist of three
components
1) University degree
2) Period of internship or training
2) Examination for registration
In Nepal
To legally practice as a professional architect in Nepal, you must complete a 5-year Bachelor of
Architecture ([Link].) degree and obtain a professional license from the Nepal Engineering Council
(NEC)
1. Educational Requirements
To become an architect, you must complete a 5-year [Link]. degree recognized by the NEC.
. Eligibility: Completion of 10+2 (Science stream) or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and
Mathematics (PCM), and passing the university’s entrance exam (e.g., TU, KU, PU, or PoU)
. Curriculum: The degree covers architectural design studios, building materials, construction
techniques, CAD/digital tools, urban planning etc.
2. Licensing (NEC Registration)
A degree alone does not grant you the right to practice architecture independently. You must register
with the NEC:
. Application: Submit your academic transcripts, certificates, citizenship along with other necessary
documents to the Nepal Engineering Council.
. License Examination: You must pass the NEC professional registration examination for architects,
which tests architectural history, Nepalese building codes, structural knowledge, professional practice
etc.
Nepal Engineering Council (NEC)
Nepal Engineering Council is an autonomous body formed under NEC Act 2055 with the mission of
regulating engineering profession effectively and scientifically and also undertaking licensing of
Engineers in accordance with their qualification. NEC Act 2055 gives an outline on the formation of the
council, its tenure and the roles and responsibilities of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and the Registrar.
NEC has been vested with the statutory authority for the planning, coordinated development and
monitoring of engineering profession and education in the country.
Nepal Engineering Council Rules, 2057 has also been prepared and approved by His Majesty
Government as per provision of Clause 37 of the Act. It defines the registration of engineers into three
categories as well as the formats for application:
i) General registered engineer- Category A
2) Professional engineer- Category B
3) Non- Nepali registered engineer- Category C
Objective of NEC
The objective of Nepal Engineering Council is to make the engineering profession effective by mobilizing
it in a more systematic and scientific and also to register the engineers as per their qualification.
Its duties and responsibilities are
1) To prepare policies, plans and programs for the smooth functioning of the engineering profession and
execute them
2) To grant permission and approval to carry out engineering education to those engineering colleges
and institutions that meet the required norms and standards and to honor their degree and certificates.
3) To monitor and inspect the quality of engineering education provided by the engineering colleges and
institutions.
4) To fix the qualification necessary in order to practice engineering profession and to register their
name in the council.
5) To remove their name from the registration of the engineering council if found to violate the code of
ethics.
Professional Code of Conduct by NEC
1) Discipline and Honesty:
The engineering profession must be conducted in a disciplined manner with honesty.
2) Politeness and Confidentiality:
Engineering services for should be dealt with in a polite manner and professional information should
remain confidential.
3) Non-discrimination:
No discrimination should be made against customers on the grounds of religion, race, sex, caste or any
other things while applying professional knowledge and skills.
4) Professional Work:
Professionals must only undertake work, or provide recommendations, within their specific field of
study, training, and obtained skills.
5) Deeds which may cause harm to the engineering profession:
With the exception of salary, allowance and benefits to be received for service provided, one shall not
obtain improper financial gain of any kind or conduct improper activities of any kind, which would
impair the engineering profession.
6) Personal Accountability:
Professionals are personally responsible for all engineering work they perform.
7) Mandatory Identification:
When signing and sealing professional documents (e.g., designs, specifications, maps), the engineer
must clearly state their name, designation, and NEC registration No.
8) No publicity and advertisement must be made which may cause unnecessary effect:
In connection with the professional activities to be carried out, no publicity or advertisement shall be
made so as to cause unnecessary effect upon the customers.
Proposed Nepal Architectural Council
The Proposed Nepal Architectural Council is a long-standing statutory movement led by the Society of
Nepalese Architects (SONA) to establish an independent regulatory body explicitly for architects.
Currently, architects in Nepal are legally grouped under the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC). The
proposed council aims to separate architectural regulation from general engineering, mirroring
international practices like the Council of Architecture in other nations.
Core Objectives of the Proposed Council
1) Distinct Professional Identity: To legally separate the practice of architecture from engineering,
acknowledging it as a distinct discipline combining both art and technical science.
2) Independent Licensing & Examination: To create a specialized architectural board that evaluates,
registers, and licenses architects independently of the engineering framework.
3) Regulation of Competitions and Contracts: To enforce guidelines making architectural appointments
for public infrastructure strictly reliant on fair, open design competitions.
4) Preservation & Urban Aesthetics: To ensure public policies favor the preservation of traditional
Nepalese heritage, indigenous arts, and localized building aesthetics across municipal zones.
Status and Progress
1) Lobbying and Advocacy: Actively driven by the SONA Committee on Policy and Council Advocacy
(SCPCA).
2) Drafting Stage: A draft of the "Architect Council Act" was previously formulated and circulated among
professional members for reviews and consultation.
3) Government Stance: The Ministry of Urban Development has repeatedly acknowledged the necessity
of a distinct council, but it awaits formal legislative enactment into law by the Federal Parliament.
Ethical Standard Interaction with other professional societies
When an architect works with other professional groups (like civil, structural engineers, MEP consultants
etc.), they must follow four simple rules.
1. Stay in Your Lane:
. Know your limits: Do not do work that you are not trained for, such as complex engineering or
electrical calculations.
. Do not sign or seal: Never sign or put your official stamp on engineering reports or documents outside
your architecture license.
2. Give Credit:
. Share the praise: A building takes a whole team to complete. Never claim that you did the entire
project by yourself.
. Do not steal: Always ask for permission before using another professional's specialized details, and
never copy their work.
3. Show Respect:
. Be fair: When reviewing an engineer's or planner's work, talk only about the facts and the science.
Never let personal feelings get in the way.
. Do not badmouth: Never tell lies or speak badly about other professionals just to win a client or get a
job.
4. Safety First:
. Speak up: If you see a major mistake in an engineer's design that could hurt people, tell them to fix it
immediately.
. Report danger: If they refuse to fix the mistake, you must protect the public by reporting the issue to
their licensing council or local building office.
Factor affecting morale of professionals
Professionals are found loosing professionalism due to following cause:
i) Inadequate salary
ii) Low morale of the individual
iii) No proper action taken by responsible body. e.g. Lack of implementation of law.
iv) Chain of corruption
v) Political Pressure.