Architectural Codes of Conduct in India

Codes of conduct for Indian architects

A code of conduct is a set of rules that outlines the duties and responsibilities of a particular person, groups or organization. All professions are bound by these codes, including architecture which is a process of designing, planning and construction of buildings and other structures.

In India, just like other countries, architects do have codes of conduct. Indian architects are required to register with a government body called the council of architecture so that one can be able to carry out the professional practice. It is illegal to conduct any architectural activities without getting registered by this body. When they register with this body each architect gets a unique registration number. They also have to follow the Indians architects act 1972, which states the following.
?All architects are to be bound by this act and are to follow it.
?The council of architecture shall be the body responsible for all architects. Through this body contracts can be made. One can sue or be sued.
?The head office shall be in Delhi unless stated otherwise by the central government, which will be put in the gazette.
?Specifies the number of members who are to be on the council and there mode of election.
?It talks about the registration of architects. That with them they should have their birth certificate, national identification card, relevant school documents and a degree from a known institution.
?Punishments to those who give false representation are also stated.

The Indian government also did establish a code of conduct in the Indian constitution. It is under the professional code of conduct 1989. It states that:

1. Every architect who's either employed or practicing is subject to the provisions of the central civil services.

2. An architect should make sure that his professional activities do not conflict with his responsibilities and what he is entitled to do, his responsibility to the society and environment.

3. He or she should apply and use his skills? responsibly for the economic development of India.

4. The architect shall provide professional services of high quality and to the best of his ability.

5. Should always inform the client on the conditions of engagement and the terms of agreement especially if one is on private practice. These are to form the basis of an appointment.

6. One should not sub commission work to another or other architects without an agreement with his client.

7. He should not give or take discounts, gifts, commissions or any form of inducement for introduction of a client or work.

8. He should act with impartiality and fairness when administering a contract.

9. The architect should maintain very high standards of integrity.

10. Should promote the advancement of architecture, research, training, architectural education and also training.

11. He should respect and recognize professional responsibilities of consultants.

These are just a few codes of conduct stated in the Indian constitution. Architects are to live by the above regulations so as to have quality output in the services they deliver. There are also consequences to breach of these codes. One is held liable by the law.