Talk to us
Live Chat
Professionalism lies at the heart of architectural practice, underpinning the trust placed in architects by clients, colleagues, and the wider public. Professionalism is about more than technical competence – it encompasses a commitment to ethical decision-making, accountability, and the responsible exercise of professional judgement.
Under the Architects Act, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) is required to publish a code setting the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of all persons on the Register of Architects, and to keep that code under review. ARB meets this requirement through the publication of the Architects Code of Conduct and Practice, otherwise known as the Architects Code.
The Architects Code is a positive statement of what professionalism and ethics mean to architects. It explains in clear terms the behaviours and high standards that all architects are expected to meet.
ARB has now published a new version of the Architects Code. The new version of the Code will become effective on 1 September 2025; the current (2017) version will remain effective until that date.
View the new Architects Code
Effective 1 September 2025
View the 2017 Architects Code
Effective before 1 September 2025
The Standards
The new Code is based around six Standards.
Each Standard is underlined with examples of how architects can demonstrate their commitment to upholding it.
Standard 1
Honesty and integrity
Standard 2
Public interest
Standard 3
Competence
Standard 4
Professional practice
Standard 5
Communication and collaboration
Standard 6
Respect
Supporting guidance
The new Code is supported with guidance for how architects can apply the Standards in more specific contexts and in relation to particular topics. Draft guidance is being published and consulted on in phases: the second tranche has been published for consultation today alongside the new Code, and includes the following topics:
Consultation on this tranche of guidance will close 31 July 2025. Participate in the consultation here.
The first tranche of guidance covered the topics of Dealing with Complaints, Professional Indemnity Insurance and Terms of Engagement. Guidance for these topics was consulted on between 26 February and 09 April 2025.
Supporting guidance relating to the 2025 Code
| Guidance | Status | Notes |
| Dealing with complaints | Published | Effective 1 September 2025 |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Published | Effective 1 September 2025 |
| Terms of engagement | Published | Effective 1 September 2025 |
| Managing conflicts of interest | Draft | Draft guidance currently being consulted on |
| Managing finances appropriately | Draft | Draft guidance currently being consulted on |
| Raising concerns and whistleblowing | Draft | Draft guidance currently being consulted on |
| Building Safety | Pending | Pending |
| Equality, diversity & inclusion | Pending | Pending |
| Leadership | Pending | Pending |
| Mentoring | Pending | Pending |
| Sustainability | Pending | Pending |
Supporting guidance relating to the 2017 Code
| Guidance | Status | Notes |
| Dealing with complaints | Currently effective | Effective until 1 September 2025 |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Currently effective | Effective until 1 September 2025 |
| Sustainability | Currently effective | Effective until 1 September 2025 |
Along with the guidance notes that relate to the 2017 edition of the Architects’ Code, we also published supplementary advisory notes to provide insight into the purpose and application of the relevant Standard. See here for all advisory notes.
FAQs
General
What is the Code of Conduct?
The Architects Code of Conduct and Practice sets out the standards of professional conduct and practice that ARB expects of all registered architects. It exists to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession.
Who does the Code apply to?
The Code applies to all architects who are registered with ARB, regardless of where they are based or the nature of their work. Registration with ARB brings with it a responsibility to practise in accordance with the standards set out in the Code.
Does the Code apply to me even if I practise outside of the United Kingdom?
Yes. If you are registered with ARB, you are expected to comply with the Code, even if you are practising overseas.
Does the Code apply to me even if I am not working in architecture?
Yes. As long as you are on the Architects Register, you are expected to meet the Standards set out in the Code. The Code applies to your conduct as a registered architect, whether or not you are currently practising architecture.
Must I always meet the Standards of the Code?
There are six Standards of the Code: honesty and integrity, public interest, competence, communication and collaboration, professional practice and respect. You must always meet these Standards. The standards are supported by example behaviours and guidance; they are not mandatory, but if you choose to meet a Standard in another way then you must be able to account for that.
What happens if I fall short of the Standards set down in the Code?
As the Code is not a set of rules, it will not automatically lead to disciplinary proceedings should you fall short of any of the standards. However, any failure to comply with the provisions of the Code will be taken into account if there is an investigation into your conduct or competence.
Is the Code available in a physical format?
The Code is available in a PDF format only, but you are welcome to download and print should you wish to have a physical copy.
Architects Code 2025 – transition and implementation
When will the new Code of Conduct and Practice come into effect?
The Architects Code 2025 will come into effect on 1 September 2025. From this date forward, all registered architects will be expected to comply with the updated standards.
Will there be a grace period where both the old and new Codes are recognised?
No. Once the new Code comes into effect, it will fully replace the previous version.
Are there any resources available to help architects understand and adapt to the new Code?
Yes, ARB is currently developing guidance in support of the new Code that will aid architects in understanding how the Standards should be applied in relation to specific topics. See the section above on ‘Supporting guidance’ for more information.
Will there be any mandatory CPD linked to the new Code?
No, there is not any mandatory CPD related to the Code. We do however strongly encourage all architects to spend time familiarising themselves with the new Code and its Standards.
How will ongoing investigations or complaints be handled - under the old Code or the new one?
Complaints and investigations that began before the new Code comes into effect will typically be considered under the Code that was in force at the time of the events which led to the complaint.
Will the introduction of the new Code be accompanied by any changes to ARB’s investigations process?
No, the ARB investigations process will not be changed in response to the introduction of the new Code.