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.
The Standards
The 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 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 Draft guidance is being published and consulted on in phases.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 first tranche of guidance covers 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 and is now published.
The second tranche of guidance covers topics of Managing Conflicts of Interest, Managing Finances, and Raising Concerns and Whistleblowing. Guidance for these topics was consulted on between 19 June and 31 July 2025.
The third tranche is currently pending and draft documents for consultation will be published on this page.
Supporting guidance relating to the 2025 Code
| Guidance | Status | Notes |
| Dealing with complaints | Published | Effective |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Published | Effective |
| Terms of engagement | Published | Effective |
| Managing conflicts of interest | Draft | Feedback from consultation currently being considered |
| Managing finances appropriately | Draft | Feedback from consultation currently being considered |
| Raising concerns and whistleblowing | Draft | Feedback from consultation currently being considered |
| Building Safety | Pending | Pending |
| Equality, diversity & inclusion | Pending | Pending |
| Leadership | Pending | Pending |
| Mentoring | Pending | Pending |
| Sustainability | Pending | Pending |
Additional guidance notes for the Architects Code can be found here.
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
Are there any resources available to help architects understand and adapt to the 2025 Code?
Yes, ARB is currently developing guidance in support of the 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.
Is the previous 2017 edition of the Code still recognised alongside the 2025 Code?
No, now that the 2025 Code is in effect, it has fully replaced the previous version.
Can we still access the previous Code?
Yes, you can view the 2017 Code here.
How will ongoing investigations or complaints be handled - under the old Code or the 2025 Code?
Complaints and investigations that began before the 2025 Code came 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 there be any mandatory CPD linked to the 2025 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 Code and its Standards.
Is the introduction of the 2025 Code accompanied by any changes to ARB’s investigations process?
No, the ARB investigations process has not changed in response to the introduction of the current Code.