Architect Ethics

I wanted to talk about this topic because many people, even architects themselves, often get confused about what architects actually do and what’s most important in designing buildings. The AIA stands for the “American Institute of Architects.” It’s a group that helps architects by providing useful information and support. They offer things like contract templates, safety courses, and articles so anyone can learn about architects. The AIA works on local, state, and national levels to help advocate for architects.

Now, what I really want to focus on is what the AIA says are the main priorities for architects.

The AIA calls these their “Canons of Ethics,” but I like to think of them as “priorities.” Priorities make more sense because, like in design projects, they have a specific order for a reason. Here are the 6 priorities from the AIA, explained simply with examples:

1. Art: This is the most important. Architecture is an art, which means architects try to create original, creative buildings that make the world better and don’t merely copy others. It's ok to take inspirations from elsewhere as long as each building is thought thru from the ground up.

   
   

   Example: Designing a school that looks unique and inspires students as opposed to reproducing something that's been done. 

   
   

2. Public: Architects care about the public, which means all the people who use the buildings. They design in ways that keep everyone safe and make buildings easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities.

   
   

   Example: Making sure a library has ramps and special parking spots for people in wheelchairs or who can't lift their foot enough to climb steps - some eldery & other types of disabilities. The is what's often referred to in the industry as 'health, safety & welfare' or HSW.

   
   

3. Client: Clients are the people who hire architects and pay for their work. They are important, but they are not the top priority because architecture is about more than just making money.

   
   

   Example: Listening to what a family wants in their new house but still making sure it’s safe and a layout that functions well for the activities it will support.

   
   

4. Profession: This means the architecture field itself. Architects need to respect their profession because it what allows them to do their work and grow. A farmer wouldn't pour poison in the ground & expect a good crop.

   
   

   Example: Following rules, conventional wisdom & also innovating & learning new skills to become better architects.

   
   

5. Colleagues: Architects work with other architects and professionals. It’s important to support each other instead of being too competitive. My personal belief is that competitiveness is a natural force in this world while collaboration & support (ie the good stuff) comes from a place beyond this world.

   
   

   Example: Sharing ideas with other architects to create better designs, not trying to beat them out of a project or job all the time.

   
   

6. Environment: The environment is very important because architects design buildings that become part of the natural world. They want to protect and care for the environment while creating useful and beautiful places.

   
   

   Example: Using trees, sunlight, and energy-saving materials to make a building that doesn’t waste power or harm nature.

These priorities guide architects in doing their work the right way. They're important to give people in the profession a center of gravity & help the professional not break down into unmanageable pieces. If you want to learn more about these ethics, you can check out the AIA’s website. Thanks for reading!