National Ethics Council's Decisions & Advisory Opinions
The information set forth herein is specific to the unique facts and circumstances of a particular case.
National Ethics Council's Decisions & Advisory Opinions
Notice about NEC decisions & advisory opinions:
The information set forth herein is specific to the unique facts and circumstances of a particular case. The case decisions are provided for general information only. AIA does not represent that past National Ethics Council (NEC) decisions reflect the views or opinions of the NEC at that time. The current NEC is in no way bound by prior NEC decisions as past decisions were based upon the unique facts and circumstances of each case. AIA is not liable for use and reliance upon this information or for inaccuracies, errors, changes, or updates. These materials do not and are not intended to provide legal advice.
Applicable rules of the AIA Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct are shown in brackets. Rule content and numbering may have been amended after the decision was issued.
2020-05 (pdf/2pgs/71KB) Discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, or gender [Rule 1.401]
2020-04 (pdf/3pgs/905KB) Materially altering the scope of objectives without the client’s consent; Misleading the results that can be achieved [Rules 3.103; 3.301; 4.101]
2020-02 (pdf/5pgs/1,423KB) Knowingly violating the law; Engage in conduct involving fraud; Failure to give credit where due [Rules 2.101; 2.104; 4.103; 5.302]
2019-17 (pdf/5pgs/1,127KB) Discrimination on the basis of gender; Failure to provide an equitable working environment [Rules 1.401; 4.202; 5.101; 5.201; 5.303]
2019-01 (pdf/5pgs/1.6 MB) Intentionally or recklessly mislead existing or prospective clients about the results that can be achieved [Rules 3.102; 3.103; 3.202; 3.301; 4.103]
2017-12 (pdf/12pgs/3.8 MB) Putting financial interests over the interests of the clients [Rules 2.104; 3.103; 3.201; 3.301; 4.103; 4.201]
2015-01 (pdf/10pgs/123k) Materially altering the scope of objectives without the client’s consent; Professional services affected by another project; Misleading the results that can be achieved through the use of a member’s services [Rules 3.103; 3.201; 3.301]
2014-06 (pdf/9pgs/120k) False statements to fulfill one’s own economic interests [Rules 2.301; 3.201; 3.202; 4.101; 4.103]
2013-12 (pdf/6pgs/92k) Taking and using photographs of client’s home on firm’s website and magazines [Rules 3.401; 4.103]
2010-18 (pdf/5pgs/160k) Failure to file complaint within one year of the alleged violations [Rules 1.101; 3.103]
2010-15 (pdf/5pgs/160k) Failure to take applicable regulations into account; materially altering the scope or objectives of a project without the client’s consent [Rules 3.101; 3.103]
2010-14 (pdf/8pgs/175k) Knowing violation of law; Payment to a public official in connection with project; Fraud or wanton disregard of the rights of others; Assisting a client in fraudulent or illegal conduct [Rules 2.101; 2.102; 2.103; 2.104; 2.106]
2010-09 (pdf/7pgs/175k) Disclosure of compensation or economic interest when making public statements on architectural issues [Rule 2.301]
2010-07 (pdf/5 pgs/160k) Wanton disregard of the rights of others; Failure to give appropriate credit [Rules 2.104; 4.201]
2010-02 (pdf/4pgs/155k) Wanton disregard of the rights of others; Failure to give appropriate credit [Rules 2.104; 4.201]
Wanton Disregard for the Rights of Others [Rule 1.402 (2019)]
Intentionally or Recklessly Mislead Existing or Prospective Clients [Rule 3.301 (2019)]
Misleading Advertising [Rule 4.201 (2004)]
Accurately Claiming Credit for Design Work; Recognizing the Professional Contributions of Business Associates [Rules 4.201; 5.301 (1993)]
Conflict of Interest—Manufacturer Indemnification to Architect [Rule 3.201 (1992)]
Replacing Another Architect—Supplanting [no rule (1992)]
Discrimination Against Employees Based on Gender [Rule 1.401 (1992)]
Conflict of Interest—Endorsements [Rules 3.201, 3.202 (1990)]