Review of the codes of conduct

Review of the codes of conduct

Codes of professional conduct

In the architecture and interior design sector, there are laid down codes of conduct that ensure the activities undertaken are a reflection of integrity and professionalism. In this study, one of the codes that we give prominence is the British Institute of Interior design code of conduct. This highlights the ethical principles and standards within which members of the institute are supposed to adhere to. The code, through its principles, assures that the interior designers and architect within its jurisdiction carry out their duties in line with the societal, interior designers, clients, supplies, and the entire design industry requirements. It aims to prevent any individual limitations that might compromise the integrity of the interior design and architectural industry.

The following code is the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) code of professional conduct.  RIBA is a tool that allows for members’ accountability in cases of complaint against them. It also assists members in the daily architectural activities through the provision of relevant guidance and information.  In achieving this harmony with society, RIBA relies on three fundamental principles being integrity, honesty, and competence. RIBA principles, therefore, provide a baseline within which members can carry out their professional activities diligently and with a commitment to client and societal benefits.

We also have the society of British and International interior design (SBID). This code ensures that the British interior designers are in harmony with the faster changing and complex world. It is available in most European countries and covers professional trading standards such as architects, manufactures, and designers. Its code of ethics includes general responsibilities, the responsibility to the client, society, and profession.  It also regulates publicity, sanctions and compliance, use of SBID credentials, and finally, storage and allocation of the clients’ funds.

There is also having the architect regulation board that sets statutory principles to regulate the architectural profession in the UK. For persons registered as architects, the code sets particular standards to ensure that there is public confidence instilled concerning the profession. The code is aware of the areas an architect is likely to encounter problems, therefore, setting some rues to offset such a possibility. The code describes twelve principles, including competency, honesty, trustworthy among others as the fundamental values that require consideration for effective service delivery.

The fifth is the architect registration board, Section 13 of the act stipulates that ARB should lay down the professional conduct principles and practices for people registered as architects. The laws outlined by the board act as guidance within which the registered architects carry out their duties. Moreover, registration as an architect will require that an individual is aware of such rules and assures commitment to the utilization and use of such policies.

Importance of code principles

Construction of a teahouse and design of a tea table will require comprehensive interior design and architectural guidelines. The principles provided by the codes will thus offer fundamental guidelines that would initiate the completion of the project. On responsibility to society, the society of British and International interior design articulates, “The interior designer accepts a professional obligation to further the social-cultural and environmental standards of the community.  He takes into account the consequences of his professional activity to the health, safety, and wellbeing of all those who may reasonably be expected to use or enjoy the product of his work.” The tea house would be a public space were people would be visiting for tea; it is therefore imperative that the health of the users is taken into account during the design. This may include avoidance of the use of some paints that may present health-related complications. It may also include being conscious of the materials for construction so that they do not be a source of contamination to the tea.

Society of British & International Interior Design. (2020). SBID Code of Conduct | Society of British & International Interior Design. [online] Available at: https://www.sbid.org/code-of-conduct/ [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020].

On responsibility to the client, the British Institute of interior design code of conduct states “Before accepting an assignment, members shall confirm in writing the client the scope and nature of the project involved, the interior design services to be performed, and the method of remuneration for those services.” In this regard, the plans from the project management would be availed to the client so that he sees the scope within which the work is supposed to cover. The report from the project manager would provide all the relevant information about the monetary and time required for project completion. This will ensure that the financier of the teahouse is contented with the pricing of the different design processes and that the design services to be offered to comply with the government requirements. I believe this will instill integrity and trust in interior design as a profession.

British Institute of Interior Design. (2020). Code of Conduct. [online] Available at: https://biid.org.uk/about/code-conduct [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020].

For responsibility to other interior designers and colleagues, the British Institute of internal design code of conduct states, “Members shall neither accept instructions from their clients who knowingly involve plagiarism nor shall they knowingly copy the work of another designer.” Interior design majorly involves experiences that people have undergone over the years; clients are, therefore, tempted to make the designer change the design based on what he or she may have experienced. However, this may result in plagiarism and may impede professional integrity. In this regard, we will ensure that our activities comply with our initial design so that the teahouse is unique.  I believe the principle is a precautionary measure that would guide us against any possibility of lawsuits based on plagiarism.

British Institute of Interior Design. (2020). Code of Conduct. [online] Available at: https://biid.org.uk/about/code-conduct [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020].

The RIBA codes on confidentiality and privacy state, “Chartered Practices shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that any employees, representatives or advisers to whom they disclose confidential information do not use or disclose that information other than as permitted by the Code.”  The teahouse construction or tea table design may have specific information intrinsic to the plan that does not require disclosure to everyone. Moreover, the site may be providing some information that requires the highest level of privacy. It is thus the responsibility of stakeholders in various aspects of the design and construction to adhere to the privacy issue that arises.

RIBA: Code of Practice. (2019). [ebook] RIBA Architecture.com. Available at: https://www.architecture.com/-/media/GatherContent/Test-resources-page/Additional-Documents/RIBA-Code-of-Practice–May-2019pdf.pdf [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020].

On skill, knowledge, care, and ability, RIBA articulates, “Chartered Practices must be able to provide the knowledge, the ability, and the financial and technical resources appropriate for the work they undertake. Chartered Practices shall realistically appraise their ability and resources to undertake and complete any proposed work.”  The design of the teahouse requires basic design knowledge for the effective planning of different activities. This principle ensures that competent personnel with the requisite experience are allowed to work on this house.  The law also provides adequate preparation before undertaking the project, in that we must have the necessary financial capability and essential equipment that can initiate the project completion. It will also ensure that we have access to the relevant expatriates for the different design processes.

RIBA: Code of Practice. (2019). [ebook] RIBA Architecture.com. Available at: https://www.architecture.com/-/media/GatherContent/Test-resources-page/Additional-Documents/RIBA-Code-of-Practice–May-2019pdf.pdf [Accessed 2 Mar. 2020].