Ethics for Architects and Engineers

In a session on professional ethics, Zetlin & De Chiara addressed the inextricable nature of the relationship between design professionals and the general public by stressing that the safety, health and welfare of the public be the guiding principle in all design decisions.  Although each professional society, ACEC, ASCE, NSPE, AIA, SARA has its own Code of Ethics, each shares a paramount commitment to the protection and advancement of the general public's interest.

While there are many situations where an individual's ethical obligation is clear, there are just as many "gray areas" where design decisions can be legal, yet unethical as well as ethical, but illegal. These "gray areas" must be understood by the design professional and the welfare of the public must be the overriding concern.