Every profession builds trust through accountability, and architecture is no different. The AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is the primary ethical framework governing AIA members. It lays out what the profession expects of you, from your obligations to the public all the way through how you treat colleagues in your own office.

The Code uses a three-tier structure. Canons sit at the top as broad principles of conduct. Ethical Standards break those canons down into more specific aspirational goals. Rules of Conduct are the enforceable layer; violating a Rule can trigger disciplinary action through the National Ethics Council. Understanding this hierarchy is critical for the PcM exam because questions won't just ask you to name the tiers. They'll drop you into a scenario and ask you to determine which obligation applies and whether the architect's behavior crosses a mandatory line or falls short of an aspirational goal.

The Code covers six major areas of responsibility: obligations to the public, the environment, clients, the profession's integrity, colleagues, and the built environment. On the ARE, you need to know when a situation triggers a mandatory Rule versus when it falls under a voluntary Ethical Standard. That distinction determines whether formal discipline is even possible.