NCARB Model Rules of Conduct vs AIA Code of Ethics: which one can cost you your license

One-line orientation

NCARB publishes model conduct rules. A jurisdiction’s adopted rules can affect an architect’s license. The AIA Code governs AIA membership, not licensure.

Key points

• NCARB Model Rules of Conduct form the ethical core of architectural licensing rules. State boards can adopt them through the Model Law framework.
  • The model text becomes enforceable only when a jurisdiction adopts it into its own rules.
  • Enforced by: state architectural registration boards.
  • Worst penalty: license revocation.
• NCARB Model Rule summaries:
  • Rule 1 (Competence): Primary duty is to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Design in compliance with laws and regulations; only take on projects when you and your consultants have the necessary expertise.
  • Rule 2 (Conflicts of Interest): Cannot accept compensation from more than one project party without written consent from all. Cannot accept payments from suppliers in exchange for specifications.
  • Rule 3 (Full Disclosure): No misleading, deceptive, or false statements about qualifications, experience, or education.
  • Rule 4 (Compliance with Laws): Behave lawfully while practicing architecture; report violations by colleagues, contractors, or employers involving public safety.
  • Rule 5 (Stamp and Seal): May only sign and seal documents prepared under responsible control (two narrow exceptions for reviewed consultant documents).
  • Rule 6 (Further Obligations to the Profession and the Public): Ongoing duties to the profession and public — e.g., AXP Supervisors must document a candidate’s experience properly and in a timely manner.
• AIA Code of Ethics — six Canons → Ethical Standards (aspirational) → Rules of Conduct (mandatory within the AIA framework). Full code is approximately five pages.
  • Enforced by: AIA National Ethics Council (a professional-society body).
  • Worst penalty: termination of AIA membership (and/or public publication of the violation).
  • Does not affect your license. The AIA cannot suspend or revoke a license.
• Overlap: both NCARB Model Rule 5 and AIA Rule 4.102 prohibit plan-stamping. NCARB Rule 2 and AIA provisions both address conflicts of interest. The substance often aligns; the enforcement mechanism and consequences are what differ.

Confusions / comparison

	NCARB Model Rules of Conduct	AIA Code of Ethics
Mandatory?	Model text: no; jurisdiction’s adopted version: yes	Rules of Conduct = yes; Ethical Standards = no (aspirational)
Enforced by	Jurisdiction’s registration board after adoption	AIA National Ethics Council
Applies to	Licensees under the jurisdiction’s adopted rules	AIA members only
Worst penalty	Adopted rules may allow license revocation	Termination of AIA membership
Can lose license?	Under the jurisdiction’s adopted rules: yes	No
Number of rules/canons	6 Model Rules	6 Canons (with sub-levels)

Related

→ pp-aia-ethics-structure (this module): full breakdown of the AIA Code’s three tiers and six Canons → pp-stamp-seal-responsible-control (this module): the plan-stamping rule in detail, covering both bodies → pp-licensure-ncarb-axp-are (this module): state board authority — the body that enforces the jurisdiction’s adopted conduct rules