(1)
Competence. (a) When practicing architecture, an architect must act with reasonable care and competence, and must apply the technical knowledge and skill which is ordinarily applied by architects of good standing, practicing in the same locality.
(b) When designing a project, an architect must take into account all applicable state and municipal building laws and regulations. An architect may rely on the advice of other professionals (e.g., attorneys, engineers, and other qualified persons) as to the intent and meaning of such regulations. An architect must not knowingly design a project in violation of such laws and regulations.
(c) An architect must perform professional services only when the architect, together with those whom the architect may engage as consultants, are qualified by education, training, and experience in the specific technical areas involved.
(d) No person will be permitted to practice architecture if, in the board's judgment, such person's professional competence is substantially impaired by physical or mental disabilities.
(2)
Conflict of interest. (a) An architect must not accept compensation for services from more than one party on a project unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to in writing by all interested parties.
(b) The architect must fully disclose in writing to the client or employer the nature of any business association or direct or indirect financial interest which is substantial enough to influence the architect's judgment in connection with the performance of professional services. If the client or employer objects to such association or financial interest, the architect will either terminate such association or interest or offer to give up the commission or employment.
(c) An architect must not solicit or accept compensation from material or equipment suppliers in return for specifying or endorsing their products.
(d) When acting as the interpreter of building contract documents and the judge of contract performance, an architect must render decisions impartially, favoring neither party to the contract.
(3)
Full disclosure. (a) An architect must disclose any compensation received for making public statements on architectural questions.
(b) An architect must accurately represent qualifications and scope of responsibility to prospective or existing clients or employers for work for which the architect is claiming credit.
(c) In the course of work on a project, if an architect becomes aware of a decision made by the employer or client, against the architect's advice, which violates applicable state or municipal building laws and regulations and which will, in the architect's judgment, materially and adversely affect the safety to the public of the finished project, the architect must:
(i) Report the decision to the local building inspector or other public official charged with the enforcement of the applicable state or municipal building laws and regulations,
(ii) Refuse to consent to the decision, and
(iii) Terminate services on the project when the architect reasonably believes that decisions will be made against the architect's objection.
In the case of a termination in accordance with (c)(iii) of this subsection, the architect shall have no liability to the client or employer because of such termination.
(iv) An architect must not deliberately make a materially false statement or deliberately fail to disclose a material fact in connection with the application for registration or renewal.
(v) An architect must not assist a person in applying for registration when the architect knows the applicant is unqualified in education, training, experience, or character.
(vi) An architect possessing knowledge of a violation of these rules by another architect must report such knowledge to the board.
(4)
Compliance with laws. (a) An architect must not, in the conduct of architectural practice, knowingly violate any state or federal criminal law.
(b) An architect must not offer or make any payment or gift to a government official (whether elected or appointed) with the intent of influencing the official's judgment in connection with a prospective or existing project in which the architect is interested.
(c) An architect must comply with the registration laws and regulations governing his or her professional practice.
(5)
Professional conduct. (a) An office maintained for the purpose of providing architectural services must have an architect resident regularly employed in that office with direct knowledge and supervisory control of such work.
(b) An architect must not offer or provide any gifts, other than gifts of nominal value (including, for example, reasonable entertainment and hospitality), with the intent of influencing the judgment of an existing or prospective client in connection with a project in which the architect is interested.
(c) An architect must not engage in conduct involving fraud or wanton disregard of the rights of others.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.08.340. 02-11-082, § 308-12-330, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/14/02.]