We begin our third entry in the Mississippi Architect series, reprinted courtesy of the Mississippi Chapter of the AIA. If you’ve missed the previous entries, just click the MSArcht tab above to see the tables of contents and read each month’s magazine in its original format.

Today, editor Bob Henry gives us a description of the ideal AIA member.

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John Doe, A. I. A.

The American Institute of Architects was born on February 23, 1857. It is one of the oldest professional organizations-ten years younger than the American Medical Association and eighteen years older than the American Bar Association. One hundred and thirty chapters now have a total membership in excess of fifteen thousand. It is the recognized voice of the
architectural profession in the United States.

The stated purpose of the American Institute of Architects is: “To organize and unite in fellowship the architects of the United States so as to promote the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession. To advance the science and art of planning and building. To coordinate the building industry and the profession of architecture. To insure the advancement of living standards of our people through their improved environment, and to make the profession of ever-increasing service to Society.”

The A.I.A. makes it mandatory that a member shall not accept compensation other than from his client or employer; shall not render professional services without compensation and shall not knowingly compete with another architect on a basis of fee, nor use donation as a device for obtaining competitive advantage.

A member shall not offer his services in a competition except as provided in the Institute’s Competition Code; nor shall he render services to non-professional enterprises connected with the building industry.

He shall not engage in building contracting; shall not falsely or maliciously injure the reputation of another architect; shall not attempt to supplant another architect; shall not undertake a commission for which he knows another architect has been employed: shall not divide fees except with professionals related to building design and those employed or
associated with his office.

A member shall not advertise; shall conform to registration laws; and shall at no time act in a manner detrimental to the best interests of the profession.

The A.I.A. has formulated basic principles for the guidance of the profession: An architect’s relation to his client depends upon good faith. He should consider the needs and stipulations of his client and the effect of his work upon the life and well-being of the public. He may offer his services to anyone on a generally accepted basis provided that he rigidly
maintains his professional integrity.

An architect should not make use of services offered by manufacturers, suppliers of building materials, appliances and equipment, or contractors, which may be accompanied by an obligation detrimental to the best interest of the client. His drawings, specificntions, and other documents should be complete, definite, and clear. He should guard equally the interests of the contractor and the client.

An architect in his investments and in his business relations outside of his profession
must be free from financial or personal interests which tend to weaken or discredit his
standing as an unprejudiced and honest adviser, free to act in his client’s best interest.
He should promote the interests of his professional organizations and do his full part of the
work. He should inspire the loyal interest of his employees and endeavor to provide opportunity for the development of those who enter the profession.

An architect should be of constructive service to his community. He should seek to foward justice, courtesy, and sincerity in the practice of architecture. He should always respect the distinction between professional practice and non-professional enterprise.

John Doe, A. I. A., means that Joe Doe is a corporate member of t he American Institute
of Architects. He professes to adhere to its obligations of good practice and he is bound
by its mandatory standards.

– Bob Henry

Categories: Architectural Research