NBIPI Members’ Code of Ethics
This Code of Ethics establishes the professional standards expected of NBIPI members. It applies to architects, engineers, business owners, contractors, consultants, suppliers, project managers, and other professionals working in the architecture, engineering, construction, and related industries (AEC). Members shall uphold these principles in all professional, commercial, and community activities.
1. Integrity and professionalism
Members shall act honestly, fairly, responsibly, and respectfully. They shall maintain the dignity of their profession, avoid deception and misrepresentation, and not claim qualifications, experience, authority, or project involvement that they do not possess.
2. Competence and due care
Members shall undertake only work for which they are qualified and adequately resourced. They shall maintain current knowledge, exercise sound professional judgment, provide competent services, identify risks promptly, and recommend suitably qualified specialists when a matter exceeds their expertise.
3. Public health, safety, and welfare
Protection of life, health, safety, property, and the environment shall take priority over personal, commercial, or organizational interests. Members shall comply with applicable laws, codes, permits, standards, and regulations; report material hazards or unethical conduct; and never knowingly approve, conceal, or facilitate unsafe work.
4. Honest advice and responsible decisions
Members shall provide objective, clear, and evidence-based advice. They shall disclose assumptions, limitations, risks, changes, and conflicts that may affect a decision, and shall not allow pressure, favoritism, profit, or personal relationships to compromise professional judgment.
5. Fair dealing and respect
Members shall treat clients, colleagues, workers, communities, and competitors with courtesy, fairness, and respect. They shall not discriminate, harass, intimidate, exploit, or retaliate against any person, and shall support inclusive workplaces and fair opportunities.
6. Conflicts of interest and independence
Members shall identify and promptly disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. They shall obtain informed consent where appropriate, withdraw when independence cannot be maintained, and refuse improper gifts, commissions, kickbacks, favors, or other benefits that could influence professional decisions.
7. Confidentiality and information
Members shall protect confidential, proprietary, personal, and project information entrusted to them, using it only for authorized purposes and disclosing it only with permission or when required by law. They shall maintain accurate records and respect intellectual property, authorship, and ownership rights.
8. Quality, sustainability, and stewardship
Members shall deliver work that is fit for purpose, properly documented, and consistent with agreed requirements. They shall promote resource efficiency, resilient and sustainable solutions, responsible procurement, protection of cultural and natural resources, and consideration of long-term community impacts.
9. Contracts, fees, and procurement
Members shall use clear written agreements that define scope, responsibilities, deliverables, fees, schedules, ownership, and dispute processes. They shall present fees and bids truthfully, honor commitments, pay workers and suppliers fairly and promptly, and reject collusion, fraud, bribery, and dishonest procurement practices.
10. Collaboration and accountability
Members shall communicate accurately, coordinate responsibly, respect the roles of other disciplines, and address errors or omissions without concealment. Business owners and leaders shall provide proper supervision, resources, training, safe conditions, and ethical direction to their teams and subcontractors.
11. Professional conduct and public trust
Members shall uphold the reputation of the AEC professions, use professional titles and licenses truthfully, and comply with the rules of relevant regulatory bodies and professional organizations. They shall not assist unlicensed practice or evade legal and ethical responsibilities.
12. Reporting and enforcement
Members are encouraged to raise concerns through appropriate NBIPI channels and shall cooperate honestly with reviews or investigations. Retaliation against good-faith reporting is prohibited. Violations may result in corrective action, suspension, termination of membership, referral to regulators, or other remedies permitted by law.
Member commitment: By joining or representing NBIPI, members commit to uphold this Code, act in the public interest, and continuously improve the quality, safety, fairness, and integrity of the AEC profession.