A new dawn breaks for architectural practice across the United Kingdom. On September 1, 2025, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) implements a significantly revised Architects Code of Conduct and Practice, fundamentally reshaping professional expectations. This comprehensive update, replacing the 2017 version, directly reflects the profound shifts in UK building regulations, largely catalyzed by the landmark Building Safety Act 2022. Architects now navigate a landscape demanding heightened accountability, a sharper focus on public interest, and an unwavering commitment to safety. [2, 3, 4]
The ARB’s decision to overhaul the Code stems from extensive public and professional consultations in 2024, aiming to modernize professionalism within the sector. [2, 3] Alan Kershaw, ARB Chair, states the new Code represents a ‘significant step forward in defining what it means to be an architect today,’ aligning professional practice with public expectations for integrity and confidence. [2, 5, 6] It distills the previous twelve standards into a more focused, robust set of six core principles: honesty and integrity, public interest, competence, professional practice, communication and collaboration, and respect. [2, 3, 4]
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Bolstering Public Trust and Professional Duty
The six new standards form the bedrock of architects’ future professional lives, each carrying significant weight. ‘Honesty and integrity’ stands paramount, requiring architects to employ impartial judgment, promote services accurately, manage conflicts of interest transparently, and report any significant professional shortfalls to the ARB. [2, 3, 8] This standard garnered the highest agreement during consultations, underscoring its foundational importance. [2, 5] Closely tied is the ‘public interest’ standard, which places a heightened duty on architects to enhance the environment, protect health and safety for building users, and challenge actions endangering people or the environment. [3, 8] Architects must decline work contravening these standards and consistently uphold legal and ethical responsibilities. [3]
The ‘competence’ standard pushes architects beyond initial qualification, mandating continuous professional development (CPD) and an acknowledgement of professional limits. Architects must ensure they remain current with standards, learn from feedback, and diligently oversee the competence of any individuals they engage. [3, 8] This includes assuring themselves of the expertise of those they delegate work to and fostering the professional growth of their teams. [3, 8] This emphasis on ongoing competence directly addresses concerns about skill gaps and ensures architects remain equipped to tackle increasingly complex building challenges.
‘Professional practice’ outlines the operational diligence required. Architects must provide clear written terms of engagement, manage projects efficiently, possess adequate resources, maintain accurate records, and protect confidential information. [3] The standards on ‘communication and collaboration’ and ‘respect’ highlight the interpersonal and ethical dimensions of the profession, promoting effective teamwork and a culture of mutual regard within the wider construction industry. [2, 4] These elements underscore a shift towards more integrated and transparent working relationships, critical for complex projects under new regulatory oversight.
The Building Safety Act’s Defining Influence
The new Architects Code of Conduct does not operate in a vacuum; it directly intertwines with the sweeping reforms introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022. This transformative legislation, a direct consequence of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, aims to instill a culture of safety and clear accountability across the entire lifecycle of buildings, particularly higher-risk residential structures. [9, 10, 11] The Act fundamentally redefines roles and responsibilities, placing new statutory duties on various ‘duty holders,’ including designers and contractors. [9, 10, 12]
One of the most significant impacts on architects comes through the new ‘Principal Designer’ role. While this role existed under previous Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, the Building Safety Act elevates its importance and broadens its scope, especially for higher-risk buildings. [10, 12] The Principal Designer now carries overall responsibility for ensuring designs comply with building regulations, managing design risk, and coordinating safety information. [10, 12] This expands the architect’s traditional remit from purely aesthetic and functional design to a proactive guardianship of building safety, requiring deep technical expertise and strong site experience. [13]
The Act also introduces the concept of the ‘golden thread’ of information. This mandates the creation, storage, and maintenance of comprehensive digital information about a building’s design, construction, and ongoing management. [9, 17] Architects, in their capacity as designers and potentially Principal Designers, play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining this verifiable audit trail, ensuring critical safety information remains accessible and updated throughout a building’s lifespan. [9, 15]
The ARB’s updated Code specifically reinforces these BSA principles. The ‘public interest’ standard, for instance, compels architects to actively challenge unsafe practices and report risks, aligning perfectly with the BSA’s objective of preventing future tragedies. [3] The increased emphasis on ‘competence’ within the Code directly supports the BSA’s mandate for all individuals involved in building work to possess the necessary skills and knowledge. [9, 12] The Code’s focus on ‘communication and collaboration’ mirrors the BSA’s drive for integrated team working and information sharing to collectively manage risks. [11, 17]
Navigating a Transformed Professional Landscape
For architects, these changes present both challenges and significant opportunities. The increased liability and scrutiny demand a thorough understanding of the new Code and the Building Safety Act, alongside a proactive approach to risk management and professional indemnity insurance. [13, 17] Architects must invest in upskilling, particularly in areas like fire safety, structural integrity, and risk assessment, to meet the enhanced competence requirements. [9, 15] Firms must review their internal processes, ensuring robust systems exist for design coordination, information management, and compliance checks. [17]
However, this new era also offers a chance for architects to re-establish their leadership and central role in the construction process. For too long, the profession has faced an erosion of its influence, with cost-cutting often undermining proper resourcing and oversight. [15] The Building Safety Act and the ARB’s new Code emphasize the architect’s pivotal position in delivering safe, high-quality buildings. By embracing the Principal Designer role and championing the golden thread, architects can drive better project outcomes, mitigate risks earlier, and foster a more integrated and responsible industry culture. [11]
The construction industry as a whole must adapt to this new regulatory paradigm. Clients, contractors, and other stakeholders also bear responsibilities under the Building Safety Act, necessitating greater collaboration and mutual understanding across project teams. The ARB’s supporting guidance, currently under consultation, will provide further clarity on practical application, covering areas like professional indemnity insurance, terms of engagement, conflicts of interest, and whistleblowing. [3, 5, 7]
Ultimately, the new Architects Code of Conduct and Practice, coming into effect this September, marks a significant commitment to elevating standards and safeguarding the public. It reinforces the architect’s critical role as a protector of public safety and a driver of quality in the built environment, shaping a more accountable and resilient future for UK construction. The changes are a call to action, urging every architect to embed integrity, competence, and public welfare at the very heart of their practice.
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