New ARB Code – What Architects Need to Know

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has recently published a significantly updated Architects Code of Conduct and Practice, which came into force on 1 September 2025. The new Code represents the most significant reform to the regulatory framework in over a decade, replacing the 2017 Code and marking a decisive shift in how professional standards for architects are articulated and enforced.

The revision comes against a backdrop of growing public scrutiny of the construction industry, evolving client expectations and an increased emphasis on professional accountability. The ARB has made clear that the intention is not simply to refresh the existing rules but to introduce a principles-based framework that is flexible and capable of addressing the broad range of circumstances in which architects operate.

From rules to principles

The most striking change is the restructuring of the code from 12 standards into 6 overarching principles:

1. Honesty and Integrity
2. Public Interest
3. Competence
4. Professional Practice
5. Communication and Collaboration
6. Respect

The principles-based approach is designed to reflect the modern expectations of the profession and to promote public confidence in architects. Unlike the previous, more prescriptive rules, the updated Code is intended to be values-driven and outcomes-focused.

The new framework is deliberately values driven, for example, the principle of ‘public interest’ captures not only obvious issues such as safety and compliance with law, but also wider considerations around sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility. Similarly, ‘respect’ extends beyond professional courtesy to encompass equality, diversity, and inclusion within architectural practise. The code is supported by illustrative examples of behaviours that align with or fall short of the principles, offering guidance while still leaving space for professional judgement.

Supporting guidance

To accompany the new Code, the ARB has also started issuing supporting guidance in phases. The first phase, already in force, covers dealing with complaints, professional indemnity insurance and terms of engagement.

Within this first phase, the guidance on terms of engagement is particularly significant. It requires architects to set out clear, written, terms of engagement before beginning work, covering issues such as (amongst others) scope of services, responsibility, fees, dispute resolution, liability and insurance. The ARB stresses that inadequate or missing terms are one of the most common causes of complaints.

The guidance also emphasises that terms should be written in plain language, provided to the client in advance and formally acknowledged. Any changes must be documented in writing. Importantly, the ARB makes clear that no provision should ever prevent a client from raising a complaint with the regulator. Where architects take on roles such as Principal Designer, the guidance also requires them to explain the client’s legal obligations in writing and secure written confirmation that these are understood.

In practice, this means that terms of engagement are not just contractual housekeeping but a core element of compliance under the new Code. It is therefore important that architects review their existing standard terms of engagement against the new Code and guidance and follow the guidance after issuing them.

A second phase of guidance is now under consultations, focusing on conflicts of interest, financial management and whistleblowing. These are more sensitive but equally critical issues, particularly given the complex and multiparty nature of modern construction projects.

The third wave of guidance is pending, addressing building safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, mentoring and sustainability. These topics reflect some of the most pressing themes for the future of the profession and will shape expectations of architects’ roles well beyond the traditional confines of design and delivery.

The new Code and accompanying guidance are intended to equip architects with a clearer framework for ethical decision-making, client engagement and risk management. Once finalised, the guidance will provide architects with practical tools for navigating difficult situations, but firms should already be reviewing their current practises in anticipation of the changes.

One point which is not considered in the new Code is the impact of AI. Following the publication of the RICS guidance on the responsible use of AI in surveying practice (see this note) and the rapid adoption of AI by architects (see this note on the RIBA AI survey), we expect that the ARB will issue similar guidance shortly.

What this means in practice

For architects and practices, the introduction of the new Code is more than a regulatory formality. Disciplinary decisions will now be assessed against broad principles rather than narrow rule breaches. This creates both opportunity and risk. Architects are afforded greater flexibility in how they demonstrate compliance; but the absence of prescriptive rules means poor judgement or inadequate documentation may be more easily criticised.

Internal systems and professional culture will need to adapt. Greater emphasis will be placed on documenting professional judgement, ensuring transparency in client relations and embedding ethical oversight across teams. Firms would be well advised to review their standard engagement letters, internal policies, update staff training, and consider how best to align their day-to-day practice with the new Code and how to embed these principles into their operations.

The new Code is likely to influence how clients view their professional relationships with architects. Principles such as competence, communication and respect resonate strongly with client expectations, and firms that can demonstrate alignment with these values may be better placed to win and retain work.

A practitioner’s perspective

Regulatory proceedings often turn less on black-and-white breaches of the Code and more on the subtle exercise of judgement, record-keeping and presentation of evidence. Historically, we have seen how architects are called to account not just for technical failings but for issues of communication, transparency and client care. This is a useful reminder of why the shift to a principles-based model matters: the emphasis is now firmly on values and outcomes, not just on ticking compliance boxes.

In practice, this means that architects should think carefully about how they embed the 6 principles into everyday decision making and how they can evidence that in a way which stands up to external scrutiny.

Next steps

If you have any queries in relation to the new Rules, would like us to consider your standard terms or any other policies and procedures in light of the new Rules or are faced with any potential ARB regulatory action, please get in touch with Andrew Croft and Natasha Anwar.