PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

AND PRACTICE

R. AKSHAYA
160101601003
1) What is the procedure to register under COA?

1. For submission of Application Form for registration as an Architect, You have to sign up/register
yourself as an Applicant and for that you have to fill all details i.e. the Email id which would be your login
id, year of Admission, other relevant details and subsequently password would be generated by the system
and send to you by email.
2. With User ID and Password, you can login with Council’s Website and fill-up Application form in Proper
Case and upload your recent color photograph of size 3.5 x 3.5cm upto 10KB (max) and Signatures upto 4
KB (max).
3. After filling up the application take printout of duly filled form.

4. The application form duly signed to send to "The Registrar, Council of Architecture, India Habitat
Centre, Core-6A, 1st Floor, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003" enclosing therein requisite documents as per
checklist mention below.
5. Correction(s), if any, can be made by the Applicant in the hard copy of Generated/Printed Application
form by countersigning at the place of correction before sending to the council.
6. Also note that the printout should be taken on a good quality bond A4 size paper
(preferably colour one).

7. Enrollment number i.e., (COA-Six digit Number) is mandatory / as applicable (for admissions from the
Academic Year 2008-09 onwards). Please make it sure that the Enrolment number entered should be
strictly in format as given in the enrollment number list as available on the website of the council.

8. Enrolment numbers of the students are already available with the respective Institutions and the
same may also be obtained from the website www.coa.gov.in.

9. Documents must be duly attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public / Oath Commissioner or self-
attested.

10. Documents should be properly stapled with the application form in the same order as provided in
the Checklist.
11. Incomplete Application shall not be processed further and no intimation shall be sent in this regard.
12. Each application shall be accompanied by Registration Fee (Non-refundable) of Rs.600/- by way of
cash at the counter or by demand draft drawn in favour of "Council of Architecture", payable at New Delhi
or alternately the payment can also be made online through login id details. In case of online payment
made, amount has been deducted by your bank & status of payment is still showing "Make Payment",
Please do not pay again and contact to the COA Office for updation of status of payment.

13. Do remember to press ‘Submit to COA Button after making payment online. It ensures that the
application form is in order otherwise your application shall not be available for further processing.

14. Council shall not be responsible for loss or mutilation of any original certificate(s)/ Document(s)
sent/received by post.
15. In case the final degree/diploma has not been awarded/ issued by the University, applicant may
submit the Provisional Certificate/Passing Certificate issued by the competent authority of the University.
16. Please note that provisional degree/certificates shall not be accepted in cases where the final
degree/diploma certificate has already been awarded by a University to the applicant's batch.
17. In case of change of surname consequent upon marriage, submit an attested copy of your Marriage
Certificate / Gazette Notification from the respective State/Central Government or alternatively, an
affidavit executed on a non-Judicial Stamp paper of Rs. 10/-, and fill up your changed name in the form as
per the attached document.
18. In cases where first name is also changed upon marriage or name is changed due to reasons other
than marriage, only a duly attested copy of the Gazette Notification from respective Central/State
Government shall be accepted.
19. Also note that in case of change of name only new name has to be entered under the column
provided for otherwise if there is any correction in the details of the name i.e., Name order (First name,
Middle name and/or Surname or any correction, the same can be done by cutting and correcting the same
at the place but it has to be countersign by the applicant.

2) Role of IIA:
• It encourages the science and the art of planning and building the standards of architectural education,
training and practice, by making grants to Technical Institutions, or by paying or assisting to pay the fees
and expenses of students or by providing and giving scholarships, prizes or other rewards to such students,
or by any or all such methods.

• It devises and imposes the means for testing the qualifications of the candidates for admission to
membership of the Institute, by examination in theory and in practice, or by any other tests, or to arrange
with any technical Institute or Institutions for the imposition of any such tests.

• It looks into all factors affecting the practice of architecture and it initiates and watches over measures
affecting, or likely to affect, the practice of Architecture, and to procure such changes of, and amendments
in the law relating to or affecting the practice of Architecture.

• It holds conferences or meetings for the discussion of, and the exchange of news and matters affecting or
relating to architecture, the reading of papers and the delivery of lectures, and hold congresses or
exhibitions (either jointly with any other body or Institution or otherwise) for the exposition of any matters
affecting or relating to the theory or practice of Architecture or any allied subject; and to award medals,
certificates, prizes or diplomas in connection therewith
• It co-ordinates the activities of the building industry and of the Profession of Architecture, and too
amalgamate or combine or act temporarily or otherwise, in conjunction with any other body or bodies,
Institution or Institutions, having like or similar objects.
• It purchases, leases, rents, holds and disposes of any land or property, and any building or hall and erects
any such building or buildings to be used as place of meeting for the members of the institute, or as a
college, school or reading room or library for the advancement of the object of the institute, and provides
accommodation for any meeting, conference, exhibition or congress, whether promoted wholly or partly
by the Institute or which, in the opinion of the Council, may conduce to or assist in the carrying on with the
objects of the Institute or tend to do so
• It acquires by purchasing, donation, and request or otherwise a library and collection of models,
drawings, designs or other materials, and to maintain, extend and improve the same.
• It formulates and notifies the law and practice relating to Architecture to members and the public, and
to compile, collect, collate, revise, print and publish statistics, professional records or periodicals relating to
any of the objects of the Institute;
• It issues appeals for funds in furtherance of the objects of the Institute, to accept any gift, endowment or
bequest mode to the Institute, and to carry any trust attached to any such gift, endowment or bequest,
and to borrow moneys, if required for the purpose of the Institute, provided such gifts, endowments,
bequests or loans shall be accepted if they are not accompanied by conditions inconsistent or in conflict
with the objects for which the Institute is established.

• It ensures the advancement of the living standards of our people through their improved environment
and to make the profession of ever increasing service to Society.
• It constitutes various classes of members including Honorary Fellows who are influential and
experienced people directly or indirectly from the field.

3) Members of IIA:
IIA has six classes of membership: -

➢ HONORARY FELLOWS - any individual who is not necessarily a qualified architect but has contributed to
the growth of architectural profession.

➢ ASSOCIATES - any person who has attained the age of 21 and graduated from one of the institutions
registered with council of architecture.

➢ LICENTIATES - any person who is registered with coa is eligible to apply for licentiate member.

➢ STUDENTS - a student enrolled in any one of the architectural institutions – can on application, become
a student member.

➢ RETIRED MEMBERS - any fellow, associate or licentiate after attaining the age of 55 and on completely
retiring from service or profession can apply for this post.

➢ SUBSCRIBERS - a subscriber shall be either a person who was a member of the Bombay architectural
association at the time of adoption of the original constitution of the institute, now amended or a person
who in the opinion of the council is likely to render assistance in promoting the objects of the institute.

4) What are COA guidelines for schedule of payments?

The Architect shall be paid Professional fees in stages, consistent with the work done. The stages of
payment are divided during the course of the construction and shall include the following:
CLIENTS BRIEF –RETAINER STAGE:
On appointment and signing of Agreement – Rs 20,000/- or 5% of total fees payable, adjustable at the last
stage, based on the Rough estimate of cost.
CONCEPT DESIGN –STAGE 1:
On submitting Conceptual designs and Rough estimate – 10% of total fees payable, based on the Rough
estimate of Cost.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND DRAWING – STAGE 2:
On submitting the required Preliminary Scheme for the Client’s approval along with the Preliminary
Estimate of cost – 20% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on Preliminary estimate of
cost
DRAWINGS FOR CLIENTS / STATUTORY APPROVALS – STAGE 3: On incorporating Clients suggestions and
submitting drawings for approval from the Client/Statutory Bodies – 35% of total fees payable, less
payment already made, based on Preliminary estimate of cost.
WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS – STAGE 4:
On preparation of working drawings, specifications, schedule of quantities, estimate, and tender
documents – 45% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on Preliminary estimate of cost.
APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACTORS – STAGE 5:
On inviting, receiving and analysing tenders and advising the Client on appointment of Contractors – 55%
of the total fees payable, less payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.
CONSTRUCTION – STAGE 6:
On submitting Working Drawings and details required for commencement of Work at site – 65% of total
fees payable, less payment already made, based on accepted Tender cost.
On completion of 20% of work at site – 70% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on
accepted Tender cost.
On completion of 40% of work at site – 75% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on
accepted Tender cost.
On completion of 60% of work at site – 80% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on
accepted Tender cost.
On completion of 80% of work at site – 85% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on
accepted Tender cost.
On Virtual Completion of work at site – 90% of total fees payable, less payment already made, based on
accepted Tender cost.
COMPLETION – STAGE 7: –
On submitting Completion Report and drawings for the project required in obtaining Completion /
Occupation Certificate from Statutory Authorities and on issue of as-built drawings – 100% of total
fees payable, less Retainer & payment already made, based on Actual total cost.

5) Professional Code of Conduct 1989:

The Indian government also did establish a code of conduct in the Indian constitution. It is under the
professional code of conduct 1989. It states that:

1. Every architect who's either employed or practicing is subject to the provisions of the central civil
services.

2. An architect should make sure that his professional activities do not conflict with his responsibilities and
what he is entitled to do, his responsibility to the society and environment.

3. He or she should apply and use his skills responsibly for the economic development of India.

4. The architect shall provide professional services of high quality and to the best of his ability.

5. Should always inform the client on the conditions of engagement and the terms of agreement especially
if one is on private practice. These are to form the basis of an appointment.

6. One should not sub commission work to another or other architects without an agreement with his
client.

7. He should not give or take discounts, gifts, commissions or any form of inducement for introduction of a
client or work.

8. He should act with impartiality and fairness when administering a contract.

9. The architect should maintain very high standards of integrity.

10. Should promote the advancement of architecture, research, training, architectural education and also
training.

11. He should respect and recognize professional responsibilities of consultants.

These are just a few codes of conduct stated in the Indian constitution. Architects are to live by the above
regulations so as to have quality output in the services they deliver. There are also consequences to breach
of these codes. One is held liable by the law.

6) Working of an Architect’s office:

7) Scale of Charges:
Type of Project/ Services
1.2 All projects other than
housing
1.2.1 Repetition of
the building in the same
campus
1.2.2 Repetition of
the building in the
same campus
1.2.3 Repetition of
the building at a
different site
Scope of Work & Services Minimum
fees/Reimbursable
expenses
As described for 5 Percent on the cost of
Comprehensive works assigned.
Architectural Services in the
Conditions
of Engagement including
Site
Development but excluding
Landscape
Architecture, Interior
Architecture,
Graphic Design and
Signage.
As described for 5 Percent on the cost of
Comprehensive works assigned.
Architectural Services in the
Conditions
of Engagement including
Site
Development but excluding
Landscape
Architecture, Interior
Architecture,
Graphic Design and
Signage.
As described for 2.5 percent on the cost of
Comprehensive works assigned
Architectural Services in the
Conditions
of Engagement except
Landscape
Architecture, Interior
Architecture,
Graphic Design & Signage
and Site
Development.
As described for 3.5 percent on the cost of
Comprehensive works assigned.
Architectural Services in the
Conditions
 of Engagement except
Landscape
Architecture, Interior
Architecture,
Graphic Design & Signage
and Site
Development.
1.3 Site As described for 2.5 Percent on the cost of
Development [except 1.1 Comprehensive works assigned.
and 1.2] Architectural Services in the
Conditions
of Engagement except
Landscape
Architecture, Interior
Architecture,
Graphic Design and Signage
[except
1.1 and 1.2].
1.4 As described for 7.5 Percent on the cost of
Architectural Conservation/ Comprehensive works as
Retrofitting/Additions and Architectural Services in the
alterations Conditions
of Engagement except
Landscape
Architecture, Interior
Architecture,
Graphic Design and
Signage.
2. Urban Design As described for Urban • For all projects
Design/ Urban except Housing: 1
Renewal in the Conditions percent on the cost
of of works assigned,
Engagement. to be computed at a
rate of Rs 6M per
Sq.mt. of proposed
built-up area.

• Housing Projects :
20 percent of the
fee payable for
housing, as stated
in sub-clause 1.1
above, on the cost
of works assigned,
to be computed at a
rate of Rs 6M per

3.
Interior Architecture/Graphi
c design and signage
4. Landscape Architecture
5. Site visits
6. Advisory Consultancy
7. Documentation and
Communication Charges
8. Verification
and Certification
of Contractor's Bills
As described for Interior
Architecture in
the Conditions of
Engagement.
As described for Landscape
Architecture
in the Conditions of
Engagement.
Visits by an
Architect/consultant
in connection with Project
for which commissioned.
• Outstation Visit :
Traveling, Boarding
& Lodging Expenses
For each day
• Local site visit/field
visit
• Outstation
• Local
Applicable on all
professional fee
payable to the Architect.
Verification of Contractor's
bills for
payment, based on
progress of works
Sq.mt. of proposed
built-up area.
• In case of Urban
Renewal projects
fee payable shall be
1.5 times of the fee
stated above based
on actual cost of
works assigned.
Above fees are subject to a
minimum of Rupees 240M.
7.5 percent on the cost of
works assigned
7.5 percent on the cost of
works assigned
Actual Air/ AC First Class
Fare (to & fro), AC Car,
Boarding & Lodging
Expenses and Local
Transport.
Rs. 3M
Rs. 1M
All as above at 5 i) (a) plus
Rs. 10M per day or part
thereof.
Rs. 4M per day or part
thereof.
10 percent of the
professional fees.
1 percent in addition to
above fees.
 at site, measurements of
works Certified
by the Construction
Manager
(i.e. Clerk of Works/ Site
Supervisor
or Construction
Management
Agency) and in accordance
with
Conditions of Contract,
Drawings
and instruction issued.

Explanatory Notes:
For works costing upto Rs. 1400 M the professional fees may be negotiable between the Architect and the
Client.
When an Architect is engaged to undertake Comprehensive Architectural Services in respect of buildings/
Site Development and/ or Landscape Architectural Services as a follow up of an Urban Design/ Urban
Renewal Scheme, his professional fee for Comprehensive Architectural Services/ Landscape Architectural
Services shall be reduced by 20%.
The current value of M is 1000

8) Difference between COA & IIA:

9) Members of COA:
a. Five architects possessing recognized qualifications elected by the Indian Institute of Architects
from among its members;

b. Two persons nominated by the All India Council for Technical Education established by the
Resolution of the Government of India in the late Ministry of Education No.F.16-10/44-E.III, dated
the 30th November, 1945;

c. Five persons elected form among themselves by heads of architectural institutions in India
imparting full-time instruction for recognized qualifications;

d. The Chief Architects in the Ministries of the Central Government to which the Government business
relating to defence and railways has been allotted and head of the Architectural Organization in the
Central Public Works Department, ex officio;

e. One person nominated by the Central Government;

f. An architect from each State nominated by the Government of that state;
g. Two persons nominated by the Institution of Engineers (India) from among its members; and
h. One person nominated by the Institution of Surveyors of India from among its members.

10) Importance of ethics in professional ethics:

An architect’s main obligations to meet up to the professional ethics:

➢ Ensuring the public that they meet the required standards.

➢ Making informed and unbiased professional assessments.

➢ Serving the community, employers, colleagues and clients.

➢ Developing their professional knowledge and skills, in all areas relevant to their practice.

➢ Raising the standards of excellence in all relevant areas of architecture.

➢ Contributing to the competence of building industries.

➢ Having sufficient qualified and supervisory staff in their practice.

➢ Architects should not modify their fee proposal by taking into account other architects’ fee for a
service.

➢ Knowledge and skill: Members should strive to improve their professional knowledge and skill.

➢ Standards of excellence: Members should continually seek to raise the standards of aesthetic
excellence, architectural education, research, training and practice.
➢ Natural & cultural heritage: Members should respect and help conserve their natural and cultural
heritage while striving to improve the environment and the quality of life within it.

➢ Human rights: Members should uphold human rights in all their professional endeavor.

➢ Conduct: Members should uphold the law in the conduct of their professional activities.

➢ Public interest services: Members should render public interest professional services, including pro-
bono services and encourage their employees to render such services.

➢ Civic responsibility: Members should be involved in civic activities as citizens and professionals and
should strive to improve public appreciation and understanding of architecture and the functions and
responsibilities of architects.