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The Architects’ Code of Conduct was approved on 29 October 2012 by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, as required by the Architectural Practice Act 2009 (SA). This code of conduct is mandatory for all registered architects and architectural businesses. A breach of the Code of Conduct by a registered person or business may be considered unprofessional conduct.

The Architectural Practice Act (2009) came into operation in January 2011. Along with the Regulations to the Act, the Architects' Code of Conduct, and the Guidance Notes issued by the Board from time to time, these documents underpin the role of the Board in maintaining high professional standards in order to protect the public interest.

An architect may be subject to disciplinary action if there is a proven breach of the Act or the Code. Unprofessional conduct is defined in the Act as follows:

• improper or unethical conduct in relation to professional practice; and
• incompetence or negligence in relation to the provision of services as an architect; and
• a contravention of or failure to comply with
  • a provision of the Act; or
  • a code of conduct or professional standard prepared or endorsed by the Board under this Act; and
• conduct that constitutes an offence punishable by imprisonment for 1 year or more under some other Act or law.

Guidance Notes are provided to ensure the architectural profession clearly understand their obligations on particular matters.

The Architectural Practice Act replaced the older Architects Act 1936. It requires that architects are:

• fully qualified and experienced,
• fit and proper persons for registration,
• maintain professional indemnity insurance,
• notify the Board of any claims made against them

along with other obligations under the Act.

A breach of the Architectural Practice Act may be considered unprofessional conduct.

Guidance notes are provided to the architectural profession from time to time on matters of importance to the profession.