Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 50-8-.02 - Professional Standards

O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19 and 43-4-13 authorize the Board to take disciplinary action against licensees for unprofessional conduct. "Unprofessional conduct" shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Failure of an architect to act with reasonable care and competence in the practice of architecture;

(2) Failure of an architect to apply the technical knowledge and skill ordinarily applied by architects of good standing;

(3) Failure of an architect to take into account all applicable state and municipal building laws and regulations. While an architect may rely on the advice of other professionals (e.g., attorneys, engineers, and other qualified persons) as to the intent and meaning of such regulations, once having obtained such advice, an architect shall not knowingly design a project in violation of such laws and regulations.

(4) Undertaking to perform professional services when such architect, and those he engages as consultants, is not qualified by education, training and experience in the specific technical areas to perform such services;

(5) Accepting compensation for services from more than one party on a project unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to and agreed to (such disclosure and agreement must be in writing) by all interested parties;

(6) Failure to disclose in writing to a client or employer the nature of a business association or financial interest of any business association or direct or indirect financial interest which is substantial enough to influence his judgment in connection with the performance of professional services. If the client objects to the association or financial interests, the architect shall either terminate the association or interest or offer to give up the commission or employment.

(7) Soliciting or accepting compensation from material or equipment suppliers in return for specifying or endorsing their products;

(8) Failure to render impartial decisions when acting as the interpreter of building contract documents and the judge of contract performance;

(9) Failure to accurately represent qualifications, capabilities, experience, and the scope of responsibility in connection with work for which he is claiming credit;

(10) Failure to report a violation of the laws and rules governing the practice of architecture by another architect to the Board;

(11) Failure to report to the appropriate public official (person charged with enforcement of applicable state or municipal building laws and regulations) a decision by an employer or client to violate applicable state or municipal building laws and regulations which decision, in the architect's judgment, materially or adversely affects the safety to the public of the finished project. Said architect shall also refuse to consent to the decision, and shall terminate his services with reference to the project when the architect is unable to have the matter resolved.

(12) Failure of an office offering professional services to have a registered architect resident and regularly employed in that office; and

(13) Signing or sealing drawings, specifications, reports, or professional work not prepared by or under the responsible control of the architect except as may be permitted by law.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 50-8-.02

O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19, 43-4-9, 43-4-13, 43-4-16, 43-4-17.

Original Rule entitled "Professional Standards" adopted. F. May 19, 2004; eff. June 8, 2004.