2015 Edition, Issue 3


Informed Consent

Recently, the Board has received a number of consumer complaints wherein an architect has materially altered the scope or objective of a project without first obtaining the client’s written approval. Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, California Code of Regulations section (CCR) 160(f)(1), an architect cannot materially alter the scope or objective of a project without first fully informing the client and obtaining the consent of the client in writing. An architect’s failure to inform the client of any impacts resulting from a change to the scope or objective of a project and/or to obtain the client’s consent to the change in writing is a violation of CCR 160(f)(1), and may subject the architect to a citation with an administrative fine or disciplinary action by the Board.

Information regarding the Architects Practice Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct is available on the Board’s website under "Publications."