Code of Professional Conduct for Interior Designers

OBJECT OF THE CODE

• This code of conduct lays down the ethical standards relating to the practice of design which are accepted by all Members of HKIDA who are Designers (as defined below).

DEFINITIONS

• For the purpose of the Code, the word“Designer” here refers to any individual practising any forms of fulltime or freelance salaried work of interior design; or any group of designers, acting in partnership with, or within other forms of association within the interior design industry.
• In this Code, references to the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and references to the masculine, the feminine and the neuter shall include all such genders.

MEMBER OBLIGATIONS

1. Responsibility to the community
   
   • Further the social and aesthetic standards of the community.
   • Act in the best interests of the natural environment for any design projects.
   • Honour the professionalism and dignity of the design industry.
   • Never consciously assume or accept a position in which personal interests conflict with professional duties.
     
2. Responsibility to clients
   
   • Act in clients’ interests within the limits of professional duties.
   • Never work simultaneously on assignments which are in direct competition with ones on hand, especially not without informing the clients or employers concerned. Exceptions are only valid where it is customary to work at the same time for various competitors.
   • Treat all knowledge of clients’ information, from intentions, production methods to organisation details as confidential. Never divulge such information without the consent of clients.
   • Ensure that all staff members are equally bound to confidentiality agreement.
   • Procure his staff to abide by all local laws, including but not limited to the Copyright Ordinance and the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
3. Responsibility to other Designers
   
   • Never attempt, directly or indirectly, to supplant another Designer, nor must he compete with another Designer by means of a deliberate reduction of fee or by other unfair inducement.
   • Never knowingly accept any professional assignment upon which another Designer has been working on, without proper communications beforehand.
   • Stay fair in criticism and never denigrate the work or reputation of any fellow Designers.
   • Never accept instructions from clients who are knowingly involved in plagiarism. nor consciously act in any manners involving plagiarism.
     
4. Remuneration
   
   • Never undertake any work at the invitation of a client without payment of appropriate fee. May however undertake work without a fee or at a reduced rate for charitable or non-profit organisations.
   • Before accepting an assignment, a Designer shall define exactly and comprehensively to the client the basis on which his total remuneration is calculated.
   • A Designer who is financially concerned with any company, firm or business, which may benefit from his recommendations in the course of his work, shall notify his client or employer of this fact in advance.
   • Never accept payment in any form from the Designer recommended when asked to advise on the selection of Designer.
5. Publicity
   
   • Any advertising or publicity material must contain only truthful, factual statements. It must be fair to clients and other Designers, and in accordance with the dignity of the profession.
   • A Designer’s name can be used for promotional materials or service which he has provided, but only in a manner which is appropriate to the status of the profession.
   • Never allow the name to be associated with any designs which no longer represent the original intent of the Designer, especially those which has been so changed by his client.
     
6. Amendment
   
   • This Code may be amended by the HKIDA from time to time and Members might only be  noticed afterwards.