Professional Conduct

Communicate Clearly

Set expectations early and communicate consistently throughout the project.

• Respond within your stated business hours.
• Confirm important decisions in writing.
• Explain timelines, responsibilities, and next steps.
• Communicate delays before they become problems.
• Keep messages clear, respectful, and solution-focused.
• Avoid promises you cannot confidently keep.

A short update is always better than silence.

Respect the Scope of Work

Your contract defines what you are responsible for providing.

Before completing additional work, determine whether it is included in the original scope. If it is not, explain the additional service, fee, and timeline before proceeding.

Do not allow repeated “small favors” to quietly turn into unpaid project work.

Be Prepared

Arrive at meetings, site visits, and presentations ready to contribute.

• Review project information beforehand.
• Bring measurements, plans, samples, or notes.
• Know which decisions need to be made.
• Prepare questions for the client or contractor.
• Document decisions and follow-up items.

Preparation demonstrates respect for everyone’s time.

Maintain Appropriate Boundaries

Clients may become friendly with you, but the relationship remains professional.

• Establish business hours and response expectations.
• Use approved communication channels.
• Avoid sharing confidential project information.
• Do not speak negatively about clients, designers, contractors, or vendors.
• Keep personal conflicts out of project communication.
• Obtain permission before using a project for marketing.

Boundaries are not unfriendly. They create a better working relationship.

Protect Client Confidentiality

Treat client information as private unless you have written permission to share it.

• Addresses and access instructions
• Budgets and financial information
• Floor plans and security details
• Family or personal information
• Project challenges or disputes
• Photographs of occupied homes
• Vendor pricing and trade information

Remove identifying details when sharing a project for education, critique, or portfolio development.

Represent Your Experience Honestly

Never claim work, qualifications, licenses, or experience that you do not have.

• Your role on collaborative projects
• Work completed by another designer or draftsperson
• Concept projects versus completed client projects
• Renderings versus photographs
• Services requiring licensed professionals

You may confidently present your contribution without taking credit for someone else’s work.

Collaborate Respectfully

Successful projects require cooperation among clients, designers, contractors, tradespeople, vendors, architects, engineers, and administrative teams.

• Respect each person’s role and expertise.
• Ask questions instead of making assumptions.
• Address concerns directly and privately.
• Avoid blame-based communication.
• Document requested changes.
• Give proper credit for collaborative work.
• Bring solutions whenever possible.

Practice Site Etiquette

When visiting a client’s home or jobsite:

• Arrive on time and follow all safety requirements.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Ask before moving personal belongings.
• Do not bring unapproved guests.
• Avoid distracting tradespeople unnecessarily.
• Photograph only what is needed and permitted.
• Leave the space as you found it.
• Report concerns through the appropriate person.

Never direct a trade outside your authority or change the approved scope without proper documentation.

Handle Mistakes Professionally

Your response often matters more than the original problem.

1. Confirm the facts.
2. Document the issue.
3. Identify who has decision-making authority.
4. Communicate promptly.
5. Present practical options.
6. Confirm the agreed solution in writing.
7. Update the schedule, budget, or documentation.

Avoid hiding mistakes, assigning blame prematurely, or making commitments before understanding the full situation.

Manage Conflicts of Interest

Disclose any relationship or financial arrangement that could influence your recommendations.

• Designer commissions or referral fees
• Affiliate income or vendor incentives
• Product markups
• Financial relationships with contractors
• Personal relationships with recommended professionals

Transparency allows the client to make an informed decision and protects the integrity of your recommendations.

Use Digital Tools Responsibly

Professional standards apply to email, text, social media, artificial intelligence, and shared project platforms.

• Review AI-generated information before using it.
• Verify dimensions, codes, specifications, and product details.
• Do not upload confidential information into unapproved tools.
• Use professional file names and version control.
• Obtain permission before posting project content.
• Respect ownership of designs, photography, and written material.

Technology supports your work. It does not replace professional judgment.

Know When to Ask for Help

Professionalism does not mean pretending to know everything.

Consult or refer to qualified professionals when a project requires:

• Architecture or structural engineering
• Electrical or plumbing engineering
• Building-code interpretation or permitting
• Hazardous-material assessment
• Licensed contracting
• Legal, tax, or accounting advice

Recognizing the limits of your role protects both you and the client.