AI in architectural firms: the CNOA publishes ten ethical guidelines

Image generation, design assistance, offer analysis, document writing or decision support: artificial intelligence is gradually becoming part of the daily operations of architectural firms.

To support this development, the National Council of the Order of Architects (CNOA) has published a report entitled "Artificial Intelligence and Architects: Reconciling Opportunities and Ethics ." The document compares the new uses of AI with the obligations set out in the profession's Code of Ethics.

The goal is not to ban these technologies, but to alert architects to the legal, professional and ethical risks associated with insufficiently controlled use.

Ten recommendations for regulating the uses of AI

The CNOA (National Council of the Order of Architects) has formulated "ten commandments" to help architects use artificial intelligence judiciously. These recommendations focus in particular on:

• transparency regarding the use of AI in project design;
• the information provided to the project owner;
• verification and traceability of produced content;
• data protection and respect for professional secrecy;
• intellectual property and the originality of the architectural work;
• maintaining the duty to advise and human oversight.

The report therefore urges agencies not to use results generated by artificial intelligence without examining them, verifying them and, where necessary, modifying them.

The architect remains responsible for their work.

For the National Council, artificial intelligence must remain a tool under the effective control of the architect. Its use does not allow for any transfer of responsibility to the software publisher or the automated system.

The architect therefore remains responsible for their choices, the quality of the documents produced, and compliance with their professional obligations. This responsibility applies to architectural projects as well as analyses, written documents, visual renderings, and contractual documents generated with the aid of AI.

The use of these tools does not exempt the architect from exercising his judgment, his duty to advise, and his critical thinking.

Risks to intellectual property and data

The report also draws attention to the originality of creations produced with artificial intelligence. Architects must ensure that the generated proposals do not reproduce, even unintentionally, elements from copyrighted works.

Confidentiality is another key concern. The use of AI tools can lead to the transmission of plans, personal data, or sensitive information concerning a client or project. Agencies must therefore verify the terms of use of the chosen solutions and ensure they have control over the processing of the data entrusted to them.

Providing information to the project owner is also presented as an essential requirement when artificial intelligence is involved in the design process or in the production of project-related documents.

Form the teams and define internal rules

The CNOA (National Council of the Order of Architects) calls on architectural firms to define a clear policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence. This policy must specify, in particular, the authorized tools, the categories of data that can be used, and the methods for verifying the outputs generated.

Training for architects and their staff also appears essential to understand how these technologies work, identify their limitations and prevent uses that could lead to the agency being held liable.

"Artificial intelligence is a lever for innovation for architectural firms, but it requires a clear framework: the architect remains responsible, and ethics must guide every use," emphasizes Christophe Millet, president of the National Council of the Order of Architects.

This new document joins the collection of reports from the National Council dedicated to the profession's main challenges. This collection includes publications on building rehabilitation, adapting France to major risks, and the single building permit. A report on housing is also forthcoming.

Placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, the Order of Architects carries out a public service mission for the 30.500 French architects. It ensures, in particular, compliance with the Code of Ethics and the protection of the public and architects' clients.

The report can be consulted on the official website of the Order of Architects.