Unethical behaviour by architects

I refer to two articles appearing in The Sunday Times of February 6. In his regular environment column Mr Alan Deidun, after quoting cases in which the Development Control Commision overturned the MEPA Directorate's arguments for refusing a planning permit outside development zone states: "I certainly know which architects to engage to get my way."

Similarly, in his gardening page, Mr Maurice Mizzi implies that a speculator may build outside a development zone, without a planning permit and away from public view and "after some toing and froing by your architect, MEPA will be falling over themselves to sanction the building."

The Kamra tal-Periti supports the initiatives by both correspondents in voicing their concerns on what they understand to be development which is either abusive or else not in context with its surroundings. This helps efficient enforcement and respect for laws and regulations. It is then up to MEPA to clarify and take action.

However, the Kamra regrets to note the remarks and insinuations made against the profession by both correspondents. As with all professions warranted by the state, the perit (architect) carries the responsibility to practise in the interests of his/her client with due regard to the law and to the common good.

Indeed, the Chamber of Architects, by virtue of its mission statement, is committed "to support members to achieve excellence in their practice of architecture and engineering in the interest of the community". On undertaking a commission for a development project, every architect is ethically bound to do his/her utmost within the law, in carrying out the project successfully and to the client's satisfaction.

This includes carrying out discussions with all authorities concerned, including MEPA. These discussions are often lengthy and complex, especially in major projects with a high level of impact on the surroundings. As one of Malta's leading businessmen, I am sure Mr Mizzi is well aware of this fact.

On the basis of its mission, the chamber will take responsible action against any behaviour by architects which goes against the proper practice of the profession or the interest of the community. It however demands that the claim is not frivolous and that the claimant can produce verifiable evidence of misdemeanour. Society and the profession have an effective mechanism for raising these issues with the chamber's Ethics Committee.

The Kamra tal-Periti operates in the interest of those numerous members of the profession who work relentlessly to provide a good service to their clients and to society. Equally it will take action against those persons who make frivolous claims which may cause unwarranted damage to the profession. This in the interests of both the profession and the common good.