Sec. 09.18.02.03. Responsibility to the Client

A. A certified interior designer shall undertake to perform professional assignments only if the certified interior designer, together with the certified interior designer's consultants, is qualified, by training, education, and experience to perform required services.

B. A certified interior designer may not divulge any confidential information about the client or the client's project, unless the certified interior designer reasonably believes that nondisclosure of the information creates a significant risk to public health and safety, or violates the applicable laws or this Code of Ethics.

C. A certified interior designer shall fully disclose to the certified interior designer's client all compensation that the certified interior designer receives in connection with a project, and may not accept any form of compensation from a third party in cash or in kind unless the client is informed and does not object to the method or form of compensation.

D. A certified interior designer may not knowingly assume or accept any position in which the certified interior designer's personal interests conflict with professional responsibilities.

E. A certified interior designer may offer professional services to the client as a consultant, specifier, or supplier on the basis of a fee, percentage, or mark-up, except that a certified interior designer may not request, propose, or accept a commission on a fee basis under circumstances in which the certified interior designer's professional judgment may be compromised.

F. Before entering into a written or verbal contract with a client, a certified interior designer shall clearly determine and convey to the client the scope and nature of the project involved, the services to be performed, and the method of remuneration for the services.

G. A certified interior designer shall produce studies, drawings, specifications, and other related documents of sufficiently high standards to clearly and accurately indicate all essential parts of the work to which they refer.

H. Except for specifications and drawings over which a certified interior designer retains proprietary rights or which the certified interior designer is required by law, or in connection with an investigation by the Board of Certified Interior Designers, to furnish, a certified interior designer may not use specifications, photographs, or drawings of a project without the express permission of a client.