CodeOfConduct

ROSSO Code of Conduct

Our World

We want our words and actions to reflect, and be in pursuit of, a world in which people consciously live to be of benefit to one another. We believe in a world structured to facilitate horizontal power distribution, the fulfillment of roles, justice and business systems that foster individual and organizational creativity, and the implementation of collaborative, co-creative processes and instruments to facilitate dialogue, make decisions, and support community.

Guiding Values & Principles

We value respect, honesty, compassion, ethics, learning, open-mindedness, adaptability, kindness, and fun in our personal and professional endeavors. We believe the intentional pursuit of integrity facilitates the creation of meaningful relationships, effective professional services, and beneficial business endeavors.
We also value frank, forthcoming conversation spoken with kindness even when such communication is uncomfortable. We believe that dialogue (formal communication utilizing active, empathetic listening) can facilitate altered perspectives and creative decision-making.
In professional matters, we strive to consider the axiom"erit bonum facere, et non nocere" – be of benefit and cause no harm.

Purpose of Agreement

The Purpose of this Code of Conduct is to illustrate our main ethics and standards. The roles and relationship of the Client and ROSSO shall be clarified in details within an independent Engagement Agreement for Service in order to serve the needs of Client and ROSSO by facilitating mutual understanding.

Tenets of ROSSO

In service of our vision and Purpose of Agreement, we choose to practice in accordance with the following tenets:

• Insight. (i) We believe use of a collaborative, co-creative approach to relational dynamics that views parties to an agreement as “Us” rather than the adversarial approach of “Us v. Them” can beneficially affect the structure and goals of a business. (ii) We believe conflict is a normal part of relational dynamics often revealing diversity of perspective and addressing conflict in a restorative manner can result in improved understanding, and peaceful community.
  
  
• Standards. We follow the prevailing standards of BNA, RIBA, and AIA as our professional standards of skill, knowledge and care.
  
  
• Integrity. We faithfully discharge our duties at all times with integrity and avoid any actions or situations which are inconsistent with our professional obligations.
  
  
• Trustworthiness. At all times we apply the conditions of potential contract with entire fairness and with due regard to the interest of the Client.
  
  
• Competence. We are dedicated to deliver architectural services competently, diligently and in a timely manner. We strive to keep our knowledge and skills relevant to professional work, up to date and in consistent with latest applicable and prevailing guidelines.
  
  

Terms of Engagement

1. 1. Non-Circumvention: While practicing the engagement submitted by the client, we will not carry on or engage in any project, operation of trade or business which is inconsistent or out-of-keeping with the fitting and proper fulfillment of our professional duties.
   
   
2. 2. Safeguarding Client’s Interests: (i) We will carry out all work with skill and care and in accordance with the terms of engagement. (ii)We may not have ownership or pecuniary interest in any building material, sub-contracting company, device or invention proposed to be used in work, without first informing our Client and obtaining his approval. (iii) We will have due regard for the safety of life and health of the employees of the client who may be affected by the work for which we are responsible.
   
   
3. 3. Conflict of Interests: Where a conflict of interest arises and in all circumstances, which might compromise the independence of our firm, we disclose such conflict in writing and manage it to the satisfaction of our Client.
   
   
4. 4. Communication: Customarily, each Client of our firm is served by a principal architect which should be someone in whom you have confidence and with whom you enjoy working. Suffice to say, we exercise proper supervision of all work done under their authority and accept professional responsibility for it. The Client will be notified promptly of any change in the architect responsible for the work.
   
   
5. 5. Surveillance: We ensure you that our projects are regularly monitored and reviewed and that clients are kept adequately informed about the progress of their projects.
   
   
6. 6. Record Keeping: (i) In our Firm, adequate security is in place to safeguard both paper and electronic records of our clients. Such records are to include photographs of the works in progress, project journals and diaries, statutory and regulatory approval documents, drawings and other records, whether in electronic or hard copy form. (ii) At the End of an Agreement (if requested), we are obliged to promptly return to the Client any papers, plans, drawings and document with regards to the project. Nevertheless, we might keep one copy of the documents for record keeping purposes.
   
   
7. 7. Confidentiality: Except where disclosure is required by law, we maintain the confidentiality of the Client’s affairs and will not disclose information which is marked Confidential or which we ought to have known was confidential, without the consent of the Client.
   
   
8. 8. Transparency: (i) we try to realistically appraise our ability to undertake and achieve any proposed work. In this regard, we make our Clients aware of the likelihood of achieving the demanded requirements and aspirations. Should we feel we may not be able to comply, we will not accept the work (ii) We clarify to our Client, the Extent to which any architectural services are being subcontracted.
   
   
9. 9. Copyright and Intellectual Property: We Shall respect laws on copyright and other rights of Intellectual Property in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and mutually signed Agreement. We will not copy or appropriate the intellectual property of our Client. Nevertheless, we are entitled to take advantage and use our obtained expertise and knowledge within the procedure of each Project, known as Residual Information, for prospective projects in future, which shall not be considered Infringement of IP rights.
   
   
10. 10. Environmental Dedication. Whilst our primary responsibilities are to our Clients, we take into account the impact of our professional activities on the natural and built environment.
    
    
11. 11. Timely Manner: We try to carry out professional work promptly, without undue delay and so far as reasonably practicable, in accordance with any time-scale and cost limits agreed with the Client.
    
    
12. 12. Limitations: we must withdraw from the provision of any services where we reasonably believe in our professional judgment that conducting the services would require us to act in breach of any applicable or governing laws, or contrary to the public interest.
    
    

Fees and Payments

1. Our fees are charges for our services. To the extent that legal fees are subject to taxes, such taxes will be added to accounts.
   
   
2. We require an initial down payment, given the criteria of each Project, which shall be determined in the Agreement, to cover the fees and disbursement for the work to be done. Unless other arrangements are made in the Agreement, fees for services and other charges will be billed every other week and are payable within 30 days of receipt. Accounts unpaid after 30 days will be subject to interest calculated on the outstanding balance until the account is paid in full, at the rate that may be prescribed from time to time by our governing bodies.
   
   
3. In relation to an Agreement for services, we ensure that the cost of the services is in line with the fee structure detailed in the Agreement and accurately reflects the amount of work done or to be done for the Client in the provision of the services. Therefore, Our Clients get informed in advance of the scale of charges to be applied and the conditions of the Agreement.
   
   
4. We will not materially alter the scope or objectives of a project or the professional fees payable for rendered services, without the Client’s express written consent, except in accordance with any fee adjustment arrangements set out in the terms of Agreement.
   
   
5. For each Engagement we will not accept any discount, gift, commission or other payment or consideration from any source other than our Client.
   
   
6. We use reasonable endeavors to advise our Clients in ascertaining and controlling the cost of the project.
   
   
7. We will notify our Clients, in writing, upon becoming aware of any issue which may significantly affect the quality, cost and timetable for completion of their own work.