About

The Timber Frame Business Council Principles of Practice are guidelines that apply to all activities related to the entire process of designing, managing and constructing timber frame buildings. They address responsibilities to the public and clients we serve; to our partners, the building trade supplies and specialist who help us shape the quality and integrity of our buildings; and to the craft, technology and business of timber frame construction.

To download a copy of the Principles of Practice, click here.

Principles of Practice

Part I: General Obligations

Statement of Principle:
Members should maintain and advance their knowledge of the craft, technology, and business of timber framing, respect the body of accomplishment, and continue to build upon it. Learned and uncompromising professional judgment should take precedence over any other motive in the pursuit of the craft, technology, and business of timber framing.

Members should support, encourage, and engender constant improvement of education, training, and practice relative to timber framing.

Members should strive to improve public appreciation and understanding of timber frame construction and the functions and responsibilities of the members of the TFBC.

Part II: Obligations to the Public

Statement of Principle:
Members should abide by the spirit and letter of the law governing their professional activities and products. Members shall strive to be stewards of their natural and cultural heritage, while striving to improve the environment and the quality of life within it.

Members shall uphold human rights in all their professional endeavors.

Part III: Obligations to the Client

Statement of Principle:
Members should serve their clients honestly, competently, and in a professional manner, and should exercise unbiased judgment on their behalf. Members shall commit to providing their clients with complete and accurate information.

Members shall commit to creating buildings that will be valuable to their clients.

Part IV: Obligations to the Profession

Statement of Principle:
Members should uphold and seek to enhance the integrity, dignity, and legacy of timber frame construction.

Members shall pursue all professional activity with honesty and fairness. Members shall ensure that their representatives and employees adhere to this code.

Members shall strive for continual improvement of the quality of their products and services and shall assist and support other Members in pursuit of this goal.

Part V: Obligations to Colleagues

Statement of Principle:
Members should respect the rights and acknowledge the aspirations and contributions of their colleagues and associates.

Members should provide their associates with a suitable working environment, compensate them fairly, and facilitate their professional development.