Public Statement from the Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR)on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Design Professions

January 2026

As the leaders of the Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR)—representing the regulatory bodies for architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, interior design, and related professions—we acknowledge the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping design practices. We also recognize the responsibility of our organizations and member boards to uphold the public’s trust, safety, and welfare in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

AI has the capacity to enhance creativity, improve efficiency, and enable evidence-based decision-making. However, it must remain clear that AI is a tool—not a replacement—for the professional judgment, ethical reasoning, and accountability of licensed practitioners. The concept of responsible control remains foundational: only a licensed professional may seal and take legal responsibility for technical submissions and must maintain oversight of all work performed under their authority.

As AI continues to evolve, we affirm the following principles:

  • Human Oversight is Essential: AI-generated outputs must be reviewed, validated, and appropriately applied by competent, licensed professionals. Oversight cannot be automated.
  • Data Quality and Integrity is Paramount: Practitioners must ensure that the data used to train, test, and run AI models is high-quality, relevant, and free from known biases that could lead to unfair or inaccurate professional decisions. Data provenance (origin and history) must be tracked and documented.
  • Professional Competence and Continuing Education: Practitioners must remain informed about the capabilities and limitations of AI and pursue relevant education and training to ensure safe and effective integration into their practice.
  • Ethical Use and Public Trust: Practitioners must uphold ethical standards by safeguarding data privacy, mitigating algorithmic bias, and ensuring that AI applications promote fairness, transparency, and equity in outcomes.
  • Regulatory Adaptation and Guidance: Member boards are encouraged to develop clear, practical guidelines to support responsible AI use while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. This includes evaluating the implications of AI on responsible charge, licensure, discipline, and consumer protection.
  • Collaboration and Shared Learning: ICOR remains committed to ongoing collaboration with licensure boards, professional societies, academic institutions, and external experts to ensure regulation evolves alongside practice—always centered on protecting the public.

Artificial intelligence may enhance the future of design, but it cannot supplant the human responsibility and ethical foundation that are essential to professional licensure. Together, we will work to ensure innovation and public protection advance hand in hand.

Signed,
Leadership of the Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR)