What could be a potential consequence of not adhering to professional ethics in architecture?

Not adhering to professional ethics in architecture can result in a loss of license or certification due to the serious implications it has on the integrity and trustworthiness of the profession. Architectural licensing boards have strict ethical standards that practitioners are expected to follow to ensure public safety, welfare, and trust in the profession. Violating these standards—such as engaging in dishonesty, conflicts of interest, or inadequate quality assurance—can lead to disciplinary actions, including the suspension or revocation of the architect's license. This consequence underscores the importance of ethics in safeguarding the standards of practice and maintaining public confidence in architectural services.

The other choices, while they may seem like potential outcomes of unethical behavior, do not directly correlate as strongly to the repercussions faced as loss of licensure, which is a fundamental aspect of maintaining professional accountability in the field.