Architect Eugene Kremer has discussed the ethical questions raised in this case.

LeMessurier was criticized for insufficient oversight leading to bolted rather than welded joints, for not informing the endangered neighbors, for actively misleading the public about the extent of the danger during the reinforcement process, and for not informing architects or other structural engineers about the problem and solution for two decades.
However, his act of alerting Citicorp to the problem in his design is now used as an example of ethical behavior in several engineering textbooks.

Kremer discusses six key points:
Analysis of wind loads.
Check all calculations and not rely just on building codes; these set minimum requirements and not the state of the art.

Design changes.
In this case change from welded to bolted connections.
Changes are considered in the overall design context and by everyone involved and not a spur of the moment decision.

Professional responsibility.
To follow the codes of conduct for every chartered institution.
LeMessurier did not consider the public safety first.

Public statements.
In this case the public statements issued by LeMessurier and Citigroup set out to mislead the public deliberately.

Public safety.
The public statement denied the public the right to ensure their own safety and to make their own critical decisions.

Advancement of professional knowledge.
Concealing this problem for almost 20 years prevented ethical and engineering learning that could have taken place.
Architect Eugene Kremer has discussed the ethical questions raised in this case.
LeMessurier was criticized for insufficient oversight leading to bolted rather than welded joints, for not informing the endangered neighbors, for actively misleading the public about the extent of the danger during the reinforcement process, and for not informing architects or other structural engineers about the problem and solution for two decades. However, his act of alerting Citicorp to the problem in his design is now used as an example of ethical behavior in several engineering textbooks.
Kremer discusses six key points:
Analysis of wind loads. Check all calculations and not rely just on building codes; these set minimum requirements and not the state of the art.
Design changes. In this case change from welded to bolted connections. Changes are considered in the overall design context and by everyone involved and not a spur of the moment decision.
Professional responsibility. To follow the codes of conduct for every chartered institution. LeMessurier did not consider the public safety first.
Public statements. In this case the public statements issued by LeMessurier and Citigroup set out to mislead the public deliberately.
Public safety. The public statement denied the public the right to ensure their own safety and to make their own critical decisions.
Advancement of professional knowledge. Concealing this problem for almost 20 years prevented ethical and engineering learning that could have taken place.
Citigroup Center