If he worked on those projects, let him use the photos. If you fired him and he was a rotten employee, a letter of recommendation would surely not be appropriate.

Though, if you do give him one, be sure to proof read it more than your post. ;)

Ah...proof reading is not my best attribute, if any! Thanks

agree with olden. Not giving him the photos would be vindictive, but writing a rec for someone that you obviously weren't happy with is silly and puts your reputation at risk.

I would say, if he put in a considerable part in the project...of course. If he played a minor role, don't give him the photos. No recommendation.

Did you fire him for something specific, like always being late, even though he was fantastic at rendering (or vise versa)?

You can always write a letter that is honest, that explains why he was a bad fit for you but what other strengths he might have that would be valuable to another office. But if there is honestly nothing positive you can say about this person as an employee, then do not write a letter for him, and tell him he should not use you as a reference.

Allowing a current employee to make some copies of photos is probably good, as the employee might feel pressured to sneak it in w/o your approval/knowledge otherwise. if you allow it, you can control it, and calatrava's advice applies: if his role was small, he doesn't need the photos, a descriptive line on his resume ("20,000sf medical office fitout" etc.) will suffice.

just do it

to try and own a idea in the end will only cause more pain and suffering
fighting the laws of mathematics and not sharing, doesn't work

Thanks, all. We gave him the photos for use in his portfolio only and will write a recommendation on his performance - factual stuff and no embellishment - period.

All have a good day!

the AIA code of ethics frowns upon withholding photos, renderings, drawings, etc. from former employees unless there is a reasonable justification for doing so - and by reasonable justification it seems they mean something more along the lines of the documentation revealing trade secrets or other privileged information.

the actual relevant Rule from the COE is: "A Member shall not unreasonably withhold permission from a departing employee or partner to take copies of designs, drawings, data, reports, notes, or other materials relating to work performed by the employee or partner that are not confidential."

this Rule is based on the following Ethical Standard: "Professional Recognition: Members should build their professional reputation on the merits of their own service and performance and should recognize and give credit to others for the professional work they have performed."