diff --git a/.agents/references/code-design.md b/.agents/references/code-design.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..55e0b2b274
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.agents/references/code-design.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+name: code-design
+description: Design rules for implementation code in the MongoDB Java Driver. Use when adding or modifying an internal program element, or changing the implementation of a public API program element.
+---
+# Code Design
+
+## Access Modifiers
+
+- Use the most restrictive access modifier that is sufficient for now.
+- If there is an internal program element suitable for the task but not accessible, relax its access modifier
+  to the least permissive one that makes it accessible,
+  unless it contradicts the intent expressed in the documentation of the program element in question.
+  Be careful not to make the program element part of the public API accidentally.
+- When access is relaxed only for tests, annotate the program element with `VisibleForTesting`.
+    
+
+## Executors
+
+- Avoid instantiating new executors/threads. Consider using the existing `CommonExecutor` or `AsyncClientExecutor`.
+- If a new executor/thread is unavoidable, prefer instantiating a new executor with a single thread over a bare thread.
+  It should be created and managed either by `CommonExecutor`, `AsyncClientExecutor`,
+  or a class whose instance is accessible via them. This may require changing their design, implementation, documentation. 
+- When instantiating an executor, prefer the `MongoThreadPoolExecutor` and `MongoScheduledThreadPoolExecutor` implementations.
+- Use daemon threads, see `DaemonThreadFactory`.
+- Any task executed, submitted, or scheduled via an executor must not allow an `Exception` to be propagated;
+  `Error`s should generally not be caught, but if they are, they must still be propagated.
diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index b23da24523..ff610b7d14 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ The default branch is `main` (not `master`). Always use `main` when comparing, d
 - Preserve existing comments — only remove if provably incorrect
 - No rewrites without explicit permission
 - When stuck or uncertain: stop, explain, propose alternatives, ask
+- When authoring or reviewing changes: consult the relevant `.agents/references/` file for each area the changes touch
 
 ## Build
 
@@ -74,6 +75,12 @@ public API classes must be thread-safe unless annotated otherwise.
 See [`.agents/references/api-design`](.agents/references/api-design.md) for stability annotations,
 design principles, and the full nullability and thread safety conventions.
 
+## Code Design
+
+Applies to implementation code — internal packages, method bodies, and private or package-access program elements.
+
+See [`.agents/references/code-design`](.agents/references/code-design.md) for the rules.
+
 ## Do Not Modify Without Human Approval
 
 - Wire protocol / authentication handshakes (`com.mongodb.internal.connection`)