History of Philippine Architecture

 During the Spanish era, architects had the o Treasurer: Luis Ma. Araneta
title of Maestro de Obra o Directors: Juan Nakpil, Andres
 First School founded by the Spanish Luna de San Pedro, Gines Rivera, Gabriel
Government: Escuela Practica y Formoso
Professional de Artes Oficios de Manila  1946 – PAS changed its name to Philippine
 First Filipino Architect: Felix Roxas y Arroyo Institute of Architects and Planners
– employed by the Spanish Government as (PIAP), then later became Philippine
the Municipal Architect of Manila Institute of Architects (PIA)
 1902 – First organization of Architects and  15 members formed the organization called
Surveyors: Academia de Arquuitectura y League of Philippine Architects (LPA)
Agremensura de Filipinas (AAAF) o President: Jose Herrera
 1903 – later on transformed to: Academia de o Pablo Antonio, Antonio Banas,
Arquitectura, Ingenieria y Agremensura de Pablo Panlilio, Jose Reynoso,
Filipinas (AAIAF) Elias Ruiz
o Promulgated the first standards  1948 – RA 472 Magna Carta of Private
of professional practice for Civil Architects legalizing award of design of
Engineering and Architecture public works and buildings to private
known as the “Tarifa de architects
Honorios”  1949 – Laws separating statutes between
o Patterned after the AIA architects and engineers passed
(American Institute of o RA 544 - Civil Engineering Law
Architects) o RA 545 - Architecture Law, later
 1921 – Philippines Assembly Act No. 2985 repealed as RA 9266
formalizing the founding of the architectural  1951– PIA's Standards of Professional
profession in the Philippines. Practice printed and released
o First Registered Architect:  1957 – PIA is admitted as National Section of
Tomas Mapua (00001) Union Internationale des Architects (UIA)
 1933 – Philippine Architects Society (PAS) o PIA and LPA agree to Standard
Constitution and Bylaws formulated after AIA Schedule of Fees

o President: Don Juan Nakpil  1958 – formation of Association of

o Vice President: Tomas Mapua Philippine Government Architects (APGA)

 1960s – PIA, LPA, and APGA attempt to
o Secretary-Treasurer: Harold
unite, which was manifested in 1973
Keys
 1974 – the United Architects of the
o Directors: Carlos Baretto &
Philippines (UAP) was formed
Fernando Ocampo
 1975 – UAP became the first professional
 1938 – PAS drafted National Assembly Bill
organization recognized by the PRC, issued
Number 1850 proposing the separate statute
Certificate no.001
for the practice of Architecture from
o is currently the accredited
Engineering
professional organization of
 1945 – PAS was re-organized after WW2
architects in the Philippines
o President: Fernando Ocampo
(IAPOA)
o Vice President: Cesar Concio
o First UAP President: Norberto
o Secretary: Jose Zaragoza
Nuke
 Code of Ethics for Architects

THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN 1-f The Architect shall not mislead the
RELATION TO THE PEOPLE public through advertisements, signs or
printed matter citing his professional
1. STATEMENT: The Architect is engaged in a specializations unless such qualifications are
profession which carries with it civic
responsibilities towards the public, whether such
responsibilities are the natural outcome of good well known facts or sanctioned by
citizenship or of his professional pursuit or professional consensus and years of
whether they partake of informative and experience.
educational matters or of his normal, good public
relations.
THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN
1-a The Architect shall seek RELATION TO HIS CLIENT
opportunities to be of co0nstructive service in
civic and urban affairs and to the best of his 2. STATEMENT: The Architect’s relation to his
ability advance the safety, health and well- Client is depended upon good faith. To ensure
being of the people and the community as the continued existence of such state of good
well as the promotion, restoration or relationship, the Architect’s position carries with
preservation of the general amenities and it certain moral obligations to his Client and to
other examples of historic and architectural himself.
heritage of the nation.
2-a The Architect may introduce to a
1-b The Architect shall promote the prospective Client the professional services
interest of his professional organization and he is able to perform provided it is limited to
do his full part of the work to enhance the presentation of examples of his professional
objectives and services of the organization. experience and does not entail the offering of
He should share in the interchange of free preliminary sketches or other services
technical information and experience with the without the benefit of an agreement with the
other design professions and the building Client for legitimate compensation.
industry.
2-b The Architect shall acquaint or
1-c The Architect as a good citizen shall ascertain from the Client at the very inception
abide and observe the laws and regulations of their business relationship, the exact
of the government and comply with the nature and scope of his services and the
standards of ethical conduct and practice of corresponding professional charges.
the profession in the Philippines. He shall at
no time act in a manner detrimental to the 2-c The Architect shall advise a
best interest of the profession. Client against proceeding with any project
whose practicability may be questionable due
1-d The Architect shall not use paid to financial, legal or arresting or exigent
advertisement nor use self-laudatory, conditions, even if such advice may mean the
exaggerated, or misleading publicity. loss of a prospective commission to the
However, the presentation of factual Architect.
materials, verbal or visual, of the aims,
standards, and progress of the profession 2-d The Architect shall explain the
through literature or by industrious conditional character of estimates other than
application of his work and services which estimates submitted in the form of actual
tend to dignify the professional or advance proposals by contractors and in no case shall
public knowledge of the Architect’s function in be guarantee any estimates or cost of the
society may be presented through any public work. Neither shall he mislead his Client as to
communication media. probable cost of the work in order to secure a
commission.
1-e The Architect shall not solicit nor
permit to solicit in his name, advertisements, 2-e The Architect shall consider the
or other support towards the cost of any needs and stipulation of his Client and the
publication presenting his work. He should effects of his work upon the life and well-
refrain from taking part in paid advertisement being of the public and the community as a
endorsing whole, and to endeavor to meet the aesthetic
and functional requirements of the project
commensurate with the Client’s
any materials of construction or building appropriation.
equipment.
 2-f The Architect shall charge his 3-c The Architect shall immediately
Client for services rendered, a professional upon his personal knowledge and inspection,
fee commensurate with the work involved reject or condemn materials, equipment or
and with his professional standing and workmanship which are not in conformity with
experience based upon the Basic Minimum the Contract Documents in order not to cause
Fee prescribed under the “Standards of unnecessary delay and additional expense to
Professional Practice” of the “Architect’s the Contractor.
National Code”.
3-d The Architect shall not, at any
2-g The Architect shall not time or circumstance, accept free
undertake, under a fixed contract sum engineering services, or receive any
agreement, the construction of any project substantial aid, gifts, commissions, or favors
based on plans prepared by him. He may in from any Contractor or subcontractor which
certain cases, undertake the construction of a will tend to place him under any kind of moral
project even when the plans were prepared obligation.
by him provided it is undertaken in conformity
with the conditions set forth under sections 3-e The Architect shall, upon request
covering “Construction Services” by the Contractor, promptly inspect each
“Comprehensive Services” or “Design-Build phase of the work completed and if found
Services” of the document on “STANDARDS according to the terms of the Contract
OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.” Documents issue the corresponding
Certificates of Payment and the Final
2-h The Architect shall be Certificate of Completion, respectively, to the
compensated for his services solely through Contractor.
his professional fee charged directly to the
Client. He shall not accept nor ask for any THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN
other returns in whatever form from any RELATION TO MANUFACTURERS,
interested source other than the Client. DEALERS, AND AGENTS

2-i The Architect shall be free in his 4. STATEMENT: An exchange of technical

investments and business relations outside of information between Architects and those who
his profession from any financial or personal supply, and handle building materials or
interests which tend to weaken and discredit equipment is necessary and therefore
his standing as an unprejudiced and honest encouraged and commended. However;
adviser, free to act in his Client’s best
interests. If the Architect has any business 4-a The Architect shall not avail or make
interest which will relate to, or affect the use of engineering or other technical services
interest of his client, he should inform his offered by manufacturers, or suppliers of
client of such condition or situation. building materials or equipment which may
be accompanied by an obligation detrimental
2-j The Architect shall include in his to the best interest of the Client or which may
agreement with the Client a clause providing adversely affect the Architect’s professional
for arbitration as a method for settlement of opinion.
disputes.
4-b The Architect shall not at any time
THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN receive commissions, discounts, fees, gifts or
RELATION TO THE CONTRACTOR favors from agents or firms handling building
materials or equipment which may place him
3. STATEMENT: The Contractor depends upon in a reciprocal frame of mind. He may,
the Architect to safeguard fairly his interests as however, accept market discounts which
well as those of the Client. shall be credited to the Client.

3-a The Architect shall give the THE ARCHITECT’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN

Contractor every reasonable aid to enable RELATION TO HIS COLLEAGUES AND
him to fully understand the contents of the SUBORDINATES
Contract Documents by furnishing clear,
definite, and consistent information in all 5. STATEMENT: The Architect has moral
pertinent contract documents to avoid responsibilities towards his profession, his
unnecessary mistakes that may involve extra colleagues, and his subordinates.
costs to the Contractor.

3-b The Architect shall not knowingly

call upon the Contractor to correct or remedy
oversights or errors in the Contract
Documents to the Contractor’s financial
disadvantage.
 5-a The Architect shall not render Architects are enjoined to preserve or restore
professional services, without compensation as much as possible especially the few and
except for small civic or charity project. He remaining historic examples of our
shall neither offer nor provide preliminary architectural heritage affecting his phase of
services on a conditional basis prior to practice.
definite agreement with the Client for the
commission of the project. 5-g The Architect shall not knowingly
injure falsely or maliciously, the professional
5-b The Architect shall not knowingly reputation, prospects, or practice of another
compete with other Architects on the basis of Architect.
differences of professional charges, nor use
donation as a device for obtaining 5-h The Architect shall refrain from
competitive advantage except for worthy civic associating himself with or allowing the use
or religious projects. Neither shall he submit of his name by any enterprise of doubtful
solicited or unsolicited sketches or drawings character or integrity.
in competition with other Architects unless
such competitive arrangements are 5-i The Architect shall not affix his
conducted substantially under the terms of signature and seal to any plans or
the UAP Architectural Competition Code professional documents prepared by other
persons or entities not done under his direct
5-c The Architect shall not under any personal supervision.
circumstances nor through any means seek
commissions already known to him as 5-j The Architect shall inspire the loyalty
previously endowed to another Architect, of his employees and subordinates by
whether such endowment has been definitely providing them with suitable working
agreed upon or still in the process of conditions, requiring them to render
negotiation. competent and efficient services and paying
them adequate and just compensation,
5-d The Architect shall not, in any case, therefore. He shall tutor and mentor the
enter as a competitor in any Architectural young aspirants towards the ideals,
Competition when he has direct relations with functions, duties, and responsibilities of the
the formulation of the Program thereof or profession.
when he has been engaged to act as
Professional Adviser or Juror for such 5-k The Architect shall unselfishly give
competition. Neither shall the Architect his share in the interchange of technical
accept and act as professional adviser or information and experience among his
juror in any architectural competition when he colleagues and young aspirants and do his
has had any information or has reviewed or part in fostering unity in the fellowship of the
assisted in the preparation of any competition profession.
design entered. Nor shall an Architect,
retained as professional adviser in a
competition, accept employment as an 5-l. He shall unselfishly give his time and
Architect, retained as professional adviser in effort to the advancement of the profession
a competition, accept employment as an through his active and personal commitment
Architect for that competition project except and involvement with the accredited professional
organization for architects.
as Consulting Architect.

5-e The Architect shall not undertake a

commission for which he knows another
Architect has been previously employed until
he has notified such other Architect of the
fact in writing and has conclusively
determined that the original employment has
been terminated and has been duly
compensated for.

5-f The Architect shall not undertake a

commission for additions, rehabilitation or
remodeling of any erected structure
undertaken previously by another Architect
without duly notifying him of the
contemplated project even when the Owner
is no longer the same. When the greater
mass, area or design of the original structure
is substantially maintained the new Architect
should limit his advertisement or claim only to
the extent of the work done to the structure.
 Architect’s Credo

ACCOUNTABILITY
I shall work with this general objective: that I am accountable to God, to mother earth, to my country, to my
fellowmen, and to myself.

NORM OF CONDUCT
I shall uphold the ideal and follow the norms and ethical conduct of this noble profession.

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
I shall pursue moral and professional excellence to the utmost level of integrity through industrious dedication and
meaningful application to my work that merits a reputation for quality of services worthy of fair renumeration.

ETHICAL RELATIONSHIP
I shall pledge myself to the highest standard of professionalism in relation to clients, colleagues, industry partners,
and society.

SHARING
I shall dedicate myself to the pursuit of creative endeavors towards the goal of enlightened Art and Science,
generously sharing it.

RESPECT
I shall respect the rights and works of my colleagues in the profession and confine my comments to constructive
intents.

LEGACY
I shall endeavor to do my duty in the protection of our common environment and the preservation of architectural
heritage for the sake of the present and future generation.

So, help me God.

 Architecture Act of 2004 IRR plans, specifications, and contract
documents he/she has signed and
sealed;
RULE I
 “Architect-in-charge of construction”
TITLE, POLICY STATEMENT, DEFINITION OF means an architect registered and
TERMS, AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE licensed under R.A. No. 9266, who is
directly and professionally responsible
and liable for the construction supervision
SECTION 1: Title of the project;
This Rules and Regulations shall be known  “Consulting Architect” means the
as “THE RULES AND REGULATIONS architect registered and licensed or
permitted to practice under R.A. No.
IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF
9266, who is professionally and
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266”, otherwise known as academically qualified and with
“THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004”. For exceptional or recognized expertise or
specialization in any branch of
brevity, it may be cited as “IRR of the Architecture
architecture;
Act of 2004”.  “Consulting Architect” a registered and
licensed Architect, who is academically
SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. and professionally qualified, and with
exceptional or recognized expertise or
The State recognizes the importance of specialization in any branch of
architects in nation building and development. architecture; the Consulting Architect
Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, assumes no civil liability under Art. 1723
of the Civil Code unless he/she attempts
virtuous, productive and well-rounded professional
and/or succeeds to interfere or
architects whose standards of practice and service contravene the legal and professional
shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class and functions of the Architect-of-Record; the
Consulting Architect assumes the normal
globally competitive through inviolable, honest,
civil liability under the service agreement
effective and credible licensure examinations and he/she signs with a Client.
through regulatory measures, programs and  “Foreign Architect” means an architect
activities that foster their professional growth and who is not a Filipino citizen, nor an
Architect registered and licensed in the
development. This “IRR of the Architecture Act of Philippines, but who is duly registered
2004” shall be interpreted, construed, and carried and licensed in his/her home country as
out in the light of the Statement of Policy found in an Architect.
 “Filipino Counterpart” the local
Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9266, as stated
Philippine architect, partnership or
above. corporation that must work in association
with a foreign architect, partnership, or
corporation, on a project on Philippine
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms
soil.
As used in this “IRR of the Architecture Act  “Physical Planner” refers to an Architect
of 2004”, in R.A. No. 9266 or other laws, the
following terms shall be defined as follows: who specializes in the detailed physical
planning of land or property on which
The Architect vertical structures such as buildings
 “Architect” means a person and/or structures and horizontal
professionally and academically qualified, developments such as rights-of-way,
registered and licensed under R.A. No. open spaces and recreational/ sports/
9266 with a Certificate of Registration entertainment/ tourism and related
and Professional Identification Card facilities are to be proposed.
issued by the Professional Regulatory  “Sole Proprietorship” means an
Board of Architecture and the individual Architect practicing and
Professional Regulation Commission, delivering architectural services, duly
and who is responsible for advocating the registered with the DTI, BOA and the
fair and sustainable development, PRC.
welfare, and cultural expression of
society’s habitat in terms of space, forms The Practice
and historical context;
 “Architect-of-record” means the  “General Practice of Architecture”
architect registered and licensed under the act of planning and architectural
R.A. No. 9266, who is directly and designing, structural conceptualization,
professionally responsible for the total specifying, supervising and giving
design of the project for the client and general administration and responsible
who shall assume the civil liability for the direction to the erection, enlargement or
 alterations of buildings and building and environs, intended for private or
environments and architectural design public use;
in engineering structures or any part o (g) the planning, architectural lay-
thereof; the scientific, aesthetic and outing and utilization of spaces
orderly coordination of all the processes within and surrounding such
which enter into the production of a buildings or structures, housing
complete building or structure design and community architecture,
performed through the medium of architectural interiors and space
unbiased preliminary studies of plans, planning, architectural detailing,
consultations, specifications, architectural lighting, acoustics,
conferences, evaluations, architectural lay outing of
investigations, contract documents and mechanical, electrical, electronic,
oral advice and directions regardless of sanitary, plumbing, communications
whether the persons engaged in such and other utility systems, equipment
practice are residents of the Philippines and fixtures;
or have their principal office or place of o (h) building programming, building
business in this country or another administration, construction
territory, and regardless of whether arbitration and architectural
such persons are performing one or all conservation and restoration;
these duties, or whether such duties o (i) all works which relate to the
are performed in person or as the scientific, aesthetic and orderly
directing head of an office or coordination of all works and
organization performing them; branches of the work, systems and
 “Scope of the Practice of processes necessary for the
Architecture” encompasses the production of a complete building or
provision of professional services in structure, whether for public or
connection with site, physical and private use, in order to enhance or
planning and the design, construction, safeguard life, health and property
enlargement, conservation, renovation, and the promotion and enrichment
remodeling, restoration or alteration of a of the quality of life, the architectural
building or group of buildings. Services design of engineering structures or
may include, but are not limited to: any part thereof; and
o (a) planning, architectural designing o (j) all other works, projects and
and structural conceptualization; activities which require the
o (b) consultation, consultancy, giving professional competence of an
oral or written advice and directions, architect, including teaching of
conferences, evaluations, architectural subjects and
investigations, quality surveys, architectural computer-aided
appraisals and adjustments, design;
architectural and operational planning,  “Structural Conceptualization”
site analysis and other pre-design means the act of conceiving, choosing
services; and developing the type, disposition,
o (c) schematic design, design arrangement and proportioning of the
development, contract documents and structural elements of an architectural
construction phases including work giving due consideration to safety,
professional consultancies; cost-effectiveness, functionality and
o (d) preparation of preliminary, aesthetics;
technical, economic and financial  “Architectural Firm” means a sole
feasibility studies of plans, models and proprietorship, a partnership or a
project promotional services; corporation registered with the DTI
o (e) preparation of architectural AND/OR SEC and then with the Board
plans, specifications, bill of materials, of Architecture and PRC;
cost estimates, general conditions and  “Commission” means the Professional
bidding documents; Regulation Commission;
o (f) construction and project  “Integrated and Accredited
management, giving general Professional Organization” means
management, administration, the existing official national organization
supervision, coordination and of all architects of the Philippines in
responsible direction or the planning, which all registered Filipino architects
architectural designing, construction, shall be members without prejudice to
reconstruction, erection, enlargement or membership in other voluntary
demolition, renovation, repair, orderly professional associations;
removal, remodeling, alteration,  “Continuing Professional
preservation or restoration of buildings Development” refers to a sustaining
or structures or complex buildings, and progressive learning process that
including all their components, sites maintains, enhances, or increases the
 knowledge and continuing ability of  “Specialization” an expertise and
architects; special knowledge in the field of
 “Architectural Company” means a architecture acquired by an Architect
juridical entity that shall be synonymous through formal education and training or
with an Architectural Partnership (see through continuing professional
definition of Architectural Partnership) development and experience, for which
registered with the SEC. the Architect may be engaged as
 “Architecture Corporation” means a Consulting Architect.
group of professionals in architecture and  “Urban Design” physical and systemic
allied professions, incorporated with design undertaken by an Architect on a
Architects for the purpose of delivering community and urban plane, more
professional service in architecture and comprehensive than, and an extension of
allied professions; in case an existing the architecture of buildings, spaces
Architectural Corporation does not between buildings, entourage, utilities
comply with the 75% composition and movement systems.
requirement, it shall comply and register The Regulatory Board
again with the SEC and the BOA.
 “Architectural Interiors” means a  “Board” refers to the Professional
detailed planning and design of the Regulatory Board of Architecture;
indoor/enclosed areas of any proposed
building/structure, including retrofit or  “Association” any formal grouping of
renovation work and which shall cover all two or more architects or architectural
architectural and utility aspects, including firms working in joint venture on a
the architectural lay-outing of all building
project basis.
engineering systems found therein.
 “Architectural Partnership” means a  “CPD Providers” means entities,
group of two or more Architects duly agencies, organizations and the like
registered with the SEC and then with the
that have been accredited/registered
Board of Architecture.
 “Building” means a structure for the with the Board of Architecture of the
purpose and function of habitation and Professional Regulation Commission to
other uses. deliver seminars, lectures, and other
 “Diversified Architectural Experience” a
continuing professional education
post-baccalaureate, pre-licensure
experience of two (2) years required of a modules for architects, other than the
graduate of architecture prior to taking Integrated Accredited Professional
the licensure examination; consisting of a
Organization of Architects which is
variation of experiences in the different
phases of architectural service. automatically accredited by the Board
 “Planning” refers to physical planning at of Architecture as a CPD Provider.
site, community or urban level by an
Architect. Documents In Line with the Practice
 “Physical Planning” the detailed
physical planning of land or property on  “Authorship” refers to the author or
which vertical structures such as authors of a set of architectural plans or
buildings, monuments and/or structures
specifications who are in charge of their
and horizontal developments such as
rights-of-way, open spaces and preparation whether made by them
recreational/ sports/ establishments/ personally or under their immediate
tourism and related facilities are to be
supervision;
proposed.
 “Professional” refers to a person whose  “Service Agreement” means a duly
name and registration/professional notarized written contract or equivalent
license number is entered in the public instrument stipulating the scope
Professional Regulation Commission
registry book and computerized database of services and guaranteeing
as one legally authorized to practice his compensation of such services to be
profession. rendered by an architect registered and
 “Site Planning” the detailed site
licensed under R.A. No. 9266; Violation
development planning of all areas
surrounding a building/structure and/or a of the Service Agreement is a basis for
group of buildings/structures but only a civil liability under Art. 1723 of the
within the property limits of the land on
Civil Code unless he/she attempts
which such buildings/structures are to be
erected. and/or succeeds to interfere or
contravene the legal and professional
 functions of the Architect-of-Record: the Architects’ National Code which contains
Consulting Architect. the norms and principles governing the
 “Architectural Documents” means an practice of the profession of architecture
architectural drawings, specifications, and in the highest standards of ethical
other outputs of an Architect that only an conduct.
Architect can sign and seal consisting,  “Contract Documents” are the
among others, of vicinity maps, site documents attached to the agreement
development plans, architectural identified therein as Contract Documents,
program, perspective drawings, including all additions, deletions and
architectural floor plans, elevations, modifications incorporated therein. These
sections, ceiling plans, schedules, generally include the following
detailed drawings, technical documents:
specifications and cost estimates, and o a) Special Provisions or conditions
other instruments of service in any form. o b) General Conditions
 “Architectural Plans” means a two (2)- o c) Drawings
dimensional representations reflecting a o d) Specifications
proposed development/redevelopment of o e) Other Bid Documents
an enclosed/ semi-enclosed or open area
 “Copyright (or Copyright Ownership)”
showing features or elements such as
shall refer to the intellectual proprietary
columns, walls, partitions, ceiling, stairs,
rights retained by an Architect over any
doors, windows, floors, roof, room
architectural documents/ work that he/she
designations, door and window call-outs,
prepares unless there is a written
the architectural layout of equipment,
stipulation to the contrary, copyright in a
furnishings, furniture and the like,
work of architecture shall include the right
specifications callouts, elevation
to control the erection of any building which
references, drawing references and the
reproduces the whole or a substantial part
like; the architectural plan is the
of the work either in its original form or in
representation of a lateral section for a
any form recognizably derived from the
proposed building/ structure (running
original; however, the copyright in any such
parallel to the ground) and at a height of
work shall not include the right to control
from 1.0 – 1.5 meters above the finished
the reconstruction or rehabilitation in the
floor; the term may also collectively refer
same style as the original of a building to
to other architectural designs such as
which the copyright relates.
cross/ longitudinal sections, elevations,
 “Ownership” shall refer to proprietary
roof plan, reflected ceiling plan; detailed
rights to an architectural work such as
sections and elevations showing
plans, designs and other documents by a
architectural interiors, detailed
person/ juridical entity who commissions
architectural designs, door and window
the Architect and whose ownership of an
schedules, other architectural finishing
architectural work by such a person/
schedules and the like.
juridical entity shall only be confined to the
 “Certificate of Registration” means a
use of the architectural documents for
certificate bearing a registration number,
executing /implementing the work
issued to an individual, by the
described therein for one (1) or the original
Professional Regulation Commission
project; ownership shall not apply to the
through the Board of Architecture,
use of a part of or of the entire architectural
signifying that the individual has
work/architectural documents to repetitions
successfully passed the Licensure
or to subsequent projects.
Examination and is registered to practice
 “Professional Identification Card” a
his/her profession as Architect.
document bearing the registration number,
 “Code of Ethical Conduct” means a
date of issuance with an expiry date, due
document which forms part of the
 for periodic renewal, duly signed by the  PRB – Professional Regulatory Board
Chairperson of the PRC to a registered (the same as BOA for the profession of
Architect upon payment of the annual architecture)
registration fees for three (3) years.  PRC – Professional Regulation
 “Standards of Professional Practice” Commission
means a document embodied in the  SEC – Securities and Exchange
Architects National Code, which defines all Commission
aspects of professional service, prescribes  UAP – United Architects of the Philippines,
minimum basic fees and establishes the Inc.
rights and obligations of both the Architect  R.A. No. 9266 – ARCHITECTURE ACT
and the client. OF 2004
 “Syllabi” the outlines embodying topics  R.A. No. 8293 – Intellectual Property
and concepts of major subjects Code of the Philippines
prescribed in specific course of study to  R.A. No. 8981 – PRC Modernization Act of
serve as basis for test questions in the 2000
licensure examinations.
 “Technology Transfer” refers to
RULE II
contracts or arrangements involving the PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF
ARCHITECTURE: ORGANIZATION, POWERS, AND
transfer of systematic knowledge for the
FUNCTIONS
manufacture of a product, the application
SECTION 4. Creation and Composition of the
of a process, or rendering of a service
Professional Regulatory Board
including management contracts, and the
There is hereby created a Professional
transfer, assignment or licensing of all
Regulatory Board of Architecture, hereinafter referred
forms of intellectual property rights.
to as the Board, a collegial body under the
Acronyms supervision and administrative control of the
Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter
 “DTI” shall mean the Department of
referred to as the Commission, is composed of a
Trades and Industry
chairman and two (2) members appointed by the
 “SEC” shall mean the Securities and
President of the Philippines from a list of three (3)
Exchange Commission
recommendees chosen from a list of five (5)
 BOA – Board of Architecture
nominees for each position submitted to the
 CHED – Commission on Higher
Commission by the integrated and the accredited
Education
professional organization of architects. The Board
 CIAC – Construction Industry Arbitration
shall be organized not later than six (6) months from
Commission
the effectivity of the Architecture Act of 2004.
 CPD – Continuing Professional
Development
SECTION 5. Qualifications of Members of the
 DOLE – Department of Labor and
Professional Regulatory Board
Employment
Each Member shall, at the time of his/her
 DTI – Department of Trade and Industry
appointment, possess the following qualifications:
 IAPOA – Integrated Accredited (a) be a citizen and a resident of the
Professional Organization of Architects Philippines;
(the same as United Architects of the (b) be a holder of a degree in Bachelor of
Philippines, Inc.) Science in Architecture conferred by a school, college
 PCAB – Philippine Contractors or university in the Philippines or abroad that is
Accreditation Boar recognized and/or accredited by the Commission on
 PDCB – Philippine Domestic Higher Education (CHED);
Construction Board (c) be an architect with a valid Certificate of
Registration and Professional Identification Card and
active practitioner of architecture for at least ten (10) (c) Administer oaths in connection with the
years on the date of his/her appointment; administration of R.A. No. 9266;
(d) not be a member of the faculty of any (d) Issue, suspend, revoke, or reinstate the
school, college, university or review institution where Certificate of Registration and the Professional
a regular course or review course in architecture is Identification Card for the practice of the architecture
taught, nor have pecuniary interest in such institution. profession;
No former member of the faculty of any school, (e) Adopt an official seal of the Board;
institute, university or review center where (f) Monitor the conditions affecting the
architecture is taught can become a member of the practice of architecture and adopt such measures as
Board unless he/she had officially resigned from such may be deemed proper for the enhancement and
an institution and has completely stopped teaching, maintenance of high professional, ethical and
advising or reviewing activities for at least five (5) technical standards of the profession;
years prior to the nomination; (g) Prescribe and/or adopt the Code of
(e) has never been convicted of any crime Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional
involving moral turpitude; and Practice;
(f) not be an elective officer of the Integrated (h) Hear and decide administrative cases
and Accredited Professional Organization of involving violations of R.A. No. 9266, the “IRR of the
Architects and other Professional Organization of Architecture Act of 2004”, the Code of Ethical Conduct
Architects. and Standards of Professional Practice and for this
purpose, to issue subpoena ad testificandum and
SECTION 6. Term of Office subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearance of
The members of the Board shall hold office witnesses and the production of documents in
for a term of three (3) years after appointment or until connection therewith; Provided, That the decision of
their successors shall have been appointed and duly the Board shall, unless appealed to the Commission,
qualified. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a become final and executory after fifteen (15) days
member shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the from receipt of notice of judgment or decision. The
term only. Each member of the Board may be decision of the Commission may be appealed to the
reappointed for one full term of three (3) years. Of the Court of Appeals in accordance with the procedure
members of the Board first appointed under R.A. No. under the Rules of Court;
9266, one (1) member shall be appointed and hold (i) Prescribe guidelines for the Continuing
office as chairman for three (3) years, one (1) member Professional Development (CPD) program in
for two (2) years, and one (1) member for one (1) consultation with the integrated and accredited
year. Each member of the Board shall qualify by professional organization of architects: Provided, That
taking the proper oath prior to the performance of their the attendance to said CPD shall not be a mandatory
duties: Provided, That the incumbent members of the requirement for the renewal of a professional
Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of Identification Card;
their term as members of the herein created (j) Prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi
Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture until a of the subjects for examinations in consultation with
new Board shall have been properly organized: the academe, determine and prepare questions which
Provided, Further that the incumbent members of the shall be within the scope of the syllabi of the subject
Board may be appointed as members of the First for examination as well as administer, correct and
Board. release the results of the licensure examinations;
(k) Approve, issue, limit or cancel temporary
SECTION 7. Powers and Functions of the Board or special permit to practice architecture;
The Board shall exercise the following (l) In coordination with the CHED, ensure
specific powers, functions and responsibilities: that all higher educational instruction and offerings of
(a) Prescribe and adopt the “IRR of the architecture comply with the policies, standards and
Architecture Act of 2004” for carrying out the requirements of the course prescribed by the CHED in
provisions of R.A. No. 9266; the areas of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities;
(b) Supervise the registration, licensure and Provided, That, for the orderly implementation of this
practice of architects;
provision, the Board and the Commission may enter The Commission in the conduct of the
into a Memorandum of Agreement with the CHED. investigation shall be guided by Sec. 7(s) of R.A. No.
(m)To adopt a program for the full 8981.
computerization of the licensure examination; and
(n) Discharge such other duties and SECTION 10. Compensation and Allowances of
functions as may be deemed necessary for the the Board
enhancement of the architecture profession and the The chairman and members of the Board
upgrading, development and growth of the shall receive compensation and allowances
architecture education. The policies, resolutions, rules comparable to that being received by the chairman
and regulations, issued or promulgated by the Board and members of existing regulatory Boards under the
shall be subject to review and approval of the Commission as provided for in the General
Commission. However, the Board’s decisions, Appropriations Act.
resolutions or orders rendered in administrative cases
shall be subject to review only if on appeal.
SECTION 8. Administrative Supervision of the
Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and
Support Services SECTION 11. Annual Report
The Board shall be under the administrative The Board shall submit an annual report to
supervision of the Commission. All records of the the Commission after the close of each year giving a
Board, including applications for examination, detailed account of its proceedings during the year
examination questions, answer sheets, and other and making such recommendations as it may deem
records and documents pertaining to licensure proper.
examination, administrative and other investigative
cases conducted by the Board shall be under the
custody of the Commission. The Commission shall RULE III
designate the Secretary of the Board and shall EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE
provide the secretariat and other support services to
implement the provisions of R.A. No. 9266. SECTION 12. Examination Required
All applicants for registration for the practice
SECTION 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of architecture shall be required to undergo a
of Members of the Board licensure examination to be given by the Board in
The President of the Philippines, upon the such places and dates as the Commission may
recommendation of the Commission, after giving the designate in accordance with the provisions of
concerned member an opportunity to defend himself Republic Act No. 8981.
in a proper administrative investigation to be
conducted by the Commission, may suspend or SECTION 13. Qualifications of Applicant for
remove any member on the following grounds: Examination
(a) Neglect of duty or incompetence; Any person applying for examination shall
(b) Violation or tolerance of the violation of establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
R.A. No. 9266, or its implementing rules and (a) He/she is a Filipino citizen or a citizen of
regulations or the Code of Ethical Conduct and a foreign country qualified to take the examination as
Standards of Professional Practice; provided for in Sec. 27, Art. IV of R.A. No. 9266 as
(c) Final judgment of crimes involving moral carried out by Sec. 27, Rule IV of this “IRR of the
turpitude; and Architecture Act of 2004”;
(d) Manipulation or rigging of the architecture (b) He/she is of good moral character;
licensure examination results, disclosure of secret and (c) He/she is a holder of the degree of
confidential information in the examination questions Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by a
prior to the conduct of the said examination or school, college, academy or institute duly recognized
tampering of grades. and/or accredited by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) and in addition has a specific
record of at least two (2) years or equivalent of
diversified architectural experience duly certified by a Part I: History of Architecture
registered/licensed architect: Provided, however, That A. Rationale and Description
an applicant holding a Master’s Degree in Architecture 1. Analysis of architectural
from a school, college, university or institute manifestations from the beginning of
recognized by the government shall be credited one civilization to contemporary periods of
(1) year in his/her practical experience; and development;
(d) He/she has not been convicted of any 2. Analysis of the influences of
criminal offense involving moral turpitude. The environmental, historical, and sociocultural
following documents shall be submitted in support of factors and their relevance to the
the above requirements: development of art, buildings, structures, as
(1) Certificate of Live Birth in well as of human settlements.
National Statistics Office (NSO) Security
Paper Part II: Theory of Architecture
(2) Marriage Contract in NSO A. Rationale and Description
Security Paper for married female applicants 1. Understanding of the theories
(3) College Diploma with indication and principles of design and architectural
therein of date of graduation and Special design process;
Order Number unless it is not required 2. Analysis of anthropometric,
(4) Baccalaureate Transcript of proxemic, and kinesthetic requirements of
Records with indication therein of date of space in relation to architectural design;
graduation and Special Order Number 3. Analysis of sociocultural and
unless it is not required technological trends which are contributory
(5) Accomplished Diversified to the development of contemporary
Training (DT Form 001) architecture.
(6) Accomplished Diversified
Training (DT Form 002) Part III: Architectural Practice
(7) Architect-Mentor Affidavit A. Rationale and Description
(8) Photocopy of Architect-Mentor’s 1. Understanding of the role, legal
valid Professional Identification Card, rights and obligations, and responsibilities of
Professional Tax Receipt and IAPOA the architect
number 2. Analysis and application of the
(9) National Bureau of Investigation various statutes, codes, and regulations
(NBI) Clearance affecting the practice of architecture in the
(10) Other documents the Board Philippines
may require. 3. Understanding of the various
aspects of the professional practice of
Fraudulent Applications of Candidate and architecture, including tools and techniques
Mentor – The Board may refuse to renew a related to production, construction, resource
professional identification card, or may suspend, or allocation, and project management, as well
revoke, any certificate of registration obtained by false as the efficient conduct of client and
swearing or any misrepresentations made in applying business relations for building design and
for registration or examination and may refuse to construction projects.
renew or grant registration to any applicant whose
application contains such false evidence or Part IV: Theory and Principles of Planning
information. A. Rationale and Description
1. Analysis of the concepts and techniques in
SECTION 14. Subjects for Examination the general planning process, regional planning, land
The licensure examination for architects shall cover, use planning, and human settlements planning
but are not limited to, the following subjects: 2. Understanding of the art and science of
(1) History and Theory of Architecture; Principles site planning with emphasis on ecological, socio-
of Planning and Architectural Practice
psychological, aesthetic, and functional basis of site ecological, socio-psychological, aesthetic
planning. and functional basis of urban design.

(2) Structural Design, Building Materials, and Part II: Architectural Interiors
Architectural Specifications, and Methods of A. Rationale and Description
Construction and Utilities; 1. Understanding of the theories
Part I: Structural Design and principles of Architectural Interiors.
A. Rationale and Description 2. Analysis of anthropometric,
1. Understanding of the fundamentals of proxemic, and kinesthetic requirements of
mechanics, strength of materials, and theory of space in relation to Architectural Interiors.
structures
2. General design, principles, and analysis of (4) Architectural Design and Site Planning
the structural elements of various types of A. Rationale and Objectives
construction materials and systems. 1. Application of logical approach to
architectural interiors, urban design and site
planning solutions to architectural and
planning problems with emphasis on design
Part II: Building Materials and Methods of methodology, quantitative and qualitative
Construction aspects of space, circulation, and
A. Rationale and Description interrelationships of space, structural and
1. Understanding of the properties form envelopes, and building utilities and
of building construction and finishing facilities.
materials; their application and articulation; 2. Application of skills and ability to
systems and methods of specifying and visualize architectural design problems and
construction; present solutions in appropriate graphical
2. Application of the principles of language. The Board, subject to the approval
design and construction methods of various of the Commission, may revise or exclude
types of materials used in construction. any of the subjects and their syllabi, and add
new ones as the need arises to conform to
Part III: Utilities technological changes brought about by
A. Rationale and Description continuing trends in the profession.
1. Understanding of the basic
practices, principles, general design and SECTION 15. Rating in the Licensure Examination
installation, and/or construction of utilities To be qualified as having passed the
required for a building or structure and its licensure examination for architects, a candidate must
premises; obtain a weighted general average of seventy percent
2. Analysis of utility, facility, and (70%), with no grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in
equipment requirements in relation to any given subject.
aesthetic, function, and strength of a building The Board may adopt its own internal
or structure and its premises. procedures on the implementation of this provision.

(3) Urban Design and Architectural Interiors SECTION 16. Report of Ratings
Part I: Urban Design The Board shall submit to the Commission
A. Rationale and Description the ratings obtained by each candidate within thirty
1. Analysis of the concepts and (30) calendar days after the examination, unless
techniques in the general planning process extended for just cause. Upon the release of the
of the physical and systematic design on a results of the examination, the Board shall send by
community and urban plane on a more mail the rating received by each examinee at his/her
comprehensive manner. given address using the mailing envelope submitted
2. Understanding of the art and during the examination: Provided, That, the report of
science of urban design with emphasis on rating may be distributed to the successful examinees
during their mass oathtaking as new registered and (1) Each registrant hereunder shall, upon
licensed architects. registration, obtain a seal of such design as the Board
shall authorize and direct. Architectural plans and
SECTION 17. Oath specifications prepared by, or under the direct
All successful candidates in the examination supervision of a registered architect shall be stamped
shall be required to take an oath of profession before with said seal during the life of the registrants’
any member of the Board, any government official certificate, and it shall be unlawful for anyone to
authorized by the Commission pursuant to Sec. 7(k) stamp or seal any documents with said seal after the
of R.A. No. 8981 or any person authorized by law to certificate of the registrant named thereon has expired
administer oaths, prior to entering upon the practice of or has been revoked, unless said certificate shall have
the profession. been renewed or re-issued.
(2) No officer or employee of this Republic,
SECTION 18. Issuance of Certificates of chartered cities, provinces, and municipalities, now or
Registration and Professional Identification Card hereafter charged with the enforcement of laws,
A certificate of Registration and Professional ordinances or regulations relating to the construction
Identification Card shall be issued to examinees who or alteration of buildings, shall accept or approve any
pass the licensure examination subject to payment of architectural plans or specifications which have not
fees prescribed by the Commission. The Certificate of been prepared and submitted in full accord with all the
Registration shall bear the signature of the provisions of R.A. No. 9266; nor shall any payments
chairperson of the Commission and the chairman and be approved by any such officer for any work, the
members of the Board, stamped with the official seal plans and specifications for which have not been so
of the Board and the Commission, indicating that the prepared and signed and sealed by the author.
person named therein is entitled to the practice of the (3) It shall be unlawful for any architect to
profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. sign his/her name, affix his/her seal or use any other
The said certificate shall remain in full force and effect method of signature on architectural plans,
until withdrawn, suspended or revoked in accordance specifications or other documents made under
with R.A. No. 9266. another architect’s supervision, unless the same is
A Professional Identification Card bearing made in such manner as to clearly indicate the part or
the registration number, date of issuance, expiry date, parts of such work actually performed by the former,
duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission, and it shall be unlawful for any person, except the
shall likewise be issued to every registrant who has architect-of-record, to sign for any branch of work for
paid the prescribed fee of annual registration for three any function of architectural practice, not actually
(3) years; Provided, That, the reissuance or renewal performed by him/her. The architect-of-record shall be
of the said card shall be subject to payment of the fully responsible for all architectural plans,
annual registration fees for another and every after specifications and other documents issued under
three (3) years. his/her seal or authorized signature.
SECTION 19. Roster of Architects (4) Drawings and specifications duly signed,
A roster showing the names and place of stamped or sealed, as instruments of service, are the
business including other personal material and intellectual properties and documents of the architect,
relevant data of all registered professional architects whether the object for which they are made is
shall be prepared and updated by the Board and executed or not. It shall be unlawful for any person,
copies thereof shall be made available to any party as without the consent of the architect or author of said
may be deemed necessary. documents, to duplicate or to make copies of said
documents for use in the repetition of and for other
SECTION 20. Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal projects or buildings, whether executed partly or in
A duly licensed architect shall affix the seal whole.
prescribed by the Board bearing the registrant’s (5) All architectural plans, designs,
name, registration number and title “Architect” on all specifications, drawings, and architectural documents
architectural plans, drawings, specifications and all relative to the construction of a building shall bear the
other contract documents prepared by or under seal and signature only of an architect registered and
his/her direct supervision. licensed under R.A. No. 9266 together with his/her
professional identification card number and the date The Board shall have the power, upon notice
of its expiration. The Board shall prescribe the design, and hearing, to suspend or revoke the validity of a
size, and contents of the dry seal to be used in Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification
signing and sealing of architectural plans, drawings, Card, or shall cancel a special permit granted under
specifications, contract documents and architectural R.A. No. 9266 to an architect, on any ground
permit prepared by or under his/her direct supervision. mentioned under Section 22 hereof for the use of or
perpetuation of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a
SECTION 21. Indication of Certificate of Certificate of Registration and Professional
Registration/Professional Identification Card and Identification Card or special/temporary permit; for
Professional Tax Receipt gross negligence or incompetence; for unprofessional
The architect shall be required to indicate the or dishonorable conduct; or for any cause specified
number of his/her Certificate of Registration and hereunder; Provided, however, That such action of
Professional Identification Card (PIC) with its date of the Board shall be subject to appeal to the
issuance and the duration of validity, including the Commission whose decision shall be final if he/she:
professional tax receipt number which the (a) has signed and affixed or permitted to be
City/Municipal Treasurer shall issue to the registered signed or affixed his name or seal on architectural
architect upon presentation of his/her current PIC, on plans and designs, specifications, drawings, technical
the documents he/she signs, uses or issues in reports, valuation, estimates, or other similar
connection with the practice of his/her profession. documents or work not prepared by him/her or not
SECTION 22. Refusal to Issue Certificate of executed under his/her immediate supervision; or
Registration and Professional Identification Card (b) has paid money except the regular fees
The Board shall not register and issue a provided for to secure a Certificate of Registration; or
Certificate of Registration and Professional (c) has falsely impersonated a practitioner, or
Identification Card to any person who has falsely former practitioner of alike or different name or has
sworn or misrepresented himself/herself in his/her practiced under an assumed, fictitious or corporate
application for examination or to any person convicted name other than that of the registered; or
by a court of competent jurisdiction of a criminal (d) has aided or abetted in the practice of
offense involving moral turpitude or guilty of immoral architecture any person not duly authorized to
and dishonorable conduct or to any person of practice architecture in the Philippines; or
unsound mind. In the event of refusal to issue (e) has openly solicited projects by actually
certificate for any reason, the Board shall give the undertaking architectural services without a valid
applicant a written statement setting forth the reasons service agreement guaranteeing compensation of
for such action, which statement shall be incorporated services to be rendered and/or has actually allowed
in the record of the Board: Provided, however, That himself/herself to be exploited by undertaking
registration shall not be refused and a name shall not architectural services without a valid service
be removed from the roster of architects on conviction agreement, both acts being prejudicial to other
for a political offense or for an offense which should architects registered and licensed under R.A. No.
not, in the opinion of the Board, either from the nature 9266 and inimical to the interests of the profession; or
of the offense or from the circumstances of the case, (f) has violated any provision of R.A. No.
disqualify a person from practicing under R.A. No. 9266, its implementing rules and regulations, the
9266. Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of
The Board in the written statement shall Professional Practice.
state the period for the deferment of the registration if The Board shall periodically examine the
the offense or act committed does not call for grounds for the revocation of the Certificate of
indefinite period and/or perpetual deprivation of the Registration and Professional Identification Card and
chance to register. update these as necessary under the implementing
rules and regulations.
SECTION 23. Suspension and Revocation of Any person, firm or association, may prepare
Certificates of Registration, Professional charges in accordance with the provisions of this
Identification Card or the Special/Temporary section against any registrant, or the Board may motu
Permit proprio investigate and/or take cognizance of acts and
practices constituting sufficient cause for suspension 9266, or any other activity analogous thereto, in
or revocation of the Certificate of Registration by connection with the construction of any
proper resolution or order. Such charges shall be in building/structure/edifice or land development project,
writing and shall be sworn to by the person making shall be deemed engaged in the unauthorized
them and shall be filed with the Secretary of the practice of architecture and shall, therefore, be
Board. criminally liable under R.A. No. 9266 and this “IRR of
The rules on administrative investigation the Architecture Act of 2004”.
issued by the Commission shall govern the hearing or
investigation of the case, subject to applicable SECTION 26. Vested Rights. Architects
provisions of R.A. No. 9266, R.A. No. 8981, and the Registered When This Law is Passed
Rules of Court. All architects registered at the time this law
takes effect shall automatically be registered under
SECTION 24. Re-issuance or Replacement of the provisions hereof, subject, however, to the
Revoked or Lost Certificates of Registration, provisions herein set forth as to future requirements.
Professional Identification Card or Special and Certificates of Registration and Professional
Temporary Permit Identification Cards held by such persons in good
The Board may, after the expiration of two standing shall have the same force and effect as
(2) years from the date of revocation of a Certificate of though issued after the passage of R.A. No. 9266.
Registration, Professional Identification Card or
special/temporary permit, and upon application and
for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, reinstate
the validity of a revoked Certificate of Registration and SECTION 27. Reciprocity Requirements
in so doing may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant A person who is not a citizen of the
from taking another examination. Philippines at the time he/she applies to take the
The Board shall issue a Resolution, subject examination shall not be allowed to take the licensure
to approval by the Commission, in granting a petition examination unless he/she can prove, in the manner
for reinstatement to the practice of architecture. provided by the Rules of Court that, by specific
provision of law, the country of which he/she is a
RULE IV citizen, subject or national either admits citizens of the
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE (SUNDRY Philippines to the practice of the same profession
PROVISIONS) without restriction or allows them to practice it after
passing an examination on terms of strict and
SECTION 25. Registration of Architects Required absolute equality with citizens, subjects or nationals of
No person shall practice architecture in this the country concerned, including the unconditional
country, or engage in preparing architectural plans, recognition of prerequisite degrees/diplomas issued
specifications or preliminary data for the erection or by the institutions of learning duly recognized for the
alteration of any building located within the purpose by the Government of the Philippines.
boundaries of this country, or use the title “Architect”, A foreign citizen, whether he studied in the
or display the word “Architect” together with another Philippines or not, who desires to take the licensure
word, or display or use any title, sign, card, examination for Architects through reciprocity shall
advertisement, or other device to indicate such person initiate the establishment of reciprocity between his
practices or offers to practice architecture, or is an country/state and the Philippines by
architect, unless such person shall have received presenting/submitting a letter or any document signed
from the Board a Certificate of Registration and be and under official seal by the appropriate official of his
issued a Professional Identification Card in the country/state requesting the Chairman of the Board
manner hereinafter provided and shall thereafter Architecture to allow the foreign applicant to take the
comply with the provisions of R.A. No. 9266. licensure examination of the Board that by express
A foreign architect or any person not provision of the law of his country/state, Filipino
authorized to practice architecture in the Philippines, citizens shall be allowed to take the licensure
who shall stay in the country and perform any of the examination for Architects and to register as Architect
activities mentioned in Sections 3 and 4 of R.A. No. in his country/state on terms of strict and absolute
equality with the citizens or subjects of said country or proficiency evaluation as a rating factor. Accreditation
state including the unconditional recognition of of CPD/CPE providers by the Board of Architecture
prerequisite degrees issued by institutions of higher shall be based on the said guidelines.
learning duly recognized or established by the
Government of the Republic of the Philippines SECTION 29. Prohibition in the Practice of
attaching/appending thereto an authentic or Architecture and Penal Clause
authenticated official copy of said law officially
translated in the English language. If the Any person who shall practice or offer to

letter/document and the copy of the law submitted by practice architecture in the Philippines without being

the applicant is satisfactorily to the Board, the foreign registered/licensed and who are not holders of

applicant shall be allowed to take the licensure temporary or special permits in accordance with the

examination for Architects by requiring him to file an provisions of R.A. No. 9266, or any person presenting

application to take the licensure examination and by or attempting to use as his/her own the Certificate of

submitting the following documents that shall Registration/Professional Identification Card or seal of

accompany the application: another or temporary or special permit, or any person

a. The original or certified copy of any official who shall give any false or forged evidence of any

document issued by the Bureau of Immigration and kind to the Board or to any member thereof in

Deportation allowing the applicant to enter and reside obtaining a Certificate of Registration/Professional

the Philippines; Identification Card or temporary or special permit, or

b. Present his passport for examination and any person who shall falsely impersonate any

for photocopying of pertinent information about the registrant of like or different name, or any person who

applicant; shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended

c. Original or authenticated copy of transcript Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification

of records or equivalent document of the course for Card or cancelled special/temporary permit, or any

licensure examination issued by the institution of person who shall use in connection with his/her name

higher learning where he studied, duly authorized or or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or

accredited by his country/state; and description tending to convey the impression that

d. Other documents which may be required he/she is an architect when he/she is not an architect,

to be submitted by the Board. or any person whether Filipino or foreigner, who

knowingly allows the use, adoption, implementation of
SECTION 28. Continuing Professional plans, designs or specifications made by any person,
Development (CPD) firm, partnership or company not duly licensed to
engage in the practice of architecture, or any person
To promote public interest and to safeguard who shall violate any of the provisions of R.A. No.
life, health and property, all practicing architects shall 9266, its implementing rules and regulations, the
maintain a program of continuing professional Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of
development. The integrated and accredited Professional Practice, or any policy of the Board and
professional organization shall have the responsibility the Commission, shall be guilty of misdemeanor and
of developing a continuing professional development charged in court by the Commission and shall, upon
program for architects. Other entities or organizations conviction be sentenced to a fine of not less than One
may become CPD providers upon accreditation by the hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more
Board. than Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) or to suffer
imprisonment for a period not less than six (6) months
A program of Continuing Professional or not exceeding six (6) years or both, at the
Development (CPD) shall be maintained through an discretion of the Court.
overall CPD program for architects developed by the
United Architects of the Philippines, Inc. Such a Government employees and employees of
program shall be formulated by the Continuing private firms or persons/entities who are not
Professional Education (CPE) Council for Architects registered and licensed architects shall not perform
based on the existing guidelines of the Professional architectural works in the performance of their official
Regulation Commission with levels of compliance and function without the direct supervision of a licensed
architect. Such activity shall constitute unauthorized SEC. 32. Signing and Sealing of Architectural
practice of architecture which shall be penalized in Plans, Specifications, Architectural Permit and
Other Contract Documents
accordance with Section 29 of R.A. No. 9266.

It shall be unlawful for any architect to sign

Any public official who shall order or cause a his/her name, affix his/her seal, or use any other
non-architect to perform activities which constitute method of signature on architectural plans,
specifications or other contract documents made
practice of architecture shall be administratively liable
under another architect’s supervision, unless the
and shall be guilty of misdemeanor and shall upon same is made in such manner as to clearly indicate
conviction be sentenced in accordance with Section the part or parts of such work actually performed by
the former, and shall be unlawful for any person,
30 of R.A. No. 9266.
except the Architect-of record shall be fully
responsible for all architectural plans, specifications,
Penalties for Violations of Section 7 – sub- and other documents issued under his/her seal or
paragraph (L) by Heads of Government Agencies or authorized signature.
Officers of Private Entities/Institutions as per R.A. No.
The Board shall make all the necessary rules
8981. and regulations with regards to the signing and
sealing of drawings, specifications, reports, and other
Any head of a government agency or documents.
officer(s) of a private firm/institution who violates
Section 7 – sub-paragraph (L) of R.A. No. 8981 shall The authorized signature, official seal, PTR,
be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) PRC registration number and the IAPOA membership
months and one (1) day to not more than six (6) number and Official Receipt (O.R.) number of the
years, or a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos Architect-of-record stamped on architectural plans,
(P50,000.00) to not more than Five Hundred specifications, architectural permit and other related
Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) or both at the contract documents signify his/her assumption of the
discretion of the court. mandated fifteen (15) year civil liability under Article
1723 of the Civil Code. The Architect-of-record should
SECTION 30. Prohibition in the Practice of be limited to architectural documents of a project and
Architecture its liability does not extend to the professional
responsibility nor civil liability of the other signing
Any person or entity, whether public or (sealing) professionals Including the Architect-in-
private, Filipino or foreigner, who/which shall entice, charge of construction (AICC) and the Consulting
compel, coerce, require or otherwise force an Architect (CA) unless these are under his/her direct
architect registered and licensed under R.A. No. 9266 employ. This rule shall apply to both architects in
to undertake/perform any service under the general government as well as architects employed by private
practice of architecture as defined under R.A. No. firms.
9266, without first executing a written contract/service
agreement, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and For architectural documents prepared by
shall, upon conviction be sentenced to a fine of not architectural firms, the Board of Architecture Registry
less than Two hundred thousand pesos Number and the SEC or DTI Registry Numbers
(P200,000.00) or to suffer imprisonment for a period should be prominently displayed on all architectural
not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the discretion documents.
of the Court.
SECTION 33. Ownership of Plans, Specifications
SECTION 31. Liability of Representatives of Non- and Other Contract Documents
Registered Persons
Drawings and specifications and other
It shall be unlawful for any person or firm or contract documents duly signed, stamped or sealed,
corporation to seek to avoid the provisions of R.A. No. as instruments of service, are the intellectual property
9266 by having a representative or employee seek and documents of the architect, whether the object for
architectural work in their behalf, unless and until, which they are made is executed or not. It shall be
such persons have duly qualified and duly unlawful for any person to duplicate or to make copies
registered/licensed, otherwise, both those of said documents for use in the repetition of and for
represented and the representative, the employer and other projects or buildings, whether executed partly or
the employee shall be deemed guilty of violation of in whole, without the written consent of architect or
R.A. No. 9266. Solicitation of architectural work shall author of said documents.
be construed as offering to practice architecture and
shall be unlawful for any non-registered and All architects shall incorporate this provision
unlicensed persons to do so. in all contract documents and other instruments of
service.
SECTION 34. Non-Registered Person shall not The practice of architecture is a professional
Claim Equivalent Service service, admission to which shall be determined upon
the basis of individual personal qualifications.
Persons not registered as an architect shall However, a firm, company, partnership, corporation or
not claim nor represent either services or work as association may be registered or licensed as such for
equivalent to those of a duly qualified registered the practice of architecture under the following
architect, or that they are qualified for any branch or conditions:
function of architectural practice, even though no form
of the title “Architect” is used. a) Only Filipino citizens properly registered
and licensed as architects under R.A. No. 9266 may,
SECTION 35. Positions in Government Requiring among themselves, or together with allied technical
the Services of Registered and Licensed professionals, form and obtain registration as a firm,
Architects company, partnership, association or corporation for
the practice of architecture;
Within three (3) years from the effectivity of
R.A. No. 9266, all existing and proposed positions in b) Registered and licensed architects shall
the local and national government, whether career, compose at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the
permanent, temporary or contractual and primarily owners, shareholders, members, incorporators,
requiring the services of an architect shall be filled directors, executive officers, as the case may be;
only by registered and licensed architects.
c) Individual members of such firm,
In order to provide a safety net intended to partnership, association or corporation shall be
ensure that the legislative intent shall be fully responsible for their individual and collective acts as
implemented, the following sub-rules are so an entity and as provided by law;
prescribed:
d) Such firm, partnership, association or
1. All national and local agencies including corporation shall be registered with the Securities and
Government Owned and Controlled Corporations Exchange Commission and the Board.
(GOCC’s) are prohibited to collapse existing plantilla
positions for architects for the purpose of recreating The Board subject to approval by the
the same to non-architect positions. Commission shall issue a certificate of registration to
such firm, company, partnership, corporation or
2. All existing plantilla positions in the association upon grant of registration.
national and local government whose job description
includes the practice of architecture as defined under
R.A. 9266, shall be automatically reclassified as
Architect positions and shall be accorded the salary
pertaining to the latter in accordance with salary
standardization law. SECTION 38. Coverage of Temporary/Special
Permits
3. The government architect-of-record shall
collect from the concerned national or local agency Foreign nationals who have gained entry in
including Government Owned and Controlled the Philippines to perform professional services as
Corporations (GOCC’s) an incentive pay to cover civil architects or consultants in foreign-funded or assisted
liabilities in the equivalent amount of 1.5 % of the projects of the government or employed or engaged
project cost of every project provided it shall not by Filipino or foreign contractors or private firms, shall,
exceed 50% of his annual salary which shall be paid before assuming the duties, functions and
upon full completion of the project. The amount responsibilities as architects or consultants, secure a
intended for the architect who prepared and signed special/temporary permit from the Board subject to
the drawings and specifications shall be included in approval of the Commission, to practice his/her
the Program of Work. profession in connection with the project to which
he/she was commissioned: Provided, That a foreign
SECTION 36. Collection of Professional Fees national or foreign firm, whose name or company
name, with the title architect, architectural consultant,
It shall be unlawful for any unregistered design consultant, consultant or designer appears on
person to collect a fee for architectural services architectural plans, specifications and other related
except as an employee collecting a fee as construction documents, for securing building permits,
representative of a Registered Architect. licenses and government authority clearances for
actual building project construction in the Philippines
SECTION 37. Limitation to the Registration of a and advertisements and billboards for marketing
Firm, Company, Partnership, Corporation or purposes, shall be deemed practicing architecture in
Association the Philippines, whether the contract for professional
services is consummated in the Philippines or in a
foreign country. Provided, further, That the following
conditions are satisfied as follows:
 (a) That he/she is a citizen or subject of a 6.0 Advertisements and billboards for
country which specifically permits Filipino marketing/promotion purposes shall prominently
professionals to practice his/her profession within their display the name of the architect-of-record. Failure to
territorial limits, on the same basis as the subjects or comply shall be subject to penalties in accordance
citizens of such foreign state or country; with the rules promulgated by PRC.

(b) That he/she is legally qualified to practice 7.0 Upon issuance of the temporary/special
architecture in his/her own country, and that his/her permit, the foreign national may become member of
expertise is necessary and advantageous to our the United Architects of the Philippines, Inc. subject to
country particularly in the aspects of technology the rules and procedures of UAP membership.
transfer and specialization;
SECTION 39. Liability Insurance of a Person or
(c) That foreign nationals shall be required to Entity Allowed to Practice under a
work with a Filipino counterpart and shall also be Temporary/Special Permit
responsible for public utilities and taxes due to the
Philippine government, relative to their participation in, Foreign nationals, including former Filipinos
or professional services rendered to the project, in wanting to engage in the general practice of
accordance with the established implementing rules architecture as defined in Section 3 (c) of R.A. No.
and regulations providing for the procedure for the 9266 must secure locally their professional liability
registration and/or issuance of temporary/special insurance or malpractice insurance or their acceptable
permits to foreign architects allowed by law to practice equivalent in bond form commensurate with the
their profession in the Philippines by the Board of nature and magnitude of their project involvement and
Architecture and the accredited professional their compensation the implementing rules and
organization; and regulations for such a requirement for practice shall
be implemented by the Board in consultation with the
(d) Agencies, organizations or individuals integrated and accredited professional organization of
whether public or private, who secure the services of architects within six (6) months from the effectivity of
a foreign professional authorized by law to practice in R.A. No. 9266.
the Philippines for reasons aforementioned, shall be RULE V
responsible for securing a special permit from the FINAL PROVISIONS
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) SECTION 40. Integration of the Architecture
pursuant to PRC and DOLE rules. Profession
The Architecture profession shall be
The following procedures for the registration integrated into one (1) national organization which
and/or issuance of temporary/special permits to shall be accredited by the Board, subject to the
foreign architects are hereby prescribed: approval by the Commission, as the integrated and
accredited professional organization of architects:
1.0 A visa and work permit by appropriate Provided, however, That such an organization shall
government agencies shall be required. be registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to
be governed by by-laws providing for a democratic
2.0 Within thirty (30) calendar days after the
election of its officials. An architect duly registered
commission/appointment date, the commissioning
with the Board shall automatically become a member
party shall be responsible to secure the
of the integrated and accredited professional
Temporary/Special Permit from Board subject to
organization of architects and shall receive the
approval by the PRC. DOLE upon compliance with
benefits and privileges provided for in R.A. 9266 upon
the qualifications required and receipt of a copy of the
payment of the required fees and dues. Membership
said Temporary/Special Permit - shall issue the
in the integrated and accredited professional
employment permit.
organization of architects shall not be a bar to
membership in other associations of architects.
3.0 In the absence of a bilateral agreement,
the foreign national shall submit documentary proof or Pursuant to Board Resolution No. 3, Series
evidence allowing Filipino architects to practice the of 2004, the United Architects of the Philippines, Inc.
profession in their home country without any is the existing integrated and accredited professional
limitation. organization of registered architects, duly accredited
by the Board subject to approval by the Commission
4.0 Technology transfer and/or specialization and registered with the Securities and Exchange
must be identified and substantiated consistent with Commission (SEC) as a non-profit, non-stock
his expertise. corporation governed by Bylaws providing for a
democratic election of its officials
5.0 A Filipino counterpart shall be the 1.a. An architect duly registered with the
architect-of-record, with his duties, functions and PRC shall automatically become a member of the
responsibilities duly defined in a covering agreement. UAP and shall receive the benefits and privileges
provided for and described in its by-laws upon
payment of required fees and dues. The UAP shall
keep an updated official registry of its bona fide R.A. No. 9266 shall not be construed to
members indicating membership and annual dues affect or prevent the practice of any other legally
official receipt number. recognized profession.
1.b. Bona fide members of the UAP
practicing the architectural profession shall be SECTION 44. Enforcement of the Act
required to provide their official IAPOA membership It shall be the primary duty of the
number and receipt number together with their PRC Commission and the Board to effectively enforce the
registration number and professional tax receipt provisions of R.A. No. 9266 and this “IRR of the
(PTR) on official documents prepared by them for Architecture Act of 2004”. All duly constituted law
purposes of obtaining governmental regulatory enforcement agencies and officers of national,
permits and licenses. provincial, city or municipal government or of any
1.c. The functions, duties and responsibilities political subdivision thereof, shall, upon the call or
of the UAP as the IAPOA shall be the following: request of the Commission or the Board, render
a) Nominations to the vacancy of assistance in enforcing the provisions of R.A. No.
positions to the BOA; 9266 and this “IRR of the Architecture Act of 2004”,
b) Responsibility of preparing a and to prosecute any person violating the provisions
program of CPD; of the same.
c) Endorsement of the practice of The Secretary of Justice or his duly
foreign nationals to be issued designated representative shall act as legal adviser to
temporary/special permit; the Commission and the Board and shall render legal
d) Recommendation of compliance assistance as may be necessary in carrying out the
with liability insurance under a provisions of R.A. No. 9266 and this “IRR of the
temporary/special permit; Architecture Act of 2004”.
e) Monitoring compliance and Any person may bring before the
endorsing to/or filing a complaint with the Commission, Board or the aforementioned officers of
Board and/or Commission for violation of the the law, cases of illegal practice or violations of R.A.
R.A. No. 9266, this IRR, Code of Ethics, No. 9266 and this “IRR of the Architecture Act of
Standards of Professional Practice and other 2004” committed by any person or party.
policies of the Board and of the Commission
and with other agencies for violation of other SECTION 45. Separability Clause
relevant laws, regulations and the like; and If, for any reason, any section or provision of
f) Some other functions, duties and the herein “IRR” or application of such rules and
responsibility as may be prescribed by the regulations or provision to any person or
BOA from time to time. circumstances is declared unconstitutional or invalid,
the remainder of this “IRR of the Architecture Act of
SECTION 41. Implementing Rules and Regulations 2004”, or application of such provisions to other
persons or circumstances, shall not be affected by
Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of such declaration.
R.A. No. 9266, the Board, subject to the approval of
the Commission and in coordination with integrated SECTION 46. Repealing Clause
and accredited professional organization, shall adopt Any provisions of the rules, regulations,
and promulgate such rules and regulations, Code of codes, orders, resolutions, measures, and other
Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional policies or parts thereof issued and promulgated
Practice, to carry out the provisions of R.A. No. 9266 pursuant to R.A. No. 545 (as amended by R.A. No.
and which shall be effective fifteen (15) days following 1581), P.D. No. 223 (as amended), R.A. No. 8981,
their publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) and other laws which are inconsistent with this “IRR of
major daily newspapers of general circulation. the Architecture Act of 2004” are hereby superseded,
repealed or amended accordingly.
SECTION 42. Appropriations SECTION 47. Effectivity
The Chairperson of the Professional The herein “IRR of the Architecture Act of
Regulation Commission shall immediately include in 2004” shall be, upon approval by the Commission, be
the Commission’s programs the implementation of effective after fifteen (15) days following its full and
R.A. No. 9266, the funding of which shall be included complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two
in the annual General Appropriations Act. (2) major newspapers of general circulation.
The amount necessary to carry out the initial
implementation of R.A. No. 9266 shall be charged
against the current year’s appropriations of the
Professional Regulation Commission. Thereafter,
such sums as may be necessary for the continued
implementation of R.A. No. 9266 shall be included in
the succeeding General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 43. Act Not Affecting Other

Professionals