A. R.A.

9266 – “The Architecture Act of 2004”

 Republic Act No. 9266 –repeals RA 545, otherwise known as “ An act regulating the practice of
Architecture in the Philippines”.
 An act providing for a more responsive and comprehensive regulation for the registration, licensing and
practice of architecture.

1. Statement of Policy
 The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation building and development. Hence, it
shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded professional architects
whose standards of practice and services shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class and globally
competitive.

2. Definition of Terms
a. Architecture
 The art, science and profession of planning, designing and constructing buildings and structures
(either individual or group) in their totality taking into account their environment in accordance
with principles of utility (function), strength (structural) and beauty (aesthetic).
 Art means building captives our senses and pleasing to see.
 Science means how building is physically constructed.

b. General Practice of Architecture

 The act of planning and architectural designing, structural conceptualization, specifying,
supervising and giving general administration/ direction to the erection, enlargement, or alteration
of buildings and building environments and architectural design in engineering structures or any
part thereof;
 Structural Design & Structural Conceptualization – The act of conceiving, choosing and
developing the type, disposition, arrangement and proportioning of the structural elements of an
architectural work giving due consideration to safety, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and
aesthetics.
 The scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of all processes which enter into the production
of a complete building or structure, performed through the medium of unbiased preliminary studies
of plans, consultations, specifications, conferences, evaluations, investigations, contract
documents and oral advice and directions
 Regardless of whether the persons engaged in such practice are residents of the Philippines or
have their principal office or place of business in this country or another territory,
 And regardless whether such persons are performing one or all these duties, or whether such
duties are performed in person or as the directing head of office or organization performing them.

c. Architecture Related Programs

 Courses or fields of study related to architecture such as interior design, landscape architecture,
urban design, urban planning, regional planning, environmental planning, housing, real estate
development, educational management, business management, project management,
construction management and technology, building administration and maintenance, engineering,
architectural research as embodied in RA 9266 including its implementing rules and regulations and
Architect’s National code.

d. Architect
 A person professionally and academically qualified, registered and licensed with a certificate of
registration and a valid professional identification card issued by the Board of Architecture (BOA)
of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
 Person that is responsible for advocating the fair and sustainable development, welfare and
cultural expression of society’s habitat in terms of space, forms and historical context.
  Professional - a person whose name, registration and professional license number is entered in the
PRC registry book and computerized database as one legally authorized to practice his
profession.
 Professional ID - A document bearing the registration number, date of isuuance with an expiry
date, due for periodic renewal. Issued to a registered Architect upon payment of the annual
registration fees for three (3) years.
e. Architect-in-Record
 The Architect who is directly and professionally responsible for the total design of the project for
client and who shall assume the civil liability for plans, specs, and contract documents he/she has
signed and sealed.
f. Architect -in-Charge of Construction
 An Architect who is directly and professionally responsible and liable for the construction
supervision of the project.
g. Consulting Architect
 An Architect who is professionally and academically qualified and with exceptional or
recognized expertise or specialization in any branch of architecture.
 Assume no civil liability under Art. 1723 of the Civil Code unless he/she attempts/succeeds to
interfere or contravenethe legal and professional functions of the Architect-of-Record.
 Specialization – An expertise and special knowledge in the field of architecture acquired
through formal education and training or through continuing professional development and
experience, for which the Architect may be engaged as Consulting Architect.
h. Foreign Architect
 An architect who is not a Filipino citizen nor an architect registered and licensed in the
Philippines, but who is duly registered and licensed in his/her home country as an Architect.

i.Architectural Firm
 A sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation registered to practice architecture with the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and/or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and
then with the BOA and PRC.
j. Sole Proprietorship
 An individual architect practicing and delivering architectural services, duly registered with
the DTI, PRBOA and the PRC.
k. Association
 Any formal grouping of two or more architects or architectural firms working in joint venture on a
project basis.
l. Architecture Corporation
 A group of professionals in architecture and allied professions, incorporated with architects for
the purpose of delivering professional service in architecture and allied professions.
m. Filipino Counterpart
 The local Philippine architect, partnership or corporation that must work in association with a
foreign architect, partnership or corporation, on a project on Philippine soil.

n. Service Agreement
 A duly notarized written contract stipulating the scope of services and guaranteeing
compensation of such services to be rendered by an architect.
o. Contract Documents
 General Conditions (SPP Doc. 301)
 Special Provision or Conditions (SPP Doc. 301)
 Drawings
 Specifications
 Other Bid documents
p. Architectural Documents
 Architectural drawings, specifications, and other output of an architect that only him/her can
sign and seal.
 q. Architectural Plans
 2D representation reflecting a proposed development showing elements such as columns,
walls, partitions, ceiling, stairs, door, windows, floors, roof, room designation, call-outs, etc.
 Representation of a lateral section for a proposed building (running parallel to the ground) and
at a height of from 1-1.5meters above the finished floor.
 The term may also collectively refer to other architectural design such as sections, elevations,
roof plan, RCP, door & window schedules and the like.

r. Architects’ National Code

 Code of Ethical Conduct (SSP Doc. 200) and the Standards of Practice in the Architectural
Profession (SPP Doc. 201-209) to include all codes of professional practices as approved by the BOA
& PRC.

s. Standards of Professional Practice

 Refers to documents which define all aspects of professional service, prescribes minimum basic
fees and establishes the rights and obligations of both the Architect and the Client.
t. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
 A sustaining and progressive learning process that maintains, enhances, increases the
knowledge and continuing ability of architects.
 Prior to the renewal of the PRC ID which valid for (3) years, the architect shall be earned 45units
(starting 2020 onwards) on various CPE modules for architects offered by numerous CPD
providers accredited by the PRBoA.
 CPD Providers - entities, agencies, organizations other than the IAPOA that have been
accredited by the PRBOA to deliver seminars, lectures and other CPE modules for architects.
u. Copyright
 The intellectual property rights retained by an Architect over any architectural documents/work
that he/she prepares unless there is a written stipulation to the contrary.
 It shall include the right to control the erection of any building which reproduces the whole or a
substantial part of the work either in its original form or in any form recognizably derived from the
original.
 However, the copyright in any such work shall not include the right to control the reconstruction
or rehabilitation in the same style as the original of a building to which the copyright relates.
 Ownership - The propriety rights to an architectural works by a person who commission the
Architect.
 Ownership of an architectural work shall only be confined to the use of the architectural
documents for executing the work for one or the original project.
 It shall not apply to the use of the architectural documents for repetitions or subsequent
projects.

v. Course Syllabi
 The outline of topics and concepts of major subjects to serve as basis for test questions in the
licensure examinations.
BS Architecture Program (As per CMO No. 61 Series 2017)
 The study program has a total of 205 credits units.
 It comprises of the following :
a. Technical Courses
- Mathematics
- Basic Engineering Course
- Allied Course
- Professional Courses
- Specialization Courses
b. Non- Technical Courses
- General Education Core Courses
- General Education Elective Courses
 - Mandated Subject
c. Non- Academic Courses
- PE & NSTP

w. Diversified Architectural Experiences

 A post-baccalaureate, pre licensure experience of two years required of a graduate of
architecture prior to taking the licensure exam.
3. Acronyms & Agencies
3.1 PRC performs two important functions, which are:
 To conduct and administer licensure examinations to aspiring professionals.
 To regulate and supervise the practice of the professions exercised in partnership with the forty-
three (46) Professional Regulatory Boards.

3.2 Integrated Accredited Professional Organization of Architects (IAPOA) which is the United Architects
of the Philippines (UAP)
1. The existing official national organization of all the architects of the Philippines, accredited by the
PRC, in which all registered Filipino architects, shall be member.
3.3 BOA or PRBOA
 One of 46 Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) or collegial body under the PRC of the Republic of
the Philippines.
 Responsible, and accountable, for achieving the main goal which is to improve the maturity level
of architecture discipline within the organization.
 Among the legal steps taken by the PRBoA to fully implement and enforce R.A. No. 9266 include the
filing of graft charges against national and local government officials who refuse to implement and
enforce the law and the harmonized provisions of the 2004 (IRR) of P.D. No. 1096 (National Building
Code of the Philippines).
3.4 RLA – Registered & Licensed Architect

2. PRBOA
4.1 Board Composition
 Composed of (1) Chairman & (2) members
 Appointed by the President of the Philippines
4.2 Qualification – Each member of the Board shall possess below qualifications:
 Citizen & resident of the Philippines
 BS Architecture Degree
 Certification of Registration and PRC ID
 10 years of active practice on date of appointment
 Not a member of the faculty of any school, college, university or review institutions
 If former teacher, must have officially resigned for at least 5 years prior to the nomination.
 Has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude (Conduct that is
considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals).
4.3 Term of Office
 The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years after appointment
or until their successor shall have been appointed and duly qualified.
 Of the members of Board first appointed under RA 9266 :
 (1) Member shall be appointed and hold office as chairman for (3) years.
 (1) Member for (2) years.
 (1) Member for (1) year.
 Each member of the Board may be re-appointed for one full term only.
 Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member shall be filled for the unexpired
portion of a term only.

4.4 Powers & Functions

 Prescribe and adopt the IRR for RA 9266.
  Supervise the registration, licensure and practice of architects
 Administer oaths in connection with the administration of RA 9266.
 Issue, suspend, revoke, or reinstate the Certificate of Registration and the Professional ID.
 Adopt an official seal of the PRBOA.
 Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of architecture and adopt measures for the
enhancement and maintenance of the standards of the profession.
 Prescribe and adopt the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice;
 Hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of RA 9266, the Code of Ethical
Conduct, and Standards of Professional Practice.
 Prescribe guidelines for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program in
consultation with the IAPOA.
 Prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi of the subjects for examinations in consultation
with the academe.
 Determine and prepare questions as well as administer, correct and release the results of
the licensure examinations.
 Approve, issue, limit or cancel temporary or special permit to practice architecture.
 In coordination with the CHED, ensure that all higher educational instruction comply with
the policies, standards and requirements of the course prescribed by the CHED in the
areas of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities.
 To adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination.

4.5 Examination Required

 All applicants for registration for the practice of architecture shall be required to undergo the
licensure examination.

4.6 Qualification for Exam Applicants

 A Filipino citizen or a citizen of a foreign country qualified to take the examination as
provided for in this IRR.
 Of good moral character.
 A holder of the degree of BS Architecture conferred by a school, college, academy or
institute duly recognized by CHED.
 Two years of diversified architectural experience duly certified by an RLA.
Note: An applicant holding a Master’s Degree in Architecture shall be credited with one (1)
year.
 Never been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude.

4.7 Subject for Examination

 HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE
 Analysis of architectural manifestations from the beginning of civilization to
contemporary periods of development.
 Analysis of the influences of environmental, historical, and sociocultural factors and their
relevance to the development of art, buildings, structures, as well as of human
settlements.

 THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE
 Understanding of the theories and principles of design and architectural design
process;
 Analysis of anthropometric, proxemic, and kinesthetic requirements of space in relation
to architectural design;
 Analysis of sociocultural and technological trends which are contributory to the
development of contemporary architecture.

 ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
  Understanding of the role, legal rights and obligations, and responsibilities of the
architect.
 Analysis and application of the various statutes, codes, and regulations affecting the
practice of architecture in the Philippines.
 Understanding of the various aspects of the professional practice of architecture,
including tools and techniques related to production, construction, resource allocation,
and project management, as well as the efficient conduct of client and business relations
for building design and construction projects.

 THEORY / PRINCIPLES OF PLANNING

 Analysis of the concepts and techniques in the general planning process, regional
planning, land use planning, and human settlements planning.

 Understanding of the art and science of site planning with emphasis on ecological,
socio-psychological, aesthetic, and functional basis of site planning.

 STRUCTURAL DESIGN
 Understanding of the fundamentals of mechanics, strength of materials, and theory of
structures.
 General design, principles, and analysis of the structural elements of various types of
construction materials and systems.

 MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION
 Understanding of the properties of building construction and finishing materials; their
application and articulation; systems and methods of specifying and construction;
 Application of the principles of design and construction methods of various types of
materials used in construction.

 UTILITIES
 Understanding of the basic practices, principles, general design and installation, and/or
construction of utilities required for a building or structure and its premises;
 Analysis of utility, facility, and equipment requirements in relation to aesthetic, function,
and strength of a building or structure and its premises.

 URBAN DESIGN
 Analysis of the concepts and techniques in the general planning process of the
physical and systematic design on a community and urban plane on a more
comprehensive manner.
 Understanding of the art and science of urban design with emphasis on ecological,
socio-psychological, aesthetic and functional basis of urban design.

 ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS
 Understanding of the theories and principles of Architectural Interiors.
 Analysis of anthropometric, proxemic, and kinesthetic requirements of space in relation
to Architectural Interiors

 DESIGN / SITE PLANNING

 Application of logical approach to architectural interiors, urban design and site
planning solutions to architectural and planning problems with emphasis on design
methodology, quantitative and qualitative aspects of space, circulation, and
interrelationships of space, structural and form envelopes, and building utilities and
facilities.
 Application of skills and ability to visualize architectural design problems and present
solutions in appropriate graphical language.
4.8 Rating in the Exams
 To be qualified as having passed the licensure examination for architects, a candidate
must obtain:
 A weighted general average of seventy percent (70%).
 No grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in any given subject.

4.9 Report of Ratings

 The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings obtained by each candidate
within thirty (30) calendar days after the examination, unless extended for just cause.
 Upon the release of the results of the examination, the Board shall send by mail the
rating received by each examinee at his/her given address using the mailing envelope
submitted during the examination.
Note: The report of rating may be distributed to the successful examinees during their mass
oath taking as new registered and licensed architects.

4.10 Oaths & Roster of Architects

 All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take an oath of
profession prior to entering upon the practice of the profession.
 A roster showing the names and place of business including other personal material
and relevant data of all registered professional architects shall be prepared and updated
by the Board and copies thereof shall be made available to any party as may be deemed
necessary.

4.11 Seal, issuance and use of seal

 A duly licensed architect shall affix the seal prescribed by the Board bearing the
registrant’s name, registration number and title “Architect” on all architectural plans,
drawings, specifications and all other contract documents prepared by or under his/her
direct supervision.
 Each registrant hereunder shall, upon registration, obtain a seal of such design as the
Board shall authorize and direct.
 It shall be unlawful for any one whose certificate of registration has been revoked to
stamp or seal any documents.
 It shall be unlawful for any architect to sign his/her name, affix his/her seal or use any
other method of signature on architectural plans, specifications or other documents made
under another architect’s supervision, unless the same is made in such manner as to
clearly indicate the part or parts of such work actually performed by the former.
 Drawings and specifications duly signed, stamped or sealed, as instruments of service,
are the intellectual properties and documents of the architect, whether the object for
which they are made is executed or not. It shall be unlawful for any person, without the
consent of the architect, to duplicate or to make copies of said documents for use in the
repetition of and for other projects or buildings, whether executed partly or in whole.
 All architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and architectural documents
relative to the construction of a building shall bear the seal and signature only of an
architect registered and licensed under RA 9266 together with his/her professional
identification card number and the date of its expiration.