QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9266)
It is known as the “Architecture Act of 2004.”
It is the art, science, or profession of planning, designing, and constructing buildings in their totality, considering the environment and applying principles of utility, strength, and beauty.
An architect registered and licensed under the Act who is directly and professionally responsible for the total design of the project for the client, and who assumes civil liability for the plans, specifications, and contract documents they have signed and sealed.
The architect-of-record is responsible for the total design and assumes civil liability for signed/sealed plans and documents. The architect-in-charge is directly responsible for construction supervision of the project.
It includes professional services connected with site/physical/planning and design, construction/enlargement/alteration, conservation/renovation/remodeling/restoration, and related planning, designs, documents, feasibility studies, construction/project management, space planning, interiors, detailing, and other works requiring architectural competence.
Among others: Philippine citizenship and residency; B.S. Architecture degree from a CHED-recognized/accredited school; valid architect registration/professional ID and active practice for at least 10 years; not a faculty member of an architecture school/review institution (with a 5-year cooling-off after resignation); and never convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Board members hold office for three (3) years (or until successors are appointed and duty qualified) and may be reappointed for one full term of three (3) years.
They include prescribing rules/regulations; supervising registration/licensure/practice; administering oaths; issuing/suspending/revoking/reinstating professional certificates and cards; adopting a seal; monitoring practice standards; adopting ethical standards; hearing administrative cases; preparing exam syllabi and administering exams; approving temporary/special permits; and coordinating with CHED for educational compliance.
Yes. Section 12 requires all applicants for registration for practice of architecture to undergo a licensure examination given by the Board.
Among others: Filipino citizen or qualified foreign national; good moral character; B.S. Architecture degree recognized by CHED and at least 2 years (or equivalent) diversified architectural experience certified by a registered/licensed architect; credit of 1 year practical experience if holding a Master’s in Architecture recognized by the government; and no conviction for any criminal offense involving moral turpitude.
A weighted general average of 70%, with no grade lower than 50% in any given subject.
They must take an oath of profession before a Board member, authorized government official, or other authorized person authorized by law to administer oaths, prior to entering practice.
A duly licensed architect must affix the Board-prescribed seal on all architectural plans/drawings/specifications/contract documents prepared by or under their direct supervision. The seal must be used only during the life of their certificate; it must seal only after the certificate of the named registrant has expired/revoked unless renewed/re-issued.
It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than ₱100,000 but not more than ₱5,000,000, or imprisonment of not less than 6 months but not exceeding 6 years, or both.
The person/entity that entices/compels/coerces/forces an architect to undertake services under general practice without a written contract/service agreement is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than ₱200,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 years, or both.
It can be a ground for suspension or revocation of the Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card, subject to notice and hearing, with appeal to the Commission.