Definition of Terms
- Practice of Interior Design includes planning, designing, specifying, supervising, and managing interior spaces to enhance life, health, property, and quality of life.
- Scope includes consultation, schematic design, contract documents, project management, technical and financial feasibility studies, and teaching.
- Interior Designer: Natural person with valid certificate of registration and professional license issued by the Board of Interior Design.
Creation and Composition of the Board of Interior Design
- Board composed of a chairman and two members, appointed by the President from a list submitted by the Professional Regulation Commission and accredited interior design association.
- First Board organized within 30 days of the Act taking effect.
Qualifications of Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizen and resident, at least 35 years old, holder of an Interior Design degree from recognized institution.
- Registered interior designer with at least 10 years active practice.
- Must not be faculty or have supervisory/pecuniary interests in interior design schools.
- Not connected with review centers.
- Member in good standing of the accredited interior design association.
- No conviction for offences involving moral turpitude.
Term, Compensation, and Removal
- Term: 3 years, with staggered initial terms; may be reappointed once.
- Compensation comparable to other regulatory boards.
- President may remove members for neglect, incompetence, malpractice, ethical violations, or crimes involving moral turpitude.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Issue and regulate licenses and registrations.
- Adopt rules and regulations for the practice.
- Administer oaths.
- Monitor, enhance, and maintain professional standards and ethics.
- Coordinate with the Commission on Higher Education for education standards.
- Conduct hearings and administrative cases.
- Prescribe continuing education requirements.
- Approve, limit, or revoke temporary licenses.
- Adopt syllabi and oversee licensure exams.
Administrative Supervision and Secretariat
- Board under administrative supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
- PRC custodian of records and provides secretariat and support services.
Implementing Rules, Regulations and Reporting
- Board promulgates rules approved by the PRC.
- Rules effective 15 days after publication.
- Annual report submitted to the President via the PRC.
Examination and Registration
- Written technical examination required for registration.
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens, have no conviction for crimes involving moral turpitude, and hold recognized Interior Design degrees.
- Board may suspend/revoke registration obtained by fraud.
- Examination covers Interior Design, Furniture Design, Materials, History, Building Construction, Professional Practice and Ethics.
- Passing grade: 75% weighted average, no grade below 60%.
- Re-examination allowed with restrictions; after 3 failed attempts, one-year wait required.
- Successful candidates take oath before practicing.
- Certificate of registration and professional license issued upon passing and payment of fees.
Use of Seal and Document Handling
- Licensees must affix Board-approved seal to all plans, specifications, and documents.
- Unauthorized use of seal prohibited; only the interior designer in charge shall sign documents related to their actual work.
- Documents are proprietary; reproduction without consent prohibited.
- Violation subject to administrative or criminal charges.
License Indication
- Professional license number, validity, and tax receipt numbers must appear on all signed documents.
Refusal, Suspension and Revocation of Registration
- Registration denied or revoked for conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude, immoral conduct, or unsound mind.
- Suspension/revocation upon due notice and hearing for fraud, negligence, unprofessional conduct, drug/alcohol abuse, illegal practice abetment, or code violations.
- Decisions subject to appeal to the PRC and the Court of Appeals after exhausting administrative remedies.
Practice and Registration Without Examination
- All registered practitioners at enactment automatically registered.
- Certain interior designers and licensed architects with 10 years prior practice may register without exam.
- No firm or corporation may be licensed to practice interior design; only licensed individuals.
- Licensed interior designers may form firms/partnerships with other design professionals where only qualified professionals render appropriate services.
Professional Integration and Foreign Reciprocity
- Interior designers must belong to the one integrated national organization accredited by the Board and PRC.
- Foreign interior designers may practice only under reciprocal agreements and with special permits.
- Foreign nationals working on government or private projects need special temporary permits, must work with Filipino counterparts, and comply with applicable conditions.
Appropriations
- Funds needed for implementing the Act included in the General Appropriations Act.
Enforcement and Penalties
- PRC enforces the Act, investigates complaints, and prosecutes violators.
- Penalties: Fine between P50,000 to P200,000 and/or imprisonment from six months to three years.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause ensures unaffected provisions remain valid even if part declared invalid.
- Repeals inconsistent laws, decrees, and orders.
- Effective 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or major newspaper.