Statement of Policy
- Recognizes interior design's role in nation-building.
- Promotes development of competent, licensed interior designers.
- Ensures professional standards are globally competitive.
Objectives
- Regulate examination, registration, and licensure.
- Supervise and control the interior design practice.
- Promote professional competence via continuing education.
- Integrate the interior design profession nationally.
Definitions
- Interior Design: Planning and organizing interior spaces including finishes, furniture, and fixtures.
- Professional Interior Designer: Individual with valid license and ID from the Board and Commission.
- Commission: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Scope of Professional Practice
- Includes consultation, design development, contract document preparation.
- Covers interior construction supervision and restoration.
- Includes teaching interior design subjects.
- Board may update scope to align with industry trends.
Board of Interior Design
- Created under PRC with 1 chairman and 2 members appointed by the President.
- Members nominated by Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO).
- Members must have at least 10 years of active practice.
- Prohibited from having conflicts of interest with schools or review centers.
- Term is 3 years, with a maximum of 6 years.
- Members receive compensation comparable to other PRC boards.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Issue and regulate professional licenses.
- Adopt rules, administer exams, and adopt Code of Ethics.
- Supervise professional education programs.
- Hear administrative cases and enforce standards.
- Coordinate with CHED and AIPO.
Grounds for Removal of Board Members
- Includes gross neglect, dishonesty, rigging licensure exams, and conviction of moral turpitude.
Board Administration
- Under PRC supervision.
- PRC appoints Board secretary and provides support services.
Examination and Licensure
- Passing the licensure exam is mandatory for registration.
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens or foreigners with reciprocal policies.
- Applicants must possess recognized interior design degrees.
- Licensure exam subjects cover technical, historical, and professional practice areas.
- Passing grade is a weighted average of 70%.
- Successful candidates must take an oath.
Registration and Certification
- Certificate of registration and professional ID card issued upon passing.
- Registered interior designers use the official appendage title "IDr."
- Refusal of registration in cases of criminal conviction, immoral conduct, or unsound mind.
- Board may suspend or revoke licenses for violations including fraud, incompetence, unethical conduct, drug abuse, and nonpayment of fees.
- Certificates may be reinstated after two years on meritorious grounds.
Practice of Interior Design
- Only registered individuals and certain juridical persons may practice.
- Interior designers must affix Board-approved seal on all signed interior design documents.
- Proprietary rights protect designers over their drawings and concepts.
Foreign Practitioners
- Foreigners may practice only by obtaining a temporary/special permit.
- Must collaborate with Filipino professionals with at least 10 years' experience.
- Fees, liabilities, and credits must be shared equitably between foreign and Filipino designers.
- Compliance with IRR is mandatory.
Professional Conduct and Identification
- Required to indicate registration and AIPO membership numbers on professional documents.
- Board maintains a publicly accessible roster of registered interior designers.
- Interior designers are integrated into one national organization accredited as AIPO.
Penal Provisions
- Illegal practice, impersonation, and use of fake credentials punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Foreign practitioners illegally practicing face heavier fines, imprisonment, back taxes, and permanent bans.
Civil Liability
- Interior designers responsible for works for one year after client acceptance.
- Must repair damages caused by their design within 45 days of notice.
- Failure to comply may result in administrative disciplinary action.
Enforcement and Appropriations
- PRC shall enforce this Act and its implementing rules.
- Funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
Transitional and Final Provisions
- Existing Board members serve interim until new Board formation.
- Board to promulgate IRR within 90 days of formation.
- Repeals Republic Act No. 8534 and inconsistent laws.
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication.
This comprehensive analysis presents all critical aspects of the law governing the practice, regulation, and professional standards of interior design in the Philippines.