AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF INDUSTIRAL TECHNOLOGY

ANDAGAO, KALIBO, AKLAN

MIDTERM EXAM IN ARPP-3

GLOBAL PRACTICE FOR 21ST CENTURY

SUBMITTED BY: JOHN REMMEL D. ROGA

(BS ARCHITECTURE-4)

SUBMITTED TO: AR. MAR BIEN GREGORY PAREL, UAP

(INSTRUCTOR)

JANUARY 24, 2017

1. Discuss about the freelancing.

A freelancer is self-employed person offering services, usually to multiple clients at a

time. Operating as his own boss, a freelancer sets his own service menu, price, and target

market of clientele.

Some think that freelancers are called that because they work for free - or next to it. That

is not the case, and in many cases freelancers earn more than their employed

counterparts.

Freelancing is so flexible, you can set your own hours, working full or part-time on the

projects of your choice. While clients can offer specifications to the work, a freelancer

works similar to an independent contractor, in which he's free to control how the work is

completed. This is an important distinction for tax purposes, because the IRS views

employees and independent contractors differently.

The regularity of freelance work can vary. Many freelancers work for the same set of

clients over a long period of time. For example, a freelance writer might have a client

that requires an article twice a week ongoing. Others work with clients over shorter

periods, usually on specific projects. For example, a freelance web designer might build

a website for a client and once the site is done, so is the work relationship.

Advantages of Freelancing

There are several perks to working as a freelancer, including:

  Fast to get started. As long as you already know the skill you plan to offer, getting

started is simply a matter of finding your first client.

 Easy to start. You can start right now, acting as a sole proprietor and using your

network find a client. While you'll want to build a LinkedIn profile and/or a website,

you can network within your current career and friend networks to find your first

client.

 Affordable. Odds are if you have the ability to provide the service, you also have

whatever equipment or software you need to deliver. Eventually you'll want to

invest in business building tools, such as a website, but using LinkedIn (which is

free) is a great online resume that can help you promote your service.

 The need for freelancers is large. While the marketplace of freelancers is

competitive, the need for quality, reliable freelancers is growing. Many businesses

don't have employees and instead have a team of freelancers.

 Choose your own schedule. Work when and where you want.

 Pick and choose clients. While in the beginning you may take any client that will

hire you, as you grow, you can choose not to take on difficult clients. You can

even fire them.

 Do the work the way you see fit. While you need to deliver what the client asks,

how the work is done is up to you.

Disadvantages of Freelancing

Where there's a good, there's usually a bad. Here are some disadvantages to freelancing:
  Can take time to build clientele. Getting enough clients to make freelancing

something that supports you and your family can take a while.

 Work can be irregular. Many freelancers experience an ebb and flow in their work.

You need to plan for lean times, and be ready to work hard to deliver work on-

time when work is plentiful.

 Managing multiple clients and projects can be a challenge. While some people like

the variety of working on several projects at a time, others may find it difficult to

keep track of deadlines and pace themselves to deliver quality work on time.

Great time management systems and organization is key.

 Pay may be low to start out. Especially in today's digital economy, many people

expect to pay less for work from a new freelancer. Breaking in with lower costs

may be needed, but as quickly as possible, seek to charge what you're worth and

find clients willing to pay for quality.

What's the Difference Between a Freelancer and Home-Based Service Business?

There really isn't a difference. Both work as self-employed individuals and can work for

several clients at a time. Both can set their own schedules and have to abide by the same

self-employment tax rules.

There are a few differences. A freelancer often works under his own name, where as a

home business owner often creates a business name. Often a home business owner has
found way to fill a gap in the market whereas a freelancer works within the established

needs of the market.

How to Get Started as a Freelancer

Getting started is as easy as visiting one of the freelance sites to find work and networking

with your current sphere of influence to find your first client. Here's steps to building a

freelance career:

1. Decide what you'll offer. Common freelance work includes writing, web design, graphic

design, photography, marketing, social media management, bookkeeping and more.

2. Determine your target market. Who needs what you have to offer? Decide if you'll

specialize within a specific niche of your service (i.e. copy writing or Word Press web

design) or within a specific market (i.e. writing for Realtors or web design for authors).

This is the time to decide your brand and unique selling proposition.

3. Create an online portfolio. Start at LinkedIn, a social network all about career

networking. Build a profile that promotes the benefits you have to offer. Consider setting

up a website that offers you more customization and flexibility than LinkedIn.

4. Set your prices. Make sure you charge enough to cover your overhead, time to do the

work, as well as to earn a living.

5. Start reaching out to find clients. Use your network to help you connect with potential

clients. Consider using a freelance site, such as Freelancer.com or Up work (formally

eLance and Odesk) to find work. While they may pay less than you want, it can be a

great way to get experience, testimonials and referrals.

Freelancing is a fast and affordable way to get started working as your own boss from

home. With that said, there are pros and cons, and success is comes from those who

plan their business and deliver high quality work.

2. What is freelance architect?

A freelance architect basically does everything that architects are trained to do. The only

difference is that the freelance architect is independent and not under any firm. As such,

the freelance architect may undertake jobs like planning sites, producing building

plans and designs, engaging in landscape architecture, constructing plans and consulting.

Other responsibilities include the assessment of potential sites as part of feasibility studies

and the assembling of a construction team on behalf of a client.

One of the functions of the freelance architect is to work with a client in order to assist

such a client in building projects. Most times, clients do not have any particular design in

mind and leave that duty to the architect in which case the architect will develop a concept

for the building, which will serve as a proposal that the client can either accept, reject or

ask for feasible modifications. Usually, the architect will draw up a plan depicting the

various attributes of the building, or the architect might use visual reality technology to

give the client a more realistic view of the proposed building, including virtual walk-
throughs that will span the entire building. Such a method is highly desirable due to the

fact that it allows for easier modifications than the use of physical prototypes.

Another responsibility of the freelance architect is to conduct a comprehensive

assessment of the proposed site on behalf of the client. Sometimes, the freelance

architect might even offer some form of input in the selection of an appropriate site for

the construction project. Part of this assessment will include the feasibility of the proposed

project on the site, meaning the possibility of safely and effectively erecting a proposed

project on the site after considerations like building codes, safety and environmental

impact. Sometimes, the freelance architect will serve as a sort of consultant or advisor to

the clients in terms of the relevant building laws and other questions the client might

have regarding a construction project.

The freelance architect might also be contracted to not only design the building, but to

perform other functions in regard to the construction project. This might include sourcing

for or putting together the construction team, including builders, construction managers,

engineers and other building professionals. It might be the responsibility of the architect

to handle the supervision of the project starting from the design phase until the final

construction.
3. What is the difference between Architect of record (AR) and registered licensed

Architect (RIA).

An Architect of record is a firm or individual architect listed on a building permit for the

construction project they are contracted for. The permit is attained by sending an

application, project drawings, and building specifications to the regulatory authority that

is responsible for the area where the construction is to take place. There can be more

than one architect of record if different architects plan to work on a single project. A large

firm can also set up a working relationship with a local architect, whose name would

appear on the application and permit.

Special skills may be needed for construction in certain areas, such as those that are

seismically active or have a specific type of terrain. The local architect can oversee project

operations, and therefore becomes the architect of record. In the United States, for

example, such status means that the firm is in control of the project, according to the

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The NCARB requires that

architects make sure the proper legal requirements for registration are followed, even

when they outsource document preparation. It also outlines criteria for being responsible

in their control over projects.

Under NCARB guidelines, an architect of record should always be in control of what goes

into the documents, knows the contents, and be professional in preparing them. They

should also keep records to make sure that these criteria are met for a minimum of five
years. Quality of communication is also emphasized and, with the establishment

of building permits, email communications should be set up between all parties involved

in the project.

The architect should also be open to sharing technical files through File Transfer Protocol

(FTP) servers for the fastest communication. Meetings and reviews over the Internet are

the best way for all parties to stay updated on projects. The NCARB Model Law and

Regulations guide architects on how to follow these rules when documents are prepared

elsewhere. An architect of record must also always be responsible in handling its

documentation professionally.

Any architect of record is also responsible for ensuring that all safety codes are met during

a project. This holds whether they are the primary firm for a project or are contracted by

a larger architecture company. Regardless of control over record-keeping, most states in

the United States have applied the NCARB standard, and some have added requirements

defining how the architect of record identifies itself on documents.

While the "Architect-of-record" means the architect registered and licensed under the

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266, who is directly and professionally responsible for the total

design of the project for the client and who shall assume the civil liability for the plans,

specifications and contract documents he/she has signed and sealed.(Document attached

regarding REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266.).

4. What is outsourcing in architectural practice? Discuss.

The changing world economy demands innovative business models. Outsourcing can be

effectively applied to enterprise transformation. In keeping with this spirit, architectural

outsourcing services have gained great momentum in recent years.

Architectural Outsourcing

Information Technology positions our daily activities and businesses in an increasingly

global context: The practice of architecture is no exception. Technology presents new

scenarios for Workshare and defines the way in which a design is developed,

communicated, and realized.

Today, work association no longer implies personal interaction. Technology has made

possible ordinary virtual communications, accelerating information transfer and

influencing working methodologies. This is the virtual office: physical space usurped by

work space in the internet. Architects are not only facing a promising business

opportunity, but a new practice model that will revolutionize the professional practice

scenario. BIM consulting firms will focus on stressing design and creativity as core values

and commoditizing production and repetitive but still necessary tasks.

Global economy has provided many opportunities for new innovative businesses and has

opened up a space for efficient access to resources. A new understanding of architecture

and its practice is increasingly focused on strategically improving business performance.

The field represents a unique situation: while architectural practice is quickly becoming

global and open-sourced, the physical artifact of architecture continues to serve as the

physical manifestation of a community’s identity and aspirations.

Architects are beginning to assimilate and integrate innovative processes into their

practice that would be impossible without technological advancements. Principles from

these innovative working methods and technologies enable firms to survive by adapting

to external changes and maintaining a sustainable advantage in architectural practice.

Increasingly dependent on the larger international context, the practice frequently

necessitates dispatching team members to remote locations.

The field of architecture is continuously evolving following the changes dictated by

contemporary societies, where consumerism and change provoke a new conception of

architecture. Today, clients of architects are focusing their interests on issues such as

process efficiency and business performance to the detriment of individual interpretations

of architecture. Economics and market conditions tend to prevail over design intentions

and aesthetic goals. Maximizing the potential of the architectural outsourcing practice

model for each architectural firm will require strategic approaches to architectural practice

as a service, as well as a business.

Fulfilling current requirements in the management of architectural projects demand the

establishment of teams and tasks spanning organizational boundaries as a strategic

practice for business results. This task may seem much simpler than it really is. Many

issues for multi-team architectural production such as communication, Work share, and

trust, frequently become problematic for reasons beyond our control. Such problems may

arise even when dealing with traditional teamwork models. Therefore, when one replaces

the often-decisive factor of personal interaction with the virtual alternative in a

multidisciplinary team, the challenges become even more complex.

The very need for Work share arises from the diversity of skills and opinions required to

formulate an architectural work. Inevitably architects find themselves working in teams

with other members, and these team building experiences help form an overall collective

identity.

Today team members are not necessarily required to work together in the same physical

space, since communication technologies have enabled efficient interaction at a distance.

In fact, personal interaction in architectural Work share has evolved greatly with time. As

remote teams develop the capabilities to collaborate effectively in ways that do not

jeopardize the process of logical project development, personal interaction within

architectural teams takes on a different significance. The banal transfers of information

that once took place between desks in one office now take place many times daily via

digital interaction between workstations around the globe. Personal interaction between

such parties may be reserved for more significant meetings to initiate or substantiate
relationships or to perform checks on a project’s progress.

Some of basic tenants of architectural design over the last fifty years are called into

question by globalization’s continual flattening of the world. The fact that people from

diverse and remote locations and cultures contribute to a given project’s development

has significant implications for practice. This also presents the risk that individual

contributors who are employed from remote areas may lack essential contextual

knowledge not only about a specific project, but also about its local building industry and

its local culture.

This changing definition of architectural practice, as something that occurs on many

continents at the same time and followed by many different parties, has contributed to

the lack of transparency that outsourcing has received in the discipline. Secrecy has

shrouded outsourcing, even when the processes being outsourced were highly auxiliary.

Authorship has traditionally been at the core of architectural production, whether by an

individual principal in a firm or by a core of designers who work under a collective title.

Outsourcing may be viewed as putting traditional values of authorship and remuneration

in crisis. However, outsourcing may be studied as an outgrowth of the traditional

partnerships that have taken place within individual studios or firms.

While globalization has impacted the way architects work together and therefore their

relationship to traditional cues for the design process, the growing global economy puts
pressure on the discipline to be more oriented toward the consumer. Changes in the field

of architecture echo the trends in all of the design fields where radical improvements in

communications and technology have enabled a democratization of design.

Consequently, the general public has changed its perception of and value placed on

design. Today, availability and affordability are the criteria influencing consumer choices

about design. As happened in fashion and in furniture design, the new economic

implications are turning design products of all types into commodities.

Architectural design is encountering a similar evolution, where the general public expects

architects to provide design services with an emphasis on architecture as a product of

consumption. As a result, now more than ever before architects are required to generate

original designs, but also to ensure that they can deliver these designs on time and within

budget restrictions. This necessity to provide broader services will put additional pressure

on architects during the stages of project execution, already often problematic due to the

great deal of complexity and coordination involved in bringing a project to completion.

As global markets succeed and information becomes more easily available, domain

standardization for design and construction methods is fast becoming a common

language for remote interaction. The international use and commercialization of

predominant brands for construction components and products, transforms them into

preferred industry standards, becoming common knowledge for teams from many

different locations. Without a doubt, technological convergence allows further connection

and facilitates Workshare between diverse and/or dispersed project teams. However, as

technologies change the factor of adaptability must be examined. An increasing exchange

of global architectural services brings the added difficulty of dealing with the particular

requirements of each architectural environment: local codes and regulations, industry

methods and standards, and cultural principles. Nevertheless, the proliferation of young

architects, with a global architectural education and, consequently, with a broader

perception of multicultural platforms of practice addresses these difficulties.

The overall fragmentation of the AEC industry and the particularities of knowledge

iteration in the implementation of building design have impeded architectural outsourcing

adoption within the field of architecture until now. Nonetheless, the field of architecture,

although slow to adopt this work practice, is not immune to this global trend which has

generated certain geographical expertise concentrations for providing architectural

outsourcing in countries such as India, Philippines, and China. Architectural outsourcing

providers can be characterized by their geographical dispersion.

The availability of talented manpower, lower costs and best infrastructure has helped

architectural outsourcing to India gather commendable speed. With the increase in

offshore demands and wielding the latest software and technical skills, architectural

designing outsourcing in India serves clients from the UK, the US and the Middle East. A

number of small-medium firms with 50+ employees have mushroomed across the country

offering quality services at a fraction of the cost. The growth in the industry has been so
spectacular that the rupee crunch and fall in the number of skilled resources has not

drastically affected most firms.

Industry estimates predict architectural outsourcing will form the second largest segment

in the service industry of India. Offshore architectural outsourcing poses enough benefits

to the overseas markets, which is the reason behind a marked growth in the demand for

these services in leading KPO (knowledge process outsourcing) industries in India.

Accounting to $16.7 billion in revenue, India is expected to contribute to two-third of the

global KPO by 2011. Several architectural design outsourcing companies in India have

bagged small scale design projects abroad, mainly from the US, the UK and the Middle

East.

5. Find or formulate or research tips on practicing as a freelance architect?

Freelancing can be a great option for architects looking for more autonomy and freedom

in their work. Although there are drawbacks to this kind of work, there are specific

strategies that you can use to overcome the challenges and uncertainties of going solo.

It is easy to look down on freelancing. Those who are employed by a traditional company

or firm see freelancing as an inferior work model that automatically implies less financial

security and suggests to employers a loose definition of responsibility. People often

imagine freelancers as slumming it in their pajamas doing just a few hours of work per

day, or as Jacks-of-all-trades, overworked and constantly chasing new commissions.

While data from recent studies and surveys show that freelancers do indeed work fewer
hours than those in traditional employment, the rising number of freelancers proves that

this trend is not waning. In fact, according to recent reports, increasing numbers of US

and European workers are choosing to go freelance.

A recent survey of the freelance economy, conducted by the NYC-based Freelancers

Union and the freelancing platform Up work, shows that the number of freelancers is

growing, making up 35% of the US workforce. The survey also showed that freelancers

are upping their rates and earning more than they did while in more traditional roles.

Around 63% of surveyed freelancers said that they chose to go freelance, which is a

significant jump from 53% in 2014. This also destroys the stereotype that freelancing is

a primary consequence of the recession. Although the economic crisis did play a major

role in the proliferation of freelancing, figures suggest that an increasing number of

workers are not forced into freelancing by unfortunate circumstances.

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of what freelancing is, we should make a distinction

between sole proprietorship and freelancing. A sole proprietor has to file appropriate

paperwork with local and state authorities to register his firm and acquire the option of

hiring workers. Freelancers don’t have the legal ability to hire employees. A freelancer

can later choose to file the necessary paperwork to acquire a taxpayer identification

number and a business license, in which case they are no longer registered as self-

employed but as a sole proprietor. While sole proprietors have to register the address of

their business, freelancers have the opportunity to work from anywhere in the country.
Freelancers can telecommute, work from home or work part-time in an office while

simultaneously pursuing their freelancing gigs outside work hours.

Working abroad depends on the type of requirements of each state, and will potentially

require you to file for specific Visas and permits. Self-employed EU citizens have the right

to work in any EU member state. As an EU national, you generally do not need a work

permit to work in a country within the EU, with a few exceptions. There are also several

freelancer associations that promote the interests of freelancers across the EU.

Some of the main advantages of being a freelance architect are: greater control over

every aspect of your business, more autonomy, and less bureaucracy that comes with

running or working in a large firm. Although the financial insecurity of freelancing is

typically linked to the volatile relationship between freelancer and client (as opposed to

established, long-term contracts with a single company), around 53% of freelancers

believe that having several employers is a more financially secure option than working

full-time for one business. The truth is that every job post-recession is relatively insecure,

as markets change and companies close or downsize.

However, having versatility and freedom also supposes a lack of employee support, as

offered in companies and firms. Freelancing can, in addition, be quite lonely. Not having

the opportunity to learn from superiors and talk things through with colleagues can be

an isolating experience, causing freelancers to become less productive. Furthermore,

managing work hours, figuring out rates, acquiring clients and protecting work can be
tricky hurdles to overcome. To circumvent these problems, freelancers are advised to

follow a few key guidelines:

Create Relationships and Affiliations

While there are many websites where you can find work, the best way to find work is the

same as with any other form of employment: through networks, connections, and

relationships with other architects, construction companies and builders. Keep in touch

with former co-workers and colleagues, join professional associations, and consider

teaming up with other professionals on new projects.

Figure out Your Rate

Some of the common mistakes that freelancers make is undercharging for their services,

thus lowering the standard for the entire freelancing community. Set up a contract that

ensures you get paid independently of the project development. Construction projects

often take months to complete. If you offer design services and commit yourself to a

project, you might consider asking for a monthly fee, or getting paid in installments. This

will ensure you get paid even when the firm doesn’t need you at specific times, or if the

project goes into overtime.

Protect Your Work

Don’t give usable digital copies of your work to anyone until you are paid. If you do give

anything away, it must be in accordance with your contract. Create read-only versions of

signature-protected files. Similarly, make sure to respect the intellectual property of your

clients. Stealing projects, violating authorship regulations and passing off other people’s

work as your own will not benefit you in the long run.

Setting up a freelancing business isn’t much different to running a firm. You’ll need

expertise, a good marketing strategy, and good relationships to compete against others

for work. It might be useful to start off by working full time in an office or studio before

going into freelancing. This can be a great learning experience and a way to gather a

number of contacts. What’s more, if you do decide to establish your own firm after a few

years of freelancing, the transition will go much more smoothly because you will be aware

of the similarities and differences.

Another smart strategy is to create additional income streams to support

your freelancing career. Similar to archipreneurs, freelancing architects are on a less

conventional career path, which brings with it a specific set of challenges. As with startups

and small to medium-sized businesses, it is important that freelancers have contingency

plans and income sources that get them through tough times. Start blogging, podcasting,

and creating digital products to get steady income streams that free you up to work on

the type of projects you want. Your brand identity and long-term success depend on it.
6. Create an architectural business plan integrating global practice.
 Republic of the Philippines

Congress of the Philippines

Metro Manila

Twelfth Congress

Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eighth day of July,
two thousand and three.

___o0o___

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266 ]

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION

FOR THE REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE, REPEALING
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 545, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN
ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES," AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in

Congress assembled:

ARTICLE 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Architecture Act of 2004."

SEC. 2. 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
service shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class and globally competitive through
inviolable, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and through regulatory
measures, programs and activities that foster their professional growth and development.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined as
follows:

1. "Architecture" is the art, science or profession of planning, designing and

constructing buildings in their totality taking into account their environment, in
accordance with the principles of utility, strength and beauty;
2. "Architect" means a person professionally and academically qualified, registered
and licensed under this Act with a Certificate of Registration and Professional
Identification Card issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture and
the Professional Regulation Commission, and who 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;
a. "Architect-of-record" means the architect registered and licensed under this
Act, who is directly and professionally responsible for the total design of the
project for the client and who shall assume the civil liability for the plans,
specifications and contract documents he/she has signed and sealed;
b. "Architecture-in-charge of construction" means an architect registered and
licensed under this Act, who is directly and professionally responsible and
liable for the construction supervision of the project;
c. "Consulting Architect" means the architect registered and licensed or
permitted to practice under this Act, who is professionally and academically
qualified and with exceptional or recognized expertise or specialization in
any branch of architecture;
3. "General Practice of Architecture" means the act of planning and architectural
designing, structural conceptualization, specifying, supervising and giving general
administration and responsible direction to the erection, enlargement or alterations
of buildings and building environments and architectural design in engineering
structures or any part thereof; the scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of
all the 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 of
whether such persons are performing one or all these duties, or whether such
duties are performed in person or as the directing head of an office or organization
performing them;
4. "Scope of the Practice of Architecture" encompasses the provision of professional
services in connection with site, physical and planning and the design,
construction, enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling, restoration or
alteration of a building or group of buildings. Services may include, but are not
limited to:
a. planning, architectural designing and structural conceptualization;
b. consultation, consultancy, giving oral or written advice and directions,
conferences, evaluations, investigations, quality surveys, appraisals and
adjustments, architectural and operational planning, site analysis and other
pre-design services;
c. schematic design, design development, contract documents and
construction phases including professional consultancies;
 d. preparation of preliminary, technical, economic and financial feasibility
studies of plans, models and project promotional services;
e. preparation of architectural plans, specifications, bill of materials, cost
estimates, general conditions and bidding documents;
f. construction and project management, giving general management,
administration, supervision, coordination and responsible direction or the
planning, architectural designing, construction, reconstruction, erection,
enlargement or demolition, renovation, repair, orderly removal, remodeling,
alteration, preservation or restoration of buildings or structures or complex
buildings, including all their components, sites and environs, intended for
private or public use;
g. the planning, architectural lay-outing and utilization of spaces within and
surrounding such buildings or structures, housing design and community
architecture, architectural interiors and space planning, architectural
detailing, architectural lighting, acoustics, architectural lay-outing of
mechanical, electrical, electronic, sanitary, plumbing, communications and
other utility systems, equipment and fixtures;
h. building programming, building administration, construction arbitration and
architectural conservation and restoration;
i. all works which relate to the scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of
all works and branches of the work, systems and process necessary for the
production of a complete building or structure, whether for public or private
use, in order to enhance and safeguard life, health and property and the
promotion and enrichment of the quality of life, the architectural design of
engineering structures or any part thereof; and
j. all other works, projects and activities which require the professional
competence of an architect, including teaching of architectural subjects and
architectural computer-aided design;
5. "Structural Conceptualization" means 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, cost-
effectiveness, functionality and aesthetics;
6. "Architectural Firm" means a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation
registered with the proper government agencies;
7. "Authorship" refers to the author or authors of a set of architectural plans or
specifications who are in charge of their preparation, whether made by them
personally or under their immediate supervision;
8. "Board" refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture;
9. "Commission" means the Professional Regulation Commission;
10. "Service Agreement" means a duly notarized written contract or equivalent public
instrument stipulating the scope of services and guaranteeing compensation of
such services to be rendered by an architect registered and licensed under this
Act;
 11. "Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization" means the existing official
national organization of all architects of the Philippines in which all registered
Filipino architects shall be members without prejudice to membership in other
voluntary professional associations;
12. "Continuing Professional Development" refers to a sustaining and progressive
learning process that maintains, enhances, or increases the knowledge and
continuing ability of architects;
13. "DTI" shall mean the Department of Trade and Industry; and
14. "SEC" shall mean the Securities of Exchange Commission.

ARTICLE II

PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECURE

SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board. – There is hereby
created a Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, hereinafter referred to as the
Board, a collegial body under the supervision and administrative control of the
Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to be
composed of a chairman and two (2) members appointed by the President of the
Philippines from a lists of three (3) recommendees chosen from a list of five (5) nominees
for each position submitted to the Commission by the integrated and the accredited
professional organization of architects. The Board shall be organized not later than six
(6) months from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board. – Each member

shall have at the time of his/her appointment, possess the following qualifications:

a. be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;

b. be a holder of a degree in Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by a
school, college or university in the Philippines or abroad that is recognized and/or
accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
c. be an architect with a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional
Identification Card and active practitioner of architecture for at least ten (10) years
on the date of his/her appointment;
d. not be a member of the faculty of any good school, college, university or review
institution where a regular course or review course in architecture is taught, nor
have pecuniary interest in such institution. No former member of the faculty of any
school, institute, university or review center where architecture is taught can
become a member of the Board unless he/she had officially resigned from such an
institution and has completely stopped teaching, advising or reviewing activities
for at least five (5) years prior to the nomination; and
e. Has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.
SEC. 6. Term of Office. – The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three
(3) years after appointment or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly
qualified. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member shall be filled for the
unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board may be reappointed for
one full term of three (3) years. Of the members of the Board first appointed under this
Act, one (1) member shall be appointed and hold office as chairman for three (3) years,
one (1) member for two (2) years, and one (1) member for one (1) year. Each member
of the Board shall qualify by taking the proper oath prior to the performance shall qualify
by taking the proper oath prior to the performance of their duties. Provided, That the
incumbent members of the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of their term
as members of the herein created Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture until a
new Board shall have been properly organized.

SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. – The Board shall exercise the following
specific powers, functions and responsibilities:

a. Prescribe and adopt the rules and regulations necessary for carrying out the
provisions of this Act;
b. Supervise the registration, licensure and practice of architects;
c. Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
d. Issue, suspend, revoke, or reinstate the Certificate of Registration and the
professional Identification Card for the practice of the architecture profession;
e. Adopt an official seal of the Board;
f. Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of architecture and adopt such
measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of
high professional, ethical and technical standards of the profession;
g. Prescribe and/or adopt the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional
Practice;
h. Hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of this Act, its
implementing rules and regulations, the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of
Professional Practice, and for this purpose, to issue subpoena ad
testifcandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearance of witnesses
and the production of documents in connection therewith: Provided, That the
decision of the Board shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final and
executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice of judgment or decision.
The decision of the Commission may be appealed to the Court of Appeals in
accordance with the procedure under the Rules of Court;
i. Prescribe guidelines for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program
in consultation with the integrated and accredited professional organization of
architects: Provided, That the attendance to said CPD shall not be a mandatory
requirement for the renewal of a professional license;
j. Prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi of the subjects for examinations by
determining and preparing questions which shall be within the scope of the syllabi
 of the subject for examination as well as administer, correct and release the results
of the licensure examinations;
k. Approve, issue, limit or cancel temporary or special permit to practice architecture;
l. In coordination with the CHED, ensure that all higher educational instruction and
offerings of architecture comply with the policies, standards and requirements of
the course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library and
facilities;
m. To adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; and
n. Discharge such other duties and functions as may be deemed necessary for the
enhancement of the architecture profession and the upgrading, development and
growth of the architecture education.

The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, issued or promulgated by the Board shall
be subject to review and approval of the Commission. However, the Board’s decisions,
resolutions or orders rendered in administrative cases shall be subject to review only if
on appeal.

SEC. 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and
Support Services. – The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the
Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for examination, and
administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board shall be under the
custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board
and shall provide the secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions
of this Act.

SEC. 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members of the Board. – The President of
the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Commission, after giving the concerned
member an opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation to be
conducted by the Commission, may suspend or remove any member on the following
grounds:

a. Neglect of duty or incompetence;

b. Violation of tolerance of the violation of this Act, or its implementing rules and
regulations or the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice;
c. Final judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude; and
d. Manipulation or rigging of the architecture licensure examination results, disclosure
of secret and confidential information in the examination questions prior to the
conduct of the said examination or tampering of grades.

SEC. 10. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. – The chairman and members of
the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to that being received
by the chairman and members of existing regulatory Boards under the Commission as
provided for in the General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 11. Annual Report. – The Board shall submit an annual report to the Commission
after the close of each year giving a detailed account of its proceedings during the year
and making such recommendations as it may deem proper.

ARTICLE III

EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE

SEC. 12. Examination Required. – All applicants for registration for the practice of
architecture shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the Board
in such places and dates as the Commission may designate in accordance with the
provisions of Republic Act No. 8981.

SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. – Any person applying for
examination shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:

a. He/she is a Filipino citizen or a citizen of a foreign country qualified to take

the examination as provided for in this Act;
b. He/she is of good moral character;
c. He/she is a holder of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture
conferred by a school, college, academy or institute duly recognized 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 registered/licensed
architect: Provided, however, That an applicant holding a Master’s Degree
in Architecture from a school, college, university or institute recognized by
the government shall be credited one (1) year in his/her practical
experience; and
d. He/she has not been convicted of any criminal offensive involving moral
turpitude.

SEC. 14. Subjects for Examination. – The licensure examination for architects shall cover,
but are not limited to, the following subjects:

1. History and Theory of Architecture; Principles of Planning and Architectural

Practice;
2. Structural Design, Building Materials, and Architectural Specifications, and
Methods of Construction and Utilities;
3. Urban Design and Architectural Interiors; and
4. Architectural Design and Site Planning.

The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the
subjects and their syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises to conform to
technological changes brought about by continuing trends in the profession.
SEC. 15. Rating in the Licensure Examination. – To be qualified as having passed the
licensure examination for architects, a candidate must obtain a weighted general average
of seventy percent (70%), with no grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in any given
subject.

SEC. 16. Report of Ratings