Code of Ethics of Architects (Simplified Ver.) e.

​ Conduct timely inspections and issue

necessary certificates.
1.​ To the People
2.​ To his Client To Manufacturers, Dealers, and Agents
3.​ To the Contractor a.​ Decline free services or incentives that may
4.​ To Manufacturers, dealers, and agents compromise client interests.
5.​ To his colleagues and subordinates b.​ Do not accept commissions or gifts, except
trade discounts given to the client
To the People
a.​ Engage in community service, urban To Colleagues and Subordinates
planning, and heritage conservation. a.​ Work for just compensation, except for
b.​ Actively participate in professional minor charitable work.
organizations to uphold the profession. b.​ Compete fairly; avoid unethical solicitation
c.​ Follow laws and ethical standards, avoiding or undercutting fees.
acts that discredit architecture. c.​ c. Do not take over a project under contract
d.​ Advertise honestly, ensuring truthfulness in with another Architect.
practice. d.​ Refrain from joining competitions where you
e.​ Avoid seeking paid publicity or endorsing had prior involvement in the organization.
commercial materials. e.​ Ensure the termination of a previous
f.​ Claim specialization only if backed by actual Architect’s contract before taking over.
practice and expertise. f.​ Inform and credit the original Architect when
modifying their work.
To his Client g.​ Do not defame or discredit fellow
a.​ Showcase past works but do not provide professionals.
free preliminary sketches. h.​ Avoid associating with fraudulent
b.​ Establish clear contracts, scope of work, businesses or individuals.
and fees. i.​ Sign only documents and drawings
c.​ Provide professional judgment even if it personally supervised.
opposes the client's desires. j.​ Treat employees and apprentices fairly,
d.​ Give realistic cost estimates and avoid ensuring mentorship and growth.
misleading information. k.​ Contribute to knowledge-sharing and
e.​ Ensure public safety, functionality, and professional development.
aesthetics while addressing client needs. l.​ Uphold and advance the integrity of the
f.​ Charge fees are based on the Standards of profession.
Professional Practice (SPP).
g.​ Avoid lump sum contracts unless in
design-build services. RA 9266, or The Architecture Act of 2004
h.​ Accept compensation only from the client,
not from contractors or suppliers. Rule I – Title, Policy, Definition Of Terms, And
i.​ Disclose conflicts of interest that may affect Scope Of Practice
decisions.
j.​ Include arbitration clauses in contracts for Section 1: Title
dispute resolution. -​ Short title: "The Architecture Act of 2004"
-​ Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR):
To the Contractor "The IRR of the Architecture Act of 2004"
a.​ Provide accurate contract documents to
prevent construction errors. Section 2: Policy Statement
b.​ Ensure contractors are not penalized for -​ Recognizes architects as key contributors
issues beyond their control. to nation-building.
c.​ Reject substandard work or materials -​ Aims to develop competent, ethical, and
immediately. globally competitive architects.
d.​ Do not accept commissions, gifts, or favors -​ Ensures strict licensure examinations and
from contractors. regulatory measures.
Section 3: Definition of Terms -​ Adopt rules, standards, and ethical
●​ Architect: Licensed professional guidelines.
responsible for planning, designing, and -​ Monitor professional practice and CPD
supervising construction. compliance.
●​ Architect-of-Record: Responsible for total
design and civil liability of the project. Section 8: Supervision of the Board
●​ Architect-in-Charge of Construction: -​ Under the PRC (Professional Regulation
Oversees construction supervision. Commission).
●​ Consulting Architect: Has expertise or -​ PRC provides records, secretariat, and
specialization in a field of architecture. support services.
●​ General Practice of Architecture: Covers
planning, design, supervision, and Section 9: Grounds for Suspension or Removal of
management of buildings. Board Members
●​ Scope of Practice: Includes: -​ Neglect of duty, incompetence, or violations
-​ Site planning and design of RA 9266.
-​ Building construction, renovation, -​ Conviction of crimes related to moral
and restoration turpitude.
-​ Preparation of architectural plans, -​ Tampering with licensure exam results.
specifications, cost estimates
-​ Construction management, Section 10: Compensation and Allowances
arbitration, and conservation -​ Same as other regulatory boards under
PRC, per the General Appropriations Act.
Rule II – Professional Regulatory Board Of
Architecture Section 11: Annual Report
-​ The board submits yearly performance
Section 4: Creation and Composition of the Board reports to the PRC.
-​ Composed of: 1 Chairman and 2 Members
-​ Appointed by: The President of the Rule III – Examination, Registration, And
Philippines from a list submitted by UAP Licensure
(United Architects of the Philippines)
-​ Organized within: 6 months from the Section12: Examination Required
effectivity of the law -​ All applicants must take the licensure exam
to legally practice architecture.
Section 5: Qualifications of Board Members Section 13: Qualifications for Examination
1.​ Must be a Filipino citizen and resident. 1.​ Must be a Filipino citizen or foreign citizen
2.​ Holder of a BS Architecture degree under reciprocity agreements.
recognized by CHED. 2.​ Good moral character.
3.​ Licensed architect for at least 10 years. 3.​ Graduate of BS in Architecture from a
4.​ Not a faculty member or connected to a CHED-accredited school.
review center for at least 5 years. 4.​ Completed 2 years of diversified
5.​ Must not have been convicted of any crime architectural experience.
involving moral turpitude.
Section 14: Licensure Examination Subjects
Section 6: Term of Office 1.​ History, Theory, Planning, and Professional
-​ 3-year term, with one reappointment Practice
allowed. 2.​ Structural Design, Materials, and
-​ First Board appointments: Construction Methods
1 Chairman (3 years) 3.​ Utilities, Urban Design, and Interior
1 Member (2 years) Architecture
1 Member (1 year) 4.​ Architectural Design and Site Planning

Section 7: Powers and Functions of the Board Section 15: Passing Rate
-​ Administer licensure examinations. -​ 70% general average, no subject below
-​ Issue, suspend, or revoke licenses. 50%.
Section 16: Report of Ratings Section 32-33: Ownership of Plans
-​ Results submitted to PRC within 30 days -​ Architectural plans are intellectual property
after the exam. of the architect.

Section 17: Oath of Profession Section 35: Government Positions

-​ All successful candidates must take the -​ Within 3 years, all architecture-related
Architect’s Oath. government jobs must be filled by licensed
architects.
Section 18: Issuance of Certificate of Registration
and Professional ID Rule V – Final Provisions
-​ Valid for 3 years, renewable. Section 40: Integration of the Architecture
Profession
Section 19: Roster of Architects -​ UAP (United Architects of the Philippines) is
-​ PRC keeps a list of all registered architects. the official accredited organization.

Section 20: Architect’s Seal Section 41-42: Implementation and Appropriations

-​ Required on all architectural plans and -​ PRC and UAP must implement the law
specifications. within 60 days.

Section 21: Indication of Registration & Tax Section 43-44: Enforcement and Violations
Receipt -​ PRC is responsible for enforcing the law.
-​ Architect must indicate PRC number, ID -​ The government must prosecute violators.
validity, and tax receipt number on
documents. Section 47: Effectivity
-​ Law took effect 15 days after publication in
Section 22-24: Revocation and Suspension the Official Gazette.
-​ The license can be revoked for fraud,
negligence, or unprofessional conduct.
Acronyms
Rule Iv – Practice Of Architecture
Section 25: Registration Required Government Agencies and Regulatory Bodies:
-​ Only PRC-licensed architects can practice PRC – Professional Regulation Commission
and use the title "Architect" BOA – Board of Architecture (Professional
Regulatory Board of Architecture)
Section 26: Vested Rights CHED – Commission on Higher Education
-​ Existing registered architects are DOLE – Department of Labor and Employment
automatically recognized under RA 9266. DTI – Department of Trade and Industry
SEC – Securities and Exchange Commission
Section 27: Reciprocity for Foreigners Architectural and Construction Industry Bodies:
-​ Foreigners can only take the licensure UAP – United Architects of the Philippines, Inc.
exam if their country allows Filipinos to IAPOA – Integrated and Accredited Professional
practice there. Organization of Architects
PCAB – Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board
Section 28: Continuing Professional Development PDCB – Philippine Domestic Construction Board
(CPD) CIAC – Construction Industry Arbitration
-​ Managed by UAP and PRC. Commission
-​ Required for license renewal.
Professional Practice and Laws:
Section 29-31: Prohibited Acts & Penalties CPD – Continuing Professional Development
-​ Unauthorized practice: Fine of ₱100,000 - PTR – Professional Tax Receipt
₱5,000,000 or 6 months to 6 years PRB – Professional Regulatory Board (same as
imprisonment. BOA for Architecture)
-​ Government agencies must hire only RA 9266 – The Architecture Act of 2004
licensed architects.
RA 8293 – Intellectual Property Code of the
Philippines
RA 8981 – PRC Modernization Act of 2000

Additional Notes:

Architect-of-Record – The licensed architect

responsible for the design and liable for the project.
Architect-in-Charge of Construction – The
architect supervises the actual building process.
Consulting Architect – An expert architect
specializing in a particular field.
Service Agreement – A notarized contract stating
the architect's scope of services and
compensation.
Diversified Architectural Experience – The
2-year practical experience required before taking
the licensure exam.
Professional Identification Card (PIC) – The
PRC-issued ID for architects, renewed every 3
years.
Architect’s Seal – A stamp is required on all
official architectural documents.
Structural Conceptualization – The process of
planning and designing the structural framework of
a building.
Urban Design – Planning the physical layout of a
city, town, or district.