Architecture Board Regulations

• Republic Act No. 9266, also known as "The Architecture Act of 2004," provides responsive and comprehensive regulation for architecture registration, licensing, and practice.
• It repeals Republic Act No. 545, formerly "An Act to Regulate the Practice of Architecture in the Philippines."
• The Act recognizes the importance of architects in nation-building and aims to nurture professional architects with excellent standards.

Definition of Terms

• "Architecture" is the art, science, or profession of planning, designing, and constructing buildings, considering their environment, utility, strength, and beauty principles.
• "Architect" is a professionally and academically qualified, registered, and licensed individual with a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card.
• An architect is responsible for advocating fair and sustainable development, welfare, and cultural expression in habitat.
• "Architect-of-record" is directly and professionally responsible for a project's total design and assumes civil liability for signed and sealed plans.
• "Architect-in-charge of construction" is responsible and liable for construction supervision.
• "Consulting Architect" possesses exceptional expertise or specialization in any branch of architecture.
• "General Practice of Architecture" involves planning, architectural designing, and structural conceptualization.
• It includes specifying, supervising, and administering building erection or alterations, and coordinating all processes scientifically and aesthetically.
• The practice involves unbiased studies, consultations, specifications, evaluations, investigations, contract documents, and oral advice.
• "Scope of the Practice of Architecture" includes professional services related to site, physical, and planning and the design, construction, enlargement, services such as architectural designing, structural conceptualization, consultations, schematic.
• "Structural Conceptualization" includes conceiving, choosing, and developing the type, disposition, arrangement, and proportioning of structural elements.
• "Architectural Firm" includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations registered with government agencies.
• "Authorship" refers to the author(s) of architectural plans or specifications.
• "Board" refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture; "Commission" refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.
• "Service Agreement" includes a notarized contract stipulating services scope and guaranteeing architect compensation.
• "Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization" means all registered architects of the Philippines without prejudice to membership in other associations.
• "Continuing Professional Development" (CPD) refers to enhances architects' knowledge and abilities.
• "DTI" means the Department of Trade and Industry; "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture

• There is creation of a Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, a collegial body under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission.
• The Board is composed of a chairman and two members appointed by the President from a list of recommendees.
• Board members must be citizens and residents of the Philippines.
• Board members must hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree, be registered architects, and have at least ten years of active practice.
• Board members must not be faculty of architecture schools or have a pecuniary interest in them, and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.
• Board members term of office is three years.
• Vacancies are filled for the unexpired term, and members may be reappointed for one full term.
• The Board has the power to prescribe rules, supervise registration, administer oaths, and issue/revoke certificates.
• The Board adopts an official seal.
• The Board monitors the practice of architecture and sets ethical standards.
• The Board hears administrative cases but decisions can be appealed.
• The Board prescribes CPD guidelines which is not a mandatory requirement for professional license renewal.
• The Board prepares syllabi for examinations.
• The Board approves, issues, limits, or cancels temporary permits to practice architecture.
• The Board ensures architectural education standards and adopts a computerization program for licensure examinations.
• Board policies are subject to Commission review.

Administrative Matters

• The Board is under the Commission's administrative supervision.
• The Commission designates the Secretary of the Board and provides support services.
• Grounds for suspension or removal of Board members include neglect of duty, incompetence, violating laws, or rigging examination results.
• Board members receive compensation and allowances.
• The Board submits an annual report to the Commission.

Examination, Registration, and Licensure

• All architecture practice applicants must undergo licensure examinations.
• Applicants must be Filipino citizens or qualified foreign citizens, of good moral character, and hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree with two years of diversified experience.
• Master's Degree holders get one-year credit for practical experience.
• Applicants must not have any criminal offense involving moral turpitude.
• Examination topics include History and Theory of Architecture; Principles of Planning; Structural Design; and Urban Design.
• A weighted average of 70% with no grade below 50% is needed to pass.
• The Board submits ratings to the Commission within 30 days.
• Successful candidates take an oath and receive Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards upon fee payment.
• A register of architects is maintained.
• Licensed architects use a prescribed seal on architectural plans.
• All drawings issued will contain the seal and date.
• Government bodies shall not approve architectural plans or specifications that don't align with the Act’s provisions.
• It is unlawful for an architect to use their seal on plans not made under their supervision, or for others to sign work not performed by them.
• Sealed drawings and specifications are the architect's intellectual property.

Registration and Practice

• Architects indicate their Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card, and professional tax receipt information on documents.
• The Board cannot register individuals who misrepresented themselves, were convicted of moral turpitude, or are of unsound mind.
• The Board can suspend/revoke certificates for fraud, negligence, or misconduct.
• Grounds for suspension or revocation include signing plans not prepared by the architect, paying to secure registration, impersonating a practitioner, aiding unauthorized practice, or violating the Act.
• Revoked certificates can be re-issued after two years with proper application.
• Registration is required to practice architecture.
• Only registered architects can use the title "Architect" or prepare architectural plans.
• Registered architects at the time this law was passed are automatically registered.
• Non-citizens can take the Architect exam by specific provision of law.
• All practicing architects maintain continuing professional development.
• Those practicing architecture without registration or using false documents are subject to penalties.
• It is a misdemeanor to force an architect to perform services without a written contract.
• Representatives of non-registered persons cannot seek architectural work.
• Architects are liable for signing plans under another's supervision.

Business Practices

• A non-registered person cannot collect fees for architectural services and also cannot be in career, permanent, temporary, or contractual if not a registered architect.
• Architecture practices are to determine admission based on individual personal qualifications.
• Firms can register if Filipino architects compose at least 75% ownership.
• Firms must register with the SEC and the Board.

Temporary/Special Permits

• Foreign nationals can secure temporary permits to practice in foreign-funded projects under certain conditions; such must come from a country that allows Filipino professional to practice, expertise is needed, counterpart must work wit the Filipino and they shall equally split taxes.

Final Provisions

• The architecture profession must be integrated into one national organization accredited by the Board and registered with the SEC.
• The Board must adopt implementing rules and regulations within 60 days and is in charge of enforcement of the act
• The integration provided such organization is a non-profit corporation to be governed democratically
• This act shall not be construed, affect or prevent the practice of any other legally recognized profession
• Law enforcements shall enforce the provision of this act and prosecute its violators
• Secretary of justice will act as legal advisor

Effectivity

• The Act will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two major newspapers.
• Republic Act No. 545 and inconsistent laws are repealed.

This lesson covers the regulations and powers of the architecture board. It highlights the board's authority to issue, suspend, and reinstate certificates. The content also describes board's role in supervising registration and upholding professional standards.