SPP Standards of Professional Practice Quiz

SPP Documents: Standards of Professional Practice

• Standards of Professional Practice (SPP) is a required document under Section 41 of Republic Act No. 9266, the Architecture Act of 2004 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
• Within 60 days after the Act's effectivity, the Board, with Commission approval and coordination with the UAP (United Architects of the Philippines), adopts rules and regulations, a code of ethical conduct, and standards of professional practice. These become effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two major daily newspapers.
• The UAP is the integrated and accredited professional organization of architects in the Philippines.
• Document standards ensure uniformity, value, and professionalism in architectural practice, benefiting both architects and clients.
• The SPP document (SPP Document 201) outlines governing principles for architectural services, especially pre-design services.

Pre-design Services

• Basic architectural services have remained relatively unchanged over time, but architects must expand their services to meet client needs, industry standards, technology, and new laws.
• Early involvement of architects is beneficial to clients, allowing for objective project analysis, optimized building needs, and resource management.
• Pre-design services cover a broad range of activities, from problem identification to conceptualization of architectural and allied solutions.

Pre-Design Service Activities

• Consultation: Providing oral or written advice, attending conferences, making evaluations for a project, regardless of client decisions.
• Pre-feasibility studies: Using secondary information to assess a project's soundness, exploring various options. This often involves secondary data (electronic and printed).
• Feasibility studies: In-depth analysis of a project, based on pre-feasibility, assessing its viability considering future trends. Requires gathering primary data.
• Site selection and analysis: Determining appropriate locations for a project, considering site criteria, site evaluation, and building program requirements.
• Site utilization and land-use studies: Analyzing site's development potential, considering environmental impact and local regulations.
• Architectural research: Gathering primary and secondary research data for project conclusions.
• Architectural programming: Defining project needs (horizontal and vertical), establishing space characteristics.
• Space planning: Designing optimal space allocation, considering activity needs and functionalities. Analyses, consultations, and data gathering are used.
• Space management studies: Analyzing space needs in relation to the organization within a project, helping in the development of the architectural plan.
• Value management: Minimizing project costs without compromising functionality. Improving the design at a lower cost.
• Design brief presentation: Outlining project terms of reference, objectives, and requirements for architectural services, whether for public or private projects.
• Promotional services: Activities supporting acceptance and financial support for the project, acting as a representative of the client.

Manner of Providing Services

• Post initial meeting, architects must submit a pre-design service proposal for:
  • Scope of work
  • Payment methods
  • Client responsibilities
  • Other conditions of service
• Architect services can be provided individually, through associate staff, or through partnerships and collaborations.