Can Filipino Architects Practice Interior Design?


In a landmark decision authored by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Second Division of the Philippine Supreme Court resolved the conflicting provisions of two significant laws: Republic Act No. 544, also known as the Civil Engineering Law, and RA 9266, the Architecture Act of 2004. The ruling clarified that only registered and licensed architects are authorized to sign architectural documents. However, it notably acknowledged that interior designers are permitted to prepare, sign, and seal architectural interior or interior design documents.

The ruling delineated specific documents that may be prepared, signed, and sealed by registered architects or interior designers. These include space plans, architectural interior perspectives, furniture layouts, access plans, detail designs, and various other elements crucial to interior design projects.

2. Only registered and licensed architects, or interior designer may prepare, sign, and seal the following architectural interior/interior design documents: 

 

a. Space Plan/s or layout/s of architectural interior/s. 

b. Architectural interior perspective/s. 

c. Furniture/furnishing/equipment/process layout/s. 

d. Access plan/s, parking plan/s and the like. 

e. Detail design of major architectural interior elements. 

f. Plan and layout of interior, wall partitions, furnishing, furniture, equipment/appliances at a scale of at least 1: 100. 

g. Interior wall elevations showing: finishes, switches, doors and convenience outlets, cross window sections with interior perspective as viewed from the main entrance at scale of at least 1: 100. 

h. Floor/ceiling/wall patterns and finishing details. 

i. List of materials used. 

j. Cost Estimates.  

2. Only registered and licensed architects, or interior designer may prepare, sign, and seal the following architectural interior/interior design documents: 

a. Space Plan/s or layout/s of architectural interior/s. 

b. Architectural interior perspective/s. 

c. Furniture/furnishing/equipment/process layout/s. 

d. Access plan/s, parking plan/s and the like. 

e. Detail design of major architectural interior elements. 

f. Plan and layout of interior, wall partitions, furnishing, furniture, equipment/appliances at a scale of at least 1: 100. 

g. Interior wall elevations showing: finishes, switches, doors and convenience outlets, cross window sections with interior perspective as viewed from the main entrance at scale of at least 1: 100. 

h. Floor/ceiling/wall patterns and finishing details. 

i. List of materials used. 

j. Cost Estimates.  



Despite these legal provisions, Filipino interior designers often encounter difficulties when attempting to sign and seal interior design drawings at City and Municipal Halls. This persistent challenge raises questions about the enforcement and understanding of relevant laws and regulations.

Article IV, Section 27. Issuance and Use of Seal. – A duly registered interior designer shall sign and affix the seal as approved and provided by the Board on all plans, specifications and contract documents prepared by him/her and/or under his/her direct supervision during the validity of his/her certificate of registration.

Officers and/or employees of the government, chartered cities, provinces, municipalities now or hereafter charged with the enforcement of the laws, ordinances or regulations relating to the construction or alteration of the interiors of buildings shall accept only those interior plans, specifications and contract documents which have been prepared by or under the supervision of a duly licensed interior designer and signed and sealed by him/her and submitted in full accord with the provisions of this Act.

Violation of the foregoing shall be ground for administrative and/or criminal action.

RA 10350, also known as the Philippine Interior Design Act of 2012, expressly regulates the practice of interior design, reserving it exclusively for duly registered interior designers. The law mandates that only plans, specifications, and contract documents prepared or supervised by licensed interior designers and bearing their seal should be accepted by government authorities for building construction or alteration projects.

Furthermore, RA 10350 imposes penalties for unauthorized practice, emphasizing the importance of adherence to registration requirements and professional standards in the field of interior design.

Article V, Section 34. Penal Clause. – The following acts shall be punished by a fine of not less than Three hundred thousand pesos (Php300,000.00) but not more than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than three (3) years, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

(a) Local Practitioner. –

(1) Practicing interior design, rendering work and consultations or rendering equivalent services as interior designer as defined in this Act or using the title "Interior Designer", "Interior Design Consultant", "Interior Design Stylist", or "Interior Design" or the official appendage title "IDr." in any signage, calling card, advertisement or any other mode of publicity without a valid certificate of registration and/or a valid professional identification card or a valid temporary/special permit;

While RA 10350 supersedes previous laws and regulations inconsistent with its provisions, questions persist regarding the extent to which architects may engage in interior design practice. The repealing clause of RA 10350 suggests that architects should refrain from practicing interior design, thereby reinforcing the regulatory framework established by the Interior Design Act.

Article V, Section 41. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act No. 8534 is hereby repealed. All other laws, decrees, executive orders and administrative issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby modified, superseded and/or repealed accordingly.

In conclusion, the legal landscape governing the fields of architecture and interior design in the Philippines remains complex, necessitating clear interpretation and consistent enforcement to ensure the protection of public interest and the integrity of professional practice.