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
societys 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 Boards 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 Masters 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

o license... how much to pay licensed architect
to stamp drawings?
22
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10
HISTORY CONTACT

I was wondering what the general practice is for unlicensed architects to

get their drawings stamped prior to construction by a licensed architect.
Is their a typical rate or fee applied to such transactions?

AUG 8, 12 9:09 AM
curtkram
HISTORY CONTACT

go get your license. then you can stamp your own work.

AUG 8, 12 9:15 AM
10
HISTORY CONTACT

Can I get my license by working for myself?

AUG 8, 12 9:20 AM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT

Isn't this against practice ethics? I could swear it is...

AUG 8, 12 9:24 AM
toasteroven
HISTORY CONTACT

the architect of record won't just stamp your drawings - they're assuming
liability over the project, which means they'll need to review the drawings
for code and program issues, and various things related to construction
quality (and they're required by law to monitor construction) - and this will
be reflected in the price (it will be a lot more than you think - probably
anywhere between 5-20% of the total construction cost depending on the
size and complexity of the project - and how knowledgeable you are - I'm
guessing not so knowledgeable because you're asking how much an
architect will charge to stamp YOUR drawings). You should solicit
proposals based on the assumption that they'll probably take quite a bit of
time to review/revise your drawings and create a complete set of
construction documents and specifications.

no legitimate architect will just stamp drawings.

AUG 8, 12 9:45 AM
mantaray
HISTORY CONTACT

No, you can't get your license by working for yourself, and no, there isn't a
'typical' fee for any such transaction because it is a really bad idea. What
architect is going to want to take on professional liability for a project
they didn't design? If you did find someone who was willing to do it, you
can be sure that they're likely not a good/professional architect. I
suppose you might find an architect who was willing to completely review
all your drawings, revise as necessary, etcetera so that he/she was
completely comfortable submitting them under his/her own stamp... but
that's likely to take a lot of time & therefore cost quite a bit.

For perspective, I'm stamping something of my own for permit this week -
it's the simplest thing in the world, just a non-structural repair that
requires no drawings, just a description of the proposed repair and
affidavit from arch. or structural engineer, and I am still going over that
statement with a fine-toothed comb. My professional career rests on
such documents - I would never risk my professional career on anything
less than the absolute best of my own abilities, and cannot imagine
stamping something I did not fully oversee the development of. (Yes I
know that's bad grammar...)

AUG 8, 12 10:10 AM
mantaray
HISTORY CONTACT
sorry, didn't see toaster's response before posting mine... a bit redundant
now, sorry.

AUG 8, 12 10:12 AM
10
HISTORY CONTACT

Thanks for all of the good advice. I am feeling a little frustrated by the
registration process having just completed a fairly rigorous accredited
program. How come in some countries like France, Chile, Switzerland,
students can build right out of school but not here?

AUG 8, 12 10:14 AM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT

Most accredited programs are "rigorous". And its because we have a

much stricter system of codes for public safety than most European and
South American countries (you'l notice a drastic difference in egress).

AUG 8, 12 10:30 AM
wurdan freo
HISTORY CONTACT

The key in your position is to find another small company that you can
partner with. When they need help, you can provide assistance in
production or management or whatever. When you need help, they can
help you. Essentially you are being mentored by the other company, but
you are also bringing something to the table. It would be beneficial to
develop this relationship prior to getting the work that way you will know
if it is a good fit or not.

AUG 8, 12 12:11 PM
taiwanchu
HISTORY CONTACT

Oooh, major faux pas. The provincial regulation boards in Canada have
been cracking down on this from happening. It prohibits old hermit
architects from making money stamping drawings while living in the
mountains wearing capes like FLW.

AUG 8, 12 12:36 PM
"no legitimate architect will just stamp drawings."
Hehe...you're forgetting that there are a lot of illegitmate architects out
there who will do any number of things for money. I just got back from a
"meeting" with an architect and, yeah, she even swallowed it too.

"How come in some countries like France, Chile, Switzerland, students

can build right out of school but not here?"
If you've ever been to any of those countries then you would know that
their architecture is atrocious and they have nothing to lose by letting
anybody build. Also they have alot of inbreeding and bad hygiene. Really,
just not even a good comparison.

Yo!

AUG 8, 12 1:13 PM
curtkram
HISTORY CONTACT

I just got back...

so did you pay her or just tell her there is a prospect that might do some
tenant work in a few weeks and you might keep her in mind?

AUG 8, 12 1:32 PM
hartacus
HISTORY CONTACT

Well just like anything else you have people commenting on two extremes.
What you're referring to is rubber stamping. There are plenty of architects
willing to rubber stamp construction documents, especially in a bad
economy.

I'm in the middle of taking the ARE and it's not that bad. It is rigorous but
fairly so. We don't want to cheapen the profession now do we?

The NAAB accredited school thing is bullshit though. There was one state
school in NY that was NAAB accredited that was all the way up in Buffalo.
All the others were 40-50,000 a year and were a horrible investment for
most people. I went to a 4 year architectural program and was much
more knowledgeable when I graduated than a lot of the people I have met
from 5 year programs. (I was a carpenter for 5 years before and during
school too.) The 4 year school I went to was more tech based than design
based. I never planned on being the next Le Corbusier and this helped a
lot when practicing in the real world.

The biggest problem with architecture in America is the AIA and NCARB.
I never plan on using the AIA documents, why have them on one of my
exams? It's them trying to brain wash everyone if you ask me. I will also
not be able to join NCARB because I didn't pay $50,000 for an extra year
of school or move to Buffalo. Thank God I can still be licensed in NYS but I
will also only be able to practice in NY. It really is unfair that two
COMPANIES have American architecture in a choke hold.

AUG 8, 12 1:56 PM
hartacus
HISTORY CONTACT

And I also think it cheapens the profession by calling it exams. Lawyers

have the bar, doctors have boards, architects and high school students
have exams. Why not just call it a test? Just had to vent.

AUG 8, 12 2:02 PM
toasteroven
HISTORY CONTACT

Hehe...you're forgetting that there are a lot of illegitmate architects out

there who will do any number of things for money

oh - I didn't forget. that's why I couched my statement. I'm sure once

you're knee-deep in lawsuits you'll wish you hadn't risked your license and
career just to make a couple bucks. You'd have to be pretty desperate to
do that sort of shit. Besides I'm not sure you even want to be associating
yourself with this sort of disreputable behavior - talk about a bad way to
start out your career.

AUG 8, 12 2:08 PM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT
or gauntlets for funsies

AUG 8, 12 2:08 PM
mantaray
HISTORY CONTACT

We have stricter safety codes, as Rand H mentioned, and also the legal
code throws more liability onto the heads of professionals in this country
(and contractors are not seen as professionals). In Europe builders are a)
more experienced / better trained and b) more legally responsible for the
buildings they build.

As an architect in this country you are potentially liable for even the most
extreme, odd things that you couldn't have even really had any control
over. I have seen the stupidest shit go into lawsuits...

AUG 8, 12 2:11 PM
hartacus
HISTORY CONTACT

I like it! Im studying for the architectural gaunlet. Sounds good. Lol

AUG 8, 12 2:17 PM
Erik Evens (EKE)
HISTORY CONTACT

My office has performed the service of executive architect on several

projects for design architects who are out of the state or from another
country. We just finished an enormous residential estate for an American
client, and partnered with his design architect, who's from France. But
we would never sign someone else's documents. We always do some or
all of the Design Development, and draw all the CDs and write the
specifications.

We establish a fee for this kind of project by fee-splitting: conferring with

the design architect, and agreeing to a mutual scope of work for each
phase. It's usually something like 90% Design Architect-10% Executive
for Schematic Design, 40%-60% for Design Development, 10%-90%
Construction Docs, and 10%-90% Construction Administration. Then we
pro-rate our normal fee based on those percentage splits.

I'd never assume responsibility for a project that we didn't coordinate and
draw.

AUG 8, 12 2:45 PM

Donna Sink
HISTORY CONTACT

10, how do you know you need a stamp for this project?

I can't add anything to what has already been said here, but I don know
my state (Indiana) explicitly states in their code that plan-stamping - their
term - is illegal.

AUG 8, 12 9:44 PM

Keith Carlson
HISTORY CONTACT

Agreed, don't start your career on this foot. Check with the building dept
in person to verify if you need a stamp. I've always thought of it as being
illegal, and I'm amazed at how prevalent it is within the profession.

AUG 8, 12 10:32 PM
Apurimac
HISTORY CONTACT

I'm not quite sure I understand where this ethical quandary is coming
from - the architect of record is usually completely separate form the
design architect. There are people whose entire firms are built around
"plan stamping". It is in no way unusual for an RA licensed in multiple
states to stamp for a firm doing work out of its usual jurisdictions, and all
the stamper's I've worked for have been completely professional, made
wise comments and got paid very fat fees for very little work. If anything,
it's one more level of eyes on the sheet before it hits the review table, and
that's never, ever, a bad thing.

Now people who stamp drawings without looking at them on the other
hand...

AUG 8, 12 10:38 PM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT

He isn't looking for an Architect of Record to create his technical

drawings and handle other aspects of the process, he is wanting the last
thing you mentioned and that is the ethical issue. He clearly asks how
much it would be to have an RA stamp HIS dwgs. This is pro-practice 101
and enters the realm of affecting public safety (what the stamp
represents).
AUG 8, 12 11:59 PM
Apurimac
HISTORY CONTACT

Well, if 10 is professionally competent, with alot of experience, he/her has

every right to seek out someone who can look over their drawings,
comment, and apply their stamp. That's up to 10 and the person who
stamps the drawings. Why do we always assume everyone's motive is
malevolent?

10- if you're actually on the up-and-up you can expect to pay the RA no
less than about 20% of your take, most will probably charge more.
Understand your paying them for taking on all the liability, so don't turn
up your nose if they ask for half. You'll be very hard pressed to find the
rare RA who will just stamp the dwgs for you, no questions asked, and
frankly THAT is unethical and could get you both in court.
AUG 9, 12 1:19 AM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT
If you read through some of the thread responses, he/she just graduated
and the wording is just asking for a stamp. There's no assumption,
just naivete on an ethical/safety issue.

AUG 9, 12 1:47 AM
hartacus
HISTORY CONTACT

To be honest you can find someone that charges $250 each time. Youll
have to shop around but they're out there. Some architects will tell you
20% or more. Some times in todays economy 250 ends up being 50% for a
legalization out something. It's kind of like buying drugs. They're out there
you just need to know where to shop.

AUG 9, 12 7:11 AM

Keith Carlson
HISTORY CONTACT

My interpretation and experience is that being an architect of record and

simply stamping drawings are two totally different things. Just an
observation, but if we, as architects, do not respect or value what we do,
how can we expect the general public to?

AUG 9, 12 8:38 AM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT

The general public hardly even knows what architects do. They can't
value something they don't understand and no one tries to explain it to
them. There are no AIA campaigns for public awareness, the closest thing
is a charity even here and there that is just good PR for firms. Almost
every architectural organization I can think of is introverted.

AUG 9, 12 10:31 AM
Rusty!
HISTORY CONTACT

Also make sure you don't braid someone's hair without a license.
A great planet money episode. In the '50s 1 in 20 jobs required
certification or licensing. Today it's 1 in 3. Since most of the licensing is
state controlled, it makes it really hard for people to go where the jobs
are. Interesting take.

So you'll need a licensed professional to get your hair did. I'm still waiting
from anyone to state exactly how licensing in architecture ensures better
code compliance. It either complies, or it don't. And there is a whole
review process that determines such.

Protection rackets are protection rackets.

AUG 9, 12 11:16 AM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT

Think of how many bad architects there are, now think of how many more
there would be if there was no licensing.

AUG 9, 12 11:30 AM
toasteroven
HISTORY CONTACT

@rand - the general public doesn't know why it's a good idea to hire
a licensed GC (and not your cousin who has a few tools and a truck) and
can't even spend a few bucks to get a permit just for the inspections.
everyone thinks they're so clever cutting corners and doing things "under
the radar" - or stubbornly doing things themselves... Hiring an architect is
the complete opposite of this attitude.
AUG 9, 12 11:42 AM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT

If it isn't residential, it is sometimes because they are required to hire an

architect, not because they choose to. And those who hire a residential
architect aren't the majority of people.

AUG 9, 12 11:55 AM
tintt
HISTORY CONTACT
What kind of project is it? I've gotten by with just an engineer's stamp
before.

AUG 9, 12 12:01 PM
On the fence
HISTORY CONTACT

What is an unlicensed architect?

AUG 9, 12 12:29 PM
RH-Arch
HISTORY CONTACT

A relative of the unicorn.

AUG 9, 12 12:46 PM
Rusty!
HISTORY CONTACT

"What is an unlicensed architect?"

You (assuming you're licensed) visiting another state.

AUG 9, 12 12:59 PM
Janosh
HISTORY CONTACT

Sad: when I hear unlicensed individuals who don't know how to obtain a
permit for their projects puzzle over why an architectural license might be
necessary. Frustrating: is when my teaching colleagues say the same
thing, and then don't know how to use the building code.

AUG 9, 12 2:22 PM
hartacus
HISTORY CONTACT

"What is an unlicensed architect?"

I would prefer unregistered architect. I personally do everything and I am

not registered yet. I do everything from selling to expediting and even
project management. I calculate parking, structure, drywells, while
designing, meeting, code research, and etc. I have not had a single
complaint and most my clients even make me dinner when they find out
I'm not married. (Very unusual for NY) I do every single thing if not more
than most architects. I am only 1/7th registered but I am still an architect.
That's like the state telling me I cant be christian if I
don't fulfill their requirements. Was Marcus Vitruvius a registered
architect? What about Andrea Palladio?

Note: All work mentioned above is under the direct supervision of a NYS
registered architect. ;)

AUG 9, 12 4:15 PM
curtkram
HISTORY CONTACT

That's like the state telling me I cant be christian if I don't fulfill their
requirements. Was Marcus Vitruvius a registered architect? What about
Andrea Palladio?
like that, except without the separation of church and state thing in the
constitution, and the state regulations that include requirements for when
a person calls themselves an architect. Vitruvius and Palladio may have
been architects according what their state's regulations were at the
time. If they showed up in New York today, then a) no, they would not be
architects and b) we would have other things to worry about. such as the
zombie apocalypse.

i stayed at a holiday inn once. that does not make me a physicist.

go get your license. then you get to call yourself an architect.

AUG 9, 12 4:27 PM
jeffry_136
HISTORY CONTACT

@10 What you should probably do is GET your license and then open a
clearing house for set stamping. Just sit back and rake it in. Ask yourself
why this hasn't been done yet and the prevalent quandary of this thread
will be answered.
Before I was licensed, I did a little attic renovation. I spoke with the
building inspector prior to the work, and he assured myself and the client
that no license would be required. BUT, halfway through construction the
same inspector questioned the dimensions of a ridge beam and
subsequently required either an architect's stamp or engineer's stamp to
proceed. The client ended up paying an engineer 5,000 dollars to
essentially stamp my solution (that I had calculated) and the project was
completed. My total design fee was about 2,000 bucks. Construction
costs were around 20,000.

Moral of the story, when stamps are required and you don't provide them,
they cost a lot of money. Supply and demand.

Get your license.

AUG 9, 12 5:22 PM
hartacus
HISTORY CONTACT

When I am licensed I will never SEAL the drawings of someone else. For
the assumed liability it wouldn't be worth it. I would also never rob a
bank, however; there are plenty of crackheads that do. Keep searching
and you will find someone to seal your drawings for a couple hundred
bucks. They are out there.

AUG 9, 12 7:31 PM
shinmei
HISTORY CONTACT

1) $200 is probably the lowest you'll find for a structural engineer to seal
your drawings. And that is if your math is immaculate, your beams are all
correctly sized and the drawings don't require markup.

2) No, of course nobody blindly seals drawings since people love to sue
architects (and the legality concern is of course legitimate), but contrary
to some responders' panic-stricken tone, your situation is really quite
common in the industry among perfectly competent and professional
individuals. If you have a manageable project with no 80' cantilevers or
anything, go buy one of your registered friends some beers and offer to
throw a couple hundred their way or whatever, and bada-bing - done.
There should be no guesswork on a few beams and trusses unless you
and everyone you know failed Structures. If it is a huge sprawling
complex, then obviously more intense calculation would be required, and
nobody would want to touch that unless they become fully involved in the
project (doing specs and CD's, etc.) and you will really have to cough up
sizable fundage for a fair fee.

Good luck!

NOV 2, 12 2:32 PM
REALARCHITECT
HISTORY CONTACT

why doesnt anyone seem to understand terminology, once you pass the
exams you are licensed, when you are permitted to work in any particular
state you are registered. If you have neither you are not an Architect,
period. There is no such thing as an unlicensed or even unregistered
Architect, unless you are retired and have surrendered or suspended your
registration. You cannot use prefixes, suffixes or any other descriptive
language to circumvent the law. The very word "Architect" is protected
under NYS law and you may not use it unless it is in a sentence like, "I am
not an Architect". incidentally if you're toting yourself as being a capable
and as smart as Architects, and that you do more than most, then why
don't you sit for the exam? Why deal with the legal issues, additional
expense of getting someone to stamp it and the absence of liability
insurance? My guess is it's because you're a victim of your own delusion.

NOV 12, 12 11:51 AM

jla-x
HISTORY CONTACT

I'm a REALARCHITECT look at my name it's REALARCHTECT...Your name

is not REALARCHITECT its not even FAKEARCHITECT because you can't
even use the ARCHITECT part...

NOV 12, 12 3:49 PM

huntfix
HISTORY CONTACT
Is there an age limit for this site, if not there should be. jla-x, real
architect made a valid point and quoted the law. This site is for
professional guidance and information not childish comments. Grow up.

NOV 13, 12 1:06 PM

future hope
HISTORY CONTACT

FYI: Chapter 1 of the IBC/IRC describes which projects require

professional stamps.

NOV 13, 12 10:32 PM

threadkilla
HISTORY

I interviewed for a job with one of the big residential builders in the city
about half a year ago. They asked me about my professional goals, and
were baffled to hear that I wanted to complete IDP, take them tests, and
get registered as an architect.

They frankly didn't understand any of the reasons I presented for having
such a 'lofty' future ahead of myself, such as a)wanting to work on a
variety of projects of diverse scales; b)loving to design and being good at
learning all matter of things in the process; c) thinking that the licencing
process and membership in the professional association are there to
protect the public from ethical and health/safety issues. At the end of the
day - after I'd completed two schematic sets of reworked plans for two of
their existing "home models" for the second interview - all they seemed to
be interested in is my familiarity with the building code, and my ability to
produce exterior renderings faster or cheaper than the guy that they were
using at the time.

The vast majority of residential design in Canada is carried out by

companies just like the one I'm talking about , companies managed by
people with no respect or interest for Architecture and all
the hopscotch gymnastics that accompany it in both the design and
licensure processes. To add to Randh's point above, these same builders
are excellent at marketing their services to the general public, which as
far as I can tell, often equates these services with their understanding of
what architecture is.
NOV 14, 12 12:16 AM
threadkilla
HISTORY

To sum up - it seems to me that, with some exceptions, the value of a

licence is artificially inflated by the registration boards and other
professional associations, which cling to the words Architect and
Architecture as a first line of defense against competition, while offering
little added benefits beyond a relatively small contribution to liability
insurance, and the option of actually expanding the scope of practice for
those individuals that become registered. Although, based on some of the
above comments, the system does seem to enable some people to feel
respect and value for the work they perform - because their stamp carries
with it the significance of their exclusive status in the industry...
NOV 14, 12 12:38 AM
REALARCHITECT
HISTORY CONTACT

There are some jurisdictions that allow people to prepare plans for
certain types of work. This does not however entitle someone to use the
work "Architect" or allow them to claim that they provide "Architecture"
or "Architectural" services. It just means that plans do not need to be
stamped. The stamp is the equivalent of an Architects testimony in court
and it is the legal requirement to identify the individuals who have the
authority to make such testimonies. Furthermore it allows them to obtain
professional liability insurance, have a board that they must answer to if
they break the law or rules of practice and requires them to maintain their
training through continuing education. In addition, anyone who violates
the rule that protects the word "Architect" and it's many forms is
committing a misdemeanor and are jeopardizing their own ability of being
issued a license later on down the road. To obtain a license you must be
of sound moral character, this would violate such a requirement. This is
not publicized even though it is a matter of public record. Individuals
therefore learn this lesson the hard way after they're caught. A word to
the wise it is certainly not worth the risk. Also, there have been many
cases that I'm aware of where individuals paid Architects to stamp their
plans, and when it went to court the Architect simply claimed that he did
not stamp the drawings. So the Architect absolved himself of
responsibility and the draftsman went to jail. I think the penalty was two
years, plus a fine and legal fees, not to mention being banned from ever
practicing in the field again. So if it's worth it for you, by all means go
ahead and risk your life. If you get locked up and banned it's one less
person for me to compete against in the future. PS - I am a real
"licensed" and "registered" Architect jla-x

NOV 14, 12 11:43 AM

threadkilla
HISTORY

If anyone was serious about protecting the integrity of

the word Architecture, would this really be happening in a search for
architectural roofing? What about the tired, but obvious example of
the myriad information and systems architects out there - a field that
continues to expand and propser, while the supposedly guarded
"Architecture" continues to lose relevance to the general public.
Ted Moseby is probably closest thing most people have for seeing what
architects do: the few times you see that whiny man whore work, he's
either perched at a drafting table with a t-square or gluing foam trees to a
cardboard model of a sloppy tower. I could argue that neither of those
activities requires anybody to stamp anything, but that's what a bunch of
people who watch TV associate with architecture. Even worse, people
who have HGTV often think watching those shows (which compress an
entire renovation into 20 minutes of television) is equivalent to a design
education.

Bottom line is, IDP and the licence are hurdles, which when cleared do
nothing to advance an individual's position in the discipline of
architecture, and do little else than set architects apart from
other licensed professionals in the building industry. Having
a licence does not make someone a good architect or even a good
businessperson, nor does it protect you from lawsuits. From what I
understand, the codes of practice in Canada and the US actually prohibit
an individual from being both the architect of record, and a GC on the
same project - eliminating design-build as a legitimate form of practicing
architecture. Where do the drawbacks stop and the benefits begin? If I am
missing something, would someone please explain?