MODULE 5 construction (referred to as “supervision” in some

countries), and project management.

5.1 UIA ACCORD on Recommended International
Background:
Standards Of Professionalism In Architectural Practice

Architects have been practicing their art and science

Recommended International Standards Of
since antiquity. The profession as we know it today has
Professionalism In Architectural Practice undergone extensive growth and change. The profile of
architects’ work has become more demanding, clients’
Principles of Professionalism requirements and technological advances have become
more complex, and social and ecological imperatives
Members of the architectural profession are dedicated to have grown more pressing. These changes have
standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence, spawned changes in services and collaboration among
and thereby bring to society unique skills and aptitudes the many parties involved in the design and construction
essential to the sustainable development of the built process.
environment and the welfare of their societies and
cultures. Principles of professionalism are established in
legislation, as well as in codes of ethics and regulations
Policy:
defining professional conduct:

● Expertise That the practice of architecture as defined above be

● Autonomy adopted for use in the development of UIA International
● Commitment Standards.
● Accountability

The UIA, through the programs of its national sections Architecture

and the Professional Practice Commission, seeks to
establish principles of professionalism and professional Definition:
standards in the interest of public health, safety, welfare,
and culture, and supports the position that The designation “architect” is generally reserved by law
inter-recognition of standards of professionalism and or custom to a person who is professionally and
competence is in the public interest as well as in the academically qualified and generally
interest of maintaining the credibility of the profession. registered/licensed/certified to practice architecture in the
jurisdiction in which he or she practices and is
Policy Issues responsible for advocating the fair and sustainable
development, welfare, and the cultural expression of
Practice of Architecture
society’s habitat in terms of space, forms, and historical
Definition: context.

The practice of architecture consists of the provision of

Background:
professional services in connection with town planning
and the design, construction, enlargement, conservation,
Architects are part of the public and private sectors
restoration, or alteration of a building or group of
involved in a larger property development, building, and
buildings. These professional services include, but are
construction economic sector peopled by those
not limited to, planning and land-use planning, urban
commissioning, conserving, designing, building,
design, provision of preliminary studies, designs, models,
furnishing, financing, regulating, and operating our built
drawings, specifications and technical documentation,
environment to meet the needs of society. Architects
coordination of technical documentation prepared by
work in a variety of situations and organizational
others (consulting engineers, urban planners, landscape
structures. For example, they may work on their own or
architects and other specialist consultants) as
as members of private or public offices.
appropriate and without limitation, construction
economics, contract administration, monitoring of
Policy: function of buildings so as to provide
them with internal conditions of comfort
That the UIA adopt the definition of an “architect” as and protection against climate;
stated above for use in developing UIA International ● Design skill necessary to meet building
Standards. users requirements within the constraints
imposed by cost factors and building
Fundamental Requirements of an Architect regulations;
● Adequate knowledge of the industries,
Definition: organizations, regulations, and
The fundamental requirements for procedures involved in translating design
registration/licensing/certification as an architect as concepts into building and integrating
defined above, are the knowledge, skills, and abilities plans into overall planning;
listed below that must be mastered through recognized ● Awareness of responsibilities toward
education and training, and demonstrable knowledge, human, social, cultural, urban,
capability, and experience in order to be considered architectural, and environmental
professionally qualified to practice architecture. conservation and rehabilitation;
● Development of a creative competence in
Background: building techniques founded on a
In August 1985, for the first time, a group of countries comprehensive understanding of the
came together to set down the fundamental knowledge disciplines and construction methods
and abilities of an architect (*). These include: related to architecture;
● Adequate knowledge of project financing,
● Ability to create architectural designs that project management, cost control and
satisfy both aesthetic and technical methods of project delivery;
requirements, and which aim to be ● Training in research techniques as an
environmentally sustainable; inherent part of architectural learning, for
● Adequate knowledge of the history and both students and teachers.
theories of architecture and related arts,
technologies, and human sciences; That architectural education involves the acquisition of
● Knowledge of the fine arts as an influence the following capabilities:
on the quality of architectural design; ● Design
● Adequate knowledge of urban design, - Ability to engage imagination, think creatively,
planning, and the skills involved in the innovate and provide design leadership
planning process; - Ability to gather information, define problems,
● Understanding of the relationship apply analyses and critical judgment and
between people and buildings and formulate strategies for action
between buildings and their - Ability to think three dimensionally in the
environments, and of the need to relate exploration of design
buildings and the spaces between them - Ability to reconcile divergent factors, integrate
to human needs and scale; knowledge and apply skills in the creation of a
● Understanding of the profession of design solution
architecture and the role of architects in
society, in particular in preparing briefs
that account for social factors; ● Knowledge
● Understanding of the methods of
Cultural and Artistic Studies
investigation and preparation of the brief
for a design project; - Ability to act with knowledge of historical and
● Understanding of the structural design, cultural precedents in local and world
construction, and engineering problems architecture
associated with building design; - Ability to act with knowledge of the fine arts as
● Adequate knowledge of physical an influence on the quality of architectural
problems and technologies and of the design
- Understanding of heritage issues in the built - Ability to act with innovative technical
environment competence in the use of building techniques
- Awareness of the links between architecture and the understanding of their evolution
and other creative disciplines - Understanding of the processes of technical
design and the integration of structure,
construction technologies and services
Social Studies systems into a functionally effective whole
- Ability to act with knowledge of society, and to - Understanding of services systems as well as
work with clients and users that represent systems of transportation, communication,
society’s needs maintenance and safety
- Ability to develop a project brief through - Awareness of the role of technical
definition of the needs of society. users and documentation and specifications in design
clients, and to research and define contextual realization, and of the processes of
and functional requirements for different types construction cost planning and control
of built environments
- Understanding of the social context in which
Design Studies
built environments are procured, of ergonomic
and space requirements and issues of equity - Knowledge of design theory and methods
and access - Understanding of design procedures and
- Awareness of the relevant codes, regulations processes
and standards for planning, design, - Knowledge of design precedents and
construction, health, safety and use of built architectural criticism
environments
- Awareness of philosophy, politics, and ethics
as related to architecture Professional Studies
- Ability to understand different forms of
procurement of architectural services
Environmental Studies
- Understanding of the fundamental workings of
- Ability to act with knowledge of natural systems the construction and development industries,
and built environments such as finance, real estate investment and
- Understanding of conservation and waste facilities management
management issues - Understanding of the potential roles of
- Understanding of the life cycle of materials, architects in conventional and new areas of
issues of ecological sustainability, activity and in an international context
environmental impact, design for reduced use - Understanding of business principles and their
of energy, as well as passive systems and their application to the development of built
management environments, project management and the
- Awareness of the history and practice of functioning of a professional consultancy
landscape architecture urban design, as well - Understanding of professional ethics and
as territorial and national planning and their codes of conduct as they apply to the practice
relationship to local and global demography of architecture and of the architects’ legal
and resources responsibilities where registration, practice and
- Awareness of the management of natural building contracts are concerned
systems taking into
account natural disaster risks
● Skill
- Ability to work in collaboration with other
Technical Studies architects and members of interdisciplinary
- Technical knowledge of structure, materials, teams
and construction - Ability to act and to communicate ideas
through collaboration, speaking, numeric,
writing, drawing, modeling and evaluation
 - Ability to utilize manual, electronic, graphic and accredited/validated/recognized architectural program in
model making capabilities to explore, develop, an accredited/validated/recognized university or an
define and communicate a design proposal equivalent institution, while allowing variety in their
- Understanding of systems of evaluation, that pedagogic approach and in their responses to local
use manual and/or electronic means for contexts, and flexibility for equivalency.
performance assessments of built
environments.
Accreditation/Validation/Recognition

Policy: Definition:

That the UIA adopt a statement of fundamental This is the process that establishes that an educational
requirements as set out above as the minimum basis for program meets an established standard of achievement.
development of UIA International Standards and seek to Its purpose is to assure the maintenance and
ensure that these particular requirements are given enhancement of an appropriate educational foundation.
adequate emphasis in the architectural curriculum. The
UIA will also seek to ensure that the fundamental
requirements will be constantly kept under review so that Background:
they remain relevant as the architectural profession and Validated criteria and procedures for
society evolve. accreditation/validation/recognition by an independent
organization help to develop well integrated and
coordinated programs of architectural education.
Education Experience shows that standards may be harmonized
and promoted by regular, external monitoring, in some
Definition:
countries, in addition to internal quality assurance audits.
Architectural education should ensure that all graduates Policy:
have knowledge and ability in architectural design,
including technical systems and requirements as well as That courses must be accredited/validated/recognized by
consideration of health, safety, and ecological balance; an independent relevant authority, external to the
that they understand the cultural, intellectual, historical, university at reasonable time intervals (usually no more
social, economic, and environmental context for than 5-years), and that the UIA, in association with the
architecture; and that they comprehend thoroughly the relevant national organizations of higher education,
architects’ roles and responsibilities in society, which develop standards for the content of an architect's
depend on a cultivated, analytical and creative mind. professional education that are academically structured,
intellectually coherent, performance-based and
outcome-oriented, with procedures that are guided by
Background: good practice.

Practical Experience/Training/Internship
In most countries, architectural education is
conventionally delivered by 4-6 years full-time academic Definition:
education at a university (followed, in some countries, by
a period of practical experience/training/internship), Practical experience/training/internship is a directed and
though historically there have been important variations structured activity in the practice of architecture during
(part-time routes, work experience etc.). architectural education and/or following receipt of a
professional degree but prior to
Policy:
registration/licensing/certification.
In accordance with the UIA/UNESCO Charter for
Architectural Education, the UIA
advocate that education for architects (apart from Background:
practical experience/ training/ internship) be of no less
than 5 years duration, delivered on a fulltime basis in an
To complement academic preparation in order to protect Registration/Licensing/Certification
the public, applicants for
registration/licensing/certification must integrate their Definition:
formal education through practical training.
Registration/licensing/certification is the official legal
recognition of an individual’s qualification allowing her or
him to practice as an architect, associated with
Policy: regulations preventing unqualified persons from
performing certain functions.
That graduates of architecture will be required to have
completed at least 2 years of
acceptable experience/training/internship prior to
registration/licensing/certification Background:
to practice as an architect (but with the objective of
working towards 3 years) while allowing flexibility for Given the public interest in a quality, sustainable built
equivalency. environment and the dangers and consequences
associated with the development of that environment, it
is important that architectural services are provided by
properly qualified professionals for the adequate
Demonstration of Professional Knowledge and
protection of the public.
Ability

Definition:
Policy:
Every applicant for registration/licensing/certification as
an architect is required to demonstrate an acceptable That the UIA promote the
level of professional knowledge and ability to the relevant registration/licensing/certification of the function of
national authority. architects in all countries. In the public interest, provision
for such registration/licensing/certification should be by
statute.
Background:

The public is assured of an architect’s knowledge and Procurement

ability only after he or she has acquired the requisite
education and practical experience/training/internship, Definition:
and demonstrated minimum knowledge and ability in the
comprehensive practice of architecture. These The process by which architectural services are
qualifications have to be demonstrated by examination commissioned.
and/or other evidence.

Background:
Policy:
Architects (through their codes of conduct) uphold the
That the acquired knowledge and ability of an architect interests of their clients and society at large before their
have to be proven by providing adequate evidence. This own interests. In order to ensure they have adequate
evidence must include the successful completion of at resources to perform their functions to the standards
least one examination at the end of the practical required in the public interest, they are traditionally
experience/training/internship. Necessary components of remunerated in accordance with either mandatory or
professional practice knowledge and ability that are not recommended professional fee-scales.
subject to an examination have to be proven by other There are international rules, such as the General
adequate evidence. These include such subjects as Procurement Agreement (WTO) and the EU Services
business administration and relevant legal requirements. Directive, that aim to guarantee the objective and fair
selection of architects. However, there has been an
increasing tendency recently to select architects, for both Policy:
public and private work, on the basis of price alone.
Price-based selection forces architects to reduce the The existing UIA International Code of Ethics on
services provided to clients, which in turn compromises Consulting Services remains in force. Member Sections
design quality and therefore the quality, amenity and of the UIA are encouraged to introduce into their own
social/economic code of ethics and conduct the recommended Accord
value of the built environment. Guidelines and a requirement that their members abide
by the codes of ethics and conduct in force in the
countries and jurisdictions in which they provide
Policy: professional services, so long as they are not prohibited
by international law or the laws of the architect’s own
To ensure the ecologically sustainable development of country.
the built environment and to protect the social, cultural,
and economic value of society, governments should
apply procurement procedures for the appointment of Continuing Professional Development
architects that are directed to the selection of the most
suitable architect for projects. Conditional upon adequate Definition:
resources being agreed among the parties, this is best
achieved by one of the following methods: Continuing Professional Development is a lifelong
learning process that maintains, enhances, or increases
● Architectural design competitions the knowledge and continuing ability of architects.
conducted in accordance with the
principles defined by the UNESCO-UIA
international competitions guidelines and Background:
approved by national authorities and/or
architectural professional associations. More and more professional bodies and regulatory
● A quality based selection (QBS) authorities require their members to devote time
procedure as set out in the UIA (typically at least 35 hours per year) to maintaining
guidelines; existing skills, broadening knowledge, and exploring new
● Direct negotiation based on a complete areas. This is increasingly important to keep abreast with
brief defining the scope and quality new technologies, methods of practice, and changing
of architectural services; social and ecological conditions. Continuing professional
Ethics and Conduct development may be required by professional
organizations for renewal and continuation of
Definition: membership.

A code of ethics and conduct establishes a professional

standard of behavior that guides architects in the
conduct of their practices. Architects should observe and Policy:
follow the code of ethics and conduct for each jurisdiction
in which they practice. That UIA urge its member sections to establish regimes
of continuing professional development as a duty of
membership, in the public interest. Architects must be
sure they are capable of providing the services they offer,
Background: and codes of conduct must oblige architects to maintain
a known standard in a variety of areas described under
Rules of ethics and conduct have as their primary object the “Fundamental Requirements of an Architect” and in
the protection of the public, caring for the less powerful future variations thereof. In the meantime, the UIA must
and the general social welfare, as well as the monitor the developments in continuing professional
advancement of the interests of the profession of development for registration renewal, recommend
architecture. guidelines among all nations to facilitate reciprocity and
continue to develop policy on this subject.
Scope of Practice Policy:

Definition: That architects should be allowed to practice in any form

legally acceptable in the country in which the service is
This is the provision of design and management services offered, but always subject to prevailing ethical and
in connection with land-use planning, urban design, and conduct requirements. The UIA, as it deems necessary,
building projects. will develop and modify its policies and standards to take
account of alternative forms of practice and varied local
conditions where these alternatives are thought to
Background: extend the positive and creative role of the architectural
profession in the interests of society.
As society has evolved, the creation of the urban and
built environment has become more complex. Architects
have to deal with an increasingly wide range of urban, Practice in a Host Nation
aesthetic, technical, and legal considerations. A
coordinated approach to building design has proved to Definition:
be necessary to ensure that legal, technical, and
practical requirements are met and that society’s needs Practice in a host nation occurs when an individual
and demands are satisfied. architect or corporate entity of architects either seeks a
commission or has been commissioned to design a
project or offer a service in a country other than
his/her/its own.
Policy:

That the UIA encourage and promote the continuing

extension of the boundaries of architectural practice, Background:
limited only by the provisions of codes of ethics and
conduct, and strive to ensure the corresponding There is an interest in increasing the responsible mobility
extension of the knowledge and skills necessary to deal of architects and their ability to provide services in
with any extension of boundaries. foreign jurisdictions. There is also a need to promote the
awareness of local environmental, social, and cultural
factors and ethical and legal standards.
Form of Practice

Definition: Policy:

The legal entity through which the architect provides Architects providing architectural services on a project in
architectural services. a country in which they are not registered shall
collaborate with a local architect to ensure that proper
and effective understanding is given to legal,
Background: environmental, social, cultural, and heritage factors. The
conditions of the association should be determined by
Traditionally, architects have practiced as individuals, or the parties alone in accordance with UIA ethical
in partnerships or in employment within public or private standards and local statutes and laws.
institutions. More recently, the demands of practice have
led to various forms of association, for example: limited
and unlimited liability companies, cooperative practices, Intellectual Property and Copyright
university-based project offices, community architecture,
although not all are allowed in all countries. These forms Definition:
of association may also include members of other
disciplines. Intellectual property encompasses the three legal areas
of patent, copyright, and trademark. It refers to the right
(sometimes guaranteed under the law of some nation Background:
states) of designers, inventors, authors, and producers,
to their ideas, designs, inventions, works of authorship, Depending on whether a country has protection of title or
and the identification of sources of products and function, (or both, or neither), the role and responsibilities
services. of professional institutes varies considerably. In some
countries, the statutory bodies also represent the
profession; in others, these
Background: functions are separate.

It is customary for members of professional institutes to

While many countries have some legal protection be expected to maintain a known standard. This is
covering the architect’s design, that protection is often achieved by adhering to codes of conduct promulgated
inadequate. It is not unusual for the architect to discuss by the professional institutes, and fulfilling other
ideas and concepts with a prospective client, requirements of membership, e.g. continuing
subsequently not be hired, and later find that the client professional development.
has used the architect’s ideas with no recompense. The
intellectual property of architects is, to some extent,
protected by international regulations. In the context of
the GATS, this is the agreement on trade-related aspects Policy:
of intellectual property rights, including trade in
counterfeit goods (TRIPS). The World Copyright In countries where professional bodies do not exist, the
Convention of September 16, 1955 is also of UIA should encourage members of the architectural
international significance. In Europe, the Revised Berne profession to form or lobby for the creation of such
Agreement of 1886 is binding in most states. bodies in the public interest.

Whether the desired purpose is to regulate title, regulate

function or simply to promote the interests of architects,
Policy: professional bodies should seek to ensure that their
members adhere to the UIA international standards, the
That the national law of a UIA member section should requirements of the UNESCO-UIA Charter for
entitle an architect to practice his/her profession without Architectural Education and the UIA International Code
detriment to his/her authority and responsibility, and to of Ethics and Conduct; keep up to date their knowledge
retain ownership of the intellectual property and and skills as required by the list of “Fundamental
copyright of his/her work. Requirements” (both current and as they evolve in the
future); and generally contribute to the development of
Governance of the Profession architectural culture and knowledge as well as the
Definition: society they serve.

Professions are generally controlled by a governing body

that sets standards (e.g. of education, ethical rules, and Building Project Delivery Systems
professional standards to be observed). The rules and
Definition:
standards are designed for the benefit of the public and
not the private advantage of the members. In some Building project delivery systems are defined as the
countries, certain types of work are reserved to the
contractual relationships between the project client and
profession by statute, not in order to favor members but
the other parties involved in the design, documentation
because such work should be carried out only by and construction of buildings.
persons with requisite education, training, standards and
discipline, for the protection of the public. Institutes have
been established for the advancement of architecture,
promotion of knowledge and-- by ensuring that their Background:
members perform to a known standard--protection of the
public interest. Traditionally building project delivery systems have
involved architects in the role of the project client’s agent,
with responsibility for the design, documentation and Policy:
administration of the building contract.
The architect’s compensation must be calculated to
Under many current and emerging building delivery recover all the architect’s costs in connection with the
systems the architect no longer acts as the agent of the fulfilment of the contract, with an allowance for risk and
project client. Therefore it is important that the roles, for building up an investment reserve and to allow for a
responsibilities and constraints placed on architects in fair profit. Appropriateness of the compensation is not
providing their services under different building project only measured by the architect’s obligations arising from
delivery systems are clearly understood. the specific contract but also with regard to the
architect’s general obligations towards the client, the
profession and to society as laid down in the UIA Accord
Policy: on

Architects should maintain high standards of Recommended International Standards of

professionalism and service under all forms of building Professionalism in Architectural Practice. Professional
project delivery systems. The skills of the architect are organizations should – for the benefit of the members of
unique in guiding project clients to achieve the most the profession as well as of the consumers as the
effective balance between risk, cost, time and design potential clients – actively involve themselves in setting
quality. up and maintaining information systems, based on
historical data, about the appropriate range of
compensation for the architectural services, differentiated
by type, size, complexity and construction quality
Development of Architects' Compensation
standard of projects.
Definition:
Architects shall not propose a fixed compensation to
undertake work where there is insufficient information on
Appropriateness of architects compensation is not only
the nature and scope of the project. Deliberately
measured by the architect’s obligations arising from the
undertaking work for a compensation insufficient to cover
specific contract but also with regard to the architect’s
the architects net expenses for providing an appropriate
general obligations towards the client, the profession and
level of professional service is unethical and considered
to society as laid down in the UIA Accord on
unfair competition.
Recommended International Standards of
Professionalism in Architectural Practice.

5.2 APEC Architect Operations Manual

Background:
What is APEC?
In view of the worldwide differences in cost levels and in
● The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
the range of architects professional work patterns and
(APEC) is an international forum
responsibilities and considering the legal constraints, any
composed of twenty-one member
attempt to develop something like a international cost
economies that have undertaken to act
information system for architects services would be a
collectively to promote economic and
vain undertaking.
technical cooperation within the
Therefore the UIA can only provide generally valid Asia-Pacific region.
principles and methodologies for the development of ● Its purpose is ‘to sustain the growth and
architect’s compensation systems under different development of the region for the
economical, business- management and professional common good of its peoples’.
conditions. The understanding of methods to develop the ● APEC builds on WTO General Agreement
appropriate compensation is vital for every architect in on Trade and Services (GATS) principles
any part of the world. for the progressive liberalization of trade
in services through the reduction of
regulatory restrictions, leading to
 reciprocal agreements between member ● Composition
economies where appropriate. ● Functions
● The Manual sets out the organizational - Constituent Bodies of the Central Council
structure of the APEC Architect - APEC Architect Register
framework and the rules and criteria that - Assessment of Candidates for Registration
underpin its operation. - Maintaining Standards
Member Economies of APEC Architect Central - Information and Communication
- Central Council Obligations
Council 2014

Australia, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Hong ● Authorization of Monitoring Committees

Kong China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, - Newly formed Monitoring Committees wishing
Republic of Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of the to establish a section of the APEC Architect
Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United Register must first be authorized by the Central
States of America Council to do so. Applications for authorization
must be accompanied by information on the
professional recognition/accreditation systems
APEC Architect in place in the economy and details of its
proposals for assessment of APEC Architect
An APEC Architect is a person who is registered, criteria, and any other information the Council
licensed or otherwise professionally recognized as an deems necessary.
architect in a participating economy, and whose name is
enrolled on a section of the APEC Architect Register
maintained by that economy. APEC Architects are bound Central Council
by host economy codes of professional conduct to
protect public health, safety and welfare. The Central Council has ultimate responsibility for all
matters relating to the APEC Architect framework. The
Council comprises at least one representative appointed
Criteria for admission to the APEC Architect by the Monitoring Committee of each economy
authorized to operate a section of the Register.
● An accreditation or recognition procedure
for education programs in architecture, The Central Council’s primary duty is to decide the
● A minimum period of post-graduation standards and criteria required for registration as an
practical experience, with specified APEC Architect and to establish operational procedures
requisites, for management of the APEC Architect Register.
● Fulfillment of registration, licensing or
● Maintenance of the APEC Architect
other requirements for full professional
Register
recognition, and
● Establishment of Monitoring Committees
● A minimum period of professional practice
● Oversight of the Reciprocal Recognition
as a registered or licensed architect, with
Framework
specified requisites.
● Administration of the APEC Architect
Project

Monitoring Committees
Administrative Provisions/Arrangements - The
Take responsibility for administration of the APEC
Architect framework in that economy. The primary duty of Secretariat
a Monitoring Committee is to operate a section of the
APEC Architect Register for the enrolment of APEC Responsibility for providing administrative services for
Architects registered/licensed in that economy. the APEC Architect Central Council and acting as the
project Secretariat is undertaken in rotation by
participating economies. The economy performing this
role at any time may share its duties with other Benchmark refers to an agreed level by which others
economies or it may be exempted from them on request. can be measured.

The Central Council Secretariat is responsible for the Certification refers to the issuance of a certificate or
conduct of Council meetings and the management of license to those who have met specified requirements for
Council records, maintenance of the APEC Architect registration.
website and administration of its finances during its term
of office. Country of Origin refers to the ASEAN Member Country
where the Architect has an existing license to practice
architecture.

5.3 ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Criteria or Standards refers to a specification of

qualities required to be met.
Architectural Services
Graduate Architect refers to a natural person who holds
Art. 1 - Objectives of the Arrangements the nationality of an ASEAN Member Country and has
satisfactorily completed an architectural program that is
● to facilitate mobility of Architects;
assessed as meeting required criteria in architecture
● to exchange information in order to
determined by a recognized professional architectural
promote adoption of best practices on
body or state authority.
standards of architectural education,
professional practice and qualifications; Host Country refers to the country where the ASEAN
● to conform to the spirit of ASEAN Architect (AA) applies to work, either in independent
co-operations based on fair distribution of practice or in collaboration with the local licensed
resources and benefits through Architect, where appropriate to practice architecture.
collaborative researches; and
● to encourage, facilitate and establish Practice of Architecture refers to the provision of
mutual recognition of Architects and set architectural services in connection with urban planning
up standards and commitment of and the design, construction, conservation, restoration or
technological transfer among ASEAN alteration of a building or group of buildings.
Member Countries.
Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) refers to the
Art. 2 - Definitions and Scope designated government body or its authorized agency in
charge of regulating the practice of architecture.
Accreditation refers to quality assurance of Graduate
Architects by the respective national authorized bodies. Recognition refers to acceptance by the relevant
authority of the respective ASEAN Member Country on
Architect refers to a natural person who holds the demonstration of compliance with requirements.
nationality of an ASEAN Member Country and has been
assessed by a Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) Registered Foreign Architect (RFA) refers to an
of any participating ASEAN Member Country as being ASEAN Architect (AA) who has successfully applied to
technically, morally, and legally qualified to undertake and is authorized by the Professional Regulatory
professional practice of architecture and is registered Authority (PRA) of a Host Country to work, either in
and licensed for such practice by the Professional independent practice or in collaboration with one or more
Regulatory Authority (PRA). ASEAN licensed Architects of the Host Country, where
Member Countries may have different nomenclatures appropriate, in accordance with the prevailing Policy on
and requirements for this term. Practice in Host Nations of the UIA Accord.

Architectural Services refers to the activities covered Registration refers to the process of placing on a
under Central Product Classification (hereinafter referred Register those who meet specified requirements within a
to as “CPC”) 8671 of the Provisional CPC of the United jurisdiction.
Nations.
UIA Accord refers to the International Union of
Assessment refers to particular processes for reporting Architects Accord on Recommended International
or comparison of achievement against criteria, Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice.
standards, or a benchmark.
 (Under the ASEAN MRA on Architectural
Services, the Professional Regulatory
Art. 3 - Recognition, Qualification and Eligibility Authority (PRA) of each participating
● Recognition of Qualifications to ASEAN Member State or in the case of
Become an ASEAN Architect (AA) the Philippines, the Professional
● ASEAN Architect (AA) Regulation Commission (PRC) shall
● Eligibility of an ASEAN Architect (AA) authorize a Monitoring Committee (MC) to
to Practice in a Host Country receive and process applications of its
Architects for registration as AA, and to
maintain the AA Registry.)

Art. 4 - Professional Regulatory Authority, Monitoring

Committee, and ASEAN Architect Council What are the qualifications needed?
● Professional Regulatory Authority
(PRA) Any Architect who:
● Monitoring Committee (MC) 1. a) has completed a 5-year
● ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) recognized architectural
program or its equivalent in
a university or school
Art. 5 - Mutual Exemption accredited by CHED;
2. b) possesses a current and
Art. 6 - Amendments valid professional
registration and licensing
Art. 7 - Dispute Settlement
certificate to practice
Art. 8 - Final Provisions architecture in the
Philippines issued by the
PRC;
3. c) has gained practical and
MODULE 6 diversified experience of
not less than ten (10)
6.1 How To Become an ASEAN Architect continuous architectural
practice after graduation,
How To Become an ASEAN Architect of which five (5) years shall
be after licensure /
Who can apply?
registration;
4. d) has spent at least two
An Architect who possesses the
(2) years in responsible
qualifications and professional experience
charge of significant
requirements specified in Part B of this
architectural work;
Assessment Statement may apply to be
5. e) has complied with the
registered in the ASEAN Architect
CPE/CPD policy of the
Register (AAR) and accorded the title of
Philippines at a
ASEAN Architect (AA).
satisfactory level;
6. f) has not been convicted
or charged of any serious
Where to apply? violation of technical,
professional and ethical
Applications can be sent to the Asean standards, local and
Architect Monitoring Committee of the international, for the
PRC-PRBOA. practice of architecture or
 of any crime which ● GATS covering professional architectural
involves moral turpitude. services is expected to take full effect in
2020 (so RLAs only have the next 9 years
to prepare for it).
Note:

For the CPE, the PRC has set the What are GATS Commitments
activities that architects can take for their
(dealing with Market Access)
CPE. Those activities are counted as the
Continuing Professional Education Unit ● Mode 1 (Cross-Border Supply)
(CPEU) and are divided into 8 items as ● Mode 2 (Consumption Abroad)
follows: ● Mode 3 (Commercial Presence)
● Mode 4 (Presence of a Natural Person)
1. Formal learning
2. Informal learning Some Examples of GATS Commitments in Regard to
3. Seminar, conference and Architectural Services
meeting
4. Participation in ● Malaysia does NOT impose restrictions
professional activities for Mode 1 (Cross-Border Supply) i.e.
5. Service activities supply of service from one Member
6. Industry involvement Nation to customers within the border of
7. Contribution to knowledge another Member Nation e.g.
8. Patents telecommunications, postal services,
services offered through the internet, etc.
Different activities however have different or for Mode 2 (Consumption Abroad) i.e.
weights of score attached to them. See Customer crosses the border to consume
details in the Committee Rules on a service in another Member Nation e.g.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE). tourism, education or medical treatment
overseas, etc.;
● However, architectural services by
Foreign Architects (FAs) have to be
6.2 WTO-GATS and Architecture
authenticated by Malaysia-licensed
architects; FAs may also be given
What is GATS?
temporary registration to supply
● GATS refers to the General Agreement on architectural services; and FAs wanting to
Trade in Services; it is a treaty of the supply architectural services must
World Trade Organization (WTO), in collaborate with Malaysian architects.
which the PH Government is a signatory, ● The exact same situation applies in the
thereby officially committing RLAs Philippines.
together with other registered and UIA Stand
licensed professionals (RLPs); under
WTO, commitments by the PH ● The Union International des Architects/
Government (and all other Member UIA (of which the UAP is a Member)
Nations) cannot be taken back i.e. to has included in its Accord on
create a stable trading climate; however, Recommended International Standards of
some countries (USA and EU) have Professionalism in Architectural Practice
apparently successfully withdrawn certain (the “Accord”) a Policy on Practice in a
commitments; Host nation, which states:
● Professional services are generally “Architects providing architectural
deemed as commercial enterprises; services on a project in a country in
● Services apparently excluded are those which they are not registered shall
classified under police, military, justice collaborate with a local architect to
system and public administration; and ensure that proper and effective
 understanding is given to legal, directly with professional services e.g.
environmental, cultural, social and procurement, taxation, immigration, etc.
heritage factors. The conditions of the
association should be determined by
the parties alone in accordance with Practice Scenario Under GATS
UIA ethical standards and local
statutes and laws.” 1. GATS is widely perceived by RLAs to be
Some Considerations on GATS able to complement the Local Practice of
FAs under the APEC Architect Registry,
● GATS is mainly a public sector instrument ASEAN MRA, Reciprocity and Other
that may have not fully considered certain Modes;
broad implications on private sector 2. Many RLAs will offer various forms of
architectural practices and services; architectural services to foreign clients by
● FAs are not encouraged to practice doing the work right here in the
independently but must collaborate with Philippines;
Host Nation-registered and licensed 3. More knowledge process outsourcing
architects, who largely satisfy residency (KPO) firms engaged in the provision of
and Host Nation presence requirements, architectural services for overseas
and who assume professional projects are expected to base in the
responsibilities and civil liabilities under Philippines; RLAs must oversee such
Host Nation laws; operations;
● The future liberalization of trade in 4. since an FA may practice under GATS
professional architectural services must without an RLA, such FAs, in their
recognize and defer to Host Nation laws, individual/ personal capacities must
standards and related professional assume the requisite responsibilities,
practice and development/ construction/ undertakings and liabilities as a natural
building conditions/ requirements. person (and NOT as a juridical person)
under Philippine civil law (for a period of
What Should PH RLAs Do?
from 15 to 25 years); and
1. Specialize and Diversify Your Respective 5. Locally-secured Professional Liability
Practices i.e. through Continuing Insurance (PLI) shall cover FA
Professional Education (CPE), professional responsibility and possible
specialization training and certification, civil liability to a certain extent.
graduate and post-graduate studies, Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) for FAs under
research, service or product development
R.A. No. 9266
and the like;
2. Collaborate with FAs on work either in the
“SECTION 39. Liability Insurance of a Person or
PH or overseas;
Entity Allowed to Practice under a Temporary/
3. Market Your services using various
Special Permit. - Foreign nationals, including former
cost-efficient media e.g. internet, phone,
Filipinos wanting to engage in the general practice of
SMS, market collateral, trade expositions,
architecture as defined in Section 3 (c) of this Act must
trade magazine features and the like; and
secure locally their professional liability insurance or
4. Engage in advocacy work and cooperate
malpractice insurance or their acceptable equivalent in
with the Government to develop and
bond form commensurate with the nature and magnitude
strengthen safety nets for RLAs i.e.
of their project involvement and their compensation the
GATS-compliant (and possibly not
implementing rules and regulations for such a
protectionist), but also in full compliance
requirement for practice shall be implemented by the
with the Philippine Constitution and other
Board in consultation with the integrated and accredited
applicable international and PH law.
professional organization of architects within six (6)
These may include the passage of new
months from the effectivity of this Act.”
laws and regulations that may not deal
6.3 WTO Modes of Supply Under GATS
Background

While the overall goal of GATS is to remove barriers

to trade, members are free to choose which sectors
are to be progressively "liberalised", i.e. marketised
and privatised, which mode of supply would apply to
a particular sector, and to what extent liberalisation
will occur over a given period of time.

Members' commitments are governed by a "ratchet

effect", meaning that commitments are one-way and
are not to be wound back once entered into.

4 Modes of Supply

—-----------------------------------------------------------

6.4 Advice When You Start to Practice Architecture 2. Architecture is a powerful medium
○ the color of the walls that
Advice When You Start to Practice Architecture you choose will affect
somebody’s mood
1. Education does not end in school ○ the rhythm of your
○ architecture is continuous massing can affect
learning somebody’s movement
○ learn from other people, ○ the circulation you lay out
from clients, from other will be embedded on
professionals, and from somebody’s perception
new generation ○ the reflective glass you
○ Research shall specify can mess up
the flight path of a
migrating bird
 ○ with it you shall affect embrace the ideas, energy
behavior, memory, and and enthusiasm of new
belief. generation architects
○ with it you shall excite or /practitioners
upset an innocent ○ be observant as to what
observer the new generation are
○ with it you write and doing in the office
re-write history ○ young professionals /
practitioners must be
valued
3. The work of your hand is your
immortality
○ be proud of this fact 7. Networking is important
○ be proud of your ○ get to know more people
profession in the industry specially in
○ make it great, make it architecture community
count and and construction
industry

4. Save the profession

○ architects aren’t 8. Don't get upset by clients who thinks
compensated fairly they know everything
because the general ○ educate your client
public doesn’t value (or ○ be patient
know) what we do ○ act like a professional, be
○ educate the others how a professional
we improve the world
○ help your colleagues and
the professional 9. Voice your opinion
organization ○ improvement is always
○ do not engage in illegal appreciated by principals
practice and clients
○ many processes in firms
and details on projects
5. Sustainability is opportunity can be improved if you
○ sustainability is a thing simply point out a better
now, everyone should solution to decision
practice and learn the makers
ways of sustainability ○ best ideas are never
○ you will be able to share incorporated into projects
your knowledge with unless they are heard,
current practitioners your presented, and defended
ideas about sustainability
○ read local and
international codes about 10. Design your career path
going green ○ reflect on your
experiences to determine
what you really want to do,
6. Don't get involved “OLD GUARD” do it continuously
firms ○ career decisions = position
○ just like what Jose Rizal
said, "the youth are the
future" - firms need to
11. Don't burn bridges 17. Never get grumpy
○ the world of architecture is ○ continually be inspired by
way too small the next generation and
○ your decision, actions and harness their optimism
way will be remembered and energy
○ you will never know when
will you need the help of
someone (consultants, 18. Complete the task
friends in the industry, or ○ keep your eyes on the
clients) prize

12. Stay up-to-date 19. Learn business

○ technology doesn't end, ○ architecture is art and
you have to embrace it science but it is also a
○ learn new software related business
to architecture and office ○ learn how to deal with
works clients
○ learn BIM ○ learn how to manage a
firm

13. Practicum is different from being

employed 20. Think out of the box
○ an internship introduces ○ the easiest building to
you to how a firm and design is a box, but
projects work. Architects don’t design
○ full-time employment boxes
mandates responsibility ○ architecture is about
for your work and serving others through the
productivity (deadlines) = design of the built
stress environment so sure your
work is the best it can be
through its service to
14. Develop yourself others and contribution to
○ learn more skills a more sustainably built
○ attend seminars and world
lectures

15. Practice DRRM and Climate Change

while young
○ it is important to know the
roles of the architect
during desperate times

16. Give and receive

○ help teach the next
generation
○ you will learn something in
the process, and be
reminded why you joined
this profession
○