What are Architectural Documents?

What comprises architectural documents?

According to Section 20 of RA 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2000):
All architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and architectural documents relative to the construction of a building shall bear the seal and signature only of an architect registered and licensed under this Act together with his/her professional identification card number and the date of its expiration.

So what are these so-called architectural documents?
The IRR of RA 9266 further defines it as: “Architectural Documents” means architectural drawings, specifications, and other outputs of an Architect that only an Architect can sign and seal consisting, among others, of vicinity maps, site development plans, architectural program, perspective drawings, architectural floor plans, elevations, sections, ceiling plans, schedules, detailed drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates, and other instruments of service in any form.

R.A. No. 9266 and its IRR clearly state that architectural documents e.g. perspectives, architectural floor plans/ sections/ elevations/ reflected ceiling plans/ roof plans, schedules of finishes/ hardware, detailed designs, architectural specifications/ estimates, architectural contract/ tender documents, etc. are all part of the scope of the regulated practice of architecture.

Meanwhile, Section 302.4 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of PD 1096 (National Building Code) further cites:

4. Architectural Documents

a. Architectural Plans/Drawings

i. Vicinity Map/Location Plan within a 2.00 kilometer radius for commercial, industrial, and institutional complex and within a half-kilometer radius for residential buildings, at any convenient scale showing prominent landmarks or major thoroughfares for easy reference.

ii. Site Development Plan showing technical description, boundaries, orientation and position of proposed building/structure in relation to the lot, existing or proposed access road and driveways and existing public utilities/services. Existing buildings within and adjoining the lot shall be hatched and distances between the proposed and existing buildings shall be indicated.

iii. Perspective drawn at a convenient scale and taken from a vantage point (bird’s eye view or eye level).

iv. Floor Plans drawn to scale of not less than 1:100 showing: gridlines, complete identification of rooms or functional spaces.

v. Elevations, at least four (4), same scale as floor plans showing: gridlines; natural ground to finish grade elevations; floor to floor heights; door and window marks, type of material and exterior finishes; adjoining existing structure/s, if any, shown in single hatched lines.

vi. Sections, at least two (2), showing: gridlines; natural ground and finish levels; outline of cut and visible structural parts; doors and windows properly labeled reflecting the direction of opening; partitions; built-in cabinets, etc.; identification of rooms and functional spaces cut by section lines.

vii. Reflected ceiling plan showing: design, location, finishes and specifications of materials, lighting fixtures, diffusers, decorations, air conditioning exhaust and return grills, sprinkler nozzles, if any, at scale of at least 1:100.

viii. Details, in the form of plans, elevations/sections:

• (a) Accessible ramps
• (b) Accessible stairs
• (c) Accessible lifts/elevators
• (d) Accessible entrances, corridors and walkways
• (e) Accessible functional areas/comfort rooms
• (f) Accessible switches, controls
• (g) Accessible drinking fountains
• (h) Accessible public telephone booths
• (i) Accessible audio visual and automatic alarm system
• (j) Accessible access symbols and directional signs
• (k) Reserved parking for disabled persons
• (l) Typical wall/bay sections from ground to roof
• (m) Stairs, interior and exterior
• (n) Fire escapes/exits
• (o) Built-in cabinets, counters and fixed furniture
• (p) All types of partitions

ix. Schedule of Doors and Windows showing their types, designations/marks, dimensions, materials, and number of sets.

x. Schedule of Finishes, showing in graphic form: surface finishes specified for floors, ceilings, walls and baseboard trims for all building spaces per floor level.

xi. Details of other major Architectural Elements.

What is the difference between building plans and architectural plans?

Building plans means ALL the plans necessary for the construction of a project. It would include architectural plans by an architect, civil/structural plans by a civil engineer, electrical plans by a professional electrical engineer, mechanical plans by a mechanical engineer, plumbing and sanitary plans by a master plumber and sanitary engineer, electronics plans by an electronics engineer, fire safety plans, etc.

Architectural Plans means a two (2)-dimensional representations reflecting a proposed development / redevelopment of an enclosed/ semi-enclosed or open area showing features or elements such as columns, walls, partitions, ceiling, stairs, doors, windows, floors, roof, room designations, door and window call-outs, the architectural layout of equipment, furnishings, furniture and the like, specifications callouts, elevation references, drawing references and the like; the architectural plan is the representation of a lateral section for a proposed building/ structure (running parallel to the ground) and at a height of from 1.0 – 1.5 meters above the finished floor; the term may also collectively refer to other architectural designs such as cross/ longitudinal sections, elevations, roof plan, reflected ceiling plan; detailed sections and elevations showing architectural interiors, detailed architectural designs, door and window schedules, other architectural finishing schedules and the like.

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Definition of Architectural Design and Structural Design

How would you define architectural design?

Here are some definitions from different sources on the internet.

- Concept that focuses on the components or elements of a structure or system and unifies them into a coherent and functional whole, according to a particular approach in achieving the objective(s) under the given constraints or limitations. (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/architectural-design.html)

- An idea that takes the parts of a structure and turns them into a whole system. This is done with objectives and limitations. (http://thelawdictionary.org/architectural-design/)

- Architectural design as problem solving by adding value.To try to break it down to its most simplistic state, we design to solve a problem. But design goes beyond just solving problems. (https://bluearchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/what-is-architectural-design/)

Or we can sum it up as follows:

Architectural Design is the illustrated concept prepared by an architect that focuses on the features or elements of building/s or structure/s and the utilization of the site and space within and surrounding such building/s or structure/s and unifies them into a coherent and functional whole, following a generally accepted approach to achieve the objective/s, abiding by set norms and considering the architectural principles of utility, strength and beauty.

On the other hand, structural design performed by accredited civil engineers (structural engineers) can be defined as follows:

- Manner where the load bearing members of a framework support each other in load sharing. ( http://thelawdictionary.org/structural-design/)

- The selection of materials and member type, size, and configuration to carry loads in a safe and serviceable fashion. In general, structural design implies the engineering of stationary objects such as buildings and bridges, or objects that may be mobile but have a rigid shape such as ship hulls and aircraft frames. (http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Structural+design)

- Manner in which the load bearing (structural) members of a physical framework support each other in sharing the load (stress). (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/structural-design.html)

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PRC LICENSURE EXAMINATION APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

I.  BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

FIRST TIMERS

a)  Original and photocopy of Transcript of Records with complete DATE OF GRADUATION, Special Order (SO) NUMBER (if applicable), SCANNED PICTURE AND WITH REMARKS: FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES ONLY. (CHED Recognition Certificate for all new Schools/ Programs)

b)  Original and photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in security paper (SECPA) and photocopy of birth certificate from LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR if NSO copy is not legible

c)  For married female applicants, original and photocopy of Marriage Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in security paper (SECPA) and photocopy of Marriage Certificate from LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR if NSO copy is not legible

d) Three (3) pieces identical passport size picture in white background with complete name tag

e)  Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)

RETAKERS

a)  Previous Notice of Admission/Official Receipt or Report of Rating

b)  For married female applicants, original and photocopy of Marriage Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in security paper (SECPA) and photocopy of Marriage Certificate from LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR if NSO copy is not legible

c)  Three (3) pieces identical passport size picture in white background with complete name tag

d)  Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)

e)  NBI Clearance (Architect, CPA, Chemical Engineer, Criminologist, Dentist, Dental Hygienist/Technician, MDO, MEO)

Review for Architecture Board Exams June 2015

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING CASES:

1.  Dual Citizenship / Both parents are not Filipino Citizen
– submit Certification from Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID)/Valid Philippine Passport/Voters ID or Registration

2.  Indigenous People
– submit Certification from the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) re: the use of first name of grandfather as surname, etc. (whatever the case may be)

II.  NAME OF LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS:

a)  CRIMINOLOGISTS                
Additional Requirement/s:
·         NBI Clearance or Police and Court Clearance
·         Three (3) Good Moral Character Certifications (barangay, church and school/employer)
   
b) MIDWIVES                                
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Record of 20 deliveries handled, 5 sutures and 5 intravenous injections

GUIDELINES FOR REGISTERED NURSES WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR MIDWIFE EXAM
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (COR) as Registered Nurse
·         Photocopy of updated Professional Identification Card (PIC)
·         Accomplished Forms:
a)       Form No. 106 - twenty (20) Records of Actual Deliveries Handled
b)       Form No. 107 – five (5) Records of Actual Suturing of Perineal Lacerations
c)       Form No. 107-A – five (5) Records of Actual Intravenous Insertions
Duly signed by the Registered Midwives (RM) who directly supervised the case requirements, and duly certified by any of the following officers/officials:
-  Municipal/City Provincial Health Officer (rural health unit, birthing, lying-in clinic, home delivery) and Chief/Director of Hospital (hospital cases)
·         Certification of Consent/Approval, indicating that he/she had secured the consent/approval of the Director/Chief of Hospital or the Municipal Health Officer prior to his/her exposure to the concerned health facility.

ACTUAL HANDLING OF THE TWENTY-DELIVERY CASES/REPAIR OF OBSTETRIC PERINEAL LACERATIONS/INTRAVENOUS FLUID INSERTIONS:
1.  The procedures submitted shall be actually handled by the applicant after his/her registration
as Nurse.
2.  The actual procedures shall be supervised by a Registered Midwife (RM) who has been trained on the expanded functions as provided for under R.A. No. 7392. For midwives registered before 1996, or graduates under the old Midwifery curriculum, a copy of the Certificate of Training on the expanded functions shall be submitted. The Training Program prior to its adoption and implementation shall be approved by the CPE Council for Midwifery.

This program can be obtained from accredited institutions/agencies such as the following:

• Association of Philippine Schools of Midwifery, Inc. (APSOM)
• Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines, Inc. (IMAP)
• Other Institutions/agencies currently approved/accredited CPE Providers by the CPE Council for Midwives created and supervised by the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery subject to approval by the Professional Regulation Commission

3.  The Registered Midwife (RM) who supervised the procedures shall provide the following information:

• Photocopy of Employee’s ID
• Photocopy of Professional Identification Card (PIC)

4.       Actually handled cases shall not be more than one case a day to allow adequate time for the monitoring of labor, delivery, provision of postpartum care, and newborn care.

5.       The Certifying Officer who is any of the Hospital Chief of Director, Provincial/City/Municipal Health officer, as the case maybe, shall provide the following:

• Photocopy of Employee’s ID
• Photocopy of Professional Identification Card (PIC) 

c)  NURSES                                    
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Original copy of Summary of Related Learning Experiences (RLE)
·         Original Summary of Cases (5-major, 5-minor, 5-handled, 5-assisted, 5-cord dressing)

d) VARIOUS BOARD Exams

AGRICULTURISTS, FISHERIES TECHNOLOGISTS
 Additional Requirement/s:
·         Two (2) Good Moral Character Certification (barangay/church/school/employer)

ARCHITECTS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         NBI Clearance
·         College Diploma
·         Logbook of 2 years diversified experience
·         Affidavit of Architect/Mentor
·         Photocopy of valid PRC card, PTR and IAPOA Certificate of Architect/Mentor

 CERTIFIED PLANT MECHANICS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Certificate of Experience                        
·         Certificate of Employment
·         Detailed description of Equipment        
·         Affidavit of Competency signed by a registered ME/PME                

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 Additional Requirement/s:
·         NBI Clearance
·         College Diploma

CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         NBI Clearance
·         Good Moral Character Certification from a Registered Chemical Engineer and photocopy of PRC card

DENTISTS and DENTAL HYGIENISTS/TECHNICIANS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         NBI Clearance/Police Clearance
·         Certificate of 6 mos. OJT Training (Dental Hygienists/Technicians)

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNERS                
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Good Moral Character Certification (barangay/church/school/employer)
·         Certificate of Experience                        
·         Certificate of Employment

FORESTERS/LIBRARIANS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Two (2) Good Moral Character Certifications (barangay,church,school/employer)

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         NBI Clearance
·         Ombudsman Clearance (for those in government-IRR)

MINING ENGINEERS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Certificate of Mine and Mill Practice

OCULAR PHARMACOLOGISTS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Original and photocopy of PRC card and Board Certificate as Optometrist

PHARMACISTS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         DTR and Certificate of Internship (960 hours) signed by a Registered Pharmacist
in the following:          
Manufacturing/Laboratory – 160 hrs
Community – 160 hrs
Hospital – 160 hrs
Major Internship (any of the above) – 480 hrs

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Certificate of 10 months internship signed by the Dean and Registrar

PHYSICIANS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Certificate of Post Graduate Internship
·         National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) Certificate

REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS/BROKERS/CONSULTANTS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Original and photocopy of diploma if Transcript of Records is unavailble
·         Original and photocopy of  valid Philippine Passport or any proof of citizenship if NSO Birth Certificate is unavailable
·         REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT: Original and photocopy of notarized certificate of experience or Certificate of Registration/PIC/DTI license
o   At least 10 years experience as licensed real estate broker/assessor/bank or institutional appraiser/employed person performing real property valuation or at least 5 years experience as real estate appraiser
·         Original and photocopy of NBI clearance
·         Original and photocopy of duly notarized seminar/training certificate (120 credit units of real estate subjects and training from accredited providers as maybe determined by the Board)

REGISTERED MASTER ELECTRICIANS (RME)    
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Certificate of Experience signed by the REE/RME            
·         Certificate of Employment or Service Record

SOCIAL WORKERS
Additional Requirement/s:
·         Certificate of 1,000 case hours signed by a registered SW with updated PRC card
                           

NOTE:   All other Boards (ie. CE, GE, ME, Med. Tech., Optometrist, ND, Rad. Tech. etc.) need only the basic requirements.


III.                  EXAMINATION FEES:

Baccalaureate Degree                       -              Php900.00

Non-Baccalaureate Degree              -               Php600.00

Conditioned / Removal                      -             Php450.00



REGISTRATION WITHOUT EXAMINATION

I.   REAL ESTATE SALESPERSONS                

Requirements:
1.       For Real Estate Salesperson with no DTI / HLURB Registration
a)       Original and Photocopy of NSO Certificate of Live Birth / Birth Certificate
b)       Original and Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate / Contract (for Married female only)
c)       Original and Notarized Certificate of Educational Attainment on the Completion of at least two (2) years of College
d)       Original NBI Clearance (Valid)
e)       Original and Notarized Certification of twelve (12) credit units on Real Estate Brokerage

II.  TEACHERS                                                      

Requirements:
a)       Certified / Authenticated photocopy of REPORT OF RATING (Category A) / GURO CERTIFICATE (Category B), or in the absence thereof, original CERTIFICATION OF RATING/ELIGIBILITY (for both categories) issued by the Civil Service Commission

b)       Original and photocopy of CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in security paper, with the following entries clearly printed: NAME, CIVIL REGISTRY NUMBER, CITIZENSHIP, GENDER, NAMES OF PARENTS, and DATE OF BIRTH

c)       Original and photocopy of MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE issued by the NSO in security paper (for MARRIED FEMALE applicants)

d)       Original and photocopy of TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDS (Bachelor’s Degree)

e)       Two (2) pieces recent passport size colored picture in plain white background with complete name tag

f)         Recent Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)

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Environmental Planning (EnP) Licensure Examination 2015 Review

RA 10587:

SEC. 15. Examination Required. - Unless provided otherwise under this Act, all applicants for registration for the practice of environmental planning shall be required to pass the professional licensure examination as herein provided, subject to the payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. Examinations for the practice of environmental planning in the Philippines shall be given by the Board at least once every year in such places and dates as the Commission may

designate in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 898l.

SEC. 16. Rating in the Licensure Examination. - To pass the licensure examination, each person must obtain a weighted average of not less than seventy per centum (70%) and a rating of not less than fifty per centum (50%) in any examination subject.

SEC. 17. Subjects of Examination. - The licensure examination for environmental planners shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a) History, concepts, theories and principles of environmental planning;

(b) Environmental planning process, methods & techniques and strategies; and

(c) Environmental plan implementation, legal aspects and administration.

These subject areas and syllabi shall include topics and subtopics in' accordance with the syllabi or tables of specifications of subjects for licensure examinations by the Board in consultation with the academe and the APO. The subject areas and syllabi may be revised as the need arises to conform to changes and new developments brought about by trends in the practice of environmental planning.

SEC. 18. Qualifications for Taking the Examination.

Any person applying to take the licensure examination as herein provided shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he/she has the following qualifications:

(a) A citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country or State has a policy on reciprocity in the practice of the profession;

(b) A holder of any of the following degrees from schools, colleges or universities duly recognized and accredited by the CHED:

1. A graduate in environmental planning, urban/city and regional planning, or town and country planning or its equivalent;

2. A Post-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Planning, city and regional planning or its equivalent, and with at least one (1) year of on-the-job training as required herein;

3. A Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning, city planning or urban and regional planning, or town and country planning, or its equivalent, and with two (2) years of on-the-job training as required herein;

4. A masters or doctorate degree in either architecture, engineering, ecology, economics, geography, geology, public administration, business administration, sociology, social science, law, environmental science, environmental management, development management, natural resources planning and development, and related disciplines acceptable to the Board, and with three (3) years of on-the-job training as required herein: Provided, That a person falling under this paragraph shall be allowed to take the licensure examination only within the next five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act; 

5. A bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, economics, public administration, law, social work and community development or sociology and other related disciplines acceptable to the Board and with five (5) years of on-the-job training as required herein: Provided, That a person

falling under this paragraph shall be allowed to take the licensure examination only within the next five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act; and 

6. Incumbent holders of planning positions in the national, regional or local government offices or agencies including government-owned and -controlled corporations and have been engaged in development planning functions acceptable to the Board: Provided, That they are holders of

professional civil service eligibility and they have undergone at least eighty (80) hours of in-service training or distance learning in developmental planning from a government agency, school or institution recognized by proper authorities: Provided, further, That a person falling under this paragraph may be allowed to take the licensure examination only within the next five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act.

(c) Of good moral character; and

(d) Not convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The on-the-job training required in this section shall be undertaken under the supervision of a registered and licensed environmental planner or the applicant's immediate supervisor in an agency or organization acceptable to the Board, which is engaged or involved in environmental planning functions or programs. 

Review for Architecture Board Exams June 2015

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