How to be an architect in the Philippines is a beneficial inquiry. After all, becoming one is truly a legitimate accomplishment. The general public considers the architect creative and scientific—a diligent professional who endeavors design work with utmost dedication. An architect assumes ultimate responsibility for a project that requires orchestration and oversees it from start to finish. The Filipino architect of the twenty-first century extends with additional obligations and functions as modern technology, and rapid globalization spread worldwide.
The prime responsibility is planning, designing, and managing the implementation. As architects gain expertise in their trade, they may choose to specialize in a particular area of architecture, ranging from very specialized fields like lighting or material engineering to urban planning. The breadth of career options available to an architect appears endless, which is why picking a path within the architectural industry is truly a calling.
How To Be An Architect In The Philippines Starting With School
How to be an architect in the Philippines starts with deciding on the course. As challenging as studying architecture, earning a degree is equally fulfilling. The architectural practice is a fun and joyful journey. There will be sleepless nights, many hours honing the skills, investing in design tools, and being inspired by breathtaking architectural works across the globe. Hand drawing will become second nature. Working knowledge of physics and mathematics will prove to become invaluable assets.
That is to say, the architectural school will provide the program. However, developing one’s talent requires personal commitment. As the adage goes, “Journey begins with a single step.”
Architecture Schools In The Philippines
Most institutions in the country require students to take entrance examinations for state-regulated professions. Architecture schools assess prospective undergraduates’ admissions based on the availability of facilities and faculty capacity. While certain institutions welcome students based on their test scores, others accept students who barely meet the minimum grade requirement.
A student should ideally complete the architectural curricula in the Philippines within five years. The architecture school’s core curriculum often includes planning and design, architectural theory, history and criticism, building utilities, building technology, sustainability, laws with regulations, and engineering mathematics. Likewise, a student will learn drafting, rendering, photography, model making, 3D rendering, animation, and other related proficiencies for an aspiring architect.
Here are top schools offering architecture courses in the Philippines that have continuously shown excellence in the Architecture Licensure Examination since 2018:
- University of the Philippines – Diliman
- University of Santo Tomas – Manila
- Technological University of the Philippines – Manila
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Main Campus
- Mapua University – Manila
A Taste Of The Architectural Practice
Before graduation, schools may also require architecture students to undergo On-the-Job Trainings (OJTs) as a close encounter experience to the architecture industry’s ‘real world’. These fundamental competencies and skills ensure that the prospective architect graduates are fully prepared and job-ready.
Mentorship is a critical experience for each future architect in the Philippines. After graduating from architecture school, aspiring architects must complete two years of Diversified Architectural Experience before qualifying for the Board Examinations. Working alongside a seasoned architect in the Philippines provides an excellent opportunity to gain more insightful knowledge about the industry and the growing experience necessary to undertake an architectural project solely.
From Licensure Examination to Professional Registration
As stated in R.A. 9266 or the Architecture Act of 2004, becoming a bonafide architect in the Philippines requires licensure and registration. Without the two prerequisites, it is illegal to practice architecture. This breach is punishable by law. The Professional Regulation Commission regulates the architectural profession, which administers bi-annual license examinations for prospective architects in collaboration with the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture. These assessments verify that an architect in the Philippines observes the country’s quality and ethical standards.
As it is officially known, the Architecture Licensure Examination (ALE) is held twice a year, in January and June. R.A. 9266 lists the qualifications needed by applicants:
- A Filipino citizen or a qualified foreign citizen
- A person with good moral character
- A degree holder of Bachelor of Science in Architecture
- A person with no conviction involving moral turpitude
The applicant shall satisfy these qualifications before applying and undertaking the ALE.
Examination Requirement On How To Be An Architect In The Philippines
Preparation for the licensure exam is as vital as undertaking it. For example, core subjects in the licensure examination include (but are not limited to) History and Theory of Architecture, Building Technology and Utilities, Urban Design and Architectural Interiors, and Architectural Design and Site Planning. In addition to their knowledge of these subjects from undergraduate studies and work experiences, most exam-takers avail of a review center’s services to improve their chances of passing the board examination. In other words, banking on one’s stock knowledge alone does not ensure the passing of the licensure examination. Achieving the goal will take rigorous preparation and discipline.
Passing The Architecture Licensure Exam
The board will conduct a ceremony to deliver the oath to those who pass the licensure exams. They will issue a Certificate of Registration and a Professional Identification card to newly registered architects. Upon passing the licensure examination, the Registered and Licensed Architect (RLA) receives their professional seal to stamp on architectural drawings and other connected contract documents. Attaining this step is a significant accomplishment in itself.
Obtaining a license as a professional architect in the Philippines is quite an accomplishment. Consequently, maintaining the validity becomes a duty. The current law requires all registered and licensed professionals to participate in “Continuing Professional Development” (CPD) courses or seminars to renew their licenses. The 2016 CPD Act ensures that registered and licensed professionals stay current on industry advances. It is essential to maintain worldwide competitiveness in their respective professions. Learning the crafts in architecture does not end with acquiring a license. The dedication continues throughout practice.
An Advice for the Freshly-Licensed Filipino Architect
The architecture profession calls for individuals capable of handling various responsibilities from their clients, colleagues, and communities. A professional responsible for realizing their clients’ projects, a Filipino architect must adhere to professional standards and ethics. It is the architect’s responsibility to the profession and themselves to hone their skills. They must remain competitive in the rapidly growing roster of architects and ever-present market demand.
As the client’s professional counsel, the architect serves as a liaison between the client, the contractors, suppliers, public officials, engineers, and the architect’s affiliated experts on the project. They act in their client’s best interests to ensure that the project achieves its best objectives. Firstly, architects are responsible for the community by making sure projects abide by all applicable rules and ordinances. Moreover, adhering to accepted building design and practices to conserve or improve the existing environment. These obligations, guided by the profession’s Code of Ethical Conduct, are highly recognized and expected of an architect in the Philippines.
How To Be An Architect In The Philippines Today
How to be an architect in the Philippines is through practice, extending one’s perspective on the world of architecture. The architectural practice also operates as a business. Similarly, it necessitates preparation and forethought before plunging headfirst into the competitive design and construction market. Developing company plans, completing legal paperwork, developing unique branding, collecting an extensive portfolio, crafting marketing strategies, establishing networks, and recruiting human resources are just a few facets of a healthy architecture practice.
The architect is the sole legitimate defender of Philippine architecture. Therefore, being the next best Filipino architect is a noble calling that requires integrity, perseverance, and a strong will. And the practice of the trade is elaborate. Even after graduating from architecture school, years of training continue. Licensing and registration enable architects in the Philippines to work and adhere to the highest professional standards. Success requires opening up to discoveries, getting up from hard lessons, and continuously growing your industry network. Most importantly, how to be an architect in the Philippines is a matter of accountability and trustworthiness.
