Philippine Interior Design Law (RA 10350): Regulations, Practice, and Ethics PPT

RA 10350

To regulate and modernize the practice of interior design in the Philippines, ensuring only licensed professionals can practice.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Interior Design Act of 2012

The title of the law.

State policy on Interior Design

The State recognizes the role of Interior Design in nation-building and promotes the growth of globally competitive, licensed designers.

Objectives of the IRR

Regulate licensure of Interior Designers, supervise and control the practice of the profession, develop competence through continuing education (CPD), integrate the profession under one organization.

Interior Design

The science and art of planning, selecting, and organizing finishes, furniture, colors, and materials to make interior spaces functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

Professional Interior Designer

A person with a valid PRC license and ID card issued under RA 10350.

Scope of practice of Interior Design

Planning, designing, supervising interior spaces, consultation, evaluation, cost estimates, preparing plans, drawings, specifications, administering and supervising construction, restoration and preservation of interiors, teaching Interior Design (if licensed).

Professional Regulatory Board of Interior Design

Regulates the practice of Interior Design under the PRC.

Board composition

1 Chairperson + 2 Members, appointed by the President.

Qualifications of Board members

Filipino citizen and resident, holder of BS Interior Design (or equivalent, CHED-recognized), licensed Interior Designer with 10+ years practice, not a faculty member or review center owner, member of AIPO (but not officer/trustee), no conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude.

Term of office of Board members

3 years (renewable once). Max 6 years total.

Main duties of the Board

Administer licensure exams, issue/revoke licenses, create rules & ethics, monitor schools offering Interior Design.

Grounds for removal/suspension of a Board member

Neglect, dishonesty, violation of RA 10350, rigging exams, and conviction of crime.

Official seal of the Board

Circular with: stylized human figure, bahay-kubo, sun & 3 stars, sampaguita & laurel, with 'Interior Design' and 'Professional Regulation Commission.'

Licensure exam eligibility

Filipino citizens (or foreigners with reciprocity), good moral character, Interior Design degree, no conviction involving moral turpitude.

Subjects in the licensure exam

Interior Design, Furniture, Materials, History of Arts/Design, Interior Construction & Utilities, Color Theory, Professional Practice & Ethics.

Passing grade for the exam

70% general average.

Oath of profession

Must take oath of profession, get PRC certificate of registration, and ID card (valid 3 years).

IDr.

Title licensed interior designers can use before their name.

PRC ID validity

3 years (renewable).

AIPO

Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of Interior Designers (national org recognized by PRC).

Membership in other organizations

Yes, but AIPO membership is compulsory.

Lawful practitioners

Natural persons (licensed Interior Designers) and juridical persons: sole proprietorship, professional partnership, or corporation with licensed Interior Designers as officers.

Seal use

Every licensed designer must have a seal, used only on documents they prepared/supervised.

Proprietary rights of Interior Designers

Designers own their drawings, plans, and concepts unless fully commissioned and paid for by a client.

Foreigners practicing interior design

Yes, but only with reciprocity, a PRC permit, and by working with a Filipino licensed designer.

Conditions for special/temporary permits for foreigners

Must be licensed in their country, share expertise with Filipino counterparts, and work with a licensed Filipino Interior Designer.

License revocation/suspension

Can occur due to violation of RA 10350/IRR, fraud in obtaining license, gross incompetence/negligence, refusal to be AIPO member, non-payment of annual fees (5 years), drug/alcohol abuse, unsound mind, or failure to comply with CPD requirements.

Consequences of failing to pay annual fees for 5 years

Suspended from practice until payment + penalties.

Prohibited acts

Practicing without license, using 'IDr.' illegally, using another's seal, aiding unlicensed practice, government accepting unlicensed plans.

Acceptance of interior plans by government offices

Only licensed Interior Designers with signed and sealed documents.

Penalties for illegal practice

Fine of ₱300,000 - ₱1,000,000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months - 3 years.

Civil liability of a designer after project completion

1 year; must fix defects within 45 days of notice.

Code of Ethics adoption

The Board, in consultation with AIPO and other organizations.

Maintaining license requirements

Follow Code of Ethics + take Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

CPD standards prescription

The Board, PRC, and AIPO.

Effectivity of the IRR

15 days after publication in Official Gazette or two newspapers.

Separability clause

If part of the IRR is invalid, the rest remains valid.

Repealing clause

All inconsistent rules, orders, or regulations are repealed/modified.