Philippine Interior Design Standards: Practice, Regulations, and Sustainability

National Building Code of the Philippines

P.D. 1096, which serves as a referral code for the National Interior Design Code.

Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID)

The organization that prepared the National Interior Design Code of the Philippines.

Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

The body that passed upon the National Interior Design Code of the Philippines.

Philippine Interior Design Law

RA 8534, enacted in 1998, which recognizes Interior Design as a legitimate profession.

PRC Modernization Act of 2000

RA 8981, which provides provisions for the modernization of the Professional Regulation Commission.

Interior Design Code

The code compiled by PIID that serves as a referral code for the implementation of PD 1096.

Minimum Standards

The detailed provisions in the National Interior Design Code designed to be of minimum standards.

Universal Advancements

Changes that may be made to the code in accordance with advancements in science and technology.

Interior Designer's Creativity

The ability of the designer to innovate and apply aesthetic sensibilities in the design of buildings.

Cultural and Historical Aspects

Considerations that should guide the Interior Designer in the total interior design of buildings.

Light and Ventilation

Factors that must be considered in the interior design of buildings and other structures.

Accessibility

A consideration for the Interior Designer to ensure designs are usable by all individuals.

Information Technology

A consideration for the Interior Designer in the design of buildings and structures.

Referral Code

A code that serves as a guideline for the implementation and enforcement of the National Building Code.

Annex A

Definition of Terms in the National Interior Design Code.

Annex B

Interior Design Permit as outlined in the National Interior Design Code.

Annex C

Standard Forms for Building Permit as referenced in the National Interior Design Code.

General Powers

Authority given to the Secretary of Public Works and Highways by Section 203 of Presidential Decree 1096.

Implementation Rules and Regulations

Rules that govern the enforcement of the Philippine Interior Design Act.

Aesthetic Arrangement

The design principle aimed at achieving an orderly and visually pleasing interior.

Innovative Systems

New methods and technologies that may be incorporated into interior design practices.

Periodic Changes

Adjustments to the National Interior Design Code that may occur without legislative action.

Building and Other Structures

The primary focus of the National Interior Design Code in terms of design and regulation.

Functional Arrangement

The organization of space within buildings to ensure usability and efficiency.

Interior Design

The science and art of planning, specifying, selecting and organizing the surface finishes and materials including furniture, furnishings and fixtures and other items of décoration of an architectural interior for the purpose of space allocations to suit, enhance and meet the intended function, movement and character for which the interior of the building is designed.

Professional Interior Designer

Refers to a natural person who holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card issued by the Board of Interior Design and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to this Act.

IDr

(Interior Designer) official title adopted for registered/licensed Interior Designers thru PIID Resolution No. 20-2007.

Scope of the Professional Practice of Interior Design

The act of planning, designing, specifying, supervising and giving general administration and responsible direction to the functional, orderly and aesthetic arrangement and for the enhancement of interior spaces.

Consultation

Advice, direction, evaluation, budgetary estimates and appraisals.

Schematic interior designs

Design development, professional contract documents and programming of construction phases.

Preparation of interior design plans

Includes design drawings, interior construction details, and technical specifications.

Philippine Interior Design Law (RA 8534)

Stipulates that only Filipino Citizens who passed the Licensure Examinations for Interior Design and/or who have been registered and licensed by the Professional Regulation Commission may practice interior design.

Foreign Interior Designer Practice

A foreign Interior Designer cannot practice his profession nor be issued a temporary license to practice Interior Design or consultancy unless the country of which he is a subject or citizen specifically permits Filipino Interior Designers to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign state or country.

Maintenance of Interior Design Facilities

Shall be maintained in good repair, safe, sanitary, and good working condition as originally approved for occupancy.

Interior Design Law Reference

Refer to the Interior Design Law and the By-Laws of the Accredited Professional Organization (APO).

Board Approval

The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise, exclude from, or add to the enumerated acts or activities as the need arises to conform to the latest trend in the practice of interior design.

Interior Design Activities

Includes all other works, projects and activities which require the professional competence of the professional interior designer, including teaching of interior design subjects.

Aesthetic Design

Designs that are visually pleasing and enhance the character of the interior space.

Functional Design

Designs that serve the intended purpose and facilitate movement within the space.

Structural Design

Designs that ensure the safety and integrity of the building's interior.

Interior Design Supervision

The act of overseeing the implementation of interior design plans and ensuring compliance with design specifications.

Interior Design Technical Specifications

Detailed descriptions of materials, products, and workmanship required for the execution of the design.

Interior Design Contract Documents

Legal documents that outline the terms and conditions of the interior design services provided.

Interior Design Evaluation

The process of assessing the effectiveness and quality of interior design solutions.

Interior Design Budgetary Estimates

Financial projections for the costs associated with interior design projects.

Foreign nationals

Individuals from other countries who enter the Philippines to perform professional services as interior designers or consultants.

Special temporary permit

A permit required for foreign nationals to practice their profession in the Philippines in connection with specific projects.

Professional Regulation Commission

The government agency responsible for regulating professional practice in the Philippines.

Filipino counterpart/firm

A local entity that foreign nationals must work with, which has been established for at least ten years prior to the project.

National Building Code (NBC)

A set of regulations that govern building design and construction in the Philippines.

RA8534

The Interior Design Law in the Philippines that governs the practice of interior design.

Purpose and Scope of the National Interior Design Code

This Code applies to the design, construction, repair, alteration, renovation, and use of buildings and structures for human habitation.

Conflict of provisions

In cases where different sections of the Code conflict, the most restrictive provisions shall govern.

Secretary of Public Works and Highways

The official who may approve cases referred for regulatory provisions not covered in the Code.

Existing Buildings and Other Structures

Buildings subject to additions, alterations, repairs, or renovations that must comply with the requirements of the Code.

Structural integrity

The ability of a building to withstand its intended load without experiencing failure.

Fire safety

Measures and regulations ensuring the safety of buildings against fire hazards.

Required number of exits

The minimum number of exits mandated for safety in a building according to the Code.

Historic significance

The importance of a building's character and legacy that must be preserved during renovations.

Technology transfer

The process of sharing technology and expertise between foreign and local professionals.

Professional fees

Compensation for services rendered by interior designers, which must be shared between foreign and Filipino designers.

Liabilities and taxes

Financial responsibilities that may arise during the execution of a project, shared according to participation.

Amplifications

Adjustments made to original provisions of the NBC to align with advancements in science and technology.

Regulatory measures

Rules and guidelines that govern the application of the Code in various scenarios.

Innovative or creative design

Design approaches that may require special approval when not covered by existing regulatory provisions.

Historic buildings

Buildings subject to alteration, repairs, renovations, additions, upgrading necessary for preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)

A government agency concerned with the regulation of historic buildings.

National Historical Institute (NHI)

A government agency involved in the preservation of historic buildings.

National Museum

A government agency that regulates alterations to historic buildings.

DPWH

Department of Public Works and Highways, involved in the approval of interior design plans.

Seal and Use of Seal

A requirement for duly registered interior designers to sign and affix their seal on all plans and specifications.

Interior plans and specifications

Documents that must be prepared and submitted in full accord with the provisions of the Act.

Violation consequences

Grounds for administrative and/or criminal action for non-compliance with the interior design code.

Professional license number

A number that interior designers must indicate on documents related to their profession.

Professional tax receipt number

A number that must be included by interior designers on documents they sign or issue.

Pre-Design Services

Services provided before the actual design work begins.

Design Services

Services related to the actual creation of design plans.

Schedule of Minimum Basic Fees

A schedule outlining the minimum fees for design services.

Payment Schedule

A schedule detailing when payments for services are due.

Owner's Responsibility

Obligations of the property owner in relation to interior design services.

Comprehensive Planning services

Services that involve detailed planning for interior design projects.

Construction Services

Services related to the actual construction aspects of design projects.

Design-Build Services

Services that combine design and construction into a single contract.

National Government Agencies (NGA's)

Government bodies responsible for enforcing the interior design code.

Local Government Units (LGU's)

Local authorities that enforce regulations related to interior design.

Special Economic Zones (SEZ)

Designated areas that may have different regulations for interior design.

Special Administrative Zones (SAZ)

Areas with specific administrative regulations for interior design.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Government department involved in local governance and regulation of design practices.

Ancillary Permit for Interior Design Works

Permits required for interior design works, submitted with building permit applications.

Building Permit

A permit that is null and void if not accompanied by the Ancillary Permits.

Interior Design Permit

One of the ancillary permits required for interior design works.

Architectural Permit

A type of ancillary permit required for architectural aspects of design.

Civil/Structural Permit

A permit required for civil and structural work in interior design.

Electrical Permit

A permit required for electrical work in interior design.

Mechanical Permit

A permit required for mechanical work in interior design.

Sanitary Permit

A permit required for sanitary work in interior design.

Plumbing Permit

A permit required for plumbing work in interior design.

Electronics Permit

A permit required for electronics work in interior design.

Ancillary Permit for Interior Design Construction

A permit required for interior design construction, obtained by submitting a signed and sealed form by the Interior Designer.

Floor Plan

A detailed drawing showing all floors, rooms, their uses, finishes, dimensions, and locations of structural elements and openings.