PECS - ID CODE, PIID DOC 5 & 6

An interior designer is working on a hotel project with an architect. The client asks the interior designer to move a wall to make the lobby bigger. The interior designer agrees and changes the plan without telling the architect. Did the interior designer do the right thing? Why or why not?

No. The interior designer did not do the right thing. Since an architect is part of the project, the interior designer should not make changes to the plans like moving a wall without asking for the architect’s approval first.

What does Article II, A-5 of the Code of Ethics state about charging fees?

Charge a professional fee based on PIID minimum (₱100), suited to work, standing, and experience

Cynthia is an interior designer who recently found out that her colleague Amy was also submitting a proposal for the same client and project. To gain an advantage, Cynthia spread false information that Amy often misses deadlines, even though it’s not true. Is Cynthia’s action allowed?

No, because an interior designer shall not knowingly or maliciously injure the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another interior designer for the same project and client.

An Interior Designer is offered a 10% discount on furniture by a supplier. The supplier requests that the Designer keep the discount as personal profit in exchange for future referrals. According to the Code of Ethics, what should the Interior Designer do?

Credit the discount to the Client.

Ana, an Interior Designer, is reviewing the plans made by an Architect for a new office project. During a client meeting, the client asks Ana about the Architect’s design. Instead of giving constructive feedback, Ana starts making negative and malicious comments about the Architect’s work to discredit it.

Question: Did Ana follow the code under B-2?

No. She violated B-2 because an Interior Designer should not make malicious criticisms of the Architect’s structure or plans.

Why do you think the law emphasizes that a definite agreement must be made before an interior designer provides professional services?

The law emphasizes a definite agreement to protect both the interior designer and the client by setting clear terms before any work begins. This prevents misunderstandings, ensures fair compensation, and upholds professionalism in the practice.

Miguel, a licensed interior designer, is working on a project. He drafts architectural plans for the client and asks a licensed architect to sign them since the architect is part of the project team. Miguel then includes the signed plans in his interior design firm’s portfolio, implying they were produced under his firm. Under the Code of Ethics B-4, is Miguel acting ethically?

No, Miguel is not acting ethically because an interior designer cannot make architectural plans and pass them as part of their firm’s work unless he is also a licensed architect.

Can licensed interior designers independently manage and complete specific projects, or are they required to cooperate with other professionals?

Licensed Interior Designers cannot independently manage certain projects; they are required to work in cooperation with Architects to ensure the success of the project.

What is the minimum fee for a small project with a maximum floor area of 75 square meters?

The minimum fee is P50,000 per unit or P1,000 per square meter

Is an Interior Designer allowed to pursue a commission already given or negotiated with another designer?

No, because the project is already committed to another designer, even if still under negotiation.

What is the responsibility of an interior designer in relation to civic and urban affairs?

The interior designer shall seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic and urban affairs

If the client already pays the professional fee, can the interior designer still ask for extra payment from the contractor?

No. The interior designer cannot ask or receive any payment from anyone else except the client.

A client asks interior designer Lana to bypass a local building code to save time and money on a non-load-bearing wall. Can Lana ethically agree to this request?

No, Lana cannot ethically agree to this request. As an interior designer, she is obligated to abide by and observe all laws and regulations, including local building codes. Bypassing a building code, regardless of the reason, is a violation of her professional duty and the law.

can an interior designer lower professional charges or use donations to gain a competitive advantage over another interior designer?

No. An interior designer shall not compete based on professional charges or donations, except for worthy civic projects.

According to the Interior Design Code of Ethics, what is the ethical obligation of a designer regarding project cost estimates ?

The designer shall explain the conditional character of estimates and should not mislead clients to secure commission.

If an interior designer who is not a licensed architect prepares architectural plans for a building project and submits them under the name of their firm, can this be considered acceptable practice?

No. Only licensed architects can make and sign architectural plans.

After how many days following its publication in the Official Gazette will the Code of Ethics take effect?

The Code of Ethics shall take effect 15 days after its publication to the Official Gazette

Is it lawful for an interior designer to refuse a client’s request of removing an existing interior wall without any prior notice of the architect?

Yes, it is lawful—and in fact, professionally mandated—for an interior designer to refuse a client's request to remove an existing interior wall without prior notice to the architect.

If an interior designer started the project without clarifying the scope of services as well as their fees, is the designer following the Code of Ethics?

No. Because interior designers must acquaint or ascertain from the client the exact scope of services and the corresponding professional charges.

if your clients insist to proposed an Architectural Plan and Design, the client don't want to hire an Licensed Architect, what would you do?

Will Accept the project and the right thing to do is to hire a Licensed Architect Consultant to work for you for the Architectural Designs and Plans.

Professional fees shall be paid in accordance with the progress of services rendered. How many percentage of fees shall be paid for; Acceptance fees, Schematic Design Phase, Design Development Phase, Contract Document and Coordination Phase, and Construction Phase?

10% for Acceptance fees, 20% for Schematic Design Phase, 35% for Design Development Phase, 20% Contract Document and Coordination Phase, and 15% Construction Phase.

An interior designer was invited to be a juror for a prestigious design competition. A month later, the organizer also offered the same designer an opportunity to work as the official Interior Designer for the winning project. The designer is very interested in accepting the offer since it would be a big career boost. According to provision D-6, what should the interior designer do in this situation, and why?

The interior designer should decline the offer because serving as a juror creates a conflict of interest. D-6 prohibits a juror or adviser in a competition from later accepting employment on the same project.