INTERIOR DESIGN CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Introduction
RA 8534, the Philippine Interior Design Law, enacted on February 26, 1998, formally recognizes Interior Design as a legitimate and regulated profession, ensuring standards and qualifications for practitioners.
The National Interior Design Code, compiled by the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), is a comprehensive set of guidelines that serves as a Referral Code for the National Building Code (NBC), providing specific standards for interior design.
It prescribes detailed rules for the functional, orderly, and aesthetic arrangement of building interiors, covering spatial planning, material selection, and design execution to enhance the quality and safety of interior spaces.
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Title: National Interior Design Code of the Philippines, officially referred to as the “ID CODE,” ensuring a consistent and recognized standard for interior design practices throughout the country.
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy:
The ID Code is designed to be consistent, complementary, and compatible with the NBC, acting as a referral code to ensure cohesive building design and safety standards.
Organized and founded on broad performance principles and standards, providing a flexible framework that adapts to diverse design contexts while maintaining core functional and safety requirements.
Reviewed periodically for changes in science and technology to incorporate new materials, methods, and technologies, ensuring the code remains current and effective.
SECTION 3. Use of this National Interior Design Code:
Considerations: Cultural and historical aspects, the optimization of natural light and ventilation, accessibility for all users, and the integration of information technology to create functional and relevant interior spaces.
Interior Designs: Aesthetically, functionally, and structurally designed to serve their intended purpose while protecting the life, health, property, and public safety of building occupants.
Interior Design facilities: Maintained in good repair and safe working condition through regular inspections and adherence to safety standards to ensure a secure and functional environment.
Refer to the Interior Design Law and By-Laws of the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) for professional conduct, ethical practice, and continuing education requirements.
SECTION 4. Licensure Required for Design Professional:
Interior Design – encompasses the comprehensive planning, specifying, selecting, and organizing of interior finishes, materials, furniture, and fixtures to suit the intended function and character of interior spaces.
Professional Interior Designer – an individual who holds a valid certificate and professional identification card (ID) from the Board of Interior Design and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), demonstrating their qualifications and legal authorization to practice.
IDr – the official title designated for registered and licensed Interior Designers, signifying their professional status and expertise.
Scope of Practice: Includes the planning, designing, specifying, supervising, and administering of interior spaces, covering a broad range of activities from initial concept to final implementation.
Activities include consultation with clients, schematic designs, contract documents, preparation of detailed plans, and teaching interior design subjects in academic institutions.
CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION and ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 5. Title:
General: Sections 201-216 of the National Building Code (NBC) are adapted verbatim to provide a foundational administrative framework, with amplifications for advancements in science and technology to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
SECTION 6. Purpose and Scope of this National Interior Design Code:
Applies to the design, construction, repair, alteration, renovation, and use of buildings and structures, ensuring comprehensive regulation and safety across all aspects of interior design and construction.
Conflicting provisions: In cases of conflicting regulations, the most restrictive provision governs, prioritizing safety and adherence to the highest standards.
Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with the NFC and other National Laws and Uniform Building Code provisions, promoting consistency and integration in building regulations.
Absence of provisions: Innovative or creative designs that fall outside the scope of existing provisions are referred to the Secretary of Public Works and Highways for review and approval, encouraging innovation while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
SECTION 7. Application to Existing Buildings and Other Structures:
General: Any additions, alterations, repairs, or renovations to existing structures must comply with the code requirements for occupancies, fire safety, exits, and other critical safety measures to ensure the ongoing safety and functionality of the buildings.
Historic buildings: Subject to preservation regulations and guidelines set forth by agencies such as the NCCA, NHI, or National Museum, balancing modern safety standards with the preservation of historical and cultural heritage.
CHAPTER 3 PERMITS & INSPECTION
SECTION 12. Ancillary Permit for Interior Design Works
Ancillary Permits must be signed and sealed by qualified professionals and submitted along with the Building Permit application, ensuring that all aspects of the interior design comply with regulatory standards.
The Building Permit is considered void without the necessary Ancillary Permits, highlighting the importance of these permits in ensuring legal and safe construction.
Ancillary Permits include Interior Design, Architectural, Civil/Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Sanitary, Plumbing, and Electronics Permits, each addressing specific aspects of the building and ensuring comprehensive regulatory compliance.
SECTION 13. Application for Ancillary Permit for Interior Design Construction
The applicant is required to submit a fully accomplished application form, signed and sealed by the Interior Designer, confirming their professional responsibility for the design.
Plans, Specifications, and Contract Documents must also be signed and sealed by the Interior Designer, indicating their comprehensive involvement and accountability in the project.
Required plans include detailed Floor Plans, Reflected Ceiling Plans, Electrical Fixture Location Plans, and Utility Openings, providing a complete visual and technical representation of the interior design.
SECTION 15. Validity of Interior Design Construction Permit
The permit expires if construction work does not commence within one year from the date of issuance, or if work is suspended for a continuous period of 120 days, ensuring timely project progression and adherence to regulatory timelines.
The permit does not authorize any disregard or violation of the Code or the NBC, reinforcing the importance of complying with all applicable regulations.
Any changes to the original plans must be duly authorized in writing by the Interior Designer, maintaining professional oversight and ensuring that all modifications meet regulatory requirements.
CHAPTER 4 LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SECTION 18. General Requirements on Natural Light and Ventilation
Every building is mandated to provide adequate natural light and ventilation to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, meeting the basic needs of occupants.
Buildings must face a street, public alley, or approved private street to facilitate natural light and ventilation access, ensuring compliance with urban planning and building codes.
Alterations to existing structures must not reduce the size of rooms or window areas below the minimum requirements specified in the code, preserving the original standards for light and ventilation.
SECTION 21. Ceiling Heights
Habitable rooms with artificial ventilation systems must maintain a minimum ceiling height of 2.40 meters (8 feet) to ensure adequate air circulation and a sense of spaciousness.
SECTION 22. SIZE AND DIMENSION OF ROOMS (Natural Ventilation)
Minimum sizes for rooms with natural ventilation: Habitable rooms must be at least 6 square meters, kitchens at least 3.00 square meters, and bathrooms/toilets at least 1.20 square meters to provide functional and comfortable spaces.
CHAPTER 5 INTERIOR MATERIALS AND FINISHES
SECTION 30. Interior Materials and Finishes
Acceptable materials for Interior Walls/Partitions include Calcium Salicilate/Fiber cement board and Solid Wood / Wood particle bonded panel cement, which offer durability and aesthetic appeal.
Suitable materials for Ceilings are Acoustical thermal insulation and fire-rated ceiling board on metal T-suspension framing systems, which provide both sound insulation and fire protection.
Recommended Flooring Finishes include Wood Planks, Laminated Wood, Vinyl/ Rubber Tiles, Ceramic /Marble/ granite, and Wool or synthetic fiber carpets, each offering different aesthetic and functional properties.
SECTION 33 PHILIPPINE RAW MATERIALS
Encourages the use of local materials such as Bamboo, Abaca, Buri, Coconut, Rattan, Sea Grass, Leather, and Sea Shells in interior design, promoting sustainability and supporting local industries.
CHAPTER 6 FURNITURE, FURNISHINGS and EQUIPMENT (FF&E)
SECTION 36. Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment
FF&E encompasses the comprehensive design, selection, specification, color coordination, and procurement of furniture and accessories to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of interior spaces.
Includes the preparation of detailed placement plans, ordering information, and finish specifications to ensure cohesive design execution.
Criteria for selection include considerations of function, ergonomics, maintenance, durability, sustainability, comfort, and cost, ensuring that FF&E meets both practical and aesthetic requirements.
SECTION 40. CONFERENCE/DINING TABLE
For rectangular tables, an ideal length is to provide an elbow room of mm. to mm. per seater, ensuring comfortable seating and sufficient space for each person.
CHAPTER 7 FIRE RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 49. Flame Resistance
Mandates that all fabrics and textiles used in interiors must conform to safety standards set by Philippine government agencies to minimize fire hazards.
Recommends the application of fire retardant finishes on upholstery, curtains, wall coverings, and beddings to enhance their fire resistance and improve overall safety.
SECTION 50. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes
Requires that interior wall and ceiling finishes be classified according to their flame-spread characteristics using established engineering standards, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
Stipulates that smoke density from these materials should not be greater than that of untreated wood to reduce the risk of smoke inhalation during a fire.
CHAPTER 8 SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN
SECTION 54. General
Encourages the use of simple technology and passive energy-conserving strategies in interior design to reduce environmental impact.
Promotes the use of renewable indigenous building materials to support local economies and reduce reliance on non-sustainable resources.
Advocates for designs that minimize environmental disruption, resource consumption, and waste generation to create eco-friendly and sustainable interior spaces.
CHAPTER 9 UNIVERSAL DESIGN
SECTION 60. Universal Design
Universal design aims to create products and spaces that are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or situation, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
It strives to be a solution that benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities, recognizing the importance of aesthetics and usability for all users.
SECTION 61. The implementation of Universal Design involves the following seven principles:
Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.
Graphics Signs for Physically-Challenged and Visually-Impaired
The International Symbol of Access is a globally recognized symbol indicating accessibility for people with disabilities.
Signs include:
International symbol of access
Ramps
Telephones
Elevators
Parking facilities
Directional signs
Accessibility for people with low vision
Braille
Symbol color: Typically white on a dark blue or black background for high contrast.
Placement: Should be placed at entrances, exits, toilets, washrooms, and outside accessible buildings to guide and inform users.
Sign Sizes and Usage
10 x 10: Commonly used on comfort room stall doors and in printed formats for easy identification.
15 x 15: Suitable for door rooms, both with and without directional arrows, to indicate room accessibility.
22 x 22: Used for door rooms, providing clear visibility both with and without arrows.
30 x 30: Designed for exterior use, these larger signs are easily visible from a distance.
60 x 60: Also intended for exterior use, providing maximum visibility in outdoor settings.
Sign Post Details
Identify rooms of importance, such as hotel rooms, and provide warnings about potential hazards like projecting objects.
Rectangular signboards: Primarily used for conveying warnings and important information.
Circular signboards: Typically used to indicate prohibitions or actions that are not allowed.
Text dimension: Must be readable for individuals with less than normal vision acuity, ensuring clear communication.
Letter thickness: Should be approximately 1/5 of the letter height to maintain readability.
Letters/symbols: Should be raised at least 1 mm or engraved to allow for tactile reading by visually impaired individuals.
Minimum letter height: 15mm is required for tactile reading, ensuring accessibility for the blind.
Braille: Essential for providing vital information to the blind and visually impaired.
Location: Signs should be mounted between 1.40m and 1.60m from the floor for optimal visibility and accessibility.
Website Design for the Visually-Impaired
Vision changes, including partial sight, effects of aging, and color deficits, can significantly reduce the effectiveness of certain color combinations.
Contrast is a crucial element for ensuring discernibility and readability for visually impaired users.
Color Choice Rules:
Exaggerate lightness differences between foreground and background; avoid using similar lightness levels to enhance contrast.
Use dark colors from the bottom half of the hue circle against light colors from the top half; avoid the reverse to ensure visibility.
Avoid contrasting hues from adjacent parts of the hue circle, especially when they have similar lightness, to prevent visual confusion.
Color Attributes
Hue, lightness, and saturation are fundamental perceptual attributes of color that designers must consider.
Hue: Refers to the basic color categories, such as blue, green, yellow, red, and purple.
Lightness: Indicates how much light is reflected by a color; it is the most critical factor for creating effective contrast.
Color deficits reduce the ability to discriminate based on hue, lightness, and saturation, affecting color perception.
Designers should aim to make colors differ dramatically in all three attributes to compensate for color deficits and ensure accessibility.
Annex A: Definition of Terms
Biodegradable: Capable of decomposing naturally through biological processes without causing harm to the environment.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC): Volatile gases that deplete the ozone layer, contributing to environmental damage.
Energy Efficient: Products or systems that use less energy to perform the same task compared to standard alternatives.
Environmentally Friendly: Products, practices, or services that minimize harm to the environment.
Environmental psychology: The study of the interplay between humans and their surroundings, examining how the environment affects behavior and well-being.
Graywater: Wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry facilities that can be reused for non-potable purposes like flushing toilets or landscape irrigation.
Hazardous Waste: Waste materials that pose a substantial threat to the environment or human health due to their chemical or physical properties.
High Performance Green Building: A building designed to conserve resources, minimize waste, and provide a healthy indoor environment.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): The quality of air inside buildings, which includes adequate ventilation and control of contaminants.
Integrated Design Team: A collaborative group of individuals from various disciplines involved from the early stages of a design project.
Interior design: The art and science of shaping interior space through the manipulation of volume and surface treatment.
Interior designer: A professional trained in the art and science of interior design.
IDr: A licensed Interior Designer recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Life-Cycle Assessment: A comprehensive analysis of a product's environmental and economic effects throughout its entire life cycle.
Low Toxic: Materials or substances that contain minimally poisonous or harmful substances.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Fact sheets that identify hazardous chemicals and provide safety information.
Non-Renewable: Resources that are finite and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan.
Ozone Layer: A layer in the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs the sun's ultraviolet rays, protecting life on Earth.
Pollution Prevention: Measures taken to reduce or eliminate pollution by reducing energy, materials, packaging, or water use.
Recyclability: The ability of a product or material to be recovered and recycled for reuse.
Recycled/Recovered Materials: Waste materials that have been diverted from solid waste and processed for reuse.
Recycling: The process of recovering products and materials from waste for reuse.
Resource Efficiency: Strategies to reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair materials to minimize waste.
Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
Remanufacturing: Extending product life by refurbishing and reusing existing parts and materials.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): A condition in which building occupants experience health complaints linked to building conditions.
Sustainable Yield vs. Ecologically Sustainable Forestry: Balancing tree cutting with replanting versus managing forests for long-term ecosystem health.
**Thermal Comfort: A state of satisfaction with the thermal environment, including factors like temperature, airflow, and humidity.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): Indoor air pollutants released from solvents and other materials.
Waste Reduction: Actions taken to reduce waste at its source.
Waste Stream: The total flow of solid waste from a community or facility.
Wastewater: Contaminated water that must be purified before it can be reused or released.
Annex B: Interior Design Permit
Requirements: Must be prepared by a Licensed Architect, Interior Designer, or Civil Engineer to ensure professional standards.
Interior Design Documents:
Floor Plan with furniture lay-out (scale 1:50) to show spatial arrangement
Wall elevations (at least four) (scale 1:50) to illustrate vertical design elements
Interior Perspective for a visual representation of the design
Working drawings furniture design and built-in cabinet construction for detailed construction guidance
Specifications and sample of materials (swatches) to outline materials and finishes comprehensively
Annex C: Standard Forms for Building Permit
Includes standard forms and figures for building permits, application processes, and required signboards to ensure efficient and compliant building management.