An Architect or a group of architects may provide various architectural services around the real in the design and built environment based on the Republic Act 9266 (RA 9266) also known as the Architectural Act of 2004 and the Standards of Professional Practice (SPP). 

 

The professional responsibility of the architect surpasses the general idea of just producing beautiful architectural drawings and edifices. The architect’s outputs surrounds the entire elements in and outside a building. It starts from the very first interpretation from the project owner’s requirement to during the implementation of the project until on some occasions to the post construction services. The architect’s primary work involves functionality, aesthetic, safety, and sustainability not only on the building the architects designed and taking into consideration the surrounding vicinity near it. In the Philippine law, the only professional who can perform architectural services are only Registered and Licensed Architects.

 

In the industry, architecture is not just about providing architectural  plans to the client or project owners. The practice of architecture is well defined in Article I, Section 3 and Section 4, and in Article IV under the Republic Act of 9266. It envelops the pre-design, conceptualization, planning, design, management, supervision, and even post-construction evaluation of buildings and the environments as well. In short the architect may participate in the design process, in the construction process, in the post construction process and in consultations. The architectural practice is more defined and elaborated in the Standards of Professional Practice (SPP).

 

1. Pre-Design Services   (SPP Document 201)

Before design begins, architects provide essential groundwork services to ensure the project’s feasibility and proper direction.

    •    Consultation – Advising the client on requirements, budget, regulations, and project potential.

    •    Site Analysis and Selection – Studying environmental conditions, topography, accessibility, and legal constraints.

    •    Feasibility Studies – Assessing technical, legal, and economic viability.

    •    Preliminary Space Programming – Determining functional space requirements.

    •    Promotional and Information Materials – Concept visuals for funding or marketing purposes.

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2. Regular Design Services   (SPP Document 202)

This is the core service most people associate with architecture, covering the design and construction phases.

A. Design Phase

    1.    Schematic Design (SD) – Developing initial concepts, layouts, and massing studies.

    2.    Design Development (DD) – Refining the approved schematic design with more technical detail.

    3.    Contract Documents (CD) – Preparing detailed drawings, specifications, and schedules for bidding and construction.

B. Construction Phase

    4.    Bidding/Negotiation – Assisting the client in selecting qualified contractors.

    5.    Construction Administration – Periodic site visits, review of shop drawings, and verifying work compliance with plans.

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3. Specialized Architectural Services   (SPP Document 203)

Architects may offer services requiring specialized expertise, such as:

    •    Architectural Interiors (AI) – Interior design with integration of structure, lighting, and ergonomics.

    •    Site Development Planning (SDP) – Landscaping, open spaces, and outdoor facility planning.

    •    Physical Planning – Master planning for communities, campuses, or industrial parks.

    •    Historic Preservation & Restoration – Conservation of heritage structures.

    •    Building Systems Design – Integration of sustainable and smart building technologies.

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4. Construction Services

A. Full-Time Supervision Services (SPP 204-A) – Architect is on-site full time to oversee construction work and coordinate trades.

B. Construction Management Services (SPP 204-B) – Managing the project’s schedule, cost, and quality on behalf of the owner.

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5. Post-Design Services  (SPP Document 205)

Services provided after project completion, such as:

    •    Building Appraisal – Evaluating an existing building’s condition, value, or compliance.

    •    Facilities Maintenance Programming – Planning long-term upkeep of the building.

    •    Post-Occupancy Evaluation – Assessing building performance in real use.

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6. Comprehensive Architectural Services    (SPP Document 206) 

This document integrates all services needed to complete a project from conception to operation.

It covers the entire range of services, from pre-design to post-construction, ensuring seamless coordination.

Services may include:

    •    Pre-Design, Regular Design, Specialized, and Post-Design Services in one package

    •    Coordination with allied professionals (engineers, planners, consultants)

    •    Project and cost management, procurement, and implementation oversight

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7.  Design-Build Services by Architects   (SPP Document 207)

The architect assumes single-point responsibility for both design and construction.

This “turnkey” service benefits clients who want streamlined delivery.

    •    Preparation of plans and specifications

    •    Direct procurement of permits and approvals

    •    Hiring and managing construction trades

    •    Accountability for cost, schedule, and quality

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8. Specialized Allied Services   (SPP Document 208) 

Covers professional services of the architect in collaboration with allied fields of the building industry.

These may include:

    •    Building systems integration (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, IT, sustainability)

    •    Acoustics, lighting design, and signage systems

    •    Security, safety, and fire protection systems

    •    Other emerging technologies requiring multidisciplinary expertise

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9. Professional Architectural Consultancy   (SPP Document 209) 

This recognizes the architect as a consultant or advisor in specialized fields.

Roles may include:

    •    Serving as independent consultant to clients, corporations, or governments

    •    Advising on urban design, housing, real estate development, or public policy

    •    Conducting professional investigations, technical studies, and evaluations

    •    Providing expert architectural advice for decision-making

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10. Construction and Project Management   (SPP Document 210) 

While SPP 204 already covers Supervision and Construction Management, SPP 210 expands this to Project Management, where the architect coordinates time, cost, and quality across all project phases.

Scope includes:

    •    Organizing project delivery systems

    •    Managing contracts, procurement, and resources

    •    Overseeing schedules, budgets, and performance metrics

    •    Ensuring compliance with codes, sustainability standards, and safety

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11. Support Services  (SPP Document 211)

Provides for services that support but go beyond the traditional practice, such as:

    •    Architectural research and development

    •    Continuing professional education, training, and knowledge-sharing

    •    Expert witness services and arbitration/mediation support

    •    Contribution to legislation, policy, and advocacy in the built environment

    •    Participation in international practice and cross-border collaboration

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