\

,?

- Gren. qqnrntnt

on *Bque, \n gEF.\ IE,E

GorT- G/f,-Fr. qgnernellt 0n TO'Kg\Fg $ \t-qDt-s
sqte

??.cDoct lrrrero*qnptLEi
IIn
I
& tlAP D(xrl IMliN"t's: srnNr)n RI)s oF pRoF[tsstoNnl pRnc-l.tcti

hy: tJAP Aclmin Office

. STAhIDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM IN ARCHITECTURAL
PRACTICE
(As adopted by the Beijing GeneralAssambly ln June 1999, ulA
oocs.l

lntroduction
The UIA Councilestablished the Professional Practice Commission and approved its program
in 1994. Following some 25 months of intensive activity by the Ccmmission during the
1993'1996 triennium, the UIA Assembly unanirnously aclopted the firsteditioir of ihe
Proposed UIA Accord on Recommended lntemationar Standards of Professionalism in
Archilectural Practice in Barcelona, Spain in July'1996. By this action of the UIA Assembly,
the Accord was established as policy recommendations to guide the ongoing work of the UIA
and lhe UIA Professional Practice Commission.
The first edition of the Accord was transmitt.d to all rnember sections of the UIA with
the
reqtresl for their comments and cooperation in the further development of the policy
framework for presentalion to the XXI UIA Assenrbly in Beijrng, ihina, in 1ggg.
fne tggZ1999 Professional Practice program focused on responcling to comments and

recommendations received from Council members, UIA member sections, and

members of lhe
Commission on lhe Accord and its policies. The first edition of the AccorcJ was
mocJified in
response to those connments and as a result of Ccmnrission debate of the policy
issue
guideline documents being developed to flesh out lhe bare bones policy framework
of the
Accord.

]hq Accord and guidelines recognize the sovereignty ref s665 UIA member section, allow
oi
requirements reflecting local conditions of a ulA memlrcr section.
fleryibility for principles of equivalency, anc! are structirred to allow for
the addition

It is not lhe intention of the Accord to establish obligatory stanOarOs

set by negotiated
agreements between competing interests. Rather, the Accord is the resuli
of t-he co-operative
endeavor of the intemational community of architects to objectively
establish standards and
practices that will best serve community interests. The Accord
and Guideline documents are
inlended lo define what is considered best practice for the
architectural profession and the
standards to which the p.rofession aspires.
are living documents and will be subject to
Jlesg
ongoing review and modification as the weight
of opinion ind experience dictates. Whilst
respmting the sovereignty of UIA member sections, they are
invited arrd encouraged to
promote the adoption of the Accord and the Guiclelines
ind, if appropriate, seek t[e
modification of existing customs and lalts.
It is intended that the Accord and guidelines will provide practical guidance
for govemments,

negotiating enlilies, or other entities entering muiual recognition negotiations

oi architectural
services' The Accord and guidelines will make it easier for parties to negotiate
recognition
agreements. The most common way to achieve recognition has been
thiough bilateial
agreernents, recognized as permissible under Article Vll of the GATS.
Ther6 are differences in
education and examination standards, experience requirements, regulatory
influence etc., allof

1l' "
,+

which. make implementing. recognition on a multilateral

basis exbemely difficult. Bilateral

negotiations will facilitate focusbn key issues rerating

to two

H.gweye1, once achieved, bilateral reciprocal

rg*rrni,

rpr.inr

environments.

should lead to others, which will

ullimately extend mutual recognition mbre Uroa?iy. -'+T|e
{cqrrd begins with a statiment ot;piinciptes of professionatism," followed by a series
of policy issues.' Each policy issue opens witn'a oennitior
oi m. rubject policy, fol6wed by
g.rtrJgTgliof background and rhe poticy,
The XXI UIA Assembly in Beijing, ciiina lnanimously
adopted the
" Aocord in June 1999. A
copy of the Resolution of Adoption is attached as
Apin;fi A.

t
a
I

2l

ulA Accord on Recommended lnternational standards of

Professionalism in Architectural practice
I
t

rinciples clf Professionalisrn

Members of the architectural profession are dedicated

to standards of professionalism, integrity, and
competence:
thereby bring to society unique skills and aptitudes
essential to lhe suslainable
development of the built environrnent and lhe werlfare
of their'.o.i.i[, and cultures. princi'les of
professionalism are established in legislation,
as vrell as in codeu oi umi., and regulations clefining

tI.

professional conduct:

Experlise_: Architects possess a.systemati0 body,cf knowledge,

skills, and theory developed through
educalion, graduate and postgraduate haining, and
experien.d fn* process of architectural education,
lraining, and examination is structu.red to assuie the public
that when an architect is enoagecl to perform
professional services, thal architecl-has met acceptable
standards enabling proper performance of those
services' Furthermore, members of most professionar
ro.irii.r
and indeed, the UlA, are
charged to maintain and advance their knowledge of
the art and science of architecture, to respect the
body of architecturar accomprishment, and to contiibute
to its growth.

lir"nii..tr
- '"

Atttottotnv . Architects provide objective

qxpert advice to the client and/or the users. Architecis are
charged to uphold the ideal tlrat learned and uncompromised
professional judgmenl slroukl lake
precedence over any other molive in the pursuit
of the arl and science of architecture, Architects are
also
charged to embrace the spirit and letler oi th"lr*s goveming
their professlonal affairs and to thoughtfulty
cutsibr he socid ild envkonnrental impact of their"pro:essional
activities.

'

,'{

('ortttnilrrre'rl.: Architecls
bring a h[h level of selfless dedicalicn to the
work done on behalf of lheir clients
and society' Members of the piofesiion rre crrargeJio
,r*u
their ctients in', ,'"rrp*t;;i;;;;fessional
manner and to exercise unprejudiced and unbiarjO
irOgr"nt on their behalf.

'

Accoutttabilitv : Architects are aYgre of their responsibility

for the independent and, if necessary, critical
advice provided to their clients and for the effects
bitt'eir. work on society and the environment,

Architects
un'dertake to perform professional services only
wtren they, together wilhihose whom they
may engage as
cohsultants, are qualified by education, trarninf
, ,iiolor'l*p.rience in the specific technical areas involved,
The UIA' through the programs of its national
sections and the professional praclice commission,
seeks to
establish principles of professionalism and professlonut
rtrnoad;l;th;;terest of public health, safery,
welfare' and culture, and suppols the posiiion
that inter-recognition of standards of professionalism
ancl
competence is in the public interest as well as in
the interest oimaintaini.g thu credibility of
profession.
the
The principles and standards of the ulA are
aimed at the nororgh

*dication and practical training of

architects so that they are able to fulfill their fundinrental
professional requirements: These stanclarcJs
recognize different national educational traditions
and, therefoie, allow for factors of equivalency.

i
d

1f

*Education
Definition

Architecturaleducation should ensure that all graduates have knowledge and ability in architectural design,
including technical systems and requirements as well as consideration of health, safety. and ecologiial
balance; that they understand the cultrrral, intellectual, historical, social, economic, and environmdntal
context for architecture; and that they comprehend thoroughly the architects' roles and responsibilities in
society, which depend on a cultivated, analytical and creative rnind.
Background:

ln mosl countries, architectural education is converrtionally delivered by 4-6 years full-time acarjemic
edtlcation at a trniversity (followed, rn some counlries, by a period nf priar;tical
experienceltraining/intemship), thuugh historically there have been important variations (parl lirne nrutes,
work experience etc.).
Policy:

ln accordance with the UIA/UNESCO Charter for Architectural Education, the UIA advocate that eCuralion
for.architects (apart from practical expdrience/training/intemship) be of no less than 5 years rlurrrlion,
delivered on a full-time basis in an accreditedr'validated/recognized architectural progranr in an
accreditedlvalidated/recognized university, while allovuing variety in iheir pedagogic approach-ancJ in their
responses to local contexts, ancl flexibility for equivalency.

Accred itationA/al idati o n/ Recog n it io n

De:rn

This is the process that establishes that an educational program meets an established stancJarcl
of
achievement' lts purpose is to assure the maintenance and enhancement of an appropriate eclucational
loundation.

Background;

Validated crileria and procedures for accreditation/virlidation/recognition by an

independent organization
help to develop well integrated and coordinated programs of architeitural edlcation.
Experience Jhows ttrat
standards may be harmonized and promoted by regular, extemal monitoring, in
some countries, in addition
to internal quality assurance audits.
Policy:

Thal courses must be accreditedivalidated/recognized by an independent

relevant authority, external to the
university at reasonable time intervals (usually no more ihan 5-years), and that
the UlA, in'association-with
the relevanl national organizations of higher educatiorr, develop standards for
the content ol an architect's
professional educalion that are academically structured, inteliectually
coherent, performance-basei1 and
outcomeoriented, with procedures that are guided by good practice.

Practical Experience/Training/l nternship

Definition:

Practical experience/training/internship is a directed anfl structured activity in the practice

of architecture

during architectural education and/or following reieipt

registration/licensing/certification. i
41,

of a

professional degree

but prior

to

Background:

To

complement academic preparation

in

order

to

protect

the public,

applicanls for

registration/licensing/certification must integrate their formal education through practical training

Policy:

:lnat graduates of architeclure will be required to have completed at leasl 2 years of

acceptable

experience/training/internship prior to registration/licensinglcertification to practice as an architect (but with

lhe objective of working towards 3 years) while allowing flexibility for equivalency.

Demonstration of Professional Knowledge and Ability

Every applicant for registration/licensirrg/certificatirrn as an architect

is required to

demonstrate an

acceplable level of professional knowledge and abilily to the relevant national authority.
Backgrounrt:

'The public is assured of an architecl's krrdwledge and ability only after he or she.has acquired the requisite
education and practicalexperience/training/internship, and demonstrated minimum knowledge and ability in
the comprehensive practice of architecture. These qualifications have to be demonstrated by examination
and/or other evidence.
Policy.

That lhe acquired knowledge and abiliiy of an architect have to be proven by providing adequate evidence
This evidence must incfude the srrccessfulmmpletitm of at least one examination at the end of the practicai
, experience/haining/intemship, Necessary components of professional practice knowledge and ability that
are not subject to an exarninalion have to be proven by other adequate evidence. These include such
subjects as business adminishation antJ relevant legal requirements.

Req istration/Licensin g/Certification

Definitiffi

Registralion/licensing/certification is the official legal recognition of an individual's qualiiication allowinq her

or him to practice as an architect,

associa.';ed

with iegulations preventing unqualified persons from

performing certain functions,

Background:

Given the public interest in a quality, sustainable t'uilt environment and the dangers and consequences
associated with the development of that environmenlt, it is important that architectural services are provided
by properly qualified professionals for the adequate plotection of the public.
Policy:
That the UIA promote the registration/licensinglcertification of the function of architects in all countries, ln
the public interest , provision for such registration/licernsing/certification should be by statute.

Pror.r rrement
Definrtion:

The process by which architectural services are commissioned.

Background:

5l'

j,

(throuoh lheir codes

of conducl) uphold
^rchilecls
the interests of their
their
own interes"ts'
crients and society
tt*it"'nry'nru.
at rarge before
,!
resources to perform
rheir functions to the

,:t* il

ilffi*

;':li:ffiffi:[:1*$:**,IH:lL_,1?,,'ifffiXiffiarri.*,,#,1i",1,u..ordance

w*h either

There are intemational

rules' such as tn^:,,9.Tr,rJ procurementAgreement
Directive, that aim t

(wTo) and the EU services

t*';
f 'g: : lit':: i5#:::il,il i,l lil trfi *il,'*5!1; ;:t$l;
alone'"Price-based'selectioi
ililffiitects to
::','['Ji : fi ir#;:
compromises design quality

*
"

tnJ nut

envrronment.

rore the

crients, which in tum

^ro,ilr'#J'r."i..r'pr;id#t,
qririltv""rritv ,rl-rlir,r*irJra
varue of the buirt

Poticy

or rhe bui'environmenr
and to prorec'he sociar

tlifr5.l!.T"iHf'l:fJ':?'lX1[;uu''oo'ent

jilv:Jlti.1iiiriit:lr,'#rr;t*il,,lffi

:'Jh'i"'[L:r.l[*h*
-g ?greed among the parties,
,*,1!'!:l':il;jf
following metnoos:
nir
aurhorities and/or arch
iterturar profess

io.n

ii;[:

o.rirchieved by one i,l

the

al associations.

F.t

A code of ethic-s and

conduct establishes
a professional

of behavior

that guides
r* ,iilii.1#'fil;'ilt'ff;,.*:gtiff;,,ilH1,-,lilHo,st31dard
r,rr.*,,,*..Ii,'"T erhics anc architects in the
conduct
ror each

Background
Bules
of elhic_nd conduct
.po*.'rurrffi,a
have
architecture.

'

s#J;;;ffi;:,1.j:T,Jix?fi-:iix;g;ff1,:?,;:1;i.?:3i1.;iili,,,j;;$f:;

policy
The existing UIA lntemational
code of Ethics on consurringservices

remains in force.
Member sections of
,n* ,*o,mended Accord
cooes'lr?'r'i.Jrro conducr
in force in rhe
al services, ;r

*mi,;-il ffi,i,'I,
{ig?fl::'iryEffiifJli1'n1k:,11!;r';**#llir
countries and
the

ilfii#r#rT;,'#i;#

lunsdictions ir ,"rri.ri
intemational law or
rr*r oiirrl arcrritect,s

tr

own country.

i
t

61,

b;;;r thri;;. ;;i'orJiio',,.0

o,

fi:iil,Jlg;r:xT,|ff,|fl'ff':BlffiT,,'#;l[:T:

reamins process that

maintains, enhances, or
increases

Background"

and resulatc,ry a,ilhsrties

require rheir members
ro devr:re time

il!:3ild,'!liir3?ffi',:';ltodies
newareasli,;:]1;;;iffijt"{dlurylil];ilili|Tjl,;:hiffi

tiT;:x',,,,T,1?ilg::tf,

;l'13:x13,':ff[:fi::,ff:';n;ri#tfll1:;fi;lfr;;tg,fr:r;:ffiil o.uurip,.;il;;i.ulJou,,*o o,

policy

'''

That tJlA urge its member

sectionslo eslablish regimes
of corrtinuing nrofelslo.lar,creveropment
of memhership' in the publki
iniu"tt Architects
as a cruty
sure they irb ,rpuoru of providing
they offer' ancl codes oitnnotitt
the services
ttrst obtige aicniti.t, tr.rrintrin'uinouif
described unrler the *r='nJtttnirr
rtanoard in a ujriety of
areas
nrcnitect, ,r,i'ir'rrtr*
meantime' the ulA must
variations rnerJot tn the
nronitoitiiu tl.ubrqpr.rir
ii, ,lnrinuing
renewal, recommend guideiino,
;;;fffi;ideueropment for resistration
,rong
arrnamns
to
ru.ilitnt.
this subject
continue to devetofi poticy
on

,iiriu-

nrqrirl*;ilil,

'

r.i;ffi,;fi

S,jcope of

Practiee

Definition.

Ji:il i:: ffi,;Hl,:ir:t.'

'

and management services

in connecrion wilh rand-use
prannins, urban

Background:

As society has e.volved,

t'e creati?:_:f_ilr,urbal antl_built
Architects have to or"i
*it' rr"increasingly *io,i'rrnge environment has.,become more-.nr
complex.

,TJl[Tr:?T,ff ?.'ilff l;*r;n[,;3,1trh#:,;;ff

policy:

of ,rurn,'r*rrhetic,

technicar,

tegrt

1,;:;snn*n,:,y;,,:ilJ*:'n,t,eg_a

That the ulA encourage.and

promotelhe continuing
extension.of the boundaries
of architecturar practice,
Ixl$:,,'Jy,i,Llli#[J,:'J,**l,ffi

x.,'*.J*ffi

,L#ffi

;i*i'?,ffi

l*m:;hecorrespondins

Form of practice

TefrnitT

The regarentity through

which the architect provides
architecturalservices.
- vv' rrvv''

Backgmund:

arc

traoitionalty'
ave practiceo
private institutionsTG
:::ly,ouars, or L prrtn.rrnips or in emproyrnent within pubrir; or
example: limited and
nruu
unlimiteJ i;;tili; companies,
rorms or association,
ror
dooprliiu, pir.iilr, 'rrr.ir,*r-uased
project offi...,
,',il['Jil:#il?XX?,iif;;lJll?;sh;,i;i;;J;ffi;Tu,iilo,nt,iu,
r,#s or association may arso

71,-.''

;';J;ill# g,';;y ri;,.u*q

r.j"[ ,r,ifri

',,,.

Policy
:;-hat archilecls
shou

;:ff
;:xlU:nltX,ilLtr#:i:iif
ece :firv': [:
fg ,,1i,itilJ:iT,'f
[, ii il,J: iT#';,r" : ccep e n, e
wiii;?vej,ffi
$[i9ii,51ifgffi
p
'Jk:::jj:t.ei,,,hecoun,ry
oractice
rj,lcti99 and varied
and ,trno*oJnt1'l*t:h:ljl:fr'Jljfi ':Jl'5JrH:
,,*.*X,n::t;l'*rrc,es
:ilil?l'*,
'ole
:ffi fj trff
ffifl'J T Tftl,*l*: [i
rore
rfl'itr':TJ;if.1nmr-;mf
of the architectrrr;
or
artem ativei
leJ; ;il #;#;rlffi y,*'j,Rt':',.m#:fi
iH,lfi
F:ill
;hf;
ix',',:i,llfr
erests of society.
fltill*.,'*}.;
creative
. i; lt'se
n

ssa

de

ta b,

J,1,,

lor

rch

t Nation

Definitioi:
Praclice in a host
nation occr/rs
when an inrti'i.{,,,-r ^-. r ,.
cornmi.ssion or
I

,,',"0I;,"*;;i,#::'f';'jJ,;i'fT[iJ;i;,offij:,::Xy#arch*e*s
r,i,n,,)ii,, -,

e'her seeks a
vrrvr cr )ervlce tn
a cotlntry otlter tharr

Background.
There is an inferesl
in innr^^^;__ ,,

3fH,;:,'."ffii[fr:f,{ui,::Hi',;'#Tl'ffi':fj,[','J:J:?,HI?i;lll^.::videservices
v'Iv
-e'

''yat

po*cy

stan03rdS.

-'rvvu wt

'uudl envlronmental, social,

in
ancJ

Architects provirlin

collaboraln;;;"';o':lthilecttrral

n?

nr*H#u';:ilj,,,r,

:,'"

*; ;:f
s

res s

ffi*iiffi;v#dl{*i*rr
uil,ffi,::lil[T#jdtr#,tr,:*
,.n.o

fl'n1Hfl i,frif Ti :::mpasses

;i;j,,,,n

servicr

rhe

i[*fi'

rh

d uin

ere

sha

t*t,f*

ffi

j.J[

i, re fe rs,o h e
..., ,,,vc,rir(rrrs,
i works of authorship,:i'$,";:1J,?r.':
arrthors. ;rnd
'r' and
srru il;ilrllentors,
ure to'lltlllcalion
of sorrrces of

Background.
While many countncs
ha,,^

^^*_

:u

xTdi$:l:i

n1r'd,ffi ;i,r:infrrn1i,rtfl;l,;:;ffi

il:Tt,?lj[:ii*

il,**d#$ifi*:i,ffi

,':?''fi#*#[ffi,]$,#fi';ffi,ruf['

Jffi:Jnjlnl?l,fi,:,1.a

rf

t;i',",m?i*ir,,r,:i:j,:y
rggoi. [ffi#,

revrsed Beme
I tYrcerr
-"'- Agreement
or

Policy ;

,no,op,,,igffi

*_il1

urn member secrion

shourd enr'rp

;,#::'*ii-ry;ilffi

a,.,

ara*'

rn most states.

;:#l,iJil',',;11",[',:,H':H::ffi
'JiiJnffi

li;ff Hili

Professions are generally controlled by a governing

body that sets standards (e.g, of education,
ethical
rules' and professional standards to be obsirveol,
ine *t.s ano standards are iesigned for the benefit of
the pubtic and not lhe private acrvantage of the
men,uers,-ti'soiil'il;irir;bertain types of work are
reserved to the profession by statute, not in
order to iruor mqmbers but because such
work should be
carried out onlv by persons with requisile educafion,
iirining,
rrll]r.rr,ne,
for the.protection of
lhe public' lnstiiutes have been estalllished for
the ,uurnctmnt of archite.tri*, pro*otion of knorvrr+tlg'
and-try ensuring that their members perfcrrm to a known
siandard*protection of the public interest.

;i;;J#

Background.

Depending on whether

a country has prolection of title or function, (or both,

or neither), the role and

responsibitities of professional institutes-varies
consioeiitt1t. ln some dorntri.r, the statutory borJies
also
represent the profession; in others, these. furtctions
,uprrate. lt is customary for members of
trr*
professional institutes to be expected to
maintain a knorairn stanoard. This is achieved
by adhering to codes
of conduct promulgatecl by the professionai instituies,
anJ iurnrring on.r oquir.rients of membership,
e.g.
continuing professional developnrent.
Policy

ln countries where professional institutes clo n,:t exist,

the UIA should encourage members of
arnfitectural profession to form such institLrtes

;dil

'

the

in the
interest. professional lnstitutes shoulcl seek
to
e;rsure that their members adhere to the ulA
internationat stanoards, the minimum
requiremenis of the
ulA-uNESCo Archilectural Education charter,
and ulA intemational code of Etnics
and conduct; keep up
to date heir knowledge and skills as reqtrired
by the list of t<Fundamental Requirements>
(both current, ancl
5s they evolve in thie, futureJ; .Jg"i"rally
ionrribute to the developmen,, of architecturai
culture ancl
knowledge as well as the society the/serve

el

Policy lssues
Practice of Architecture
The practice of architecture consists of the pror:ision of professional services in
connection with town
planning and the design, cons'Fuction, enlargement conservation, restoration,
0r alteration of a builclirrg cr
group of buildings. These professional services include, but are hot limited
to, planning and land-r.rse
planning, urban design, provision of preliminary studies, designs, models,
drawings, specifications and
technical documentation, coordination of techriical documentation preparerl by others (consulting
engineers, urban planners, landscape architects and other specialist consultantsj as appropriate
and
without limitation, consfuction economics, contract adminisfation, monitoring of
consfiuction (iefeneci to
as <supervision> in some countries), and project mana$ement.
I 1,) t;t,,11 .I

Architects have been practicing their art and science since antiquity. The profession
as we know it today
has undergone extensive groMh and change. The profile of archiiecis' work has become
more demanding,
clientb' requirements and technological advances haver become more complex,
and social and ecotogicli
'and
imperatives have grown more pressing.. These changes have spawned
changes in services
collaboration among the many parties involved in the design and construction process.

That the pracfice of architecture as defined above be arlopted for

use in the development of
UIA I nternational Standards.

Architect
I , i;";',,

The designation <architecbr is generallr reserv.g! by law

or c,ustom to a person who is professionally and
academically qualified and generally registeredllicensed/certified
to practice architecture in the jurisdiction
in which he or she practices and is responsible ror auuorating
rnJ'rrriuinrble development,
welfare, and the cultural expression of society's habitat
in terms or space, forms, and historical context.

t[.-i"i

j.i,-tr1. , y,,,1

1111I

Architects are part of the public and private sectors involved

in a larger propeg development, building, arrd
consfuction economic sector peopled by those commissioning,
co.nserving, designing, building, furnishirrg,
financing, regulating, and operating our built environment,,to
milt the neecl"i orsoliety. Architects wort in a
variety of situations and organizational structures. tor
e*t+*pie, inry *ry work on their own or as members
of private or public offices.
i r-,i,t' ....
ti
{

That the UIA adopt the definition of an <architect> as stated

above for use in developing UIA
I

nternation al Standards.

Fundamental Requirements of an Ar.chitect

. r , ,1..

2l

The fundamental requirements for registration/licensing/certification as an architect as defined above, are

the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below that must be mastered through recognized education and
faining, and dernonstrable knowledge, capability, and experience in order to be considered professionally
qualifi ed to practice architecture.

'.,. , r,t ! t! li tt!

'!

ln August 1985, for the first tirne, a group of countries carne together to set down the
fundamental knowledge and abilities of an architect (.), These include:

i
'/

'F

requirements, and which aim to be environnnntally sustainable;

Adequate knowledge of the history and theories of architecture and related ar1s,
technologies, and human sciences;
Knowledge of the fine arts as an influence on the quality of architectural design;
Adequate knowledge of urban design, planning, and the skills involved in the planning
pr0cess;
and their environments, and of the need to relate buildings and
io human needs and scale;

+.he

spaces between them

particular in preparing briefs that account for social factors;

project;

wih building design;

buildings so as to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection
against climate;

imposed by cost factors and buildinf regulations;

'

involved in fanslating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall
planning;

Adequate knowledge of project linancing, project management , and cost control.

I

i)r1i,i

That the UIA adopt a statement of fundamental requirernents as set out above as the minimum basis for
development of UIA lnternalional Standards and seek to ensure that these particular requirements are
given adequate emphasis ih the architectural cuniculum. The UIA will also seek to ensure that the
fundamental requirements will be constanUy kept under review so that they remain relevant as the
architectural profession and society evohe.
(* Cf. Derived ftom Directive B5/3B4/EEC of the Commission of the European Communities)

3l

Ciobai Practice: Reality Check

b1': .A.rcht. Miguel C. Guerrero lli
GL8BAL PRACTICE: Reality Check!
By Miguel Guerrero, tJAp, APEC Architect,
AssocAL{

Introrlrrcticrrr

,'.

+*

Is it really possibie for

architectural praciice t,r go

Elobal? with comnlunication
technoloEy shrinking the worfd, nrea[inlco*],, nanriers and GA"TS, thr:re is an
increasing nnove for architecturai ie'vlies
td
;icbar. varioui merhanlsrns l.rarye been
explored and severai lssues have surfaced s*r
ddterilri:c thE path to the globalizaj:ion of the
p;'aci.ice.
some couniries have been seeking shelter under
gov-erninent protectionisr"n to protect
"''- local
industries frorn foreign competition. Local
industries in thls environme*t prosper
iocally but usually fgre poorly in comparison
wimi global standards. Those who have
opeiled up to global competition have n*
.r"rol.*'i;irt to slnk or ,*,r.. openinE up
the
il'#:-fiili:ili*,f:^3, :|!:i'ffi:on *iji 'r'o-'*i.'r'u archte*s to sinrr or,swim ro keep
Lrci,

i-e

J uraf

a'

ig;l

;: f i,

r-)

ir.t

The priviiege of pmcticing the architecrural

professio* erranates fr-om a country
localiry where the prirrilege it granted.
In the rn;iippir;es; thdrr.tice is reEulated or
the Professional Regulaildn coftrnlssi'n1nnC2,
by
gou*nn*ent
u
body.
Ari
architects
be a
must
of tne united Arciritects o'r'ffre'ijniliiir:ines
(uAp).

-r'n'iio*"'1ur

"nernber

il&r;)fiil*:lf,#-?::Xt[R;t*

These tvro entities set

.,..hrtu.[..,,.u

i, u,* phni;pi,i;;

on the regional level, the Architecs Regiona!

councii Asia /ARCASIA)
direction and representation to matterc
Eive coliective
inat anect the architecturar profession
region' The establishment of

ln the
grobJilition
of
of rh* pracrice.
The ARCASIA committee on Architectur?
r:
incoo)
,tudying
the practice
f19.tii;
of architecture among its mernbers, identiRir,g-rLe
slmil4ritles
and the clifferences.
hitp ://www.
i

ARCASLA is

ril;;;ilver

il

rcasia. oig )

on the worldwlde levei, the International

union of Ai'crritects (uIA) cooi-dinrri-rs
u*ong ils'nulmuers. rt isinrough the t.riA and

oversees the practice of architectut*

true globar practice can be possibry

rearize,c." (nttp :lww,*,.

1 | r'

'

',

uia-arihitua*r. org)

that

Why practice 6lotraliy?

rnere are various

for practicing giota,n, ulgu:qlng
primary reason. .re1:gns
our market
the
.:1r:!'r"*lnitour pdri;; i[*y,.0_.leye-.a .o*p*titi"eusuariy
edgre, as
3;i,T:iil"I-il"J?:ltrH'il*ili-',?t;'il;;-ifiry ci,pra.ing ;ioJ,r architecfl-d;

'/ou have speciar kn_owredge or

expertise for a buirdinE type
or technoiogy
You can deliver professioriat
service at a rower IJst tnan your
competition.
You can provide oubouriing
sirvices at cornpetitive cost

Considerations for Globa! practice

Kenneth H' Natkin' FAiA and

Robert A. odr:rmalt,.FAtrA,
in their article on lrn,.rrr.rtional
p,oil*iona

fffffi;,,rtX",

General factors
political Sccial

o]-

p,.m-,'nin

press, offer
rhe

(languages, passpouts)
. -"*,

Ge-ographic (weatnei

coiciiionr;

Infrastry.tyfu (funrport"tion,
communications)
ousirress (..t
rlri"g,
and meesures

"r

Cutffitf'f*mrs

r'

"[1;;u."r,

ffil

*tgtt

used)

curturar Assmptions (rerat,5

social and busin.tt.rito*r p time, pranninE anc, schedutes)
irore
in pror"rsioiiie*xcnanges;
Esrabrishing buslness r"irtioninip;ir,P
;iTegisrered
agents)
Business and regar issues
or *;itrf;1#rr-a6s)

oiii;#

#lHffi

irru

Ceneral business factors

Legal systeln
fOiipr[ resotutlon process)
Generar business tegrraiilnr
(grbrov"rJitrurt**nt of
emproyees)
Taxes (value_addeoia*
on proressionii u**L*rl

-,_- Architecture practice

issues

professionir.p:

g' i*c u rilg nrs ( reE istra Li on -eq

u re m e n rs)
Standards.of care tlrequirement or custorn)
Copyright (Bern" Conu"nt,:on
protection)
Methodorogies, ptoceoureil
and processes lowner a'p.rova!
processes)
scope of seruices (arcnite-as,
tvpr.rr

: 3}ffiiffii:,:1?*';iTl',.;:i:5;:g5*}r.fi ,*,, ro,*,ri,e,ms;

21,' ,,

on_rli.'i..ponribir*ies)

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Construction issues
Methodo,;gies, procedures, ai',,J processes (l-rpicai rrades breakdown)
Code errforcer:rent (translation of requlrernei'-s int: Engllsh)

ti f illi.-;r ;;,' . r.'i i.

l:' I 1. Firi{i

itSli

l',e i,t'.

q' ir',.1 i.,re

What are the opporlunities for gtobal practice in t;ie Phi;,pprnes, for foreign eir-chitects
and locai architects?

The ,-,-actice of architecture irl the Philippines i-.; Eorrerned by the law "RA g266:
Architecture Act CIf 2004". It protecLs the Phil;ppinr ai"rhitects rigfit to practice
architecture in the country. Foreigr architects can pe:-fo,"m professional seruices :i"{ the
Phiiippines uncjei" the conclitions set forth in section 38 of ilA g2ti6:

Foreign nationals who have Eained entry in thx rttiilppines to perform prufessional
sertites as architectE or wnsu{tants in f,oreiEn-fiwrfed or assisted prc.ietTr; o.f the
$CI\lerrtrnent ar em.gloyed or engaged by Fi{ipino o; foreiEn contractots or ytriuate
fimfis, sha!!, befare utsurrting the duties, funa'tions an{ resportsibilitles as architscfs or
amsuftanb, s&cure a spet'ial/twmp,?raiy perwit fl"om the Eoard subJect to the
apprcval of tlte Comn'rlssion, to,prautie kis,lfuar pr*fessfon ln ctnnxtlon wlth the
ptoist he/sfue wae amffiissioned: Ftrvvfdetl, That a foreiEn nationa! or foreig,v firm,
whe natme of ampny name, wi;?h the title archltxt atthiteturat wisuttan{,
dsign consultanl, consulbnt or designer appsats on architectura! l#ans,

ffitWtlatrc attd odrer retat# ans$atiisn dc>cumenE, for sxurinE bu!;lding

Nmiq licenses and gavernment autfiority 'tearanes for actuat truildlng proJect
ifi tlre Philippines and advertisei,re.rrfi' and bitlbaafts Wr rni*ettnE

purpo@s shall be deemed practlcing atthitecture in the Phillppines, whether tie

contract for professianaf serr/iwg is wnsuffi$cafecr i*' the Fhltipplnes or ln a forctgn
country: Ft'evided, fwrther, That the tCIltowlng Ewnditisns are saflsfVed as follows:

(a)

That he/she is a citrzen or subject of a country which specifically permig

Filipino profbssiorials to pri-s6yi6t his/her profession withirt their terfitorial
limiE, on the same basis ,ts the subjecb o{ citizens of such foyeign state or
country;

(b)

That he/shs is leEally quatified to practice architecture in his'/he:i' own

country and that his/her expertise is necessary and advantageous to our
country parttcularly in the aspeafr of technology transfer and specialization;

(c)

That foreign natlonals shall be requii'ed to tyork with a Filipino counterpart

and shall also be respottslble for ;oublic utilities anC taxes Cue to the
Philippine goverTtffient relative to their partrtipation in, or professional
services rcndered to the prolect, in accordance with the establtshed
implementing rules and regulatto;;s providing for the procedure for the
registration artd /or issuance of temporary/special permits to foreign
architEcts allov.,ed by law ta practrce their professian in the Philippine.r by the
Eoard of Architecture and tlrc atccredited professional organization; a::i|

I
I

3ll',',,,

(d)

ir

Agencies, organrzatrons
indivrduals, whether public or privatg who.
'secure the seruices of
a forelEn professional ,uini"{"J by hw to practice
in
the Philippines for reasons aforementioneQ shall
be iisponsible for securing
a special permit from the professional neiutatron-;";;;;;;
Department of Labor and Employment
1borc1 puoi"rt to pRc and NLE
ru/es.

ioir)'ii,;'li"

The key to architectural practice across borders is reciprrocity.

At the moment, it seems
:-that the Philippines has no reciprocal agreement
witn any other country.

The APEC Architect Project is anoth-er way of practicing

in other ApEc countries. The
APEC Architect Project maintains a Register
or'npic nrcniteas. ns of this writing, the
countries that are part of the AFEC,Arcr,itect Riqea
are: Australia, canada, China,
l-long Kong China, Japan, Korea, l4alaysia, r"reni.o,
New Zealand, philippines, chinese
Taipei, Thailand and the united statei oi nreri.l,.
The mechanics of cross border
practice are still being studied, but the proiect
nai a bright future, as practice within
APEC countries is the main thrust.

onuli**.*.r.rrii-.t..ii6

There are also countries in the world that allow foreign

architects to practice without
requirements' The website of the coi.legi-i'Ariuitectes
de catalunya shows five
countries that allow foreign architects to-practice:
Antilles, switzerland, Finland,
Sweden and

Ne$rerlands.

nat;

Global Codes

Jne- u{n has publlshed "UIA Accord on Recoarmended trnternational standards of

Professionalism in Architectural Practice",,
nrst approved
documents set the ground work for giobal ptuai.ul-The ln lggg in Beijing. These
list !'I
rrJr
of avqrrou
available documents are
as follows: (http://www.aia.org/about_ula)

n
I

4lPagc

UIA Accord on Recomnrendd International

standards of professionaiism in
Architectural practice
poliry Issues
poliry on Accreditation/Vali"Jation/Recognition
poriryonpracticar ExperiencefirainingTinternstrip
Poliry on Demonstration of Professioriat
fnowledge and Ability
A Guide to euarification Based serection
oi nrcnit6ai
poliry on Ethics and
Conduct
poliry on Continuing professionell
Developmerrt
poliry on the Scope of practice
Poliry on Forms of practice
Policy on practice in a Host Natircn
Policy on Intellectual propedry arnd Copyright
policy on the Role
of profession;ll Bodies

rbili

The htemational Code Council, establislred in 1994, publishes various International

H.fldng Codes, in

ftttp

l/wWw j

cS-s_afe. o rq

move

to

standardize Building Codes gt;i;;it.

Conclusion

The practice of architectttre in many countries is still a very protected envircnment.

Forelgn architects are vlewed as a threall to local practice. Scale of professional fees
varles from country to country, adding an economic threat.
On the other hand, initiatives from UIA,, ARCASIA and APEC Architect are expioring
ways and mechanisms for global practlce,, The UIA and the International Code Council
are setting the base for truly global codes,,
Today, global practice can be done very selectively. True'borderless practice still ,'!udes
the architectural profession. But through the constant effort of trying to seek vrhat is
common to all, and to resolve the differences, global architectural
firactice v,r!!l be a
reallty. It ls a matter of time!

5 | l',r 1i,'