PHILIPPINE INTERIOR DESIGN ACT OF 2012

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of the Philippine Interior Design Act of 2012

Title and Policy (Sections 1-2)
- This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Interior Design Act of 2012".
- The State recognizes the important role of the interior design profession and aims to promote its development through regulatory measures and programs.

Objectives and Definitions (Sections 3-4)
- Governs the examination, registration, licensure, supervision, and regulation of interior designers.
- Promotes continuing professional education and integration of the profession.
- Defines key terms such as "interior design", "professional interior designer", and "Commission".

Scope of Practice (Section 5)
- Covers activities related to planning, designing, specifying, supervising, and administering interior spaces.
- Includes consultation, design development, preparation of plans and specifications, construction administration, and teaching.
- The Board may revise the scope as needed.

Professional Regulatory Board of Interior Design (Sections 6-13)
- Establishes the Professional Regulatory Board of Interior Design under the Professional Regulation Commission.
- Outlines the qualifications, terms, compensation, powers, functions, duties, and responsibilities of the Board.
- The Board shall adopt rules and regulations, issue licenses, conduct examinations, and regulate the profession.
- The Board shall submit an annual report to the President.

Examination, Registration, Certification, and Licensure (Sections 14-25)
- Applicants must pass a licensure examination covering subjects such as Interior Design, Furniture Design, Materials, History, Construction, Color Theory, and Professional Practice.
- Outlines the qualifications for applicants, including citizenship, education, and moral character.
- Successful candidates shall take an oath and receive a certificate of registration and professional identification card.
- The Board may refuse, revoke, or suspend registration for specified grounds, such as conviction of a crime or violation of the Act.
- Provisions for reissuance of revoked certificates, replacement of lost documents, and nonpayment of fees.
- Registered interior designers at the time of the Act's passage shall be automatically registered.

Practice of Interior Design (Sections 26-33)
- Specifies who can lawfully practice interior design, including registered individuals, partnerships, and corporations.
- Registered interior designers shall use an official seal on plans and documents.
- Proprietary rights of interior designers over their work are recognized.
- Foreign interior designers must obtain a temporary/special permit and work with a licensed Filipino counterpart.
- Requirements for indicating registration numbers, tax receipts, and professional organization membership on documents.
- The Board shall maintain a roster of registered interior designers.
- Interior designers shall be integrated into one national accredited professional organization.

Final Provisions (Sections 34-42)
- Penal clause: Fines of Php300,000 to Php1,000,000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months to 3 years for illegal practice, impersonation, or violation of the Act.
- Civil liability: Interior designers are responsible for damages within 1 year of final acceptance by the client.
- Enforcement by the Professional Regulation Commission.
- Appropriations for implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
- Transitory provisions for the incumbent Board.
- Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be adopted within 90 days.
- Separability clause and repealing clause for inconsistent laws.
- Effectivity 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspapers.