An Architect of Record or Engineer of Record is the specific, PRC-licensed professional who signs and seals the architectural and engineering plans submitted to the government, thereby taking full legal and professional accountability for the design’s safety and compliance with the law. They are the officially registered professional responsible for your home’s design.
How an Architect/Engineer of Record Works
When you decide to build a home, you will hire an architect to design it and various engineers (civil, electrical, sanitary) for their respective systems. While many may work on the plans, only one licensed professional for each discipline will be designated as the “of Record.”
This professional’s role is central to the legal process:
- Signing and Sealing Plans: They are the ones who affix their signature and professional seal (a dry seal with their PRC license number) to the final building plans. This act transforms the drawings from mere proposals into official, legal documents.
- Submitting to the OBO: These sealed plans are then submitted to the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to apply for a Building Permit. The OBO will only accept plans that have been signed and sealed by a currently licensed Architect or Engineer of Record.
- Certifying Completion: After construction is finished, the Architect or Engineer of Record is responsible for inspecting the work and signing the Certificate of Completion. This certifies that the structure was built in accordance with the plans they officially submitted.
Why an Architect/Engineer of Record is Important
Hiring a duly-licensed Architect or Engineer of Record is not just a formality; it is a fundamental requirement that protects your safety and your investment.
Ensures Legal Compliance and Safety
The primary role of these professionals is to ensure your home’s design complies with the National Building Code and other relevant laws. Their signature is a legal guarantee to the government that your home is designed to be safe and structurally sound. Without them, you cannot legally obtain a Building Permit.
Provides Professional Accountability
If a structural failure or design-related problem occurs, the Architect or Engineer of Record is held professionally, civilly, and sometimes even criminally liable. This accountability ensures they perform their duties with the utmost diligence and care, giving you a powerful layer of consumer protection.
Navigates Complex Regulations
The Building Code is a complex technical document. An experienced Architect/Engineer of Record knows how to navigate these regulations efficiently, preventing costly delays and redesigns during the permit application process.
A Local Perspective in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the practice of architecture and engineering is strictly regulated. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the government agency that issues licenses to these professionals after they pass rigorous board examinations.
The legal basis for their accountability is defined in their respective professional laws, such as Republic Act No. 9266 (The Architecture Act of 2004) and Republic Act No. 544 (The Civil Engineering Law). These laws explicitly state that only registered and licensed professionals can sign and seal plans, and they detail the corresponding responsibilities and liabilities. When an Architect or Engineer of Record signs your plans, they are doing so under the full authority and regulation of Philippine law.
Common Misconceptions
The most dangerous misconception is that an experienced draftsman or foreman can do the job of a licensed professional. While a draftsman can draw plans, they cannot legally sign and seal them. Submitting plans signed by an unlicensed person is illegal and will be rejected by the OBO. This practice, often done to “save money,” is a recipe for disaster, as there is no legal accountability for the design’s safety.
Another mistake is assuming any licensed architect or engineer can be the professional of record. While they may be licensed, the one who takes on the “of Record” title is the person who assumes full legal responsibility. It is a specific designation for a specific project.
Practical Tip from an Expert
Before you hire an architect or engineer, always verify their license. You can do this for free on the official PRC website (online.prc.gov.ph) by using their license verification service. This simple, two-minute check ensures you are dealing with a legitimate, currently licensed professional and not an impostor, protecting you from fraud and potential legal issues.
Real-World Example
The Lim family hires a team to design their new home in Malolos, Bulacan. While a junior architect and several draftsmen work on the drawings, the principal architect of the firm acts as the Architect of Record. It is her signature and professional seal that appear on all the architectural plans submitted to the Malolos OBO. When the OBO has a technical query about the firewall design, they direct their question to her, as she is the legally accountable professional for the project.
Related Terms
Internal Links:
- Office of the Building Official (OBO): Link to the article defining the OBO.
