14/09/2025
Most Filipinos are perceived to undervalue the services of architects and sometimes engineers in building design and construction.
Many Filipinos, especially those in the lower and middle-income brackets, believe that hiring licensed professionals is too expensive and will significantly increase their overall construction budget. Some opt to save on professional fees initially, not realizing it may lead to more expenses in the long run. The officially recommended fee for architects in the Philippines is 10% of the construction cost, but many professionals settle for much less due to intense competition and clients who undervalue their work. This practice further diminishes the perceived worth of professional design services.
There is a widespread misunderstanding of the distinct roles of architects and engineers. Some clients believe a civil engineer or contractor can handle all design and planning aspects, or they may hire an engineer to sign architectural plans for lower fees. Many people do not appreciate the value of professional design beyond aesthetics. They fail to see how architects contribute to a building's safety, functionality, ventilation, and overall efficiency.
Unfortunately, some Filipinos take pride in designing their own homes or copying plans from the internet. This do-it-yourself approach is often viewed as a cost-saving measure, even if the result is structurally unsound or poorly designed. To make things worse, some clients see an architect's work as just providing drawings and believe a contractor can execute a project adequately without professional supervision. They may only hire an architect for plans when mandated by building officials to secure a permit.
In the Philippines, the architecture profession is not as highly respected as other fields like medicine. This is exacerbated by the economic reality that many licensed professionals are underpaid relative to their peers abroad, like Singapore and Hong Kong, leading to a "brain drain" of talent. Insufficient implementation of the Philippine Architecture Act (R.A. 9266) at local government levels contributes to the problem. If building permits are approved without the proper professional sign-offs, it reinforces the public perception that architects and engineers are nonessential.
The truth is that the public generally perceives architects as providing high-end services for the wealthy. And that's ingrained in our culture. Not hiring an architect in the Philippines is detrimental because it compromises building safety, functionality, and adherence to regulations, leading to potential structural failure, costly repairs, and legal issues, while also hindering the creation of culturally relevant and aesthetically pleasing structures.
A missed opportunity.
Architects are trained professionals who provide direction, understanding clients' needs in depth and offering specialized insights that the homeowner or contractor may lack. They coordinate with various professionals, ensuring a cohesive and successful construction process.
Always hire an architect.
