Why You Need Design Professionals in Building Your Home
- kristofferaquino
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
In many communities across the Philippines, it’s become common practice to entrust house construction to a foreman alone—without hiring an architect, engineer, or other licensed design professional. While foremen play a vital role on site as builders and coordinators, they are not trained or authorized to take on the role of prime designer. This practice can put homeowners at risk, both financially and legally.
The Role of the Foreman vs. the Role of the Designer
A construction foreman is highly skilled in managing labor, supervising workers, and ensuring day-to-day construction activities run smoothly. They are invaluable during execution. However, they are not trained to prepare comprehensive plans that consider:
Structural safety – ensuring the house won’t collapse under load or during an earthquake.
Building code compliance – following the National Building Code, Fire Code, Sanitation Code, and zoning regulations.
Functional planning – maximizing the use of space, natural light, ventilation, and circulation.
Aesthetics and long-term value – creating a home that is not only safe but also comfortable, beautiful, and marketable should you wish to resell it.
Licensed architects and engineers are specifically trained and regulated to take responsibility for these aspects. Their work is subject to professional liability, meaning they are accountable for safety and compliance for up to 15 years (as stated in the Civil Code of the Philippines).
The Risks of Skipping Design Professionals
When you skip hiring a design professional and rely solely on a foreman, you may be exposing yourself to:
Unsafe structures – lack of proper calculations for foundation, beams, and columns can lead to premature cracking or even collapse.
Costly mistakes – changes during construction due to lack of planning often result in budget overruns.
Legal issues – applying for a building permit requires signed and sealed plans by licensed professionals. Building without permits can lead to demolition orders, fines, or problems when selling the property later.
Lower property value – houses built without professional design often fetch lower resale values because buyers see them as risky investments.
Why Work with Design Professionals
Engaging an architect (as prime professional) along with civil, electrical, sanitary, and other engineers ensures that:
Your home is structurally sound and built to last.
The design follows laws and codes—avoiding penalties and ensuring future legality.
Spaces are functional, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
The project is managed systematically, reducing costly rework and stress.
You gain peace of mind knowing professionals are accountable for the safety and quality of your home.
The Foreman Still Has an Important Role
This is not to say foremen are not essential—they absolutely are. They bring technical skills, site experience, and leadership in supervising workers. But their role complements, rather than replaces, that of licensed professionals. Together, they form a team: designers create the plan, and foremen help bring it to life on site.
Building Your Dream Home the Right Way
Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Don’t risk its safety, value, and legality by cutting corners. Work with licensed architects and engineers from the start, and allow your foreman to do what they do best—supervise construction. With the right team, you don’t just get a house; you get a safe, lasting, and thoughtfully designed home.
📌 References:
Republic Act No. 9266 – The Architecture Act of 2004
Presidential Decree 1096 – National Building Code of the Philippines
Republic Act No. 544 – Civil Engineering Law
Civil Code of the Philippines, Art. 1723 (Liability of contractors and designers)
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Guidelines
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