Why Are Architects Rarely Project Managers?

There are far more opportunities in Construction Project Management (CPM) than in design alone. CPM covers the entire project life cycle—from planning and coordination to execution and turnover—while design is only a portion of scope definition.


And yet, architects are rarely chosen to lead in this space.


Most architects are trained and developed primarily in design. In fact, over 80% of continuing education and seminars offered to architects focus on design or design-related topics. Meanwhile, engineers are gaining more exposure to contracts, costing, scheduling, risk, and site coordination. They’re accumulating training, experience, and recognition in project delivery—often being seen by default as project managers.


As a result, construction project managers are almost always assumed to be engineers, both in perception and in practice.

But here’s the truth:

Under RA 9266, the Architecture Act of 2004, architects are legally empowered to provide comprehensive services—from pre-design to post-construction, including planning, supervision, coordination, construction management, and project completion evaluation.


So the question is:


How can architects gain an edge—through objective qualifications, competence, and credentialed credibility?


That’s what The Totality of Project Management is designed to answer.

This self-paced online course equips architects with structured, real-world knowledge to:

✔ Manage scope, cost, time, quality, risk, and procurement

✔ Navigate contracts, professional services, and site coordination

✔ Lead projects across all phases—not just during design

This isn’t about changing careers.


What Does This Lead To?

By completing the program, you become eligible for:

ISO/IEC 17024:2012-aligned international certification in Project Management (via i2P2M)

National recognition as a CMDF Certified Project Manager, endorsed by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP–DTI)

These credentials are structured to strengthen your authority—not just within your team or firm, but across the industry.


Having more architects recognized globally and nationally as project managers will help protect the profession and secure the full scope that the law already affords us. Recognition in project delivery is not just a personal win—it’s a collective step toward preserving our rightful role in the built environment.


It’s about stepping into the full role that the law already permits you to practice—and doing so with confidence, competence, and credibility.


It’s about stepping into the full role that the law already permits you to practice—and doing so with confidence, competence, and credibility.


We can’t win alone. We need to win as a profession.

I’m looking for 100 architects to be trained, certified, and recognized by May 31—architects who are ready to lead projects, not just design them.


And by October, our target is 1,000 architects strong.


Let’s make the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) the largest professional organization of ISO-certified Project Managers among architects, both globally and within the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)'s accredited professional organizations.


🎉 Special Offer for UAP’s 50th Anniversary

💼 Original Price: ₱25,999

💸 UAP Promo Price: ₱15,999 (VAT exclusive) for individual sign-ups

💡 Even better: Gather a small group of 5 and unlock the biggest benefits₱60,000 total (₱12,000 per person, VAT exclusive)

🔒 Only 10 group slots are available — first come, first served.


🟢 No payment commitment is required at this point.

🟢 Just sign up to stay informed and take the first step forward.

If you're ready to move beyond design and take the lead in project delivery, we’re ready to help you begin.


If you're ready to move beyond design and take the lead in project delivery, we’re ready to help you begin.


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