Can Philippine-Based Teams Produce Building Plans for US, AU, UK & EU Projects?
A common question architectural and engineering firms ask is whether offshore teams in the Philippines can legally produce building plans for international projects.
The short answer is yes — when structured correctly.
Philippine-based teams can support production drafting and documentation for architectural, structural, MEP, and fire drawings. What they cannot do is act as the Architect- or Engineer-of-Record for projects governed by foreign jurisdictions.
How the Model Actually Works
In a properly structured offshore production model:
- Offshore teams produce drawings strictly from issued design intent
- Licensed professionals retain design authority, code interpretation, and sign-off
- All outputs are returned for review before any release
his mirrors how many firms already operate internally. Junior staff or technical teams handle production; senior professionals review, coordinate, and approve. Offshore simply extends that production layer — provided boundaries are clear.
How Responsibility Works Across Jurisdictions
Across the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Europe, the legal structure is consistent in one critical way:
- The locally licensed professional retains responsibility
- Offshore teams execute from issued design direction
- Final review, approval, and submission remain local
This is no different from using in-house drafting staff or external consultants. Responsibility stays with the professional of record, regardless of where production work happens.
What Offshore Teams Can (and Can’t) Do
Offshore production teams can:
- Produce AutoCAD drawings from issued inputs
- Implement redlines and revisions
- Coordinate sheets and documentation sets
They should not:
- Interpret building codes independently
- Make design decisions
- Sign, seal, lodge, or submit drawings
The difference isn’t geography — it’s authority.
Why Clarity Is Non-Negotiable
Firms that use offshore support safely and effectively are disciplined about boundaries:
- No independent code interpretation offshore
- Clear review gates before drawings are issued
- Explicit “for review” status on all outputs
When these controls are in place, offshore production is legally and operationally sound.
The risk doesn’t come from offshore teams.
It comes from blurred responsibility.
Where to Go Next
If you’re evaluating a Philippines offshore team, understanding the operating approach matters more than speed.
👉 Thinking About Offshore? Start Here.
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