Diploma in Interior Architecture & Design (T22)

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Course Overview

As urban lifestyles evolve and spatial constraints grow, the role of designers has never been more critical. From inter-generational living to hybrid home-office setups, you will learn to design spaces that respond thoughtfully to emerging needs, social trends, and cultural contexts.

This diploma draws on interior and architectural perspectives, training you to think beyond aesthetics. You will learn to reimagine spatial experiences through adaptive, immersive, human-centred design. Whether crafting sensory environments or tackling complex constraints, you'll build a strong conceptual and technical foundation to shape meaningful spaces that evolve with people's lives. You will also explore how sustainability, lifestyle, and social change shape the built environment, and engage with real-world challenges through industry projects, mentorships, and internships. With accreditation from the Board of Architects Singapore, this course prepares you for a smooth transition into university-level architecture studies.

Throughout your journey, you will sharpen your design sensibility through rigorous studio work, study trips, and industry exposure. You will graduate with the ability to design for diverse sectors—from hospitality and retail to property and experience design—ready to shape the spaces of tomorrow with purpose and imagination.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Can’t decide between Interior Design and Architecture? This is the only course in a polytechnic that covers both interior design and architectural design.

DISCOVER LIGHT
Play with lights! Learn the importance of good lighting in interior design as you experiment with different lighting styles in the Lighting Lab. A first in a polytechnic, this is a unique lab dedicated to lighting design.

STUDY WAIVER
Recognised by the Board of Architects Singapore, you can get up to two years of university study waived when they enrol in an architecture degree programme.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants must obtain 26 points or better for the net ELR2B2 aggregate score (i.e. English Language, 2 relevant subjects and best 2 other subjects, including CCA Bonus Points) and meet the minimum entry requirements of this course. CCA cannot be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.

Subject

Grade

English Language

1-7

Mathematics (E or A)

1-7

Any one of the subject in the 2^nd group of relevant subjects for ELR2B2-D Aggregate Type

Art
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computing / Computer Studies
Creative 3D Animation
Design & Technology
Design Studies
Food & Nutrition/ Nutrition & Food Science
Electronics / Fundamentals of Electronics
Higher Art
Media Studies (English)
Media Studies (Chinese)
Physics
Science (Chemistry, Biology)
Science (Physics, Biology)
Science (Physics, Chemistry)

1-6

2025 Planned Intake

Net ELR2B2 aggregate range (2025 JAE)

7 - 12

Note:

Applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with mild or severe colour vision deficiency are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Applicants with severe visual impairment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Interested applicants with severe visual impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.
Applicants with physical impairment or are physically dependent on mobility equipment may have difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations. Applicants with impaired or limited motor functions may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for the course. Interested applicants with physical impairment are highly encouraged to contact Temasek Polytechnic for more information.

Admissions Exercises

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

ITE Graduates

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

Coursework

Fyves

A forest resort rich in nature, allowing people to experience a numerous variety activities and establishments during vacation while benefiting businesses around. A space for people to retreat and immerse themselves to improve their well-being through Ecotherapy, the resort creates a space for wildlife, ensuring long-term population persistence and conservation.

Sustenance

From the COVID-19 pandemic, we discovered the lack of proper pandemic infrastructure within our local communities. Sustenance is a community isolation facility that provides temporary accommodation for infected patients with mild symptoms awaiting discharge, while also maintaining longevity and providing Sustenance to both the infrastructure and its users.

PADI

PADI is a space for migrant workers to interact freely with their friends, providing them opportunities to engage with the public. In doing so, the space aims to help them improve their mental wellbeing and provide them with a sense of belonging in Singapore.

HOLI’s Enclave

Due to the isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown, developmental delays are more common in young children compared to the last five years. HOLI'S Enclave is a developmental growth and workspace centre for children facing developmental delays. An unbound space where children can play, learn and socialise while destigmatising developmental disabilities.

What You'll Learn

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
TPFun

Begin your journey by exploring and experimenting with shapes, forms and discover how these translate into exciting spaces. Learn about the roots of architectural design and the basics of sustainable design, architectural drawing, as well as the various factors that influence space planning.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIA1240	Architectural Drawing The subject introduces the fundamental concepts and construction of geometric drawings, orthographic projections and perspective drawings to communicate design ideas.	4
DCF1051	Ideas & Concepts This subject introduces essential tools and methods for ideation, fostering divergent thinking and creative exploration. It cultivates students' critical awareness and stimulates criticality in conceptualising and visualising creative solutions. Through exploration, curiosity, and observation, students will learn to apply these approaches to contexts within our ever-changing world.	2
DCF1052	Narratives in Design This subject explores storytelling as a powerful strategic tool within the creative process across various design disciplines. Through understanding the components of an effective story and learning how to craft one using key narrative elements, students will learn to integrate strong narratives into their design to articulate their design intent more effectively.	2
DCF1053	Aesthetic & Design Sensibility This subject explores the visual language of design, emphasising both its aesthetic and communicative functions. Students will develop an understanding of the Elements of Visual Art and the Principles of Design in both two-and three-dimensional forms. The subject also introduces foundational skills in material manipulation and form-making to support creative expression.	4
DCF1054	Design Software Essentials This subject equips students with training in essential, industry- standard design software commonly used across creative fields. Students will undertake a personalised learning pathway to build digital fluency through guided learning materials and self-directed activities.	2
DCF1055	Foundation Studio This subject develops fundamental discipline specific skills, enabling students to apply them within the design process. It also introduces contextual studies as a framework to integrate historical, cultural and social considerations into their design practice.	6
DIA1244	Design Studio: Idea-Driven This subject introduces a contextual design framework that emphasises idea-driven design exploration and the creative design processes. It examines how design ideas evolve through conceptual thinking, contextual awareness, user experience, and site evaluation. Through an iterative process, abstract ideas are developed into spatial, material, and experiential spatial proposals. The subject fosters critical inquiry, creativity, and reflective design exploration, encouraging an holistic approach that connects ideas, context, form, and space.	6
DIA1242	Digital Visualisation The subject covers the fundamental application of computer-aided design (CAD) software that is relevant to the context of built-environment, specifically focusing on interior and architectural projects in Singapore.	2
DIA2244	Sustainable Space Planning This subject focuses on spatial planning through the lens of sustainability to respond to the growing significance of design for human experience towards a sustainable future. It will explore the design for an effective occupant experience via the knowledge of ergonomics, anthropometry, human behaviour, universal design and design programming, integrating concepts like circular design and resource conservation.	4
DIA1245	Spatial Elements: Sensory & Ambience This subject covers the expression of experience within a 3-dimensional spaces, emphasising sensory perception and the creation of desired ambience. It examines how spatial elements influence spatial experience, identity, and emotional impact, providing the conceptual foundation for understanding human interaction with space. The subject also focuses on both traditional and emerging spatial elements, highlighting their sensorial qualities to shape spatial experiences that enhance well-being and respond thoughtfully to site context.	2

Consolidate and deepen your understanding of spatial design through a series of projects, some with industry. You will also widen your perspective through mentorship opportunities, study trips and visits to architectural design studios.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIA2257	Digital Modelling The subject covers the fundamentals of digital visualisation and presentation software, specific to the context of the spatial environment to support design communication	4
DIA3237	Digital Integration The subject covers the fundamentals of digital Building Information Modelling (BIM) and architectural visualisation (Arch Viz) software, specific to the context of architecture and interior design projects. The subject also covers the integrated workflow from modelling to visualisation that is commonly used in these projects.	4
DIA2252	Design Studio: Site-Driven This subject introduces a contextual design framework with a primary focus on site-driven exploration, including users, programme and context, as a foundation for the design process of spatial environments. It involves the evaluation of a site to identify environmental, programmatic, and developmental constraints and opportunities. Through detailed site investigation and analysis, key findings are interpreted to inform the development of spatial design proposals. The subject will have an emphasis on the exploration and refinement of form and space in relation to the site, user needs, and programme requirements, fostering critical inquiry, observation, and design reasoning grounded in site-specific understanding.	3
DIA2253	Spatial Elements: Light & Materiality The subject focuses on how lighting and materials shape the experience of a space. It looks at how different lighting elements and the choice of materials—both traditional and emerging—impact the look, feel, function, and emotional qualities of a spatial environment. The subject explores how these elements influence spatial experience, create a sense of identity, and respond to the unique characteristics of a space.	4
DIA2254	Construction & Detailing: Architecture The subject provides a foundational understanding of architectural structure and basic building materials, focusing on how they influence the design and function of three-dimensional spaces. It introduces key structural concepts and explores the role of materials and construction techniques in shaping the aesthetics and functionality of spaces, emphasising their impact on overall spatial design.	2
DIA3243	Design Studio: Issue-Driven This subject introduces a contextual design framework with a focus on identifying design issues and interpreting current trends as a foundation for spatial design. It emphasises the evaluation of a site and its users to identify environmental, social, economic, and programmatic constraints and opportunities. Through research and site investigations, data is analysed to inform the development of design proposals. The subject highlights how design issues emerge from a holistic understanding of site and its users, and how spatial design can respond to societal issues through contemporary trends and sustainable practices. It also incorporates industry-driven practice, engaging with briefs that emulate professional scenarios and developing design solutions responsive to context, user needs, and sustainability.	6
DIA2255	Interior Systems & Services This subject covers the relationship between interior design and building services systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems. It also focuses on how they inform spatial design, planning, and functionality within interior environments.	2
DIA2256	Construction & Detailing : Interior This subject focuses on the construction, detailing, and material articulation of interior spaces. It examines the integration of design detailing, finishes, and joinery, emphasising how thoughful detailing enhances design quality, functionality, and user experience. The subject also covers technical and design proficiency in translating conceptual ideas into well-resolved interior environments that demonstrate constructability and design intent.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1056	Data & Code as Creative Tools This subject introduces students to creative methods for using data and code in design. Through accessible low-code and no-code platforms, students explore how computational thinking, and structured data can be playfully reimagined. Emphasis is placed on using these tools to generate interactive design outcomes and expand creative possibilities.	2
DEC1057	Interactive & Immersive Technologies This subject explores how emerging technologies—such as sensors, microcontrollers and motion trackers—enable designers to create responsive and immersive experiences. Students experiment with physical computing to prototype interactive systems, gaining an intuitive understanding of how technology can shape user engagement and interaction.	2
DEC2058	Design Realisation through Technology This subject brings together digital fabrication and physical prototyping practices to help students realise interactive concepts as tangible outcomes. Through tools like 3D printing, laser-cutting, and hands-on iteration, students refine their ideas into functional prototypes that demonstrate thoughtful application of technology in design.	4

Subject Code	Experience and Innovation	Credit Units
DEC1059	People-Centred & Inclusive Design This subject introduces students to the principles and practices of people-centred and inclusive design. Through user research, empathy-building, and accessibility principles, students learn to uncover real needs and engage diverse perspectives with clarity and care. The subject encourages thoughtful design grounded in the realities of people and the contexts they live in.	2
DEC1060	Facilitating Innovation through Design Students explore how design enables innovation within cross-functional teams and complex environments. Through practical frameworks, tools and case studies, they learn to frame opportunities, support co-creation and guide creative collaboration. The subject highlights the designer's role as a facilitator of change, helping teams navigate ambiguity and unlock new value.	2
DEC2061	Prototyping for Service Innovation This subject focuses on using prototyping to explore and communicate ideas across service and system-level contexts. Students learn how to develop physical and digital mock-ups, test experiences across multiple touchpoints, and refine their solutions through rapid iteration. Data and user feedback are used to inform design decisions and enhance service outcomes in real-world contexts.	4

Subject Code	Brand Marketing	Credit Units
DEC1062	Strategic Brand Building This subject introduces the fundamentals of brand strategy and management. Students learn how to position a brand, define its value, and develop coherent brand systems that connect with audiences. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, they explore how brands stay relevant and align with business goals.	2
DEC1063	Consumer Psychology & Brand Influence This subject explores how consumer behaviour and psychology shape brand interactions. Students examine decision-making patterns, emotional drivers, and behavioural insights to better understand how people relate to brands. The subject bridges marketing strategy with human perception, helping students build more meaningful and persuasive brand experiences.	2
DEC2064	Storytelling for Brand Engagement This subject explores how storytelling and data-driven insights come together to engage audiences across marketing platforms. Students learn to craft compelling brand narratives, apply performance analytics, and develop targeted strategies that align with consumer behaviours. Through integrated campaigns, they activate brands that are both creatively distinctive and strategically informed.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1065	Digital Content Strategy This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of social media and content strategy. They learn how to plan, manage, and measure content across platforms to build brand presence and engage audiences. Students explore performance analytics and platform-specific behaviours to craft strategic, consistent, and effective digital content.	2
DEC1066	Crafting Stories for Digital Media This subject focuses on storytelling techniques for digital content creators. Students learn how to structure compelling narratives, storyboard ideas, and write with clarity and purpose. Drawing on principles from journalism, content marketing and digital publishing, the subject helps students shape stories that resonate across media formats and audience types.	2
DEC2067	Media Production for Content Creators This subject equips students with practical production skills for digital content creation. They learn how to plan, shoot, and edit photo and video content while working with lighting, sound and composition. Through hands-on projects, students produce engaging media assets that align with platform and audience needs, building content that is both technically sound and creatively effective.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DEC1068	Creative Business Essentials This subject introduces students to the practical realities of running a creative business. From understanding business structures and managing finance to finding clients, students learn how to operate independently and sustainably. Project management, client communication, and business administration are explored through the lens of creative practice.	2
DEC1069	Ethics, IP & the Creative Economy This subject introduces the legal and ethical considerations relevant to creative professionals. Students learn the basics of intellectual property, copyright and contract law, along with the responsibilities involved in fair and ethical business practice. Real-world examples help students understand how to protect their work and navigate client agreements with confidence.	2
DEC2070	Creative Practice for the Marketplace This subject prepares students to take their creative work to market. They learn how to position their value, tailor messaging to different audiences, and develop pitching strategies that resonate. From crafting narratives to developing and presenting business ideas, students build confidence in articulating and promoting their creative ventures.	4

The Industry Studio Project lets you work with clients on real briefs in preparation for your Major Project. You will also experience 16 weeks of industry practice before you step out into the world as full-fledged designers.

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	DIA3242	IAD Professional Practice This subject covers the fundamentals of interior design profession in relation to its management within the regulatory and legal framework of the practice. It further provides an operational framework in managing a design project and the dynamics of working with various professions in the building industry. It will also introduce the various pertinent codes and standards and industry processes in building industry, which can be interpreted and applied in relation to interior design practice.	4

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
DIA3244	IAD Capstone Project: Proposal This subject focuses on developing a comprehensive proposal for an interior architecture and design project, simulating real-life scenarios. It explores global and local issues and trends through the lens of core principles in the interior architecture domain. This leads to an extensive project proposal that forms the creative and strategic foundation for the production phase of the capstone project.	6
DIA3241	IAD Capstone Project: Production This subject focuses on refining and producing the final design proposal for the IAD Capstone Project, emphasising the development of a clear narrative and visual representation. It involves translating ideas into tangible, coherent outputs by integrating design elements, materials, and spatial organisation, through drawings, models, and digital media. The focus is on effective storytelling, visual clarity, and professional presentation to communicate the design concept and spatial experiences.	4
DGL3071	Guided Work-based Learning This subject provides opportunity for students to be involved in industry attachment through collaboration with industry partners. The industry-specific knowledge and skills acquired during the attachment would be facilitated by organisation supervisors and school liaison officers to enhance learning and application of knowledge in a real-world workplace environment.	10

You will also take this set of subjects that equips you with the crucial 21st-century life skills you need to navigate the modern world as an agile, forward-thinking individual and team player.

Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
GTP1103	Effective Personal Leadership This subject examines self-management and self-leadership through an exploration of values and beliefs, necessary for adapting to the world of work. It covers topics such as self-management and awareness, values and ethics, interpersonal communication, teamwork, resilience and emotional intelligence for enhancing leadership capabilities. These can significantly influence careers, relationships, and overall well-being. This subject is a reflective exploration of ‘leadership from within’ to have a greater awareness for the development of attributes required in an effective values-centred leader for oneself and for others.	3
GTP1203	Career Readiness & Communication This subject equips students with career preparation skills through better understanding of their career interests, values, skills and aspirations. Topics covered include personal branding, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview techniques. In addition, students will gain awareness of workplace communication to succeed in their careers and achieve professional goals.	3
GTP1303	Current Issues & Critical Thinking This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to critical thinking by engaging students with current local and global issues. Students will learn to analyse diverse perspectives and uncover underlying assumptions in opinions, evaluate the credibility and bias of information sources, and construct well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments using established critical-thinking frameworks. They will also assess the societal, ethical, and personal implications of contemporary problems, and develop the ability to communicate their conclusions clearly and persuasively, employing appropriate digital tools to support their ideas.	4
INV1001	Innovation & Entrepreneurship The subject is designed for learners from all disciplines to embrace innovation in either their specialised field or beyond. Learners will be taught to apply the Design Thinking framework to develop problem statements, ideate and identify feasible solutions. Learners will be exposed to several tools for prototyping. In addition, commercial awareness will be imbued in learners through various innovation and entrepreneurship concepts or tools. This subject also prepares students to be self-directed lifelong learners who are digital and information literate. It nurtures communicative and collaborative citizens who can use objective analysis in problem-solving.	2
LSW1002	Sports & Wellness This subject reinforces the fundamental knowledge learnt on health, fitness, exercise and sports. Hands-on time will be allocated for a greater variety of fitness exercises and sports skills in a recreational setting. In addition, theoretical knowledge such as sports safety and risk management when participating in physical activities will be introduced. Guidance will be provided for improvement of physical fitness, acquiring of sports skills and relating theoretical knowledge to the physical activities.	2
TGS1002	Global Studies This subject provides essential skills and knowledge to prepare students for an overseas experience. They will examine the elements of culture and learn the key principles of cross-cultural communication. In addition, they will gain an appreciation and awareness of the political, economic, technological and social landscape to function effectively in a global environment. The subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and leaders who can contribute to the global community through effective communication and collaboration.	3
TGS1003	Sustainability & Climate Action This subject prepares students to be responsible global citizens and future leaders who can contribute to the global community. It introduces the topics of sustainability and explores how human societies can act to build a sustainable future. This subject focuses on the impact of climate change, potential solutions to climate change, and the future of the green economy from global and local perspectives.	3
DSI3047	Student Internship Programme This structured programme is designed to link your learning with the real work environment. You will be placed in organisation(s) with opportunities to apply the concepts and skills acquired in the course of your study. Besides reinforcing technical concepts and mastering of skills in areas that you have been trained, the practical training will enable you to build important skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and to cultivate good attitude and a strong work ethic.	16

	Subject Code	Subject	Credit Units
	GTP1304	Beyond the Classroom: Guided Learning This subject empowers students to take charge of their personal learning in a chosen area of inquiry. Students will broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills, fostering a proactive approach to lifelong learning. Following a scaffolded process, students will design and execute a personalised learning plan that extends beyond traditional classroom walls. The journey culminates in a curated portfolio that highlights their achievements and growth.	3

Graduation Requirements

Cumulative Grade Point Average

min 1.0

TP Fundamentals Subjects

min 36 credit units

Diploma Subjects – Core Subjects

70 credit units

Diploma Subjects – Elective Subjects

min 18 credit units

Total Credit Units Completed

min 124 credit units

Career Prospects

Interior Design Professional (F&B, Retail, Exhibition, Office, Hospitality, Residential etc.)
Design/Event Management Consultants
Interior Product Designers

Set Designer (Film and Theatre)
Architectural Design Assistant
Adjacent industries (developers, real estate, NFT, Visualizer, Animator etc.)

Course Review

Interior architecture & design student Misha Monteiro-Benson

“My lecturer exposed me to design process; the planning, talking to contractors, site visits and coordination. Even though it was a real project, special attention was paid to each student on the team, giving us a unique learning experience which was rewarded with an actual completed project. It was a rare thing for a student to achieve and would not have been possible without our lecturer’s foresight and guidance.”

Misha Monteiro-Benson
Undergraduate, Monash University
Alumni, class of 2016

Interior architecture & design student Jared De Souza

“You’ll laugh, cry and eat your heart out, you will learn what ardour and vigour really means. Seriously, this is the course to take if you are willing to work to constantly better yourself. It isn’t a piece of cake—but if you pull through and follow it closely, you will come out of it with the tools that grant you proper depth in design thinking and execution, and a great sense of euphoria and accomplishment.”

Jared De Souza
Currently student in Year 3; Graduation 2021

Interior architecture & design student Sun Ya Nan

“It's always my dream to become a great designer who can make a better future. School provides us all the opportunities to explore, be creative, and think out loud. Lecturer plays a very important role in guiding us through the difficulties, always by our side to support us. I need to thank Lecturer Catarina, who believed in me and encouraged me to take part in the 2018 Sustainability Design Competition. I did my best and really horned for winning the competition I gained a lot from this, and it also helped to build up my confidence as a designer. I believe that design is never finished, I'm still on my journey to make the future better.”

Sun Ya Nan
Design Executive, SYRB Pte Ltd
Alumni, class of 2018

Awards

Course Fees

PET Course Fee

Main

The table below shows the total subsidised fees (inclusive of GST) payable.

ADMITTED IN	SINGAPOREANS (Aged below 40 in the year 2024)	SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENTS	INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
2025	S$3,179.65	S$6,509.65	S$12,570.15
2024	S$3,068.75	S$6,298.75	S$12,159.25

WHEN DO I PAY?

There are 2 semesters in each Academic YEAR (AY). The billing periods for AY 2024/2025 are:
Semester 1: 21 April 2025 -19 October 2025
Semester 2: 21 October 2025 -19 April 2026

Fees are billed and payable by semester. They are usually payable in June for Semester 1 and December for Semester 2.

Payment Method

MORE DETAILS ON FEES AND FINANCE

View course fees for other intakes, subsidies, grants, bursary and awards at the Fees & Financial matters section.

View the list of scholarships available to A&F students.

Go to Fees & Financial Matters

Contact

deshotline@tp.edu.sg
Website: https://www.tp.edu.sg/des
School of Design
Temasek Polytechnic
Central Block 28-28A
21 Tampines Ave 1
Singapore 529757

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