INTERIOR DESIGN

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: BA(Hons) Interior Design

Interior design at LASALLE is defined as the act of creating environments within and around existing spaces and structures. As a profession, it covers the design and planning of an immense range of places including but not limited to domestic, leisure, retail, office, health care, hospitality, and institutional spaces. It is also closely interwoven with various design disciplines like architecture and industrial design.

Interior design at LASALLE is not a course on interior decoration, nor is it the pursuit of architecture under the guise of interior design. You will focus on the creation of experiential environments from the perspective of users, and the discovery of new typologies of space. You will look to the conceptual to challenge convention, habits, and trends, and seek to explore the controversial, unexpected, and emergent, with the onus on critical design thinking and intense involvement in the design process.

The curriculum is based on a number of key design principles. Design processes and conceptual thinking methodologies are explored in a practice-based studio environment and supported with core discipline skills that involve a critical understanding of design history and contemporary theory; technical knowledge on building materials and technology; traditional drafting and modelling techniques, as well as the latest in computer-aided drawing and visualisation. Through the course of study, you are exposed to the demands of the profession with a continuous engagement in local and international design competitions, live projects, and exhibitions.

The objective is to create an ecosystem of significant designers and dynamic professionals who display a restless curiosity of mind, making informed design decisions tempered by a sense of social responsibility, where interior design is not a matter of simply allying oneself with fashionable trends but rather a discipline of reason, necessity, analysis, meaning, and the creation of new spatial experience.

Level 1 grounds you in basic methods of design that are centred around a specialised Studio Practice module. At Level 2, a greater emphasis is placed on honing critical and analytical skills. The course culminates at Level 3, with you undertaking self-directed briefs and engaging in complex real-world concerns.

Opportunities for employment are plentiful within the plethora of interior design and architectural practices, covering both commercial and domestic sectors. There are also opportunities in exhibition, set design, interior styling, and design consultancy. Graduates have found their place in numerous reputable interior and architectural firms or have successfully established their own practices locally and internationally.

Teaching Methods: You will have ample opportunities to work in studios and attend special workshops. You will attend lectures, seminars and practical presentations. There will be regular guest lectures by iDesign Educator, Furniture Designer, Exhibition Designer, Stage Designernternational designers who will bring valuable experience and advice. You will participate in class presentations, complete written assignments and put together a research portfolio.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Modules

Level 1

Design Studio 1A
This module lays the foundation for the training and education of the interior designer. A series of projects give you the opportunity to explore and express abstract notions of space and focuses primarily on developing your understanding of the design process and seeks to emphasise the importance of conceptualisation, idea generation and experimentation, and how it should be informed by adequate research and analysis, and communicated through competent visualisation techniques and technical documentation.

Professional Studies 1
This module imparts fundamental technical skills, knowledge and understanding for you to begin functioning and communicating as interior design professionals.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 1
This module introduces a spectrum of design history and theory. It provides an understanding of design terminology, principles and movements with some emphasis on specific designers, architects and their influence on the movements and historical trajectories of both Eastern and Western cultures.

Design Studio 1B
Responding to design briefs that challenge conventional expectations of spatial programmes and use, you will carefully consider planning and ergonomic issues and display a more sophisticated grasp of 2D and 3D space manipulation with basic ergonomic, functional and aesthetic considerations.

Level 2

Design Studio 2A
You will study projects involving a diversity of spatial and functional typologies within a singular shell including a range of residential, commercial, and hospitality spatial types. You will explore the design and detailing of these diverse spaces while maintaining an overall unity of concept.

Professional Studies 2
This module builds on the foundation of skills and knowledge covered in Professional Studies 1 and provides you with more progressive 2D and 3D visualisation techniques that are key to the communication of sophisticated design schemes as well as emerging, specialised professional and technical knowledge on building technology. The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the ongoing projects within Design Studio, employing the appropriate type of medium and representation to communicate design proposals competently and professionally.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 2
This module provides a contemporary spectrum of design theories and issues and their specific cultural and social identities. It provides an understanding of issues and concepts related to architecture, interior and industrial design in the social and cultural contexts of the East and the West, and from critical understanding of both, it seeks to facilitate design thinking and strategies informed by the interaction of these diverse influences.

Design Studio 2B
You will work on a project that requires a higher level of design thinking in the design of their environments and interior spaces. You will explore a partly self-driven programme brief that calls for detailed research, analysis and critical understanding of user research and site contexts. You will be challenged to not only integrate and balance functional and aesthetic aspects, but also the social interpretations and representations of the designed environments.

Level 3

Design Studio 3A
You will be involved in a project that requires a higher level of social sensitivity in the design of their environments and interior spaces. This module encourages you to reconsider the utopian role of the designer when faced with practical concerns in design construction, and to continue challenging conventional design thought while employing critical thinking to spatial programmes, design processes and interior environments.

Research Methods
This module allows you to develop an independent research topic from a self-selected aspect of your specialist area. This research will be used to inform the Extended Essay produced at the end of the academic year, which provides a contextual framework to support the final major studio project.

Design Studio 3B Final Major Project
The Design Studio Final Major Project brings together all the skills and professional knowledge you have acquired to focus on an area of personal and particular interest. Your study will be self-directed and conducted in relation to the theoretical framework of the Extended Essay and industry standard practice to produce innovative and conceptual design solutions that are developed and presented as progressive yet realistic outcomes.

Extended Essay
The Extended Essay will allow you to develop your Statement of Intent from Semester 1 into an original piece of writing that will provide a theoretical contextual framework that supports your Final Major Project. You will be supported individually in the development of your Extended Essays by an appointed supervisor as well as through peer feedback throughout the semester.

Faculty Members

Dean
Nur Hidayah Bte Abu Bakar

With extensive teaching experience of more than eight years, Nur Hidayah was appointed Dean, Faculty of Design in 2009.

A graduate from University of Central England, United Kingdom with a Master of Arts Design For Communication, Nur Hidayah carries with her an impressive and distinguished track record in having served businesses, and offered copywriting and design knowledge across major industry segments; established clients included Sun Microsystems, SingTel Mobile, HSBC, Cheers/NTUC, Prudential, Tequila Singapore, STAR Automotive, and ST Kinetics – ST Engineering.

Nur Hidayah is instrumental to LASALLE's Faculty of Design. She manages the demanding and challenging task of leading seven programme teams in the strategic growth and development of validated programmes.

Over the years, her excellent interpersonal and management skills have enabled her to inspire many students. Her vision and foresight has helped nurture these students into leaders that have contributed to the Singapore creative landscape.

Interior Design
Programme Coordinator, Interior Design
Ang Xinwei

• Master of Arts Design, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
• BA(Hons) in Interior Design, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore

As an academic, Xinwei graduated from LASALLE in 2006 with a BA(Hons) Interior Design (1st Class Honours). In 2007 he completed a Masters of Arts (Design) while teaching part-time in the interior design programme. He was engaged as a full time staff since and was integral in developing and shaping the programme as the programme coordinator from 2008 –2009. Under his direction, the programme was taken through successful validation by the Open University in 2009.

As a professional, he established ATELIER 01 in 2006 and the company has since completed a good range of architectural and interior projects, from private properties and high-rise residential units to commercial offices and F&B spaces. Together with numerous residential projects around the island, some completed commercial projects include Hard Rock Café Kuala Lumpur; Prudential Assurance Company in Orchard Delfi, Singapore; St. Regis Residences, Singapore; CIMB Bank, Singapore; CARTIMES Luxury Division, Alexandra Rd, Singapore; the Latte e Miele chain of gelato outlets; projects are holistic interior and architectural proposals where the company sees the project from the initial design proposal stages, professional visualisation and technical documentation through to the careful realisation of each project.

Lecturer, Interior Design
Daniel Pillai

Driven by an insatiable design for design excellence, Daniel joined LASALLE College of the Arts with a wide breadth of architectural and interior design experience and achievements.

After earning a degree in Interior Architecture from Curtin University of Technology, Daniel went on to further his discipline in architecture and interior design in reputable firms such as HYLA Architects and HBO+EMTB where he designed and managed projects ranging from bespoke high-end residential houses, corporate banks and offices, retail and F&B outlets. Daniel's flair for designing beyond the obvious was recognized when his designs were shortlisted for the prestigious President's Design Award in more than one occasion.

With this wealth of experience, Daniel continues to privately practice architecture and interior design and impart this knowledge, experience and value to the programme and it's students.

Lecturer, Interior Design
Nicholas Ooi Wei Siong

Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Interior Design) in 2006, Nicholas pursued his career in architecture and interior design in various acclaimed firms, including HYLA Architects and Eco-id Architects and Design Consultancy. His expertise is in his ability to integrate both architecture and interior design as a single inter-disciplinary craft.

Nicholas' portfolio includes works such as the Singapore Management University, Fraser Suites Singapore, Fraser Place Beijing, AXA University, Orchard Scotts apartments and numerous local and overseas upscale private residences.

His design philosophy akin to his principles of pedagogy. He engages the student in every step of the process; as it is one of the best ways ensure an insight into the student's ability and to develop them to their fullest potential. As part of the LASALLE interior design team, Nicholas equips the students with the conceptual skills, technical knowledge and artistic perception to surpass the industries' expectation.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Completed High School (Grade 12), Junior College or Pre-University education.
• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'A' Level: Minimum 'Pass' in 2 subjects + General Paper or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Note:

• 'A' Level Art/Art Elective Programme or International Baccalaureate (IB) Art & Design are not required subjects but represent the portfolio standard for eligibility into the BA(Hons).
• Alternative English qualification: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT80.

Portfolios & Interview Requirements

• A portfolio containing at least 10 pieces of original work (actual or documented) that demonstrate your creative development and process. These projects will need to be explained by you during the interview process.
• Your portfolio should include drawings, sketches, idea developments and demonstrate relevant 2D work (e.g. posters, editorial, photography, graphic design artwork, paintings, printmaking, digital imaging, web design, etc) and 3D work (e.g. 3D design, 3D paper structures, packaging design, etc).
• Your portfolio should consist of design related works solely created by yourself in order to perform an appropriate assessment of your entry level.

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Awards:
BA(Hons) Interior Design

Interior design at LASALLE is defined as the act of creating environments within and around existing spaces and structures. As a profession, it covers the design and planning of an immense range of places including but not limited to domestic, leisure, retail, office, health care, hospitality, and institutional spaces. It is also closely interwoven with various design disciplines like architecture and industrial design.

Interior design at LASALLE is not a course on interior decoration, nor is it the pursuit of architecture under the guise of interior design. You will focus on the creation of experiential environments from the perspective of users, and the discovery of new typologies of space. You will look to the conceptual to challenge convention, habits, and trends, and seek to explore the controversial, unexpected, and emergent, with the onus on critical design thinking and intense involvement in the design process.

The curriculum is based on a number of key design principles. Design processes and conceptual thinking methodologies are explored in a practice-based studio environment and supported with core discipline skills that involve a critical understanding of design history and contemporary theory; technical knowledge on building materials and technology; traditional drafting and modelling techniques, as well as the latest in computer-aided drawing and visualisation. Through the course of study, you are exposed to the demands of the profession with a continuous engagement in local and international design competitions, live projects, and exhibitions.

The objective is to create an ecosystem of significant designers and dynamic professionals who display a restless curiosity of mind, making informed design decisions tempered by a sense of social responsibility, where interior design is not a matter of simply allying oneself with fashionable trends but rather a discipline of reason, necessity, analysis, meaning, and the creation of new spatial experience.

Level 1 grounds you in basic methods of design that are centred around a specialised Studio Practice module. At Level 2, a greater emphasis is placed on honing critical and analytical skills. The course culminates at Level 3, with you undertaking self-directed briefs and engaging in complex real-world concerns.

Opportunities for employment are plentiful within the plethora of interior design and architectural practices, covering both commercial and domestic sectors. There are also opportunities in exhibition, set design, interior styling, and design consultancy. Graduates have found their place in numerous reputable interior and architectural firms or have successfully established their own practices locally and internationally.

Teaching Methods: You will have ample opportunities to work in studios and attend special workshops. You will attend lectures, seminars and practical presentations. There will be regular guest lectures by iDesign Educator, Furniture Designer, Exhibition Designer, Stage Designernternational designers who will bring valuable experience and advice. You will participate in class presentations, complete written assignments and put together a research portfolio.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Modules

Level 1

Design Studio 1A
This module lays the foundation for the training and education of the interior designer. A series of projects give you the opportunity to explore and express abstract notions of space and focuses primarily on developing your understanding of the design process and seeks to emphasise the importance of conceptualisation, idea generation and experimentation, and how it should be informed by adequate research and analysis, and communicated through competent visualisation techniques and technical documentation.

Professional Studies 1
This module imparts fundamental technical skills, knowledge and understanding for you to begin functioning and communicating as interior design professionals.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 1
This module introduces a spectrum of design history and theory. It provides an understanding of design terminology, principles and movements with some emphasis on specific designers, architects and their influence on the movements and historical trajectories of both Eastern and Western cultures.

Design Studio 1B
Responding to design briefs that challenge conventional expectations of spatial programmes and use, you will carefully consider planning and ergonomic issues and display a more sophisticated grasp of 2D and 3D space manipulation with basic ergonomic, functional and aesthetic considerations.

Level 2

Design Studio 2A
You will study projects involving a diversity of spatial and functional typologies within a singular shell including a range of residential, commercial, and hospitality spatial types. You will explore the design and detailing of these diverse spaces while maintaining an overall unity of concept.

Professional Studies 2
This module builds on the foundation of skills and knowledge covered in Professional Studies 1 and provides you with more progressive 2D and 3D visualisation techniques that are key to the communication of sophisticated design schemes as well as emerging, specialised professional and technical knowledge on building technology. The professional skills and knowledge attained in this module should be applied and honed in the ongoing projects within Design Studio, employing the appropriate type of medium and representation to communicate design proposals competently and professionally.

Cultural and Contextual Studies 2
This module provides a contemporary spectrum of design theories and issues and their specific cultural and social identities. It provides an understanding of issues and concepts related to architecture, interior and industrial design in the social and cultural contexts of the East and the West, and from critical understanding of both, it seeks to facilitate design thinking and strategies informed by the interaction of these diverse influences.

Design Studio 2B
You will work on a project that requires a higher level of design thinking in the design of their environments and interior spaces. You will explore a partly self-driven programme brief that calls for detailed research, analysis and critical understanding of user research and site contexts. You will be challenged to not only integrate and balance functional and aesthetic aspects, but also the social interpretations and representations of the designed environments.

Level 3

Design Studio 3A
You will be involved in a project that requires a higher level of social sensitivity in the design of their environments and interior spaces. This module encourages you to reconsider the utopian role of the designer when faced with practical concerns in design construction, and to continue challenging conventional design thought while employing critical thinking to spatial programmes, design processes and interior environments.

Research Methods
This module allows you to develop an independent research topic from a self-selected aspect of your specialist area. This research will be used to inform the Extended Essay produced at the end of the academic year, which provides a contextual framework to support the final major studio project.

Design Studio 3B Final Major Project
The Design Studio Final Major Project brings together all the skills and professional knowledge you have acquired to focus on an area of personal and particular interest. Your study will be self-directed and conducted in relation to the theoretical framework of the Extended Essay and industry standard practice to produce innovative and conceptual design solutions that are developed and presented as progressive yet realistic outcomes.

Extended Essay
The Extended Essay will allow you to develop your Statement of Intent from Semester 1 into an original piece of writing that will provide a theoretical contextual framework that supports your Final Major Project. You will be supported individually in the development of your Extended Essays by an appointed supervisor as well as through peer feedback throughout the semester.

Faculty Members

Dean
Nur Hidayah Bte Abu Bakar

With extensive teaching experience of more than eight years, Nur Hidayah was appointed Dean, Faculty of Design in 2009.

A graduate from University of Central England, United Kingdom with a Master of Arts Design For Communication, Nur Hidayah carries with her an impressive and distinguished track record in having served businesses, and offered copywriting and design knowledge across major industry segments; established clients included Sun Microsystems, SingTel Mobile, HSBC, Cheers/NTUC, Prudential, Tequila Singapore, STAR Automotive, and ST Kinetics – ST Engineering.

Nur Hidayah is instrumental to LASALLE's Faculty of Design. She manages the demanding and challenging task of leading seven programme teams in the strategic growth and development of validated programmes.

Over the years, her excellent interpersonal and management skills have enabled her to inspire many students. Her vision and foresight has helped nurture these students into leaders that have contributed to the Singapore creative landscape.

Interior Design
Programme Coordinator, Interior Design
Ang Xinwei

• Master of Arts Design, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
• BA(Hons) in Interior Design, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore

As an academic, Xinwei graduated from LASALLE in 2006 with a BA(Hons) Interior Design (1st Class Honours). In 2007 he completed a Masters of Arts (Design) while teaching part-time in the interior design programme. He was engaged as a full time staff since and was integral in developing and shaping the programme as the programme coordinator from 2008 –2009. Under his direction, the programme was taken through successful validation by the Open University in 2009.

As a professional, he established ATELIER 01 in 2006 and the company has since completed a good range of architectural and interior projects, from private properties and high-rise residential units to commercial offices and F&B spaces. Together with numerous residential projects around the island, some completed commercial projects include Hard Rock Café Kuala Lumpur; Prudential Assurance Company in Orchard Delfi, Singapore; St. Regis Residences, Singapore; CIMB Bank, Singapore; CARTIMES Luxury Division, Alexandra Rd, Singapore; the Latte e Miele chain of gelato outlets; projects are holistic interior and architectural proposals where the company sees the project from the initial design proposal stages, professional visualisation and technical documentation through to the careful realisation of each project.

Lecturer, Interior Design
Daniel Pillai

Driven by an insatiable design for design excellence, Daniel joined LASALLE College of the Arts with a wide breadth of architectural and interior design experience and achievements.

After earning a degree in Interior Architecture from Curtin University of Technology, Daniel went on to further his discipline in architecture and interior design in reputable firms such as HYLA Architects and HBO+EMTB where he designed and managed projects ranging from bespoke high-end residential houses, corporate banks and offices, retail and F&B outlets. Daniel's flair for designing beyond the obvious was recognized when his designs were shortlisted for the prestigious President's Design Award in more than one occasion.

With this wealth of experience, Daniel continues to privately practice architecture and interior design and impart this knowledge, experience and value to the programme and it's students.

Lecturer, Interior Design
Nicholas Ooi Wei Siong

Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Interior Design) in 2006, Nicholas pursued his career in architecture and interior design in various acclaimed firms, including HYLA Architects and Eco-id Architects and Design Consultancy. His expertise is in his ability to integrate both architecture and interior design as a single inter-disciplinary craft.

Nicholas' portfolio includes works such as the Singapore Management University, Fraser Suites Singapore, Fraser Place Beijing, AXA University, Orchard Scotts apartments and numerous local and overseas upscale private residences.

His design philosophy akin to his principles of pedagogy. He engages the student in every step of the process; as it is one of the best ways ensure an insight into the student's ability and to develop them to their fullest potential. As part of the LASALLE interior design team, Nicholas equips the students with the conceptual skills, technical knowledge and artistic perception to surpass the industries' expectation.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Completed High School (Grade 12), Junior College or Pre-University education.
• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'A' Level: Minimum 'Pass' in 2 subjects + General Paper or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Note:

• 'A' Level Art/Art Elective Programme or International Baccalaureate (IB) Art & Design are not required subjects but represent the portfolio standard for eligibility into the BA(Hons).
• Alternative English qualification: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT80.

Portfolios & Interview Requirements

• A portfolio containing at least 10 pieces of original work (actual or documented) that demonstrate your creative development and process. These projects will need to be explained by you during the interview process.
• Your portfolio should include drawings, sketches, idea developments and demonstrate relevant 2D work (e.g. posters, editorial, photography, graphic design artwork, paintings, printmaking, digital imaging, web design, etc) and 3D work (e.g. 3D design, 3D paper structures, packaging design, etc).
• Your portfolio should consist of design related works solely created by yourself in order to perform an appropriate assessment of your entry level.