Higher Diploma in Architecture, Interior and Landscape Design (Subject Group) Hong Kong Design Institute

Programme Aims

The Department of Architecture, Interior and Product Design runs a one-semester spatial and environmental based curriculum common to all first-year Higher Diploma students studying in Architecture, Interior and Landscape Design. The programme aims primarily at students who have completed their secondary school education and expect to take up specialist spatial and environmental design studies. It is designed to reflect the context of basic design and creative knowledge and skills which serve as an introduction to, and preparation for, the year one students for the next four to five-semester study in their respective professional design programmes.

The spatial and environmental-based common curriculum design provides a holistic experience to the year one students and a sound foundation to enable the students to confirm their study programmes within the Department of Architecture, Interior and Product Design.

Programme Stream

Students will choose one of the following specialised programmes so as to enhance professional knowledge and skills in specific areas:

• Higher Diploma in Architectural Design
• Higher Diploma in Interior Design
• Higher Diploma in Landscape Architecture

* The 1st semester is a common semester. Students will progress to the professional programmes in the 2nd semester, subject to their programme choice, academic performance and study place availability in a specific programme.

Professional Recognition

Higher Diploma in Architectural Design
Graduates with relevant Master's degree can sit for professional examinations for membership in professional organisations and be qualified as Registered Architects.

Higher Diploma in Interior Design
Students of this programme are eligible to apply for the student membership in the Hong Kong Interior Designers Association (HKIDA).

Higher Diploma in Landscape Architecture
Graduates with relevant Master’s degree and attaining the prescribed amount of relevant work experience, can sit for professional examinations for membership in professional organisations and be qualified as Registered Landscape Architects.

Higher Diploma in Architectural Design

Architectural knowledge is the basis of extensive areas of creative industries. Even if the students prefer not to further study in architecture, the job prospect for graduates from this programme remains promising. Potentially interesting, challenging and rewarding positions include: architectural assistant, architectural draftsman, architectural visualiser, architectural renderer, project manager, project coordinator, contractor, interior draftsman, interior designer, furniture designer, exhibition designer, retail designer, window display designer, set designer, stage designer, game designer, curator for museum, exhibition or gallery, installation artist, painter, and sculptor, etc.

Higher Diploma in Interior Design

With the current rapid economic development in Asia, employment opportunities for interior design graduates are abundant. Graduates can work for small or large-scale architectural and interior design firms in corporate, residential, hospitality, retail, food and beverage, and leisure developments, etc. Alternatively, graduates may work for industries of exhibition, television, furniture, lighting and stage design, etc.

Higher Diploma in Landscape Architecture

Possible careers for graduates of the HD in Landscape Architecture include landscape architectural assistants, project assistants and technical officers in landscape architectural firms, contractors, developers, and governmental sectors.