Industry guides
Architecture Internships in Singapore
Architecture internships in Singapore typically pay SGD 700–1,200/month and provide training toward ARB exemption requirements. This guide covers URA, HDB, Surbana Jurong, and private practices like WOHA, plus the pathway from Part 1 to professional registration.
Architecture Internships in Singapore
Architecture internships in Singapore are an essential component of professional qualification. Whether you're a Part 1 student building your portfolio or a Part 2 graduate seeking experience toward professional registration, understanding Singapore's specific architecture ecosystem and employer landscape will shape your career trajectory.
ARB Exemption Training — What Architecture Interns Need to Know
The Board of Architects (BOA) Singapore governs professional registration. To become a Registered Architect (RA) in Singapore, you need:
- Part 1: Architecture degree (3–4 years)
- Professional training: Minimum 2 years under a Registered Architect
- Part 2: Professional Practice exam (PPE)
Internships during Part 1 study contribute to your professional training log. Work must be under a BOA-recognised Registered Architect. Keep a professional training record from Day 1 — this is submitted when you apply for the PPE.
Part 1 vs Part 2 Students
| Student Stage | Internship Focus | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 (NUS/NTU/SUTD/polytechnic) | Exploratory; portfolio building | Junior drafting, 3D modelling, site visits |
| Part 2 (completing degree) | Professional experience; BOA log | Design development, drawing production, client coordination |
| Post-Part 2 (working) | Qualifying experience | Project architect responsibilities |
Top Employers
Government / Statutory Boards
| Employer | Role Focus | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) | Planning, development control, conservation | SGD 1,000–1,500 |
| Housing Development Board (HDB) | HDB estate design, planning | SGD 1,000–1,500 |
| JTC Corporation | Industrial building, data centre design | SGD 1,000–1,500 |
| National Parks Board (NParks) | Landscape, parks design | SGD 900–1,300 |
| Building & Construction Authority (BCA) | Regulatory, BIM coordination | SGD 1,000–1,500 |
Large Multi-Disciplinary Firms
| Employer | Strengths | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Surbana Jurong | Master planning, infrastructure, townships | SGD 1,000–1,500 |
| RSP Architects | Mixed-use, commercial, residential | SGD 900–1,300 |
| DP Architects | Regional, commercial, mixed-use | SGD 900–1,300 |
| CPG Consultants | Government projects, infrastructure | SGD 900–1,300 |
Award-Winning Design Practices
| Firm | Design Focus | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| WOHA Architects | Biophilic, sustainable, iconic | SGD 800–1,200 |
| SCDA Architects | Residential, luxury, contemporary | SGD 800–1,200 |
| SAA Architects | Residential, educational, mixed-use | SGD 900–1,300 |
| Serie + Multiply | Cultural, civic, museum | SGD 800–1,100 |
| Aamer Architects | Residential, boutique commercial | SGD 800–1,100 |
International Firms with Singapore Offices
| Firm | Focus | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Zaha Hadid Architects (SG) | Cultural, high-profile | SGD 900–1,300 |
| Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) Singapore | Master planning, residential | SGD 900–1,300 |
| Aedas (Singapore) | Commercial, transit-oriented | SGD 900–1,300 |
Salary Benchmarks
| Employer Type | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Government (URA, HDB, JTC) | SGD 1,000–1,500 |
| Large multi-disciplinary (Surbana Jurong, DP) | SGD 900–1,500 |
| Mid-tier practices | SGD 800–1,200 |
| Boutique / design-forward firms (WOHA, SCDA) | SGD 700–1,200 |
Architecture allowances are lower than most other graduate disciplines — this is industry-wide and reflects the long training period and supply of candidates.
What Architecture Interns Actually Do
- Part 1 interns: Primarily Revit/AutoCAD drafting, 3D modelling (SketchUp, Rhino), rendering support, site measurement surveys
- Part 2 interns: Design development, drawing sets, specification writing, consultant coordination, building submissions support
Software skills essential for Singapore firms:
| Software | Use |
|---|---|
| Autodesk Revit | BIM modelling — industry standard |
| AutoCAD | 2D drafting |
| SketchUp | Concept modelling |
| Rhino + Grasshopper | Parametric design (design-forward firms) |
| Adobe Photoshop / InDesign | Presentation boards |
| Lumion / Enscape | Architectural rendering |
Getting the Most from Your Architecture Internship
- URA and HDB are the most structured internships for Part 1 students — apply by February for summer starts
- WOHA and SCDA are highly sought after by design-forward students; apply directly with a portfolio (10–15 curated pages, no filler)
- Your portfolio is your interview — quality of visual presentation and design thinking matter more than GPA for architecture roles
- Get Revit certified before your internship starts; many employers assume Part 2 students are Revit-proficient
- BOA training records must start from your first qualifying role — get your supervisor's BOA registration number and start the log immediately
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