Interior designers and interior decorators
Interior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings.
Good
Market Demand
TEER 2
Skill Level
SK, AB, MB
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space
- Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and graphics software
- Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, window treatments, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
- Estimate costs and materials required and may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
- Prepare plans and specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes
- Work in a multidisciplinary environment
- May direct site work crews and subcontractors.
Qualifications
- checkA college certificate or diploma in interior decoration is usually required.
- checkA university degree or college diploma in interior design is usually required.
- checkCertification by a provincial institute or association is required to use protected titles related to interior designers in all provinces except Prince Edward Island.
- checkMembership in the Canadian Decorators' Association is available to qualified decorators.
- checkThe National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination may be required after six years of combined study and experience.
Market Outlook by Province
Saskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Good for interior designers and interior decorators (NOC 52121) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about interior designers and interior decorators in Saskatchewan: Approximately 600 people work in this occupation. Interior designers and interior decorators mainly work in the following sectors: Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 57%Construction (NAICS 23): 14%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 14%Furniture and related product manufacturing (NAICS 337): 9% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 77% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 23% compared to 19% for all occupations66% of interior designers and interior decorators work all year, while 34% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.34% of interior designers and interior decorators are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 14% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 86% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 15% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 42% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Good for interior designers and interior decorators (NOC 52121) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about interior designers and interior decorators in Alberta: Approximately 3,350 people work in this occupation. Interior designers and interior decorators mainly work in the following sectors: Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 64%Construction (NAICS 23): 14%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 11% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 72% compared to 80% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 28% compared to 20% for all occupations52% of interior designers and interior decorators work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.47% of interior designers and interior decorators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 13% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 87% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 39% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 31% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
Manitoba
The employment outlook will be Good for interior designers and interior decorators (NOC 52121) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about interior designers and interior decorators in Manitoba: Approximately 750 people work in this occupation. Interior designers and interior decorators mainly work in the following sectors: Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 69%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 12%Construction (NAICS 23): 8% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 76% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 24% compared to 19% for all occupations60% of interior designers and interior decorators work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.48% of interior designers and interior decorators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 20% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 80% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 31% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 19% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 44% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 10% compared to 8% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 2 occupations require college education or apprenticeship training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Express Entry (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 52121 openings right now.
Arcadis
4 active roles · Toronto, ON
Worley
2 active roles · Sarnia, ON · Edmonton, AB
Surbanajurong
2 active roles · Vancouver, BC
BGIS
2 active roles · Ottawa, ON · Toronto, ON
Mohawk Industries, Inc.
1 active role · Vancouver, BC
Gensler
1 active role · Vancouver, BC
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Search Interior designers and interior decoratorsarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Management of Material Resources
to efficiently select, source and allocate furnishings and finishes while staying within budget and ensuring quality
Critical Thinking
to assess various design possibilities, considering factors such as aesthetics, functionality, safety and cost, to make the best choice for the project
Fluency of Ideas
to think of multiple design solutions in order to find the most effective and aesthetically pleasing options
Spatial Visualization
to develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangements of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and graphics software
Innovativeness
to create unique and functional spaces that reflect clients' personalities and adapt to changing design trends
Knowledge in Client Service
to understand the best way to consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space
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