52121 – Interior designers and interior decorators
Lead statement
Interior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings.
Main duties
- 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.
Employment requirements
- A college certificate or diploma in interior decoration is usually required.
- A university degree or college diploma in interior design is usually required.
- Certification by a provincial institute or association is required to use protected titles related to interior designers in all provinces except Prince Edward Island.
- Membership in the Canadian Decorators' Association is available to qualified decorators.
- The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination may be required after six years of combined study and experience.
Example job titles
building space planner · interior designer assistant · interior design technician · interior designer · interior space designer · kitchen designer · office space planner · interior design project manager · retail space planner · registered interior designer · certified interior designer · licensed interior designer · space management consultant · designer - interior design · business aircraft interior designer · aircraft interior designer · interior decorator · home decorator · home stager · home staging consultant · home organizer · green design consultant - interior design · colour consultant - home decorating · interior design consultant · home decorating consultant · interior decorating consultant · decorating consultant
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $18.35 | $28.85 | $48.72 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $18.97 | $24.58 | $37.90 |
| Nova Scotia | $19.06 | $25.40 | $40.89 |
| New Brunswick | $18.31 | $25.36 | $31.62 |
| Quebec | $21.00 | $27.56 | $40.87 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $27.40 | $50.00 |
| Manitoba | $19.50 | $29.45 | $42.05 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $25.95 | $40.00 |
| Alberta | $21.00 | $29.50 | $42.88 |
| British Columbia | $20.00 | $31.25 | $64.18 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.