Interior Designers and Interior Decorators
(NOC 5242)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportInterior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and industrial buildings. They work for architectural and interior design firms, retail companies, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains, and other businesses, or they may be self-employed. Interior designers are experts in interior architecture, construction materials and building codes. Interior designers may specialize in designing interiors for residential, commercial, institutional, cultural, and industrial buildings and for aircraft, ships or trains, trade shows and exhibitions. Interior decorators may specialize in decorating residential or commercial interior spaces, home staging, colour consulting and home organizing.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$20.00
Median$24.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,141
Minimum$26,430
Median$65,983
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Interior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and industrial buildings. They work for architectural and interior design firms, retail companies, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains, and other businesses, or they may be self-employed. Interior designers are experts in interior architecture, construction materials and building codes. Interior designers may specialize in designing interiors for residential, commercial, institutional, cultural, and industrial buildings and for aircraft, ships or trains, trade shows and exhibitions. Interior decorators may specialize in decorating residential or commercial interior spaces, home staging, colour consulting and home organizing.
Job duties
Interior designers and interior decorators:
- 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.
Sample job titles
- decorating consultant
- green design consultant - interior design
- home decorating consultant
- home organizer
- interior decorator
- interior design consultant
- interior designer
- project manager, interior design
Skills
- A good sense of creativity and imagination are beneficial in interior space planning. You should have an understanding of artistic principles and be able to present that plan visually so that it can be communicated to the client. Self-discipline in meeting deadlines and a good business sense are also very important.
Job requirements
- Array
- Array
Other considerations
- Interior designers work with computers for drafting, preparation of budgets and specifications, product searches, colour renderings and three-dimensional presentations for final product visualization. A good knowledge base of the various interior design disciplines is important for this group. A willingness to work outside normal business hours is required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$26,794 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ANorth Shore
$29,882 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$23,869 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Retail trade
Manufacturing
Construction
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$29,431 median annual incomeBachelor
$14,307 median annual incomeHigh school
$39,998 median annual incomeMaster
N/ALess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Home Furnishings and Equipment Installers
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to assist in home furnishings and decorations. They include courses in selecting, purchasing, designing and decorating, home furnishings and equipment, floral design, accessory construction, textiles, and upholstery.
Project Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply quantitative and qualitative knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to manage projects in a wide range of fields and occupations. They include courses in project planning, risk management, cost and time management, contracts and procurement, accounting, statistics, decision making, and human resources.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.