Specialized design services, 2024
Released: 2026-03-24
$4.7 billion
2024
4.3% 
(annual change)
Growth remains steady in specialized design services in 2024
Specialized design services saw operating revenues rise 4.3% to nearly $4.7 billion in 2024, up for the fourth consecutive year.
Together, interior, industrial, graphic and other specialized design services make up the specialized design services industry group. In 2024, interior design services remained the largest of these industries, representing 45.3% of total sales, followed by graphic design services, at 27.3%.
Operating revenue increased in every province in 2024 compared with 2023. Ontario generated over half (51.3%) of total operating revenue in 2024, up 4.8% from the previous year. Meanwhile, double-digit gains were recorded in Prince Edward Island (+17.1%) and Nova Scotia (+12.0%).
Operating expenses climbed 3.8% to nearly $3.7 billion in 2024. As the growth in operating revenues outpaced that of operating expenses, the operating profit margin rose from 21.1% in 2023 to 21.5% in 2024.
Salaries, wages, commissions and benefits, representing 30.6% of total operating expenses, increased 3.8% to $1.1 billion in 2024.
Industry trends
Looking ahead to 2025, lower interest rates may ease household budgets and prompt renovation-related demand for interior design services. Ongoing trends, such as the increased use of digital design tools, the growing integration of artificial intelligence into design workflows and rising demand for web-based design services, are expected to further shape the specialized design services industry. These developments may improve efficiency and expand service offerings; meanwhile broader economic conditions will influence how households and businesses allocate spending on design-related services.
Detailed financial statistics for the industry group in 2025 will be provided when survey data are published in 2027.
Note to readers
Data for 2022 and 2023 have been revised.
These and other data related to business and consumer services can be found at the Business and consumer services and culture statistics portal.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).
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