Specialized design services, 2014

Released: 2016-05-18

The specialized design services industry group, which includes interior, industrial, graphic and other specialized design services, generated $3.0 billion in total operating revenue in 2014, up 2.8% from 2013. Total operating expenses grew 1.2% to $2.3 billion.

As the revenue growth outpaced that of expenses, the operating profit margin increased to 21.3% in 2014 from 19.7% in 2013.

Salaries, wages, commissions and benefits remained the largest expense item, accounting for 34.2% of operating expenses. The cost of goods sold represented the second largest expense category, at 25.1%.

Firms operating in Ontario (50.6%) generated the largest share of revenue in this industry group, followed by Québec (20.3%), British Columbia (13.6%) and Alberta (11.4%). The provincial shares have remained relatively unchanged over the previous years.

Nearly two-thirds of sales (64.2%) were earned from the sales of services to other businesses, with sales to individuals and households (19.3%), clients outside Canada (10.5%) and governments (6.0%) accounting for the remainder.

Sales of interior and graphic design services accounted for almost three-quarters (71.8%) of the industry group's total sales, while sales of industrial design services, other specialized design services, and related services and products accounted for the remainder.

Contact information

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