Specialized design services, 2015

Released: 2017-02-20

The specialized design services industry group, which includes interior, industrial, graphic and other specialized design services, reported operating revenue of $3.0 billion in 2015, up 1.9% from 2014.

Ontario, which accounted for 51.4% of the total operating revenue, posted a 3.1% increase from 2014 to $1.5 billion. Quebec represented the second largest share of operating revenue at 20.3%, followed by British Columbia (13.8%) and Alberta (10.5%).

Total operating expenses grew 2.9% to $2.3 billion, resulting in a profit margin of 20.8%, down from 21.6% in 2014.

Salaries, wages, commissions and benefits remained the largest expense item at 33.8% of operating expenses, followed by cost of goods sold at 25.3%.

Sales to the business sector represented 63.1% of total sales in 2015. The remaining client base was split among individuals and households (21.4%), clients outside of Canada (10.1%) and governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (5.5%).

Sales of interior design services represented 37.9% of the industry group's total sales. Graphic design services represented the second largest amount at 33.8%, followed by related services and products (15.4%), other specialized design services (6.8%) and industrial design services (6.0%).

Contact information

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