Specialized design services, 2016

Released: 2017-12-12

The specialized design service industry group, which includes interior, industrial, graphic and other specialized design services, reported operating revenue of $2.8 billion in 2016, up 0.8% from a year earlier and following a 0.9% increase in 2015.

In 2016, Ontario represented 52.5% of the total operating revenue at $1.5 billion, followed by Quebec (19.9%), British Columbia (14.9%) and Alberta (9.0%). The remaining provinces and territories represented 3.7% of total operating revenue.

Operating expenses decreased 1.7% to $2.1 billion in 2016, resulting in an operating profit margin of 23.5%, up from 21.6% in 2015.

Salaries, wages, commissions and benefits remained the largest expense item at 33.1% of operating expenses. The second largest expense item was costs of goods sold at 25.4%.

Sales to businesses represented 60.5% of total sales in 2016. The remaining client base was split among individuals and households (23.1%), clients outside of Canada (10.7%) and governments, not-for-profit organizations and public institutions (5.7%).

In 2016, sales of interior design services represented 39.8% of the industry group's total sales, followed by graphic design services (32.2%), related services and products (14.3%), other specialized design services (8.0%) and industrial design services (5.6%).

Contact information

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