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Exploring Trades and Occupations

Interior Designers

On this page

  • Job description
  • Advancement and mobility
  • Training and requirements
  • Main skills and characteristics
  • Personality profiles (RIASEC)
  • Additional information

Job description

These individuals create and produce aesthetic, functional, and safe interior design concepts. They consult with clients to determine their needs, preferences, safety requirements, and intended use of the space. They assess the costs and materials required for the project. They develop detailed plans as well as technical and architectural drawings using computer-aided design software. They design interior spaces in compliance with applicable building design and construction codes, standards, and regulations. They are self-employed or work for:

  • Offices
  • Medical clinics
  • Retail businesses (decoration, furniture, sales of materials, etc.)
  • Shopping centres and specialized shops
  • Construction companies
  • Hotel and restaurants
  • Events and exhibitions
  • Architectural and interior design firms
  • Accommodation institutions (schools, hosptials, long-term care centres, etc.)

Environment

  • Controlled ambient temperature

Main tasks

  • Analyze the existing conditions of the built spaces in various environments (industrial, commercial, residential, etc.).
  • Write descriptive specifications, calls for tenders, and requests for bids.
  • Select the materials, finishes, and colours best suited for the project.
  • Prepare plans and specifications for the final layout taking into account current artistic approaches and trends.
  • Design lighting, furniture, and other objects taking into account ergonomic principles.
  • Supervise the work and ensure it runs smoothly and is completed on schedule.
  • Collaborate with other professionals (Architects, Interior Designers, etc.).
  • Direct subcontractors, as required.

Advancement and mobility

These individuals may specialize in: * Presentation design * Merchandising * Health care

  • Set design
  • Television or film production They may also specialize in the design and decoration of: * Planes * Boats * Events (symposia, trade fairs, concerts, etc.) * Exhibitions * Museums

Training and requirements

Formation

Bachelor’s degree or diploma of college studies

Also required

  • Certification from the Association professionnelle des designers d'intérieur du Québec (APDIQ [Quebec Professional Association of Interior Designers]) is required to hold the title of APDIQ® Certified Interior Designer.

Sometimes required

  • Successful completion of the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam may be required.
  • A Class 5 driver's licence may be required.

Main skills and characteristics

Skills

  • Data collection
  • Equipment selection
  • Operation analysis
  • Judgment and decision-making
  • Service oriented
  • Active listening
  • Coordination
  • Financial resource management
  • Material resource management
  • Oral expression
  • Critical thought
  • Information processing
  • Mathematics
  • Solving complex problems
  • Quality control analysis
  • Result evaluation
  • Active learning
  • Persuasion
  • Human resource management
  • Social perception
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written expression
  • Installation
  • Time management
  • Negotiation
More Less skills

Abilities

  • Information organization
  • Idea generation
  • Visualization
  • Spatial orientation
  • Colour perception and distinction
  • Depth perception
  • Originality
  • Basic numeracy
  • Near vision
  • Oral comprehension
  • Perception speed
  • Classification
  • Control accuracy
  • Awareness of issues
  • Verbal skills
  • Memorization
  • Speech clarity
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Digital dexterity
  • Limb coordination
  • Overall coordination of the body
  • Time sharing
  • Manual dexterity
  • Response orientation
  • Written comprehension
  • Information processing speed
  • Selective attention
  • Written expression
More Less abilities

Knowledge and attributes

  • Knowledge of customer and personalized services
  • Capacity to work in a team
  • Rigour
  • Respect standards and regulations
  • Creativity
  • Assiduity and punctuality
  • Sense of observation
  • Commitment to quality
  • Knowledge of design
  • Open-mindedness

Interests

  • Direct, organize, and manage
  • Draft, communicate, and inform
  • Work in the arts, culture, music, or leisure
  • Create, design
  • Self-employment
  • Work manually
  • Assist and advise
  • Make technical plans and drawings

Personality profiles (RIASEC)

Artistic
People with this profile prefer to express their emotions and thoughts through various art forms. They like to use their imagination.
Investigative
People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
Enterprising
People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.
Additional information

Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)

Interior designers and interior decorators  (CNP 52121)

Skill type

Art, culture, recreation and sport

Related occupations

  • Graphic designers and illustrators
  • Industrial designers
  • Interior designers and interior decorators
  • Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
  • Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers

See also

  • Glossary (PDF 229 Kb)
  • Québec emploi

Last update: January 29, 2026

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