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NOC 52121: Interior designers and interior decorators
NOC 52121 is a TEER 2 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW and CEC. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
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Interior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings. They are employed by architectural and interior design firms, retail establishments, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains, and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- aircraft interior designer
- interior decorator
- interior design technician
- interior designer
- kitchen designer
- office space planner
- retail space planner
Also included: home staging consultant; space management consultant
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space
- Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and graphics software
- Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, window treatments, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
- Estimate costs and materials required and may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
- Prepare plans and specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes
- Work in a multidisciplinary environment
- May direct site work crews and subcontractors.
Interior designers are experts in the area of interior architecture, construction materials and building codes. They may specialize in designing interiors for residential, commercial, institutional, cultural and industrial buildings and for aircraft, ships or trains, trade shows and exhibitions. Interior decorators may specialize in decorating residential or commercial interior spaces, home staging, colour consulting and home organizing.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
Not in a Federal Skilled Trades group.
CRS points from November 3, 2026
NOC 52121 is not on IRCC's high-wage occupations list. From November 3, 2026, Canadian work in it earns only the work-length points, and a job offer in it adds no CRS points (it can still count for program eligibility).
IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules
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Employment requirements
Interior designers
- A university degree or college diploma in interior design is usually required.
- The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination may be required after six years of combined study and experience.
- Certification by a provincial institute or association is required to use protected titles related to interior designers in all provinces except Prince Edward Island.
Interior decorators
- A college certificate or diploma in interior decoration is usually required.
- Membership in the Canadian Decorators' Association is available to qualified decorators.
Codes in the same group
| NOC | Occupation | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| 52120 | Graphic designers and illustrators | 2 |