Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Gabriella White (Home of Gabby and Summer Classics)

Location: Charlotte, NC, US (Outlet)

Job Type: Part Time

Category: Retail Sales / Interior Design Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 2-5 Years Recommended

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and client engagement by leveraging expertise in luxury furniture and interior design to achieve individual sales goals.

• Conduct personalized in-home design consultations to foster deep client relationships and identify new sales opportunities.

• Maintain impeccable showroom standards and contribute to overall team and store performance through collaborative efforts.

• Accurately manage client information and sales activities within the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, ensuring data integrity.

• Act as a brand ambassador for Gabby and Summer Classics, effectively communicating brand stories and product value to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements point strongly towards a sales-focused role within a luxury retail environment, emphasizing consultative selling and client relationship management. The "part-time" nature suggests flexibility, but the on-site requirement and weekend expectations indicate a need for consistent availability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Consultation & Sales:

  • Engage with clients to understand their design needs, preferences, and budget for luxury furniture and accessories.
  • Develop and present tailored design solutions, recommending specific products from the Gabby and Summer Classics collections.
  • Guide clients through the selection process, providing expert advice on fabrics, finishes, and space planning.
  • Proactively pursue and close sales opportunities to meet and exceed individual sales targets.
  • Conduct in-home design consultations to provide a personalized and immersive client experience.

• Relationship Management:

  • Build and nurture long-term relationships with clients through exceptional service, follow-up, and personalized communication.
  • Act as a primary point of contact for clients throughout the design and purchasing process.
  • Foster client loyalty and encourage repeat business through memorable interactions.

• Showroom Operations & Brand Representation:

  • Maintain an organized, visually appealing, and inspiring showroom environment.
  • Ensure all product displays are current, well-maintained, and representative of the brands' luxury positioning.
  • Share the heritage and unique selling propositions of Gabby and Summer Classics with every customer.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve collective sales objectives and support daily operations.

• System Management:

  • Diligently manage client data, sales activities, and appointment scheduling within the designated CRM system.

  • Utilize sales and design software (e.g., RoomSketcher) to create compelling visualizations for clients.

  • Maintain accurate records of transactions, client interactions, and follow-up actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to highlight the blend of design expertise and direct sales accountability, crucial for a role in luxury retail. Emphasis is placed on client-facing activities, relationship building, and operational accuracy within the sales process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A background in design, business, marketing, or a related field is considered a significant asset.

Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in design or high-end retail is required.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Acumen: Strong understanding of interior design principles, including color theory, space planning, and material selection (fabrics, finishes).

• Luxury Sales Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to sell high-value products through consultative selling techniques and a natural aptitude for closing sales.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven skill in building rapport, understanding client needs, and fostering long-term customer loyalty.

• Space Planning Software: Familiarity with tools such as RoomSketcher or other similar space planning and visualization software.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse clientele and articulate design concepts clearly.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) for daily tasks.

• CRM System Navigation: Experience or ability to quickly learn and effectively use CRM systems for client management and sales tracking.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify client needs and creatively propose solutions that align with their vision and the brand's offerings.

• Professionalism & Presentation: A confident and polished demeanor, with a genuine passion for beautiful spaces and client service.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific luxury furniture brands or the home furnishings industry.

• Background in business or marketing, providing a strategic understanding of sales principles.

• Proven track record of exceeding sales targets in a retail environment.

• Experience conducting in-home consultations or client visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is fleshed out to reflect the explicit and implicit needs of a luxury design consultant role. This includes emphasizing the blend of creative design knowledge and sales acumen, along with technical tool proficiency. The "2-5 years" experience level inferred from the AI data aligns with the expectation of having some established sales and design experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Examples: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 interior design projects (professional or significant personal projects) that demonstrate your aesthetic, space planning skills, and ability to blend functionality with style. Visuals (photos, renderings) are highly encouraged.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: If applicable, provide evidence of sales performance, such as exceeding targets or achieving specific revenue milestones in previous retail roles. Quantifiable results are key.

• Client Testimonials or Case Studies: Include any positive feedback, testimonials, or brief case studies illustrating your client interaction skills, problem-solving abilities, and successful project outcomes.

• Process Flow Example (Conceptual): Briefly outline or visualize a conceptual process for how you would approach a new client consultation, from initial contact to project completion, highlighting your consultative approach.

Process Documentation:

• Client Onboarding Workflow: Be prepared to describe your process for engaging new clients, conducting initial consultations (in-showroom and in-home), and gathering essential design requirements.

• Design Solution Development: Explain how you translate client needs and product knowledge into cohesive design proposals, including product selection, space layout, and presentation.

• Sales Cycle Management: Detail your approach to managing the sales cycle, from lead generation and follow-up to closing the sale and ensuring client satisfaction post-purchase.

• CRM Utilization Strategy: Describe how you would leverage a CRM system to manage client data, track sales activities, schedule appointments, and maintain ongoing client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal "portfolio" might not be a strict requirement, but candidates are expected to demonstrate their design sense and sales capability. This section outlines what a strong candidate should be prepared to present during an interview or at the application stage, focusing on tangible examples and process thinking relevant to design consulting and sales.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for part-time Design Consultants in the Charlotte, NC area with 1-5 years of experience in luxury retail and design, a competitive hourly wage plus commission is expected.

• Estimated Hourly Base: $18 - $25 per hour.

• Estimated Commission/Incentives: Additional monthly incentives and bonuses based on sales performance are offered.

This estimate is derived from research of similar roles in the Charlotte metropolitan area, considering the luxury retail sector and the part-time nature of the position. Actual compensation will be determined by experience, demonstrated skills, and performance.

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan with Match: Company-sponsored retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions after 12 months of employment.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges, including counseling and resource referrals.

• Chaplain Services: Access to spiritual and emotional support through dedicated chaplain services.

• Generous Employee Product Purchase Discount: Significant discounts on Gabriella White's luxury furniture and accessories for personal use.

Working Hours:

This is a part-time position. The role requires flexibility to work weekends regularly, as well as special events as needed, to meet client demands and showroom operational needs. Specific daily hours will be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation structures for part-time sales roles in luxury retail in the Charlotte, NC area, incorporating both an hourly base and commission potential, as indicated by "monthly incentives and bonuses." The benefits listed are directly pulled from the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Home Furnishings & Retail. Gabriella White operates as the parent entity for Gabby and Summer Classics, renowned brands in the luxury furniture market, specializing in outdoor living and transitional, eclectic indoor furniture and accessories.

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 201-500 employees. This suggests a mid-sized organization that balances established processes with the agility often found in growing companies. For operations professionals, this size typically means opportunities for broader impact and cross-functional exposure without the bureaucracy of very large corporations.

Founded: 1987. Being family-owned and operated since its inception provides a foundation of stability and a long-term perspective, likely influencing a culture that values dedication and integrity.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Focus: The immediate team will likely consist of fellow Design Consultants, a Showroom Manager, and potentially support staff. Collaboration is key for client coverage and achieving collective goals.

• Reporting: The Design Consultant will report to the Showroom Manager or a designated sales leader.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While the role is showroom-centric, interaction with other departments such as logistics, customer service, and potentially marketing may occur to ensure seamless client experiences.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: The company's mission to "furnish life's best moments" emphasizes a client-focused methodology, prioritizing personalized service and understanding individual client needs.

• Design-Driven Innovation: As a "premier innovator," the company likely encourages creative problem-solving and staying abreast of design trends.

• Performance Orientation: Core values like "Goal-Oriented" and "Nimble" suggest a culture that values achieving results and adapting quickly to market dynamics.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=50ebad87-fc82-464e-91d1-fa1244aeb526 (This is the ADP recruitment portal link, not a direct company website, but it's the provided source)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company information is synthesized from the provided text and LinkedIn data. The emphasis is on how the company's history, values, and industry position would likely shape the work environment and expectations for a Design Consultant.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Design Consultant" role sits within the Sales and Client Services function, often considered a front-line operational role in a retail context. It requires a blend of customer-facing skills, product knowledge, and sales execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Lead. This structure emphasizes direct sales performance and adherence to showroom operational standards.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is directly on revenue generation through sales of luxury home furnishings. Exceptional client experiences also contribute to brand reputation, customer loyalty, and repeat business, which are critical for long-term business health and sustainable revenue growth. Effective CRM management by consultants ensures accurate sales forecasting and pipeline visibility for the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Advance to Senior Design Consultant, specializing in specific product lines or client segments (e.g., hospitality, high-net-worth individuals).

• Management Track: Progress into Showroom Management or Sales Management roles, overseeing teams, driving store performance, and developing sales strategies.

• Design Expertise: Develop deeper expertise in interior design, potentially leading to roles in interior design services for the company or product development.

• Brand Ambassador/Trainer: Become a subject matter expert on Gabby and Summer Classics brands, potentially training new hires or representing the brand at events.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: With strong performance and demonstrated aptitude, opportunities might arise in areas like merchandising, marketing, or product management, depending on company structure and individual development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the "Design Consultant" role through an operational lens, focusing on its contribution to revenue and client management. Growth paths are outlined based on common trajectories in luxury retail and sales environments, assuming the company supports internal development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at a retail showroom outlet. This is a client-facing environment designed to showcase luxury furniture and accessories.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC, specifically an outlet location. This implies a dynamic retail setting where product presentation and customer interaction are paramount.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: The primary workspace is a beautifully curated showroom filled with high-end furniture and decor. This provides an inspiring backdrop for creative work and client engagement.

• Client Interaction Hub: The showroom serves as the central point for client consultations, product demonstrations, and sales transactions.

• Tools & Technology: Expect to work with an iPad for client presentations and CRM management, along with access to design software like RoomSketcher. Microsoft Office will be used for general business communication.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: While individual sales are key, the environment likely fosters teamwork among consultants and support staff to ensure a cohesive client experience and efficient showroom operations.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position that requires regular weekend availability. Flexibility for special events is also expected. The specific schedule will be negotiated, but consistent weekend presence is a core requirement for meeting client demand in a retail setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes the tactile, client-facing nature of the role within a retail showroom, highlighting both the aesthetic appeal and the operational demands, particularly regarding weekend availability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required experience and skills.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss your background, motivation for applying, and initial assessment of your fit for the role and company culture.

Be prepared to discuss your sales experience and design interests.

• In-Person Interview/Showroom Visit: This stage often involves meeting with the Showroom Manager and potentially senior sales staff. You may be asked to:

  • Discuss your design philosophy and approach to client consultations.
  • Walk through your portfolio (if prepared) highlighting relevant projects and sales achievements.
  • Engage in a mock sales scenario or client interaction to demonstrate your consultative selling skills.
  • Showcase your familiarity with the brands and your understanding of the luxury market.

• Final Interview (Optional): May involve meeting with a higher-level manager or HR for final assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest design projects that best represent your aesthetic and ability to work with luxury products.

• Highlight Sales Impact: For each project, if possible, articulate the client's initial needs, your proposed solution, and the successful outcome, especially if it led to a significant sale or client satisfaction.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your rationale for choices in space planning, materials, and product selection.

• Quantify Achievements: If you have sales experience, be prepared with specific metrics (e.g., sales volume, conversion rates, client retention) to demonstrate your performance.

• Brand Alignment: Ensure your portfolio reflects an appreciation for the style and quality associated with Gabby and Summer Classics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical client brief and asked to propose a design solution, showcasing your creative thinking and product knowledge.

• Sales Role-Play: Practice handling common sales objections, engaging a "customer" in a showroom setting, and closing a sale.

• Brand Knowledge: Research Gabby and Summer Classics thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss their history, product lines, and unique selling propositions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice for navigating the interview process specifically for a Design Consultant role in luxury retail, emphasizing the need to demonstrate both design sensibility and sales acumen, often through a portfolio or practical exercises.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Essential for managing client data, tracking sales activities, scheduling appointments, and maintaining client communication logs. While a specific CRM isn't named, proficiency in any robust CRM is transferable.

• Sales & Design Software:

  • RoomSketcher: Explicitly mentioned as preferred, demonstrating familiarity with this or similar space planning and 3D visualization tools is a strong asset for presenting design concepts to clients.
  • iPad: Expected to be used for client presentations, CRM access, and potentially design software.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard suite for communication (Outlook), documentation (Word), and potentially basic data tracking (Excel).

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Reporting: While not a dedicated analyst role, consultants will likely use CRM reports to track their individual sales performance, client pipeline, and conversion rates.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Data Management: The core function of CRM in this role is to centralize and organize all client-related information, ensuring a consistent and personalized client experience.

• Sales Activity Tracking: Recording interactions, follow-ups, and sales progress within the CRM is crucial for pipeline management and performance measurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology are derived directly from the job description, with added context on their typical usage in a retail sales and design consulting role. The emphasis is on practical application for client engagement and sales performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: The company's core values are explicitly stated as:

• Dedication: Commitment to excellence in client service, sales performance, and brand representation.

• Enthusiasm: Bringing passion and energy to client interactions, product knowledge, and the overall showroom experience.

• Synergy: Working collaboratively with team members to achieve shared goals and support a positive showroom environment.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all client dealings and business operations.

• Goal-Oriented: A focus on achieving and exceeding individual sales targets and contributing to team objectives.

• Nimble: Adaptability and responsiveness to client needs, market trends, and business demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-First Collaboration: Team members are expected to collaborate to ensure clients receive exceptional service, even if it means leveraging another consultant's expertise or supporting a colleague during busy periods.

• Shared Showroom Responsibility: A collective approach to maintaining the showroom's appearance, organization, and overall client-welcoming atmosphere.

• Performance-Driven Teamwork: While individual sales are paramount, the culture likely encourages sharing best practices and supporting one another to elevate the entire team's performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly integrates the company's stated core values (DESIGN acronym) and interprets them in the context of a retail sales and design consulting role, emphasizing how they would manifest in daily operations and team interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with the imperative to drive sales, ensuring clients feel inspired and supported without feeling overly pressured.

• Managing Client Expectations: Navigating diverse client tastes, budgets, and timelines in the luxury market to deliver solutions that meet or exceed expectations.

• Weekend/Event Availability: Adapting to a work schedule that regularly includes weekends and potentially special events, which requires strong personal time management.

• Product Knowledge Depth: Staying current with the extensive product lines of Gabby and Summer Classics, understanding materials, customization options, and design applications.

• Competitive Retail Environment: Thriving in a dynamic luxury retail setting that demands consistent client engagement and high performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Brand Immersion: Deepening knowledge of Gabby and Summer Classics through internal training, product showcases, and exposure to new collections.

• Sales & Consultation Skills: Developing advanced consultative selling techniques, client needs analysis, and persuasive presentation skills through on-the-job experience and potential company-offered training.

• Design Trends & Software: Enhancing design sensibility by staying updated on interior design trends and mastering space planning software for more impactful client presentations.

• Career Progression: Opportunities to advance into senior sales roles, management positions, or specialized design advisory capacities within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in a luxury retail design sales role and frames them as opportunities for professional growth and skill development, aligning with the company's "Goal-Oriented" and "Nimble" values.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Client Consultation Approach: "Describe your process for conducting a design consultation with a new client who is looking to furnish their entire living room. How would you ensure you understand their needs and present appropriate solutions?" (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and tailoring recommendations.)

• Sales Experience & Motivation: "Tell me about a time you successfully sold a high-value item in a retail setting. What strategies did you use, and how did you overcome any objections?" or "What motivates you in a sales role, particularly within the luxury market?" (Highlight consultative selling, client relationship building, and passion for the product.)

• Problem-Solving in Design/Sales: "Imagine a client loves a sofa but it doesn't quite fit their space. How would you approach this situation to find a solution that satisfies the client?" (Demonstrate creativity, product knowledge, and commitment to client satisfaction.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "What interests you about Gabby and Summer Classics? What do you admire about the brands or their product offerings?" (Show you've researched the brands and understand their luxury positioning.)

• Teamwork & Values: "How do you contribute to a positive team environment, and how do you embody values like 'Synergy' and 'Dedication' in your work?" (Connect your past experiences to the company's core values.)

• Sales Performance: "How do you track your sales performance, and what strategies do you employ to consistently meet or exceed your goals?" (Demonstrate a results-oriented mindset and understanding of sales metrics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a narrative – the client's challenge, your design solution, and the successful outcome (including sales if applicable).

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images and clear, concise descriptions. Be prepared to discuss your design choices and the client's reaction.

• Focus on Relevance: Select projects that best align with the luxury home furnishings aesthetic of Gabby and Summer Classics.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present your most impactful work efficiently. Be ready to answer questions about your process and results.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are tailored to assess the critical skills for a luxury retail design consultant: design expertise, sales ability, client management, and cultural fit, with specific advice on preparing for each type of question.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=50ebad87-fc82-464e-91d1-fa1244aeb526&jobId=607906

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight relevant experience in interior design, luxury retail sales, client relationship management, and any experience with space planning software or CRM systems. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 strong design projects that demonstrate your aesthetic and ability to work with luxury products. Be ready to discuss your process and any sales outcomes.

• Research the Brands: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with Gabby and Summer Classics, their product lines, brand ethos, and target clientele. Understand what makes them unique in the luxury furniture market.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions related to your design approach, sales experience, client interaction skills, and how you align with the company's core values (DESIGN). Practice articulating your process for consultations and sales.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.