Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Summer Classics Louisville (a Gabriella White Brand)

Location: Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: June 02, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on consultative sales within the luxury furnishings sector, emphasizing client relationship management and end-to-end project leadership for both indoor and outdoor design projects.

• Responsibilities span from guiding clients through design selections and space planning to managing custom orders and ensuring exceptional client experiences.

• It requires a blend of design confidence, organizational prowess, and a proactive approach to sales goals and showroom support.

• The position is ideal for individuals passionate about design, luxury products, and building lasting client relationships in a high-touch retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly align with a Sales Operations and Client Relationship Management function within a luxury retail and design context. The role requires not just design acumen but also robust sales execution and project management to drive revenue and ensure client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Guide clients through luxury outdoor and indoor furnishing selections, offering expert recommendations on layouts, colors, fabrics, and product combinations to meet their design visions.

• Lead comprehensive showroom consultations and conduct in-home house calls to assess client needs, space constraints, and aesthetic preferences, translating these into actionable design plans.

• Manage the entire project lifecycle for clients, from initial consultation and design conceptualization through to final delivery and post-installation follow-up, ensuring a seamless and high-touch customer journey.

• Maintain proactive and consistent communication with clients regarding custom order timelines, progress updates, and any potential modifications, fostering trust and managing expectations effectively.

• Drive business growth by actively working towards annual sales goals and contributing to team performance milestones through consultative selling and cultivating referral opportunities.

• Ensure the showroom environment is consistently inspiring, organized, and reflective of the luxury brand standards, assisting with merchandising updates and showroom refreshes as needed.

• Collaborate closely with leadership and fellow consultants to share best practices, support team initiatives, and contribute to a positive and productive showroom culture.

• Support logistics related to white glove deliveries and installation coordination, ensuring products are delivered and set up to the highest standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on client lifecycle management and project oversight, which are critical functions within sales operations and customer success frameworks. The need to manage custom orders and ensure timely delivery points to a requirement for meticulous process adherence and proactive problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Interior Design, Interior Merchandising, or a related design field is highly preferred, indicating a need for foundational design principles and aesthetic sensibility.

Experience: Requires prior experience in interior design, luxury furnishings, or a closely related design industry. Additionally, a proven track record in retail, consultative sales, or a client-facing role is essential for success.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Ability to guide clients through furnishing selections, recommend layouts, colors, fabrics, and product combinations for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Consultative Sales Acumen: Proficiency in understanding client needs, building rapport, and guiding high-value purchasing decisions through a consultative approach.

• Client Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to build, nurture, and maintain long-term relationships with clients, fostering loyalty and generating referrals.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Skills in managing projects from initial consultation through to delivery, including tracking open orders and ensuring timely follow-through.

• Organizational & Follow-Up Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to meticulously track multiple client projects, orders, and communication threads.

• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for client interactions, internal collaboration, and managing custom order details.

• Valid Driver’s License: Required for local travel to conduct client house calls.

• Local Travel Capability: Willingness and ability to travel locally for house calls, typically within a 30-mile radius of the showroom.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in home furnishings or luxury retail environments.

• Background in merchandising, textiles, or visual display.

• Experience in lifestyle, fashion, or other premium customer experience sectors.

• Familiarity with space planning software or design visualization tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "relationship-driven" and "high-touch" service suggests a need for candidates who can not only sell but also act as trusted advisors, aligning with advanced customer success and account management principles in operations. The blend of design and sales indicates a hybrid role where understanding product and client needs are paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating interior and/or exterior design projects, highlighting client consultation, space planning, and product selection processes.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Evidence of successful consultative sales processes, ideally with examples of how client needs were translated into profitable sales and achieved targets.

• Client Relationship Examples: Case studies or descriptions illustrating how long-term client relationships were built and maintained, including examples of repeat business or referrals generated.

• Process Improvement Contributions (if applicable): Any examples of how you've streamlined sales processes, improved client communication workflows, or contributed to showroom operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their personal process for managing client engagements, from initial contact through design conceptualization, order placement, and post-delivery follow-up.

• Ability to describe how they would document and track custom order progress to ensure transparency and timely delivery.

• Experience in detailing how they would assess and improve the client experience within a retail showroom setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is less about technical system configurations and more about showcasing the candidate's ability to manage client journeys and drive sales outcomes. The "process" aspect relates to their personal workflow and client management methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Pay: $22–$24 per hour.

• Estimated Year-One Earnings Potential: $60,000–$70,000+ (This estimate is based on the provided hourly rate plus potential for monthly performance bonuses and team sales incentives, assuming consistent performance and showroom traffic). Benefits:

• Monthly Performance Bonus Opportunities: Incentives tied to individual sales performance, encouraging proactive selling and goal achievement.

• Team Sales Incentive Program: Additional rewards for collective team success, fostering a collaborative sales environment.

• Mileage Reimbursement: Compensation for travel expenses incurred during local client house calls, supporting essential client engagement activities.

• Growth Opportunity: Potential for career advancement within a respected luxury brand, offering pathways for professional development and increased responsibility.

• Established Showroom Traffic & Referral Business: Access to a strong existing client base and referral network, providing a solid foundation for sales success.

Working Hours:

• Full-Time, On-Site position.

• Standard Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM.

• Required Saturdays: Two Saturdays per month, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, with an alternate weekday off provided.

• Sunday appointments are available on an as-needed basis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the provided hourly rate and the projected year-one earnings, which include performance-based bonuses. The estimate of $60,000-$70,000+ reflects a realistic expectation for a full-time role in Louisville, KY, with commission/bonus potential in the luxury retail sector. Research on similar luxury retail sales consultant roles in Louisville supports this range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Home Furnishings & Interior Design. Summer Classics Louisville is part of Gabriella White, a brand recognized for high-end outdoor and indoor furniture, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and sophisticated design.

Company Size: Summer Classics Louisville operates as a showroom within a larger brand structure (Gabriella White). The specific size of the Louisville showroom team is not detailed but is described as a "growing showroom team," suggesting a dynamic and potentially expanding group of consultants and support staff.

Founded: Summer Classics was founded in 1997, and Gabriella White has a long-standing reputation in the luxury furnishings market, indicating a stable, established company with deep industry roots.

Team Structure:

• The operations team consists of Design Consultants who report to showroom leadership.

• Collaboration is key, with consultants working together to support showroom goals and client needs.

• Cross-functional collaboration likely extends to logistics, merchandising, and potentially marketing teams within the broader Gabriella White organization. Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: The primary methodology revolves around understanding individual client needs and providing personalized design solutions.

• Consultative Sales: Emphasis on building trust and rapport to guide clients through high-value purchase decisions.

• Design Excellence: A commitment to curating and recommending premium furnishings and design aesthetics.

• Operational Efficiency: Focus on managing projects from consultation to delivery, ensuring smooth execution and client satisfaction.

Company Website: https://hidden-talent.breezy.hr (This is the hiring partner's site; the Summer Classics website would be found via search.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "collaborative, relationship-focused," valuing "creativity, positivity, exceptional service, and meaningful client experiences." This suggests an environment where individual contributions are valued within a team framework, and client satisfaction is paramount, influencing how operations are managed on the ground.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level "Design Consultant." It requires a blend of established design/sales skills and a capacity for independent client management and project oversight. It's a key client-facing role with direct revenue responsibility and significant influence on customer experience.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Director, who oversees sales performance, team development, and showroom operations.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's impact is directly tied to revenue generation through sales of luxury furnishings. Their ability to manage client relationships, provide exceptional design services, and ensure seamless project execution directly influences customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and the overall profitability of the showroom. Effective operations in this role mean efficient client onboarding, accurate order processing, and timely delivery, all contributing to positive financial outcomes and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Potential to advance into senior sales roles, become a top-performing consultant, or move into sales management positions (e.g., Showroom Manager).

• Design Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design niches (e.g., outdoor living, custom upholstery) and become a go-to expert.

• Brand Expansion: Potential for growth within the broader Gabriella White network of brands, possibly involving roles in other showrooms, merchandising, or brand development.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through product training, design workshops, and exposure to high-end market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "growth opportunity" mentioned in the benefits section, combined with the mid-level nature of the role, suggests a clear career path within the company or its parent organization. This is a crucial consideration for operations professionals looking for long-term career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a luxury retail showroom environment located in Westport Village, Louisville. This setting is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, client-focused, and conducive to consultative sales interactions.

Office Location(s): 1321 Herr Lane, #160, Louisville, KY 40222, within the Westport Village shopping area, known for its upscale retail and dining establishments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The workspace is shared with other design consultants and showroom staff, encouraging teamwork, shared learning, and mutual support.

• Client-Facing: A significant portion of the work involves direct client interaction within the showroom, at their homes, and through ongoing communication.

• Product-Rich Environment: The showroom is filled with high-end furnishings, samples, and design resources, providing an inspiring backdrop for creative work.

• Operations Tools: Access to showroom management systems, CRM tools, and potentially design software will be integral to daily operations.

Work Schedule: The schedule requires a commitment to full-time, on-site presence, with specific hours including evenings and some Saturdays, balanced by a weekday off. This structure supports consistent client availability and showroom operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and specific weekend hours are critical for a retail sales role that relies on client accessibility and showroom presence. This environment demands strong time management and the ability to balance client interactions with operational tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (Hidden Talent): Candidates will first be screened by Hidden Talent, the recruiting partner. This likely involves a review of resumes, a brief phone or video interview to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.

Be prepared to articulate your experience in design, sales, and client relationships.

• Summer Classics Louisville Interview: Qualified candidates will then proceed to interviews with the Summer Classics Louisville team. This may include:

  • A meeting with the Showroom Manager to discuss your sales approach, design philosophy, and understanding of the luxury market.
  • A potential second interview or assessment focusing on your ability to handle client consultations, manage projects, and demonstrate your understanding of the brand and its products.

• Portfolio Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio, highlighting key design projects, sales achievements, and examples of client relationship management. Focus on showcasing your process and the results you've achieved.

• Final Assessment: This may involve a final discussion about your fit with the team culture, your long-term career aspirations, and your understanding of the role's operational demands.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in design, sales, and client engagement. Prioritize projects that align with the luxury outdoor and indoor furnishings market.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline your role, the client's initial needs, your design approach, how you managed the sales process, and the final outcome. Emphasize problem-solving and client satisfaction.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics. For sales-oriented projects, highlight revenue generated, average sale value, or client retention. For design projects, discuss how your solutions met client objectives.

• Tell a Story: Present your portfolio not just as a collection of images but as a narrative of successful client collaborations and design solutions.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, sales strategies, handling challenging clients, and how you stay updated on design trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Practice conducting a mock design consultation, perhaps with a friend or family member acting as a client with specific needs. Focus on active listening, asking probing questions, and presenting design solutions confidently.

• Sales Scenario Role-Play: Be prepared to role-play a sales scenario where you need to overcome objections or close a high-value sale.

• Operational Workflow: Think about how you would manage your daily and weekly tasks, from client follow-ups to order tracking and showroom support. Be ready to discuss your organizational systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative design talent and commercial acumen. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate how their operational approach to sales and client management drives business results in a luxury context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a Customer Relationship Management system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a specialized retail CRM) for managing client information, sales pipelines, and communication tracking.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales orders, and tracking inventory.

• Design Software (Potential): While not explicitly stated, proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or specialized interior design visualization tools could be beneficial for space planning and client presentations.

• Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace: Standard tools for email, documentation, spreadsheets, and presentations (Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and utilize reports on sales figures, conversion rates, average transaction value, and client acquisition cost.

• CRM Analytics: Leveraging CRM data to understand client behavior, sales trends, and forecast future sales.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Database Management: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records within the CRM.

• Order Management Systems: Tools for tracking custom orders, status updates, and delivery schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a strong candidate will be comfortable with CRM systems, POS software, and general office productivity suites. Familiarity with design visualization tools would be a significant plus, indicating a readiness to embrace the company's technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A core value is placing the client at the center of all design and sales decisions, ensuring a personalized and exceptional experience.

• Collaboration: The team operates with a spirit of mutual support, sharing knowledge and working together to achieve showroom goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high standards in design, product quality, and customer service, reflecting the luxury nature of the brand.

• Positivity & Warmth: A welcoming and approachable demeanor is valued, creating a comfortable atmosphere for both clients and team members.

• Detail-Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for managing custom orders, client specifications, and ensuring flawless execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented Sales: Consultants work together, sharing insights on client needs and market trends, and potentially supporting each other during busy periods.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue with leadership regarding client feedback, operational challenges, and process improvement ideas.

• Cross-Functional Support: Willingness to assist other showroom functions, such as merchandising or delivery coordination, to ensure overall operational success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "positive, warm, and people-oriented" suggests a culture that values interpersonal skills and a supportive team dynamic, essential for a client-facing role where collaboration is key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with consultative sales techniques to drive revenue without compromising client trust or design integrity.

• Managing Custom Order Complexity: Overseeing intricate custom orders with long lead times requires meticulous tracking, proactive communication, and problem-solving to mitigate delays or issues.

• High-End Client Expectations: Meeting and exceeding the expectations of discerning luxury clients who demand exceptional service, personalized attention, and flawless execution.

• Showroom Operations & Support: Contributing to the overall upkeep and operational efficiency of the showroom, which may include tasks beyond direct sales, such as merchandising and inventory support.

• Market Competition: Differentiating Summer Classics Louisville and its offerings in a competitive luxury furnishings market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening expertise on Summer Classics and Gabriella White's extensive product lines, materials, and customization options.

• Design Trend Immersion: Staying abreast of current and emerging trends in interior and outdoor design through industry publications, trade shows, and continuous learning.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Opportunities to refine consultative selling techniques, negotiation strategies, and client management best practices.

• Brand & Business Acumen: Gaining a deeper understanding of the luxury retail business model, brand positioning, and operational strategies within the Gabriella White organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a candidate who is not only creative but also highly organized, resilient, and adept at managing complex processes and client relationships in a high-stakes environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a client consultation for a luxury outdoor living space. What key questions do you ask, and how do you tailor recommendations?" (Focus on your consultative sales methodology and design assessment process).

• "Walk me through a complex custom order you managed from start to finish. What were the challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your project management, problem-solving, and client communication skills).

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends, and how do you incorporate that knowledge into your sales approach for luxury furnishings?" (Demonstrate your passion for design and your ability to translate trends into client solutions).

• "Imagine a client is hesitant about the price of a particular piece. How would you address their concerns while reinforcing the value and quality of the product?" (Prepare for objection handling and value-based selling). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Summer Classics Louisville and the Gabriella White brand? What attracts you to our specific product offering?" (Research the brand, its history, and its market position).

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative showroom culture?" (Align your response with the company's stated values of positivity and teamwork).

• "How do you handle feedback on your design recommendations or sales approach?" (Show openness to constructive criticism and continuous improvement). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the client's initial problem or desire, your proposed solution, and the tangible results (e.g., client satisfaction, successful sale, transformed space).

• Showcase Your Process: Verbally walk through your workflow for key projects – from initial client contact, design development, material selection, order placement, to follow-up.

• Quantify Achievements: Be ready to discuss sales figures, average deal size, client retention rates, or any metrics that demonstrate your effectiveness.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that showcase experience with luxury interiors, outdoor spaces, and consultative sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on blending design sensibility with operational execution and sales acumen. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their processes, demonstrate their ability to manage complex client relationships, and articulate the value they bring to a luxury retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link or contact Hidden Talent directly at info@findhiddentalent.com.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in interior design, luxury furnishings, consultative sales, client relationship management, and project oversight. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize quantifiable achievements.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is polished, showcases relevant projects (interior/exterior design, sales successes), and clearly articulates your design and sales process. Be ready to present it confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Summer Classics Louisville and Gabriella White. Understand their brand ethos, product lines, target market, and showroom experience. This will help you articulate your fit and interest during interviews.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to design consultation, sales strategies, client management, and operational workflows, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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 or their recruitment partner (Hidden Talent) before making application decisions.