Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: National Tiles

Location: Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Permanent

Category: Sales & Design Operations / Customer Experience

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Consult with residential clients to guide them through the selection process for home design projects, focusing on product specifications and creating ideal living spaces.

• Leverage design flair and color coordination skills to develop compelling concepts and present product solutions that meet client needs and aesthetic preferences.

• Manage administrative tasks, including job file organization, client communication, and preparation for client appointments by reviewing builder contracts and variations.

• Interpret architectural floor plans and utilize estimation programs to provide accurate pricing for client projects, ensuring profitability and client satisfaction.

• Maintain showroom presentation standards to create an inviting and professional environment that showcases product offerings effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has significant operational components related to sales support, administrative management, and client project lifecycle management within the residential building and renovation sector. The focus is on translating design concepts into actionable specifications and pricing for a sales-driven environment, requiring a blend of creative talent and operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct client consultations to understand their design vision, lifestyle needs, and budget constraints for residential projects.

• Guide clients through the selection of tiles and related products, providing expert advice on color, texture, style, and functionality.

• Prepare detailed product specifications and selection documents for client approval and internal use.

• Review builder contracts, variations, and architectural drawings to accurately prepare for and execute client selection appointments.

• Utilize estimation software to generate comprehensive quotes and proposals, ensuring accuracy in materials, labor, and associated costs.

• Manage the entire client selection process from initial consultation through to final specification, ensuring a seamless and positive customer journey.

• Maintain and update client job files, ensuring all documentation, communications, and selections are meticulously recorded and accessible.

• Collaborate with sales teams, builders, and contractors to ensure design specifications align with project requirements and timelines.

• Contribute to showroom merchandising and presentation, ensuring products are displayed attractively and effectively to enhance the customer experience.

• Stay updated on industry trends, new product lines, and design best practices to provide cutting-edge solutions to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a client-facing role that requires strong project management and administrative capabilities to support the design and sales process. The emphasis on reviewing contracts, interpreting floor plans, and using estimation programs highlights the operational backbone supporting the creative aspects of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A qualification in Interior Design is highly preferred.

• Alternatively, equivalent practical experience in a similar design or sales support role within the building or home improvement industry will be considered. Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in a design-focused role, preferably within the residential sector or building materials industry.

• Proven experience in client consultation, needs assessment, and guiding customers through product selection processes. Required Skills:

• Interior Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of color theory, material properties, spatial planning, and aesthetic principles.

• Client Consultation & Relationship Management: Ability to build rapport, understand client needs, and provide tailored design advice.

• Floor Plan Interpretation: Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural floor plans, elevations, and site plans.

• Estimation & Quoting: Experience using estimation programs or similar tools to prepare accurate project pricing.

• Administrative Proficiency: Excellent organizational skills for managing job files, scheduling appointments, and maintaining client records.

• Communication Excellence: Superior verbal and written communication skills for liaising with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

• Showroom Presentation: Ability to maintain a visually appealing and organized showroom environment.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD Software Proficiency: Knowledge of CAD packages for design visualization and documentation.

• Builder Contract Familiarity: Experience reviewing and understanding builder contracts and variation documents.

• Product Knowledge: Familiarity with tile types, installation methods, and associated building materials.

• Sales Acumen: Ability to identify upsell opportunities and close sales through effective design solutions.

• Collaborative Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment and collaborate across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a role that is beyond entry-level but not yet senior management, requiring a solid foundation in design principles and practical application, along with emerging project management and client-facing skills. Proficiency in CAD and contract interpretation are highlighted as key differentiators.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of residential design projects, highlighting your role in the client selection and specification process.

• Color & Concept Boards: Include examples of mood boards, color palettes, and concept presentations demonstrating your ability to combine colors and materials effectively.

• Floor Plan Interpretation Examples: Provide instances where you have successfully interpreted floor plans to inform design selections and space planning.

• Estimation & Quoting Samples: If possible, anonymized examples of quotes or proposals generated using estimation tools, demonstrating pricing accuracy and scope definition.

• Client Testimonials (Optional): Any positive feedback or testimonials from previous clients regarding your design consultation and service quality.

Process Documentation:

• Client Selection Workflow: Outline your typical process for managing a client from initial consultation to final product selection, including key touchpoints and documentation.

• Project Management Approach: Describe how you organize and track multiple client projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and all requirements are addressed.

• System Utilization Examples: Briefly explain how you've used estimation programs, CRM tools, or CAD software to streamline the design and sales process in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design consultant role with operational responsibilities, a portfolio should demonstrate not only creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, interpret technical documents, and utilize relevant software for pricing and specification. The emphasis is on a structured approach to design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $68,640 - $72,800 AUD per annum (based on $33-$35 AUD per hour, 38 hours per week, plus superannuation).

Benefits:

• Competitive Hourly Rate: $33-$35 per hour, reflecting experience and skill set.

• Superannuation: In addition to the hourly rate, as mandated by Australian law.

• Incentives: Performance-based incentives offered, motivating high achievement.

• Training & Development: Comprehensive training programs and leadership development courses available.

• Health & Well-being: Access to free health and well-being programs, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Career Progression: Significant opportunities for career advancement, with a strong internal promotion policy.

• Employee Benefits App: Access to a benefits app offering discounts at various retailers.

• Staff & Family Discounts: Generous discounts on National Tiles products for employees and their families.

• Weekly Pay Cycle: Ensures consistent and timely remuneration.

• Birthday Leave: An additional day off on your birthday each year.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, 38 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the provided hourly rate and standard Australian full-time working hours. The inclusion of superannuation is a legal requirement in Australia. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting National Tiles' commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Building Materials - Tiles & Flooring)

Company Size: National Tiles is a significant player in the Australian tile and flooring market. While exact employee numbers aren't provided, the mention of a "Builders Studio" and a national presence suggests a company of considerable scale, likely employing hundreds of individuals across multiple locations. This scale implies structured operational processes and potential for specialization within teams.

Founded: National Tiles has a history of operating in the Australian market, indicating established business practices and a stable operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• Sales & Design Teams: You will likely be part of a sales and design hub, potentially within a dedicated Builders Studio or a larger showroom. This team will focus on client acquisition, consultation, and project specification.

• Reporting: The role will report to a Showroom Manager, Sales Manager, or a Head of Design/Operations, depending on the specific studio's structure.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with sales representatives, interior designers, kitchen/bathroom designers, builders, contractors, and potentially warehouse/logistics teams to ensure smooth project execution.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes creating "amazing outcomes" for customers through a hands-on, personalized selection process.

• Data-Driven Sales Support: Utilization of estimation programs and contract reviews points to a structured, data-informed approach to sales and project quoting.

• Showroom as a Key Asset: Maintaining high showroom presentation standards indicates a strategy where the physical retail space is a critical tool for customer engagement and sales conversion.

Company Website: https://www.nationaltiles.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value creativity, client satisfaction, and teamwork, all within a structured retail and construction supply environment. For operations professionals, this suggests a need for adaptability, strong process adherence, and effective communication across various departments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Design Consultant. It requires a combination of creative design skills and operational competencies such as project management, administrative efficiency, and precise quoting. It's a crucial touchpoint in the customer journey, directly impacting sales conversion and customer satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Consultant reports to a Showroom Manager or a Sales Manager. This structure places the role within the sales and customer service hierarchy, with a direct line of sight to revenue generation and client experience metrics.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant plays a pivotal role in translating client needs and creative visions into tangible product specifications and accurate pricing. Their efficiency and accuracy directly impact:

• Sales Conversion Rates: By providing compelling design solutions and clear pricing.

• Customer Satisfaction & Loyalty: Through a positive and guided selection experience.

• Project Profitability: By ensuring accurate quoting and minimizing errors in specifications.

• Operational Efficiency: By managing client files and liaising effectively with other departments, reducing rework and delays.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: Progressing to handle more complex projects, mentor junior staff, or lead design initiatives.

• Showroom Management: Moving into a leadership role overseeing showroom operations, sales targets, and team performance.

• Sales Management: Transitioning into a sales leadership role, focusing on revenue targets and team performance.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific product lines (e.g., commercial tiling, outdoor spaces) or client segments (e.g., high-end residential, volume builders).

• Training & Development Programs: National Tiles explicitly offers training and leadership courses, providing a structured path for skill enhancement and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "promoting from within" and structured development programs suggests that National Tiles offers clear pathways for career progression, which is a significant draw for ambitious operations professionals looking to build a long-term career.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based within a retail showroom environment, specifically a "Builders Studio." This implies a customer-facing setting designed to showcase products and facilitate client consultations. It will likely include a dedicated design consultation area, a product display showroom, and potentially administrative office space.

Office Location(s): Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia. This location suggests a vibrant commercial hub on the Gold Coast, likely with good accessibility for clients and employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative & Customer-Facing: The workspace will foster collaboration among design consultants and sales staff, while also being optimized for client interaction.

• Product Showcase: Expect an environment rich with product samples, displays, and inspirational setups to aid client selection.

• Tools & Technology: Access to computers with estimation software, CAD programs, and communication tools will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with colleagues in sales, design, and management, fostering a supportive team environment.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time: 38 hours per week.

• Standard Business Hours: Monday to Friday, aligning with typical business operating hours for retail showrooms and builder studios. This offers a predictable schedule, which can be beneficial for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is crucial. It requires comfort working in a retail showroom setting, interacting directly with clients, and managing a physical workspace that doubles as a sales tool. The structured hours are a positive aspect for work-life balance within the operations and sales support domain.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design sensibility.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, motivation, and fit with the company culture. Expect questions about your design philosophy and client interaction style.

• Second Interview (In-Person/Video): This may involve meeting with the Showroom Manager or a senior team member. You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, discuss specific case studies, and potentially complete a design-related task or simulation.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach specific client scenarios, interpret floor plans, or present design options. This might involve a practical exercise or a presentation of your portfolio.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a regional manager or senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in residential design, client consultation, and operational execution.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your contributions in each project, especially concerning client interaction, specification development, and problem-solving.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of how you translated client needs into design solutions, including mood boards, floor plan adaptations, and material selections.

• Quantify Results: If possible, mention the impact of your designs, such as client satisfaction, project success, or contribution to sales.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Client Scenarios: Think about how you would handle common client objections, budget constraints, or conflicting design preferences.

• Review Estimation Principles: Be ready to discuss how you approach pricing and quoting for design projects.

• Understand Builder Contracts: Familiarize yourself with typical clauses and variations in builder contracts and how they impact design selections.

• Showroom Acumen: Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain showroom standards and leverage products for client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates that National Tiles values practical application of design skills and the ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable solutions. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate both their artistic flair and their operational rigor.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Estimation Programs: Proficiency in using specialized software for generating project quotes and material estimates (e.g., proprietary National Tiles software, or industry-standard tools).

• CAD Software: Knowledge of CAD packages (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or similar) for interpreting floor plans and potentially creating design visualizations.

• CRM System: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management systems for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and maintaining job progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Understanding how to access and interpret sales data, conversion rates, and client feedback to inform design strategies.

• Project Management Tools: Basic familiarity with tools for tracking project timelines, tasks, and client communications.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Database Management: Skills in organizing and maintaining client information within a CRM or similar database.

• Communication Platforms: Proficient use of email, phone, and potentially internal messaging systems for effective client and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around sales enablement and project management tools. Proficiency in estimation software and CAD is explicitly mentioned, with an understanding of CRM being beneficial for managing client relationships and project lifecycles effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on creating "amazing outcomes" for customers, highlighting a commitment to client satisfaction and delivering exceptional service.

• Design Excellence: Valuing creativity, flair, and a keen eye for color and concepts to produce aesthetically pleasing and functional designs.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, builders, and contractors to achieve project goals.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high standards of showroom presentation, accurate quoting, and professional client interactions.

• Efficiency: Demonstrated through the use of estimation programs, contract management, and organized job file handling.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric Partnership: Working closely with clients as a trusted advisor, guiding them through complex decisions.

• Internal Team Synergy: Engaging with sales, management, and potentially logistics teams to ensure a seamless customer experience from selection to delivery.

• External Stakeholder Engagement: Liaising effectively with builders and contractors to ensure design specifications are understood and implemented correctly.

• Feedback Integration: An environment that likely encourages sharing insights from client interactions and project outcomes to improve processes and offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of creative passion and practical execution. For operations professionals, this means valuing both innovative design solutions and disciplined adherence to processes, with a strong emphasis on client relationships and team collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Budgets/Constraints: Successfully guiding clients to make selections that align with their aesthetic desires while also fitting within their financial and practical limitations.

• Managing Multiple Client Projects: Juggling the demands of several clients simultaneously, each with unique needs, timelines, and preferences, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

• Interpreting Complex Contracts & Plans: Accurately reading and understanding builder contracts, variations, and architectural drawings to avoid errors in specifications and pricing.

• Keeping Up with Product Range & Trends: Staying informed about a constantly evolving product catalog and design trends to offer the most relevant and up-to-date advice.

• Maintaining Showroom Standards: Ensuring the showroom consistently reflects a high standard of presentation amidst daily client traffic and product handling.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in specific design styles, material applications, or advanced visualization tools.

• Product Expertise: Deepening knowledge of National Tiles' extensive product range, including new arrivals, technical specifications, and installation best practices.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Developing stronger abilities in client persuasion, upselling, and closing sales through effective design consultation.

• Leadership Development: Access to company-provided training programs that can lead to roles such as Senior Design Consultant, Team Lead, or Showroom Manager.

• Industry Trends & Networking: Potential to attend industry events, workshops, or trade shows to stay abreast of the latest in design and building materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a client-facing design and sales support role, emphasizing the need for strong interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and robust organizational capabilities. The growth opportunities are clearly defined, aligning with the company's "promote from within" philosophy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's ambitious design vision with their budget constraints. How did you approach it?" (Assesses problem-solving, negotiation, and client management skills)

• "Walk us through your process for interpreting a floor plan and selecting appropriate materials for a residential project." (Evaluates technical design and planning capabilities)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends and new product developments in the tile industry?" (Tests industry awareness and commitment to learning)

• "Imagine a client is unsure about color combinations. How would you guide them to a decision they'll be happy with long-term?" (Assesses design consultation and client reassurance skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to National Tiles and this specific Design Consultant role?" (Gauges interest and alignment with company values)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" (Assesses teamwork and cultural fit)

• "Describe your experience with showroom presentation and maintaining visual merchandising standards." (Evaluates understanding of retail environment importance)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of the Builders Studio concept for National Tiles?" (Tests understanding of the company's strategic approach) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story that highlights the client's initial needs, your design process, challenges faced, and the successful outcome.

• Focus on Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with the client and any other stakeholders (builders, contractors) to achieve the final result.

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Point out how you utilized floor plans, managed specifications, and ensured accurate quoting.

• Showcase Design Flair: Clearly articulate your design choices, color palettes, and material selections, explaining the rationale behind them.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, technical challenges, and client management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative design talent, strong client engagement skills, and a solid understanding of the operational aspects of project management and sales support within a retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the National Tiles careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight residential design projects, focusing on your role in client consultation, product selection, and specification development. Showcase examples of color concept boards and floor plan interpretation.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with interior design, client relations, administrative tasks, and any use of estimation or CAD software. Quantify achievements where possible, such as successful project completions or client satisfaction metrics.

• Prepare for Design Scenarios: Anticipate questions about handling client preferences, budget constraints, and interpreting architectural drawings. Practice articulating your design process and rationale.

• Research National Tiles: Familiarize yourself with their product range, recent projects (if publicly available), and their company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment. Understand the importance of their Builders Studio concept.

⚠️ 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.

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