Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Sekisui House U.S.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Operations Support / GTM Enablement

Date Posted: June 08, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in supporting the customer journey by guiding homebuyers through critical design selection processes, ensuring alignment with company standards and project feasibility.

• It involves meticulous documentation and maintenance of design materials, directly impacting the accuracy and efficiency of the design-to-construction workflow.

• The position requires strong cross-functional collaboration with sales, construction, and purchasing teams to resolve design-related inquiries and facilitate a seamless experience for clients.

• This role contributes to enhancing the overall product offering by assisting in the development of cohesive design palettes and supporting model home selections.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and collaboration with construction, purchasing, and sales teams strongly indicate a role that bridges design aesthetics with operational execution. This role is crucial for Go-To-Market (GTM) enablement by ensuring the product delivered meets customer expectations and operational constraints, making it relevant to Revenue Operations and Sales Operations by ensuring smooth client handoffs and predictable project outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Guide homebuyers through the interior design selection process, offering expert advice on finishes, materials, and available customization options.

• Prepare and meticulously document all design selections, ensuring absolute accuracy and strict adherence to product standards, budgets, and construction requirements.

• Maintain and organize design samples, finish libraries, and presentation materials to support buyer appointments and model home selections effectively.

• Assist in the development of cohesive and market-relevant design palettes that align with community standards and current residential trends.

• Conduct thorough reviews of design selections to confirm completeness, accuracy, and technical feasibility for construction.

• Act as a primary liaison with construction, purchasing, and sales teams to address design-related questions and provide clear clarification on selection details.

• Proactively resolve design or documentation issues by leveraging prior experience, structured analysis, and cross-functional consultation.

• Support the preparation of model homes by coordinating material research and liaising with merchandising teams.

• Provide guidance and assistance to entry-level design or support team members, fostering a collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for structured problem-solving and cross-functional alignment, typical of roles supporting GTM operations. The emphasis on documentation accuracy and coordination with construction and purchasing suggests a critical link in the sales-to-delivery process, impacting revenue realization and customer satisfaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional education in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in interior design, design coordination, or a closely related professional discipline, with a preference for residential or customer-facing environments.

• Demonstrated experience supporting interior design development, documentation, or coordination activities within a structured project lifecycle.

• Proven ability to work effectively within established processes and standards, requiring moderate supervision. Required Skills:

• Broad knowledge of interior design principles, residential materials, finishes, and construction product standards.

• Exceptional customer service and communication skills, essential for effective buyer interactions and cross-functional liaison.

• Strong ability to review, interpret, and accurately document design selections and specifications.

• Proven problem-solving skills, utilizing prior experience and analytical evaluation to resolve complex issues.

• Proficiency with design documentation tools, CRM systems (if applicable to design processes), and standard office software suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

• Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy in all documentation and client interactions.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple appointments, tasks, and deadlines efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

• Skill in collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams (Sales, Construction, Purchasing) to resolve design or selection issues. Preferred Skills:

• Additional experience in residential interior design, particularly within a high-volume homebuilding context.

• Broad knowledge of interior design workflows, associated systems, and relevant software tools.

• Experience collaborating cross-functionally within design, operations, or project management teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on structured analysis, process adherence, and cross-functional collaboration points towards a role that requires operational discipline beyond pure design aesthetics. Candidates with experience in managing client expectations within a defined product and process framework will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of design selection documentation for residential projects, highlighting accuracy and adherence to specifications.

• Include case studies demonstrating how you guided clients through complex decision-making processes, leading to successful outcomes.

• Present examples of maintaining and organizing design libraries or material samples, emphasizing efficiency and accessibility.

• If possible, include examples of cross-functional collaboration to resolve design challenges or ensure project feasibility. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design selections and ensuring these align with construction schedules and purchasing orders.

• Highlight your understanding of workflow design in a customer-facing environment, from initial selection to final approval.

• Show examples of how you have contributed to improving design process efficiency or buyer experience through documentation or process refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that clearly illustrates process adherence, client management within defined parameters, and cross-functional communication will be critical. For operations-focused candidates, this means highlighting how design choices were translated into actionable construction and purchasing directives, demonstrating an understanding of the end-to-end GTM and delivery pipeline.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants with 2-5 years of experience in Phoenix, AZ, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Phoenix, the specific responsibilities outlined, and the competitive landscape for design and customer-facing roles in the residential construction sector. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Financial Security: Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for tax-advantaged healthcare spending.

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company matching.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support work-life balance.

• Other Leave: Bereavement, jury duty, FMLA, and military leave provisions.

• Insurance & Protection: Company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Exclusive Perks: Homeownership and financing discounts, discounted group pet insurance rates.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional evening or weekend appointments to accommodate homebuyer schedules. The role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence in the design studio or office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Consultant role with 2-5 years of experience in the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area. This is derived from analyzing industry salary data from reputable sources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary, adjusted for the specific responsibilities and the homebuilding industry context.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Residential Homebuilding - Sekisui House U.S. operates within the dynamic residential construction sector, building homes under various well-established brands including SHAWOOD, Richmond American Homes, Woodside Homes, Holt Homes, Hubble Homes, and Chesmar Homes. This industry demands a balance of innovation, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Company Size: Sekisui House, the parent company, is a global leader, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources and a long-term vision. The U.S. operations are substantial, suggesting a robust corporate structure with opportunities for professional development.

Founded: Sekisui House was founded over 60 years ago, bringing a wealth of experience, stability, and a proven track record in building millions of homes globally. This history underscores a commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer-centricity.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant will be part of a design team, likely reporting to a Design Manager or Director.

• This team collaborates closely with Sales Consultants, Construction Managers, Purchasing Agents, and Merchandising teams.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional integration to ensure a cohesive customer experience from sales through construction. Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Design: Prioritizing the homebuyer's needs and preferences while ensuring adherence to company product standards and construction feasibility.

• Process Optimization: Utilizing established workflows for design selections, documentation, and coordination to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

• Data-Informed Selections: While not explicitly stated as data-driven in the operations sense, the role involves understanding market trends, community standards, and product performance to guide selections.

Company Website: www.richmondamerican.com (and potentially others under the Sekisui House U.S. umbrella)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's global presence and long history suggest a stable, well-resourced organization with established processes. The emphasis on multiple brands indicates a diverse market approach. For operations professionals, this means understanding how a large organization scales its GTM and delivery processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an early to mid-career position within a specialized function that directly supports the GTM and sales-to-delivery pipeline. It bridges customer interaction with operational execution.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Consultant would report to a Design Manager or Director, who may, in turn, report to a VP of Design, Sales, or Operations. This position offers exposure to various departments critical for homebuilding operations.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly influences customer satisfaction and project profitability by ensuring selections are within budget, meet construction requirements, and align with market appeal. Errors in this stage can lead to costly rework, delays, and customer dissatisfaction, impacting revenue realization and brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design niches (e.g., sustainable materials, smart home integration) or move into senior design roles.

• Operations Transition: Leverage process management and cross-functional collaboration skills to transition into roles within Sales Operations, Project Management, or Production Management.

• Team Leadership: Progress to a Senior Design Consultant or Design Team Lead, mentoring junior staff and managing design project portfolios.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles within Sales, Marketing, or Purchasing by building a comprehensive understanding of the homebuilding lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for those interested in the operational aspects of GTM and project delivery within the homebuilding industry. The cross-functional exposure is a significant asset for career growth into more senior operational or management positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a design studio or office, designed to be a professional and collaborative space for client consultations and internal team meetings. Occasional visits to model homes or active construction sites are expected.

Office Location(s): Phoenix, Arizona (85016). This location places the role within a major metropolitan area with a thriving housing market.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The culture emphasizes teamwork and open exchange of ideas, suggesting a supportive environment for problem-solving and continuous improvement.

• Tools & Technology: Access to design software, sample libraries, and standard office technology is expected to facilitate client appointments and internal documentation processes.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with sales, construction, and purchasing teams is integral to the role, fostering a deeply integrated operational workflow.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. Flexibility may be required to accommodate homebuyer appointments, which can sometimes occur outside traditional business hours. The on-site nature of the role ensures direct engagement with the team and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key for this role, emphasizing the importance of direct client interaction and hands-on management of design materials. The collaborative culture is a positive indicator for professionals who thrive in team-oriented, cross-functional environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum experience and education requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a conversation with a hiring manager to discuss your background, design philosophy, customer service approach, and understanding of residential product standards. Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging client interactions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Second Interview: A more in-depth session where you present your portfolio. This may involve discussing specific case studies, demonstrating your documentation skills, and articulating how you've managed selections within budget and construction constraints. Expect questions about your problem-solving approach and cross-functional collaboration experience.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or key stakeholders from Sales or Construction to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in guiding clients, documenting selections, and coordinating with operational teams.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the process you followed from initial client consultation through to final documentation. Emphasize how you managed constraints (budget, construction feasibility).

• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, include examples or anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with sales, construction, or purchasing teams.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention how your design guidance contributed to customer satisfaction, project efficiency, or adherence to budget.

• Prepare for "How": Be ready to explain your thought process behind design choices and problem-solving strategies.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be asked to walk through a hypothetical design selection scenario for a new homebuyer, detailing your approach, questions you would ask, and how you would document the selections.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a situation where a client's desired selection conflicts with budget or construction limitations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded candidates, the portfolio review is an opportunity to showcase not just design aesthetic but also process management, client management within defined operational boundaries, and cross-functional communication skills. Presenting case studies that highlight how you ensured selections were "buildable" and "profitable" will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or specialized interior design software) may be expected for documentation and visualization.

• Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace for documentation, reporting, and presentations.

• CRM/Sales Tools: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) or specific sales enablement platforms is beneficial for understanding the client journey and sales process integration.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) could be advantageous for tracking selections and deadlines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of how design selections impact project costs and timelines, and how to report on these aspects.

• Ability to use Excel or similar tools for tracking budgets and material costs related to design selections. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems used by sales teams to understand lead management and customer history.

• Familiarity with any design-specific workflow automation tools or processes within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw description doesn't list specific software, proficiency in standard office tools and a willingness to learn company-specific design and documentation platforms are essential. For operations candidates, highlighting experience with data tracking and reporting tools, even in a design context, will be valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to providing an exceptional and seamless experience for homebuyers throughout the design selection process.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork and open communication, working closely with sales, construction, and purchasing to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Accuracy: Upholding high standards for documentation, product knowledge, and client guidance to ensure trust and reliability.

• Efficiency & Process Adherence: Valuing structured workflows and established processes to ensure timely project completion and consistent quality.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of professionalism in all interactions, both with clients and internal teams.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engages with sales to understand client needs and with construction/purchasing to ensure selections are feasible and cost-effective.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly communicates updates, potential issues, and resolutions to all relevant stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: Works collaboratively to find solutions to design or documentation challenges, prioritizing project success and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes teamwork and a positive work environment. For operations professionals, understanding how design decisions integrate into broader construction and sales operations is crucial for cultural fit and success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Desires with Constraints: Navigating client expectations that may exceed budgets or construction capabilities, requiring skillful negotiation and creative problem-solving.

• Maintaining Up-to-Date Knowledge: Keeping pace with evolving design trends, material innovations, and company product updates to provide informed guidance.

• Managing Multiple Client Projects: Effectively prioritizing and managing design selections and documentation for numerous homebuyers simultaneously.

• Ensuring Seamless Handoffs: Guaranteeing that all design selections are accurately translated and communicated to construction and purchasing to avoid errors and delays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepen understanding of Sekisui House's diverse product lines and construction methodologies.

• Design Trend Expertise: Stay abreast of the latest trends in residential interior design, materials, and finishes.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gain insights into sales processes, construction management, and purchasing operations, broadening overall business understanding.

• Customer Service Excellence: Refine skills in client management, negotiation, and conflict resolution within a high-stakes environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to develop specialized expertise in residential design while also building critical operational skills in project coordination, cross-functional communication, and process management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to guide a client through a difficult design decision. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on empathy, clarity, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy in design documentation when working with multiple clients and complex options?" (Highlight your process, attention to detail, and any tools used.)

• "Imagine a client requests a material that is not currently approved or feasible for construction. How would you handle this situation?" (Demonstrate your ability to offer alternatives, explain constraints, and maintain client satisfaction.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with construction or sales teams. What was your role, and how did you contribute to project success?" (Emphasize communication, teamwork, and understanding of operational impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sekisui House and our brands (SHAWOOD, Richmond American Homes, etc.)?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" (Share examples of teamwork and support.)

• "What does work-life balance mean to you in a demanding role?" (Align with the company's stated value of work-life balance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the client's needs, your design approach, the key selections made, any challenges encountered, and the final resolution.

• Focus on Process and Collaboration: Emphasize how you managed the selection process, documented decisions, and interacted with other departments.

• Be Ready to Defend Choices: Explain the rationale behind your design recommendations, considering aesthetics, functionality, budget, and construction feasibility.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Highlight instances where you successfully resolved issues or steered clients toward optimal solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design acumen, strong customer service skills, and an understanding of operational realities. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes and demonstrate how they contribute to a smooth, efficient, and profitable client experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the careers-mdch.icims.com portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in customer-facing roles, design documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and any experience within the homebuilding or construction industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best work that showcases your ability to guide clients, manage selections, and document processes. Have specific examples ready to discuss.

• Research Sekisui House U.S.: Familiarize yourself with the company's brands (SHAWOOD, Richmond American Homes, etc.), mission, and values. Understand their market position and approach to homebuilding.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to customer service, problem-solving, collaboration, and design experience, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable.

⚠️ 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.