Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Sekisui House U.S.

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations (Supporting Sales & Customer Experience)

Date Posted: August 24, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for enhancing the customer journey by guiding homebuyers through critical design selection processes, directly impacting customer satisfaction and sales conversion rates.

• It involves meticulous documentation and adherence to product standards, acting as a key liaison between sales, construction, and purchasing to ensure seamless project execution.

• The Design Consultant will contribute to the strategic development of design palettes and model home aesthetics, aligning with market trends and company brand positioning.

• This position requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve selection-related issues, minimizing potential construction delays and cost overruns, thereby contributing to revenue protection and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While titled "Design Consultant," the responsibilities heavily lean into supporting the sales and construction process from a customer experience and operational efficiency standpoint. This role is vital for the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by ensuring a positive and efficient homebuyer selection process, which directly influences sales velocity and customer retention. The emphasis on documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and budget adherence points towards a strong connection with Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Guide homebuyers through the interior design selection process, offering expert advice on finishes, materials, and available options to facilitate informed decisions and enhance the buying experience.

• Prepare and meticulously document all design selections, ensuring complete accuracy and strict alignment with operational requirements, product standards, and budget constraints.

• Maintain and organize comprehensive design sample collections, finish libraries, and presentation materials, ensuring they are up-to-date and readily accessible for buyer appointments and model home selections.

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

• Conduct thorough reviews of buyer design selections for completeness, accuracy, and construction feasibility, proactively identifying and flagging potential issues.

• Act as a primary point of contact, coordinating closely with construction, purchasing, and sales teams to efficiently answer design-related questions and clarify selection details.

• Leverage prior experience and structured analytical evaluation to effectively resolve complex design or documentation issues, minimizing impact on project timelines and customer satisfaction.

• Support the preparation and execution of model home design concepts, including conducting materials research and coordinating closely with merchandising and architectural teams.

• Provide guidance and support to entry-level design or support team members, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment within the design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of customer-facing sales support, operational process adherence, and cross-functional project management. The emphasis on "operational requirements," "feasibility," and "coordination with construction, purchasing, and sales" directly ties into GTM and Sales Operations functions by ensuring smooth sales-to-production handoffs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional education in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and project execution. Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in interior design, residential design, or a closely related field, with a focus on customer interaction and design documentation.

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

• Proven ability to work effectively within established processes and company standards, operating under moderate supervision while maintaining high quality of work. Required Skills:

• Broad knowledge of interior design principles, residential materials, finishes, and product standards, enabling informed guidance to homebuyers.

• Exceptional customer service and communication skills, essential for building rapport and effectively guiding buyers through potentially complex selection processes.

• Proficiency in reviewing, interpreting, and accurately documenting design selections, ensuring all details are captured and communicated effectively.

• Strong problem-solving abilities, utilizing prior experience and analytical evaluation to address design and documentation challenges efficiently.

• Competency with design documentation tools and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, potentially basic CAD or design visualization software) for creating and managing selection documents.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy in all documentation and client interactions.

• Proven ability to manage multiple appointments, tasks, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely completion of design selections.

• Skill in maintaining highly organized design materials, finish libraries, and showroom environments to facilitate efficient workflow.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (sales, construction, purchasing) to resolve design or selection issues. Preferred Skills:

• Additional experience specifically within residential homebuilding interior design or customer-facing design environments.

• Broad knowledge of interior design workflows, project management systems, and relevant design software.

• Experience collaborating cross-functionally within design or operational teams to drive project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize both creative design acumen and operational rigor. The "documentation," "process adherence," and "cross-functional collaboration" aspects are key indicators for operations-focused candidates who can bridge the gap between creative design and executable construction plans.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of successfully guiding clients or homebuyers through complex selection processes, showcasing an ability to manage client expectations and deliver desired outcomes.

• Provide examples of detailed design documentation, including selection sheets, material specifications, and color palettes, highlighting accuracy and completeness.

• Showcase case studies of resolved design or documentation issues, illustrating your problem-solving approach and the impact on project timelines or customer satisfaction.

• Include examples of how you've ensured selections align with budgets and construction feasibility, demonstrating an understanding of operational constraints. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of workflow design and optimization for client selection processes, if applicable, or how you've adapted to existing workflows.

• Detail your approach to implementing and documenting design selections, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy in the process.

• Show how you measure the success of design selections and their impact on the overall customer experience and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio demonstrating not just design aesthetics but also process management, documentation accuracy, and problem-solving within a structured environment will be highly valued. Operations professionals often excel in showcasing how they improve processes and ensure adherence to standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants with 2-5 years of experience in Jacksonville, FL, a competitive salary range is estimated between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized skills in interior design, customer service, and operational coordination required for this role. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, along with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to manage healthcare expenses.

• Financial Future: A 401(k) retirement savings plan is offered to support long-term financial planning.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous time-off benefits including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, promoting a healthy balance.

• Insurance & Protection: Company-provided life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage offer financial security. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential support.

• Exclusive Perks & Discounts: Access to exclusive home purchase and financing discounts, as well as discounted group pet insurance rates.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While standard office hours are expected, flexibility may be required to accommodate buyer appointments and project deadlines, reflecting a commitment to customer service and project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on national averages for similar roles, adjusted for the Jacksonville, FL cost of living and market demand for design and customer-facing roles in the homebuilding industry. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a large organization, with specific perks relevant to homeownership and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Homebuilding & Construction. Sekisui House U.S. operates under various brands (SHAWOOD, Richmond American, etc.), positioning itself as a significant player in the residential construction market. This industry context means a focus on project timelines, quality control, and robust supply chain management, all areas where operations play a critical role.

Company Size: Part of Sekisui House, a global leader with over 60 years of history and millions of homes built. Sekisui House U.S. likely represents a substantial organization with established processes, resources, and opportunities for career development. The company size implies a structured environment with defined roles and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: Sekisui House was founded over 60 years ago, bringing a legacy of experience, stability, and proven methodologies to its U.S. operations. This longevity suggests a commitment to long-term success and a culture that values experience and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant likely operates within a Design or Sales Support team, reporting to a Design Manager or Sales Director. The team size could vary, but collaboration with Sales Consultants, Construction Managers, Purchasing Agents, and potentially Marketing teams is a given.

• The reporting structure is likely hierarchical, with clear lines of communication and accountability, typical of a large, established corporation.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect of this role, requiring strong partnerships with Sales to understand buyer needs, Purchasing to manage material availability and costs, and Construction to ensure selections are buildable and on schedule. Methodology:

• Data analysis plays a role in understanding market trends for design palettes and buyer preferences, informing selection offerings and model home designs.

• Workflow planning and optimization are essential for managing buyer appointments efficiently and ensuring timely documentation of selections.

• Automation may be leveraged in documentation or CRM systems to streamline processes and reduce manual entry, contributing to overall efficiency.

Company Website: www.richmondamerican.com (as referenced in the job description for additional information)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's global backing and long history suggest a stable, process-oriented environment. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to work with established systems and contribute to refining them, rather than building from scratch. The emphasis on collaboration across departments is a key indicator of a GTM environment where operations must facilitate smooth handoffs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It's a foundational role within the design support function that interfaces directly with the sales and customer experience pipeline. Growth from this position could lead to senior design consultant roles, design team leadership, or a transition into sales management, project management, or operational roles focused on process improvement within sales or construction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead Designer, with potential indirect reporting or strong collaborative ties to Sales Managers and Construction Superintendents. This structure offers exposure to different operational facets of the homebuilding business.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's impact on revenue is significant. By providing excellent customer service during the selection process, they can enhance buyer satisfaction, reduce purchase cancellations, and potentially upsell design options. Efficient and accurate documentation minimizes construction delays and cost overruns, directly protecting profit margins and ensuring timely project completion, which is critical for revenue realization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Specialization: Advance to Senior Design Consultant or Lead Designer roles, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to design strategy.

• Operational Excellence: Transition into roles focused on process improvement within the sales or construction cycle, leveraging design experience to optimize workflows, documentation, and customer experience initiatives.

• Sales & Customer Experience: Move into roles like Sales Manager or Customer Experience Specialist, applying deep understanding of the buyer journey and product offerings to drive sales performance and customer loyalty.

• Project Management: Develop skills in project coordination and management, overseeing the design and selection phase of multiple projects concurrently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from this role is diverse, offering opportunities not only within design but also in core operations and sales functions. Candidates with an operations mindset will see how design directly impacts revenue and efficiency, making it a strong stepping stone.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in a design studio or office environment. This suggests a professional setting focused on client consultations and administrative tasks. Occasional visits to model homes or construction sites are also part of the role, providing exposure to the practical application of design choices.

Office Location(s): Jacksonville, Florida (specifically, zip code 32210). This location is central to serving clients in the Jacksonville area.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with sales teams, design colleagues, and potentially construction personnel. This fosters a shared understanding of project goals.

• Access to design tools, sample libraries, and standard office technology (computers, phones) is expected to support daily tasks and client interactions.

• The role involves direct interaction with homebuyers in a design studio setting, requiring a professional and welcoming demeanor, as well as interaction with internal teams to resolve issues and ensure smooth project flow.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule, likely Monday through Friday, with potential for some flexibility to accommodate buyer appointments outside typical business hours if necessary. The focus is on meeting project deadlines and ensuring a positive client experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment balances client-facing responsibilities with internal collaboration. Operations-minded individuals will appreciate the structured office setting combined with the practical on-site exposure, which provides a holistic view of the homebuilding process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications and experience. Be sure to highlight quantifiable achievements in design, customer service, and process adherence.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with an HR representative or hiring manager, focusing on your background, motivations, and general fit with the company culture. Be prepared to discuss your experience with design selections, customer interaction, and problem-solving.

• Second Interview (In-Person/Video): May involve meeting with the Design Manager and potentially other team members. This stage often includes a deeper dive into your technical skills, design knowledge, and how you handle specific scenarios.

• Portfolio Review: Expect to present a curated portfolio showcasing your best work. This is a critical step for a design role.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or cross-functional stakeholder to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your ability to guide clients, manage selections, adhere to standards, and solve problems. Include examples of documentation accuracy and collaboration.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your role, the client's needs, the selection process you followed, challenges encountered, and how you resolved them. Highlight any efficiency improvements or cost-saving measures.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate your success (e.g., "Reduced selection revision requests by X%," "Achieved Y% customer satisfaction rating for design phase," "Completed documentation for Z homes within deadline").

• Highlight Operations Alignment: Emphasize instances where your design choices or process management directly supported construction timelines, budget adherence, or sales targets.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Be prepared to walk through it confidently and answer detailed questions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for questions like: "How would you handle a client who wants a finish that is over budget and not construction-feasible?" or "Describe a time you had to de-escalate a situation with a dissatisfied client regarding design choices."

• Design Palettes: You might be asked to create a sample design palette for a specific community or price point, demonstrating your understanding of market trends and brand standards.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Think about how you might improve the buyer selection process from an efficiency or customer satisfaction standpoint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily weigh your ability to present your design work alongside evidence of strong process adherence, customer service skills, and problem-solving capabilities, all of which are critical for operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Chief Architect, or similar) for creating plans, renderings, or visualizing options.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for documentation, communication, and data management (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Excel will be particularly important for tracking selections, budgets, and potentially basic data analysis.

• CRM System: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary homebuilder CRM) to manage buyer information, track selections, and communicate with stakeholders.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or construction-specific PM software) to track tasks, deadlines, and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): Crucial for tracking selections, budgets, material costs, and generating basic reports on design trends or common issues.

• Reporting Dashboards: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with or ability to interpret data from reporting dashboards that track sales pipeline, customer satisfaction, or project completion times would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: As mentioned above, managing buyer data and selection workflows within a CRM is likely.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with any automation features within CRM or project management software to streamline repetitive tasks, such as sending selection confirmation emails or task assignments.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different systems (CRM, design software, purchasing, construction) might integrate or how data is transferred between them is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While primarily a design role, a strong understanding of the technology stack that supports sales, construction, and customer management is crucial for operational effectiveness. Emphasizing proficiency in Excel for tracking and reporting, and any CRM/project management tools, will align well with operations expectations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Teamwork: A commitment to a positive, collaborative work environment where ideas are shared openly and team members support each other.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the homebuyer experience, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and satisfied throughout the design selection process.

• Accuracy & Detail: A dedication to precision in all documentation and selections, understanding the critical impact of detail on construction and client satisfaction.

• Efficiency & Results: A drive to complete tasks on time, manage workflows effectively, and contribute to the overall success of sales and construction projects.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all interactions with clients and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with sales, construction, and purchasing teams to ensure seamless communication and problem resolution.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve processes and individual performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise and best practices with colleagues, fostering a learning environment.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping all stakeholders informed of selection progress, potential issues, and resolutions in a timely manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, professionalism, and customer-centricity, which are foundational to successful GTM and operations teams. Candidates who can demonstrate these values will fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Desires with Constraints: Managing client expectations when their preferences exceed budget or construction feasibility requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• High Volume of Selections: Juggling numerous buyer appointments and ensuring meticulous documentation for each can be demanding.

• Cross-Functional Dependencies: Navigating the complexities of communication and coordination across different departments (Sales, Purchasing, Construction) to ensure smooth project flow.

• Evolving Market Trends: Staying current with design trends while adhering to established product standards and brand identity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas, materials, or sustainable building practices.

• Operations Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with project management, process optimization, and CRM/ERP systems used in the homebuilding industry.

• Customer Experience Enhancement: Learn advanced techniques in client communication, conflict resolution, and service delivery.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue certifications in interior design or project management relevant to the construction industry.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced design managers and cross-functional leaders within Sekisui House U.S.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles that bridge customer interaction with operational execution. Recognizing these challenges and framing them as opportunities for skill development will be key for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for guiding a homebuyer through the initial design selection meeting. What information do you gather, and how do you set expectations?" (Focus on structured approach, active listening, and expectation management.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and completeness in design documentation, especially when dealing with multiple options and client changes?" (Highlight your attention to detail, use of checklists, and validation processes.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a conflict or disagreement with a client regarding a design selection. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?" (Emphasize empathy, problem-solving, and finding mutually agreeable solutions.)

• "Imagine a buyer wants a specific finish that is not on our approved list. How would you handle this situation with both the buyer and the purchasing department?" (Showcase your understanding of process, research capabilities, and negotiation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sekisui House U.S. and our brands, and why are you interested in working with us?" (Research company history, brands, and recent projects. Connect your values to theirs.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with teams outside of design, such as sales or construction?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional teamwork and communication strategies.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a new process or system. How did you approach it, and what was the result?" (Demonstrate flexibility and a proactive learning attitude.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a concise story that highlights the challenge, your solution, and the positive outcome, emphasizing your role in driving client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

• Data-Driven Insights: Present metrics where possible to quantify the impact of your work (e.g., time saved, issues resolved, client satisfaction scores).

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the steps you took in the design selection and documentation process, showing your understanding of workflow and adherence to standards.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your visual materials are professional and clearly represent your design choices and documentation capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating how your design skills are applied within an operational framework that prioritizes customer satisfaction, accuracy, and efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sekisui House U.S. careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your client interaction, design selection documentation, problem-solving skills, and adherence to project standards. Ensure it highlights your ability to work within budget and construction constraints.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize experience in residential design, customer service, documentation accuracy, cross-functional collaboration, and any relevant software proficiency. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio projects clearly and concisely, focusing on your ability to contribute to a positive buyer journey and operational efficiency. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed selections and resolved issues.

• Research Sekisui House U.S.: Understand the company's brands, values, and market position. Familiarize yourself with their approach to homebuilding and customer experience.

⚠️ 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.

---