Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Up Closets of Rhode Island

Location: United States (Remote OK, but likely requires travel within Rhode Island)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM Enablement (Client-Facing Sales)

Date Posted: June 08, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves consultative sales and client-facing design, focusing on custom closet solutions within the Rhode Island market.

• Success will be measured by the ability to understand client needs, create compelling custom designs, and manage the sales process effectively.

• Key operations aspects include managing client pipelines, utilizing design software for proposals, and ensuring efficient project documentation.

• This position offers a blend of remote work flexibility with the necessity of in-home client consultations and local travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a sales-focused role within a GTM (Go-To-Market) function, specifically involving consultative sales and client relationship management in a home improvement context. The "Operations" lens here is applied to the sales process, client management, and efficiency of delivering proposals and project information.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Consultation & Needs Assessment: Conduct in-home consultations to thoroughly understand client storage challenges, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements for custom closet systems.

• Custom Design & Solution Proposal: Utilize specialized design software to create tailored closet designs, presenting detailed proposals that clearly outline solutions, materials, and pricing to prospective clients.

• Consultative Sales & Relationship Management: Guide clients through the design and sales process, building rapport, addressing concerns, and ensuring a positive customer experience to drive conversions and foster long-term relationships.

• Sales Process Management: Efficiently manage a sales pipeline, including scheduling appointments, tracking leads, preparing proposals, and following up with clients to secure sales agreements.

• Project Documentation & Handoff: Maintain accurate and detailed project documentation, including design specifications, client notes, and order details, ensuring a smooth transition to the installation team.

• Market Engagement: Proactively identify opportunities within the Rhode Island market, potentially through networking or local outreach, to expand the client base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the consultative sales process, emphasizing client interaction, design software utilization, and sales pipeline management, which are critical for a GTM sales role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Some college coursework or a degree in Design, Sales, Marketing, or a related field is a plus. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of proven consultative sales experience, with a strong track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.

• Experience in in-home sales or client-facing roles is highly preferred.

• Experience in closet design, interior design, or home organization solutions is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

• Consultative Sales Acumen: Ability to actively listen, identify client needs, and present solutions effectively.

• Design Software Proficiency: Aptitude for learning and quickly mastering new design and proposal generation software.

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for clear client interaction, proposal presentation, and internal collaboration.

• Detail Orientation & Organization: Meticulous attention to detail in design, proposal accuracy, and project documentation to ensure seamless execution.

• Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple client engagements, appointments, and tasks efficiently.

• Customer Service Excellence: Commitment to providing outstanding service and building strong client relationships.

• Reliability: Possession of a valid driver's license and dependable transportation for in-home client visits.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with closet design software or CAD applications.

• Proven ability to close sales in a commissioned environment.

• Familiarity with the Rhode Island local market.

• Experience in home improvement or interior design industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to highlight the essential sales and client interaction skills, along with the technical aptitude required for design software. The "preferred" section adds specific industry context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Case Studies: Showcase successful sales engagements, detailing client challenges, your consultative approach, the proposed solution, and the resulting client satisfaction or project success.

• Design Samples: Examples of custom closet designs created, demonstrating creativity, functionality, and understanding of client needs. These can be renderings or actual project photos.

• Client Testimonials/References: Evidence of strong client relationships and positive feedback, highlighting your communication and service quality.

• Process Documentation Examples: If available, samples of how you document client interactions, track sales progress, or manage project requirements.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of managing a sales process from lead generation to closing.

• Ability to document client requirements, design specifications, and sales outcomes accurately.

• Familiarity with using CRM or sales tracking tools to manage pipeline and client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a client-facing sales role, a portfolio should emphasize successful sales outcomes and client relationship management, alongside design capabilities. This section guides applicants on what to prepare to showcase their sales effectiveness and design talent.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

• This range represents a base salary plus commission structure, common for consultative sales roles where performance significantly impacts overall earnings. The higher end reflects strong performance and consistent sales achievement. Benefits:

• Performance Bonuses: Opportunities to earn additional income based on achieving sales targets and performance metrics.

• Flexible Schedule: Enjoy a work-life balance with the ability to manage your own appointment schedule, accommodating personal needs.

• Free Uniforms: Professional attire provided to ensure a consistent and professional brand image during client consultations.

• Paid Training: Comprehensive training program to equip you with product knowledge, design software skills, and sales techniques.

• Commissioned Pay: Direct reward for sales success, offering significant earning potential beyond the base salary.

Working Hours:

• Flexible schedule, typically aligned with client availability, which may include evenings and weekends.

• Expect to dedicate approximately 40 hours per week to client consultations, design work, follow-ups, and administrative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated. The benefits are detailed, emphasizing performance-based compensation and flexibility. The working hours are clarified to reflect the nature of in-home sales, which requires accommodating client schedules.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Improvement / Interior Design / Custom Storage Solutions

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) - Implied by "local leader" and a single primary location in Rhode Island, suggesting a close-knit team environment.

Founded: Specific founding date not provided, but the company is established as a "local leader" in custom closet solutions.

Team Structure:

• The "Design Consultant" role likely reports to a Sales Manager or Owner, depending on the company's size.

• Close collaboration is expected with installation teams to ensure smooth project execution.

• Team members are encouraged to treat each other "like family," indicating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Methodology:

• Emphasis on personalized client consultations and tailored design solutions.

• Leveraging design software for visual proposals and client engagement.

• A focus on quality of service and building lasting customer relationships.

• Commitment to providing comprehensive paid training and ongoing support to team members.

Company Website: http://www.upclosets.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferences about company culture and structure are drawn from the job description's language ("local leader," "treating everyone like family") and the nature of the business. This helps candidates understand the likely working environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor focused on client-facing sales and design. It represents an entry-to-mid-level position within a sales and GTM framework.

Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a Sales Manager or direct owner, with indirect collaboration with installation and operations teams. Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts revenue generation through consultations, design proposals, and sales closures.

• Shapes the client's perception of the brand through exceptional service and design expertise.

• Contributes to project efficiency by providing accurate and detailed client specifications. Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Advancement: Potential to advance into senior sales consultant roles, team lead positions, or sales management.

• Design Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in closet design, potentially focusing on niche areas or advanced design techniques.

• Client Relationship Management: Grow a strong client base and leverage repeat business and referrals.

• Operational Involvement: Opportunity to contribute to process improvements in sales, design, or client onboarding as the company grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role within a career path, highlighting how a Design Consultant contributes to the broader operations and GTM strategy and outlining potential avenues for professional development within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily remote with significant in-home client visits ("On the road").

Office Location(s): The role is based in Rhode Island, United States, requiring local travel within this region.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility: The ability to structure your workday around client appointments, offering a good work-life balance.

• Technology-Enabled: Requires a reliable computer, internet access, and potentially a smartphone for communication and software use.

• Client-Centric: The primary "workspace" is the client's home, requiring professionalism, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Collaborative Support: Access to training and support from the Up Closets team remotely.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible, but generally expected to be around 40 hours per week.

• Requires availability for client appointments, which may include evenings and weekends, to maximize sales opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clarifies the unique "remote but on the road" nature of the role, emphasizing the need for self-management and client-focused scheduling.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume, focusing on sales experience and relevant skills.

• Interview 1 (Phone/Video): An introductory conversation to assess your sales aptitude, communication style, and understanding of the role.

• Interview 2 (In-Person/Video): A more in-depth discussion, potentially including a scenario-based question or a brief presentation of your sales approach. This may also involve meeting with the hiring manager or owner.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of your sales and design portfolio, demonstrating your capabilities and past successes.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion of compensation, benefits, and final terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For sales case studies, use numbers (e.g., "increased client satisfaction by X%", "closed Y deals per month," "average deal size of $Z").

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your consultative sales process. How do you engage clients, understand needs, present solutions, and handle objections?

• Showcase Design Skills: Ensure your design samples are visually appealing and clearly illustrate the problem solved and the solution provided.

• Tailor to Up Closets: If possible, research Up Closets' style and offerings to tailor your presentation to their specific market and brand.

• Be Ready to Present: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly. Be prepared to discuss your decision-making process for each case study.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common sales objections or challenging client scenarios related to design, pricing, or timelines.

• Practice explaining your design process and how you translate client needs into functional closet solutions.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of the consultative sales cycle and how you manage client expectations throughout.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice on preparing for the interview process, specifically focusing on how to present a sales and design portfolio effectively for this type of role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proprietary or industry-standard software for creating 3D renderings and layouts of custom closet systems. Proficiency in learning new software is key.

• CRM System: For managing client leads, tracking sales pipeline, scheduling appointments, and recording client interactions. (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce, or a specialized CRM for home services).

• Proposal Generation Software: Tools to create professional, detailed proposals for clients.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: To track personal sales metrics, conversion rates, and commission earnings.

• Client Data Management: Tools to store and access client information, preferences, and project history.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Email & Calendar: For scheduling and professional correspondence.

• Phone/Mobile: For client calls and on-the-go communication.

• Video Conferencing Tools: (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) for remote client consultations or team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on the role's requirements: design, sales management, and client communication. Emphasizing the ability to learn new tools is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction through exceptional service and tailored solutions.

• Integrity & Trust: Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues based on honesty and reliability.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with team members, installers, and management to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality designs and installations.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing training and feedback to enhance skills and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric: All interactions are geared towards understanding and meeting client needs.

• Team-Oriented: While performing client-facing duties independently, there's an expectation of seamless collaboration with installation teams and management for project success.

• Proactive Communication: Regular updates to clients and internal teams to ensure smooth project flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated value of "treating everyone like family" suggests a supportive and relational culture, which is integrated into the "Operations Values" and "Collaboration Style" sections.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Remote Work with In-Home Visits: Effectively managing time and travel to meet client needs across the Rhode Island region.

• Sales Target Pressure: Consistently meeting sales quotas in a commissioned environment requires strong sales skills and resilience.

• Learning Design Software: Quickly mastering new design and proposal tools to maintain efficiency and accuracy.

• Managing Diverse Client Expectations: Adapting to a wide range of client needs, budgets, and design preferences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Paid Training: Initial and ongoing training in product knowledge, design principles, and sales techniques.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas or sales methodologies.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced sales professionals or company leaders.

• Performance-Based Growth: Direct correlation between sales performance and earning potential, offering clear growth in compensation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Anticipating potential challenges and highlighting growth opportunities helps candidates make an informed decision and understand the support available for development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your consultative sales process. How do you uncover a client's needs and tailor a solution?" (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and solution-oriented responses.)

• "Walk me through a challenging sales situation you encountered and how you resolved it." (Highlight problem-solving skills, resilience, and customer-centricity.)

• "How do you approach designing a custom space for a client with limited budget but high expectations?" (Demonstrate creativity, prioritization, and honest communication about trade-offs.)

• "What are your strategies for managing your schedule and prioritizing tasks when working remotely and traveling for client visits?" (Showcase organizational skills, time management, and efficiency.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices in home organization?" (Indicate a commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Up Closets of Rhode Island and our mission?" (Research the company website, understand their niche.)

• "How do you align with our value of treating clients and colleagues like family?" (Focus on empathy, relationship-building, and supportive teamwork.)

• "What does 'exceptional customer service' mean to you in the context of in-home sales?" (Emphasize professionalism, clear communication, and exceeding expectations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or client need.

• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a story: the client's problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images or renderings. Annotate them to explain design choices.

• Quantify: Whenever possible, include metrics (sales numbers, satisfaction ratings).

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, highlighting your most impactful work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides direct, actionable advice on preparing for interview questions and presenting a portfolio, tailored to the specific requirements of a Design Consultant role focused on sales and client interaction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://up-closets-of-rhode-island.careerplug.com/jobs/3443101/apps/new

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your consultative sales experience, design aptitude, and any relevant experience in home improvement or custom solutions. Showcase your ability to manage a client pipeline and deliver exceptional service.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of sales experience, proficiency with design or CRM software, and any achievements in meeting sales targets or improving client satisfaction. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your sales process, handling potential objections, and presenting your portfolio confidently. Research Up Closets of Rhode Island to understand their specific offerings and market position.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Up Closets' website, mission, and any customer reviews to demonstrate genuine interest and align your answers with their company values and operational approach.

⚠️ 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.