Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant

Company: Simonds Group

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design / Sales Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-04

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead client consultations to guide selections for new homes and Knockdown Rebuild (KDRB) projects, focusing on colours, finishes, fixtures, and upgrades.

• Prepare and deliver professional, client-focused appointment experiences within a premium Gallery environment.

• Accurately document all design selections, variations, and specifications while managing multiple client projects and deadlines.

• Collaborate effectively with sales and internal teams to ensure a seamless and positive client journey from initial consultation to final selection.

• Stay abreast of current design trends, materials, and innovations to provide expert advice and inspire clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while focused on interior design, has significant overlap with sales operations and client relationship management within the residential construction sector. Success will depend on not only design acumen but also the ability to manage client expectations, drive decisions, and contribute to sales targets through exceptional client experience. The dual pathways (Retail and KDRB) indicate a need for adaptable skill sets, with KDRB requiring more specialized, complex project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct engaging, high-impact client consultations within a premium, state-of-the-art Gallery setting.

• Prepare meticulously for each client appointment to ensure a professional and personalized experience.

• Provide expert guidance on colour schemes, material finishes, fixture selections, and upgrade options.

• Confidently support clients through the interior design selection process, fostering trust and rapport.

• Accurately record client selections, variations, and detailed specifications within established timeframes.

• Foster close collaboration with sales consultants and internal teams to ensure a cohesive and smooth client journey.

• Continuously research and integrate current design trends, emerging materials, and innovative solutions into client recommendations.

• Manage a portfolio of client projects, ensuring timely progression and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high-impact client consultations" and "shaping the future of our design experience" suggests this role requires more than just aesthetic skills; it demands strong client management, consultative selling, and a proactive approach to improving the overall client journey. The specific mention of "documentation, variations, and specifications" points to a need for meticulous record-keeping and adherence to contractual obligations, typical in sales operations support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in residential colour consulting, preferably within the volume building or custom residential construction sector.

• Experience in client-facing roles, demonstrating success in building rapport and trust.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of colour theory, materials, finishes, and current design trends.

• Client Consultation Skills: Ability to lead engaging consultations, understand client needs, and guide them towards informed decisions.

• Floor Plan Interpretation: Strong ability to accurately read and interpret architectural floor plans and elevations.

• Documentation & Specification: Meticulous attention to detail in recording selections, variations, and technical specifications.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication, with a natural ability to build strong client relationships.

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of project budgets, timelines, and the commercial aspects of residential construction.

• Organizational Proficiency: Excellent time management and organizational skills to manage a high volume of client appointments and documentation.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to address client concerns and design challenges effectively and proactively.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience in Knockdown Rebuild (KDRB) projects or highly customized residential design.

• Familiarity with design software or relevant client management systems.

• Experience working within a fast-paced, high-volume sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of creative and operational skills. The "commercial awareness" and "managing multiple clients and deadlines" point towards an operational mindset, essential for roles supporting sales and project delivery. The distinction between "Retail" and "KDRB Specialist" pathways suggests that while a broad interior design qualification is foundational, specialized experience in KDRB will be highly valued for those specific roles, indicating a need for deeper project complexity management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects, clearly indicating whether they are volume retail builds or specialized KDRB projects.

• For each project, provide visual examples of colour palettes, material selections, and fixture choices.

• Include a brief project overview that highlights the client's brief, the design challenges, and the implemented solutions.

• Demonstrate the ability to document selections accurately, perhaps by including anonymized examples of specification sheets or selection forms.

Process Documentation:

• In your portfolio or during interviews, be prepared to discuss your systematic approach to client consultations.

• Outline your process for understanding client needs, presenting design options, and finalizing selections.

• Be ready to explain how you ensure accuracy in documenting selections and communicating them to relevant internal teams (e.g., sales, construction).

• Describe your method for staying organized with multiple client projects, including any tools or techniques you use for task management and deadline adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of interior design consulting within a construction company, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design skills and process management. The emphasis on "accurate documentation" and "collaboration with sales and internal teams" implies that showcasing a structured approach to project management and communication within a business context is as important as the aesthetic outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Generous Discount on Homes: Significant employee discount on Simonds award-winning homes.

• Employee Well-being Program: Access to a comprehensive program offering confidential counselling, nutritional, financial, and legal support for employees and their immediate families.

• Simonds Reward Days: An additional day of paid leave granted annually.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for career advancement and skill development through in-house Learning and Development programs on the Simonds Learning platform.

• Rewards and Recognition: Participation in company-wide reward and recognition initiatives.

• Discount on Fixtures & Fittings: Likely access to discounts on the types of products clients select.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on client appointment scheduling. Some weekend work may be required, common in retail and client-facing roles within the home building industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Melbourne, Australia, considering the specified experience level and the industry. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting a strong focus on employee well-being and professional development, which are key attractors for mid-level professionals. The mention of "competitive remuneration package will be negotiated" suggests the provided range is a guideline, and individual offers will depend on experience and specific qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Residential Building and Construction, Home Design & Renovation. Simonds Group operates within a highly competitive market, focusing on making the "Great Australian Dream" of home ownership accessible. The industry demands efficiency, quality, and strong customer relationships.

Company Size: Leading national builder, ASX listed, indicating a substantial organization with established processes and a significant market presence across multiple Australian states. This size suggests opportunities for structured career progression and access to robust internal resources.

Founded: 1949. The company has a long history, emphasizing its stability, experience, and deep understanding of the Australian housing market. This heritage likely translates into a culture that values tradition, quality, and customer trust, while also adapting to modern demands.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Interior Design Consultants will be part of a broader team that likely includes Sales Consultants, Design Managers, Construction Managers, and administrative support staff.

• Reporting Structure: Consultants will likely report to a Design Manager or a Gallery Manager, with a dotted line to sales leadership given the role's contribution to sales outcomes.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with sales teams (to understand client leads and sales targets), construction teams (to ensure design feasibility and adherence to build standards), and potentially marketing (for trend insights and client engagement strategies).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: While design is creative, operations within Simonds will likely leverage data on customer preferences, sales trends, and build costs to inform design offerings and client guidance.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on a "brand-new, state-of-the-art Gallery" and the dual pathways suggests a focus on refining the client journey and design selection process for maximum efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Automation & Efficiency: Expect to use systems for client management, documentation, and potentially design visualization to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden.

Company Website: [Simonds Group Website - typically simonds.com.au, refer to company_url for exact link if available]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and ASX listing suggest a professional, structured environment. The emphasis on "Team Simonds" and "family" implies a culture that values connection and shared purpose, while the "leading national builder" aspect points to a results-oriented approach focused on market share and customer satisfaction. The new Gallery at Collins Square signifies investment in client experience and a forward-thinking approach to design presentation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the client-facing operations of a residential builder. It bridges the gap between sales discovery and construction execution, requiring a blend of design expertise, client management, and operational process adherence. The "multiple opportunities available" and distinct "Retail" and "Knockdown Rebuild (KDRB) streams" indicate potential for specialization and advancement within these pathways.

Reporting Structure: Typically, Interior Design Consultants report to a Gallery Manager or a Design Lead, who oversees the client experience and design execution within a specific location or team. This manager usually reports to a higher-level operations or sales director.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, sales conversion rates, and the profitability of projects. Accurate and inspiring design selections can lead to higher-value upgrades, reduced variations during construction, and positive word-of-mouth referrals, all contributing to the company's revenue and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in either high-volume retail design or complex KDRB projects, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership: Progress into roles such as Senior Interior Design Consultant, Design Team Lead, or Gallery Manager, overseeing teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Movement: Potential to move into sales management, product development (related to finishes and fixtures), or client relations management roles within the broader Simonds Group.

• Skill Development: Access to Simonds' Learning and Development programs for continuous improvement in design, client management, and business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key contributor to the client journey, directly influencing sales outcomes and customer satisfaction. The emphasis on growth within "Retail" and "KDRB" pathways suggests a structured career development plan focused on specialization and leadership within the design and sales operations functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment will be a "brand-new, state-of-the-art Gallery at Collins Square," described as a "purpose-built environment designed to inspire," spanning "three levels" with a "premium, light-filled Gallery space built for creativity and collaboration." This suggests a modern, aesthetically pleasing, and professional office setting focused on client interaction and design exploration. Occasional time may also be spent at the St Kilda Road Gallery.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Collins Square, Melbourne – a premium, connected, and vibrant precinct with excellent access to public transport (trams, trains, Southern Cross Station) and amenities.

• Secondary: St Kilda Road Gallery.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Gallery is designed for creativity and collaboration, implying an open, dynamic workspace where interaction with colleagues and clients is encouraged.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design tools, sample libraries, and potentially digital presentation equipment to create immersive client experiences. Systems for documentation and client management will be integral.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with sales consultants, other design professionals, and potentially management within the Gallery and across the wider Simonds network.

Work Schedule: Full-time, expected to be around 40 hours per week. Given the client-facing nature and the premium service offering, flexibility may be required to accommodate client appointments, which could include some evenings or weekends, common in the retail and home building sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the Collins Square Gallery points to a high-end, client-centric workspace. For operations professionals, this means a focus on presentation, client experience, and efficient workflow management within a visually stimulating environment. The location's accessibility is a significant operational plus for both employees and clients.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on qualifications, experience, and portfolio relevance.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioural and skills-based interview with a hiring manager (e.g., Design Manager or Gallery Manager). This will assess your design philosophy, client interaction style, and understanding of the Simonds offering. Be prepared to discuss your experience with both Retail and KDRB projects.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present your portfolio. This is where you'll showcase your design capabilities, project management approach, and ability to articulate design choices and outcomes. Focus on clarity, visual appeal, and demonstrating how you've met client needs.

• Second Interview/Panel: May involve meeting with senior leadership or cross-functional team members (e.g., Sales Manager, Construction representative) to assess cultural fit, commercial awareness, and ability to collaborate.

• Final Offer: Based on overall assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills for the specific pathway (Retail or KDRB) you are applying for.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's brief, the challenges faced, your design process, and the successful outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Show how you work. Include examples of your documentation, specification process, and any client communication strategies.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention how your design choices contributed to client satisfaction, budget adherence, or enhanced the home's functionality/appeal.

• Tailor to Simonds: Research Simonds' home designs and target markets to align your portfolio presentation with their offerings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a client who wants conflicting finishes?" or "How would you guide a client with a limited budget but ambitious design ideas?"

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on client benefits and practical considerations.

• Think about how you would manage a busy day with multiple client appointments, documentation tasks, and potential coordination with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both creative talent and operational capability. The portfolio review is critical and should emphasize not just aesthetic appeal but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, document specifications, and collaborate within a business context. Preparing for scenario-based questions will demonstrate problem-solving and operational thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: While not explicitly stated, proficiency with industry-standard interior design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit for KDRB projects, or specialized rendering tools) may be beneficial.

• Color & Material Libraries: Access to and knowledge of physical and digital libraries from suppliers.

• Client Relationship Management (CRM) System: Likely a system such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or a custom Simonds CRM to manage client interactions, track appointments, and document selections.

• Project Management Tools: Potentially tools like Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project for managing task lists and deadlines, especially for KDRB projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Selection Tracking: Systems or spreadsheets to track client selections and ensure accuracy against build specifications.

• Sales Performance Dashboards: While not directly managed, understanding how design selections impact sales metrics might be required.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: Essential for managing the client lifecycle, from initial inquiry through to design finalization.

• Documentation Platforms: Tools for creating and storing selection documents, variation orders, and specification sheets (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite).

• Communication Tools: Internal communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for collaborating with sales and construction teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job is design-focused, the operational aspects require comfort with technology for client management, documentation, and project tracking. Proficiency in CRM systems and standard office productivity software is expected. For KDRB roles, more advanced design and project management software might be a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A core value focused on delivering exceptional client experiences and making the home-building dream a reality. This translates to empathy, active listening, and a commitment to client satisfaction.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to deliver high-quality design outcomes and build standards, reflecting Simonds' long-standing reputation. This means attention to detail and a commitment to best practices.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across departments (Sales, Design, Construction) to achieve common goals and a seamless client journey.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new design trends, technologies, and processes to stay competitive and meet evolving customer needs, particularly with the new Gallery launch.

• Integrity & Trust: Building trust with clients and colleagues through honest communication and reliable execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates strong partnerships with sales consultants to ensure seamless lead handovers and with construction teams to manage design specifications and feasibility.

• Process Review: A culture likely encourages feedback on design processes and client journey improvements to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share design trends, material knowledge, and best practices within the design team and with sales colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to balance a strong historical foundation with a modern, forward-looking approach, emphasizing client satisfaction, quality, and teamwork. For an operations-minded candidate, understanding how these values translate into daily tasks, decision-making, and cross-functional interactions is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Desires with Practicality: Guiding clients to make selections that are both aesthetically pleasing and feasible within budget and construction constraints, especially in KDRB projects.

• Managing High Volume: Delivering consistently high-quality client experiences while managing a significant number of appointments and documentation tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously updating knowledge on design trends, new materials, and building regulations to provide relevant and expert advice.

• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment between design selections, sales agreements, and construction requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in specific design areas, materials, or styling through internal or external training.

• KDRB Specialization: For those on the KDRB pathway, opportunities to develop expertise in more complex architectural and design challenges.

• Client Management & Sales Skills: Training on consultative selling techniques, negotiation, and advanced client relationship management.

• Industry Conferences & Exhibitions: Potential to attend relevant design and building industry events to stay current and network.

• Leadership Development: For high performers, pathways into team leadership and management roles within the design or operations departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for client-facing roles in the construction industry, requiring strong problem-solving and communication skills. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for specialization and career progression within Simonds Group's operational framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "Describe your approach to understanding a client's lifestyle and translating it into interior design choices." "How do you balance a client's desire for a specific trend with its long-term suitability and resale value?" "Walk me through how you would prepare for a client consultation for a Knockdown Rebuild project."

• Client Management: "How do you handle a situation where a client is indecisive or overwhelmed by choices?" "Describe a time you had to deliver difficult news to a client regarding a design constraint or cost implication." "How do you ensure a client feels heard and valued throughout the selection process?"

• Operational Efficiency: "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when handling multiple client projects simultaneously?" "What steps do you take to ensure accuracy in your documentation and specifications?" "How do you collaborate with sales and construction teams to ensure a seamless handover?"

Company & Culture Questions:

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and design philosophy. For each project, present the client brief, your design process, key selections (with visuals), challenges overcome, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you managed client expectations, documented selections, collaborated with teams, and met deadlines. Use specific examples.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, mood boards, and any relevant technical drawings. For KDRB, show how you integrated structural considerations into your design.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your choices and demonstrate your passion and expertise. Practice your narrative to be clear, concise, and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just design creativity but also strong operational skills such as project management, client communication, problem-solving, and an understanding of the business context. Demonstrating how you contribute to sales and operational efficiency will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Simonds Group careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience, particularly in residential construction and either volume retail or KDRB projects. Showcase your client consultation process and documentation skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your qualifications, years of experience, specific skills (e.g., colour consulting, floor plan interpretation, CRM usage), and achievements in client satisfaction and project delivery. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioural and situational questions, focusing on your problem-solving abilities, client management approach, and understanding of operational processes. Prepare a clear and compelling narrative for your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Simonds Group, their current home designs, target markets, and company values. Understand the unique offerings of the Collins Square Gallery and the significance of the Retail vs. KDRB pathways.

⚠️ 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.