Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant

Company: Simonds Group

Location: Collins Square, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland (Implied based on company operations)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design / Residential Construction

Date Posted: 2026-04-20

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide expert interior design consultation and guidance to clients selecting finishes for their new residential homes.

• Manage the client selection process efficiently, ensuring timely completion of all documentation and variations.

• Collaborate with sales and other departments to ensure a seamless client experience from design to construction handover.

• Stay abreast of current and emerging market trends in interior design, appliances, and fittings to offer informed recommendations.

• Uphold Simonds Group's commitment to making the Great Australian Dream a reality by delivering exceptional client support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly an "Interior Design Consultant" within a residential builder, indicating a strong focus on client-facing sales support and project execution within the KDRB (Knock Down Rebuild) and new build space. The location is specified as Collins Square, but the company operates nationally, suggesting potential for client interaction across multiple display centers or administrative hubs, and the need for adaptable client support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and meticulously prepare for scheduled client appointments, ensuring all necessary documentation, product samples, and design resources are readily available and accurate.

• Offer professional suggestions, guidance, and expert advice to clients on selecting internal and external colour schemes, appliances, and fittings that align with their preferences and budget, within the company's specified ranges.

• Educate clients on all available products, upgrade options, and potential enhancements, ensuring they make informed decisions that contribute to their dream home.

• Accurately complete all required documentation, including detailed variations, to facilitate the customer's colour and material selections, adhering strictly to set timelines to maintain project momentum.

• Foster strong, collaborative working relationships with sales teams, construction departments, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and efficient client journey.

• Continuously research and stay updated on new and emerging market trends, product innovations, and design aesthetics to maintain a competitive edge and provide cutting-edge advice.

• Maintain a high level of product knowledge across all Simonds Group offerings, from structural elements to finishing details, ensuring comprehensive client support.

• Manage client expectations effectively, balancing creative possibilities with practical construction constraints and budget considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design consultation, administrative precision, and client relationship management, crucial for a successful role in residential construction sales support. The emphasis on "set timelines" and "KPIs" suggests a performance-driven environment where efficiency and client satisfaction are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Experience in a colour consulting role is preferred, ideally within the residential construction (KDRB) space.

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret floor plans is essential for effective client consultations.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Strong understanding of colour theory, spatial planning, material selection, and aesthetic principles for residential spaces.

• Client Consultation & Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and effectively guide a diverse client base through a complex decision-making process.

• Administrative Proficiency: Solid administrative skills, including meticulous documentation, data entry, and variation processing.

• Time Management & Organization: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client appointments simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Product Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of interior and exterior finishes, appliances, fittings, and upgrade options relevant to residential construction.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot design challenges and propose practical, client-centric solutions.

• Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in selections, documentation, and client specifications.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including sales, design, and construction.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific CRM systems used in the building and construction industry.

• Familiarity with architectural drafting software or visualization tools.

• Knowledge of building codes and regulations relevant to interior finishes.

• Experience in sales or a target-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design skills and strong interpersonal and administrative capabilities, essential for managing client expectations and project timelines in the competitive residential construction market. The preference for KDRB experience and floor plan interpretation indicates a need for practical, construction-oriented design knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Client Selections: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of successful client consultations, highlighting the client's initial brief, your design recommendations (colour palettes, materials, fittings), and the final outcome.

• Process Flow Example: Illustrate your typical process for managing a client selection appointment from initial planning to final documentation completion, emphasizing efficiency and client communication touchpoints.

• Documentation Sample: Include a anonymized example of completed client variation forms or selection documentation that demonstrates accuracy, clarity, and adherence to timelines.

• Trend Analysis Presentation: A brief presentation or document showcasing your understanding of current residential interior design trends, including examples of how you would integrate these into client recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating or refining client selection workflows to improve efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Examples of how you have documented product knowledge or curated selection guides for client use.

• Demonstrations of how you track and manage multiple client selections and their associated documentation to ensure timely completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Interior Design Consultant role, a portfolio should visually demonstrate design sensibility, client management skills, and process efficiency. Highlighting how candidates manage selections, document variations, and stay updated on trends will be key. The focus is on practical application and client-centric process management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000 AUD per annum (Estimated)

Benefits:

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

• Product Discounts: Discounts on items typically included in home fit-outs (appliances, fittings, etc.).

• Employee Well-being Program: Free access to comprehensive support services, including:

  • Counselling services
  • Nutritional guidance
  • Financial advice
  • Legal support

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

• Professional Development: Access to extensive Learning and Development programs via the in-house Simonds Learning platform, fostering professional and personal growth.

• Rewards and Recognition: Formal and informal programs to acknowledge outstanding performance and contributions.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: While not explicitly stated, roles with KPIs in sales-adjacent areas often have performance-based incentives.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours. Flexibility may be required to accommodate client appointment schedules, potentially including some weekend or extended hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on similar Interior Design Consultant roles in major Australian cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth) requiring 2-5 years of experience and specific industry knowledge. Benefits are detailed as provided in the job description, emphasizing the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Residential Building and Construction. Simonds Group is a leading national builder in Australia, focused on making home ownership accessible.

Company Size: Large (Likely 500-1000+ employees based on ASX listing and national presence). This size suggests established processes, a structured hierarchy, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: 1949. With a long history, Simonds Group has a strong legacy and established reputation in the Australian market, emphasizing tradition, reliability, and community focus.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within a client-facing sales and design support function, likely reporting to a Design Studio Manager or Sales Manager.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Significant interaction with Sales Consultants, Construction Teams, Estimating, and Procurement departments.

• Team Environment: Emphasis on a "family" atmosphere, local networks, and a shared vision of delivering the "Great Australian Dream."

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on guiding clients through the selection process with professionalism and support.

• Process-Driven: Adherence to established workflows for consultations, documentation, and variation management to ensure consistency and efficiency across projects.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While creative, decisions are guided by client briefs, budget constraints, product availability, and company offerings.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of staying updated on market trends and product knowledge, suggesting a culture that values learning and adaptation.

Company Website: https://www.simondsgroup.com.au/ (Inferred from domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: Simonds Group's culture is built around a strong legacy, a commitment to community, and a family-like atmosphere. For an operations-adjacent role like Interior Design Consultant, this translates to a focus on client relationships, team collaboration, and a structured approach to achieving business goals within the residential construction sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years experience). This role is a specialized consultant position within the client engagement and design execution phase of residential construction. It requires a foundation of design knowledge and practical application within a specific industry context.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a Design Studio Manager, Sales Manager, or a Senior Interior Designer.

Operations Impact:

• Direct Client Satisfaction: The consultant's performance directly impacts client satisfaction during a critical, often emotional, stage of home building. Positive experiences lead to strong referrals and brand advocacy.

• Revenue Generation Support: By guiding clients effectively through selections and upgrades, the consultant contributes to increasing the overall value of each home sale and minimizing costly variations or delays due to poor choices.

• Project Efficiency: Timely and accurate completion of selections and variations prevents downstream delays in construction, impacting project timelines and profitability.

• Brand Representation: As a key client touchpoint, the consultant embodies the Simonds Group brand, influencing client perception of quality, professionalism, and customer care.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Interior Design Consultant: With more experience, progression to a senior role with greater client portfolio complexity, mentorship responsibilities, or specialization in premium offerings.

• Design Studio Management: Opportunity to move into a management role, overseeing a team of consultants, managing studio operations, and contributing to strategic design planning.

• Sales Management: Leveraging client interaction and product knowledge to transition into sales leadership roles within the new home construction sector.

• Product Development/Sourcing: Contributing expertise to the selection and development of new product ranges, materials, and finishes for Simonds Group.

• Specialized Design Roles: Focusing on specific areas like façade design, landscaping integration, or custom home design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within Simonds Group, particularly for individuals who excel in client relations, design execution, and understanding the nuances of residential construction. The impact on client satisfaction and project profitability is significant, making it a valued position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is primarily based at a "brand new Gallery in Collins Square" (Melbourne, VIC, Australia). This suggests a modern, professional, and well-appointed design studio environment designed to showcase products and facilitate client consultations.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: Collins Square, Melbourne, VIC.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The "Gallery" setting is designed for client interaction and will likely foster collaboration with sales teams and potentially other design professionals.

• Resource-Rich: Expect access to extensive samples libraries, product displays, potentially digital design tools, and administrative support.

• Client-Focused: The workspace is optimized for client comfort and engagement, facilitating design discussions and decision-making.

• Product Showcasing: The environment will be a physical representation of Simonds Group's design capabilities and product quality.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• As an on-site role, consistent availability during standard business hours is expected.

• There may be a requirement for flexibility to accommodate client appointment schedules, which could include some evening or weekend work, particularly during peak sales periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Gallery" concept implies a high-end, customer-focused environment. The role is inherently client-facing and on-site, demanding professional presentation and a structured approach to managing appointments within a dedicated design studio.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening (Phone/Video Call): A brief conversation with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. You'll be asked about your background in interior design and client consultation.

2. First Interview (In-Person/Video): A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Design Studio Manager). This will cover your experience, understanding of the residential construction process, client management skills, and approach to design challenges. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.

3. Portfolio Presentation & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio. This may involve a design challenge or scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving abilities, design rationale, and communication style. You might be asked to present a mock client consultation.

4. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Sales Director) to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

5. Reference Checks: Standard verification of employment history and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in residential interior design, colour consulting, and client management.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the client's brief, your design process, key decisions made (colour, materials, fittings), challenges faced, and the final outcome. Include "before" and "after" visuals if possible.

• Highlight Client Interaction: Emphasize how you managed client expectations, addressed concerns, and achieved client satisfaction.

• Include Documentation: Present examples of your documentation skills – e.g., mood boards, material schedules, variation forms (anonymized).

• Demonstrate Trend Awareness: Include a section or discuss how you stay current with market trends and integrate them into your designs.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Know your portfolio inside out and be ready to explain your design choices and process for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions like: "A client wants a modern look but has a limited budget for upgrades. How would you advise them?" or "How would you handle a client who is indecisive about colour selections?"

• Design Rationale: Be prepared to justify your design choices, explaining the "why" behind your recommendations.

• Product Knowledge: Brush up on common interior finishes, appliance brands, and fittings used in residential construction.

• Sales & KPI Awareness: Understand the importance of meeting sales targets and KPIs, and how your role contributes to them. Practice articulating how you've met similar objectives in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only design skills but also client management, administrative capabilities, and an understanding of the sales cycle within residential construction. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and problem-solving abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a sales or customer management platform (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a specialized home builder CRM) for managing client interactions, tracking appointments, and logging selections.

• Design Software: Proficiency in design software for mood boards, 2D rendering, or 3D visualization (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit, or specialized interior design software like Homestyler, Planner 5D).

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: Essential for documentation, communication, and data management (Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides, Outlook/Gmail).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with viewing and interpreting reports related to client selection completion rates, upgrade uptake, and customer satisfaction scores.

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel/Google Sheets): For tracking client progress, managing variations, and analyzing product data.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Selection Management Tools: Potentially proprietary Simonds Group software or integrated modules within their CRM for managing the detailed client selection process.

• Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for internal team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of the role implies a need for proficiency in CRM systems, standard office productivity suites, and design visualization tools. Experience with systems that manage complex client selections and variations would be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A core value that emphasizes putting the client's dream home at the centre of all interactions and decisions.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding Gary Simonds' original vision of being a builder Australians can rely on, fostering trust with clients and colleagues.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality homes and professional service at every touchpoint.

• Community & Family: Operating with a "family" ethos, valuing local networks and supporting colleagues and customers.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: A drive to complete processes and projects within set timelines, essential for construction project management.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Staying current with market trends and product knowledge to offer modern and desirable home designs.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Encouraging a collaborative spirit where sales, design, and construction teams work cohesively to achieve shared goals.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Open communication and partnership between departments to ensure a seamless client journey from initial sale through to handover.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to feedback and continuous improvement, particularly in client service and design processes.

• Supportive Environment: A culture that aims to support employees and their families, fostering a positive and productive work atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "family," "community," and "making the Great Australian Dream a reality" translate into a collaborative, client-centric, and supportive work environment. Professionals in this role are expected to embody these values in their daily interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Client Expectations: Balancing clients' desires with budget constraints, structural limitations, and available product selections can be challenging.

• High Volume of Selections: Processing a large number of detailed selections and variations for multiple clients simultaneously requires exceptional organizational skills.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The residential construction industry is dynamic; meeting tight deadlines and adapting to project changes is crucial.

• Keeping Up with Trends: Continuously staying updated on design, material, and appliance trends to offer relevant and desirable options.

• Balancing Creativity and Practicality: Merging aesthetic vision with the practicalities of construction and cost-effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific design areas, new materials, or sustainable building practices.

• Product Specialization: Becoming an expert in Simonds Group's extensive product range and upgrade options.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing advanced skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and customer satisfaction techniques.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Gaining exposure to construction project timelines and the impact of design decisions on the overall build process.

• Industry Trends & Seminars: Access to company-sponsored training, workshops, or industry events to stay current.

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways to senior consultant or management roles, with training in team leadership and operational oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the role's position within the residential construction sales cycle, requiring strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Growth opportunities are geared towards specialization within design, client management, and operational leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Client Consultation Approach: "Describe your process for conducting an initial interior design consultation. How do you uncover a client's needs and preferences?"

  • Preparation: Outline a step-by-step process, emphasizing active listening, asking probing questions, and using visual aids.

• Handling Difficult Clients/Situations: "Imagine a client is unhappy with a selection they made a week ago. How would you handle this?"

  • Preparation: Focus on empathy, understanding the root cause, exploring solutions within company policy, and aiming for client satisfaction while managing project timelines.

• Trend Integration: "What are some current interior design trends you find particularly relevant for new residential builds in Australia, and how would you present these to clients?"

  • Preparation: Research current Australian design trends (e.g., natural materials, biophilic design, smart home integration, specific colour palettes). Be ready to explain the "why" behind your choices.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: "If a specific material or appliance a client selected becomes unavailable, what steps would you take?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Simonds Group's mission to make the Great Australian Dream a reality?"

  • Preparation: Research the company's history, values, and recent projects. Connect your personal values or career aspirations to their mission.

• "How do you approach collaboration with sales and construction teams to ensure a smooth client experience?"

  • Preparation: Discuss the importance of clear communication, shared understanding of project stages, and proactive problem-solving between departments.

• "How do you ensure your selections align with project timelines and budget constraints?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, tell a story: The client's initial vision/challenge -> Your design approach and rationale -> The selections made (colours, materials, fittings) -> The outcome and client satisfaction.

• Quantify Impact (where possible): If you influenced upgrade sales or helped a client stay within budget through smart selections, mention this.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, professional, and showcases your design aesthetic.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved the results, not just what the results were. This demonstrates your methodology.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice your presentation to be clear and to the point.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design creativity, practical construction knowledge, strong client management skills, and an understanding of how this role contributes to Simonds Group's overall business objectives and client satisfaction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Consultant position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in interior design, colour consulting, residential construction, client management, and administrative tasks. Use keywords from the job description such as "residential construction," "KDRB," "colour consulting," "client selections," and "documentation." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed client selections for X homes per month," "Achieved Y% client satisfaction rating").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio (PDF or online link) that showcases 3-5 relevant projects. Emphasize your process, client interaction, and design rationale. Ensure it includes examples of colour schemes, material selections, and documentation.

• Research Simonds Group: Familiarize yourself with their company history, values, current projects, and design aesthetic. Understand their mission of making the "Great Australian Dream" a reality.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions, focusing on your design process, client management skills, ability to work under pressure, and experience with residential construction. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss case studies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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