Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant

Company: Simonds Group

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / Customer Experience / Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-09

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Act as a primary point of contact for clients, guiding them through the crucial interior and exterior design selection process for their new homes.

• Manage the end-to-end documentation and variation process for all client selections, ensuring accuracy and adherence to project timelines within the residential construction lifecycle.

• Collaborate closely with sales teams and other internal departments to ensure a seamless and integrated customer journey from initial sales to final selections.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging market trends, product offerings, and industry best practices in interior design and residential construction to advise clients effectively.

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience by balancing creative design input with practical considerations and efficient administrative management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Interior Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and context provided firmly place this role within a broader Sales Operations and Customer Experience framework within the residential construction industry. The emphasis on managing selections, variations, and client documentation within set timelines, alongside collaboration with sales, indicates a role that bridges design expertise with operational execution. The mention of "volume building/KDRB" points to a standardized, process-driven environment where efficiency and client satisfaction are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Provide expert guidance and creative suggestions to clients on selecting internal and external colour schemes, finishes, fittings, appliances, and upgrade options within Simonds Group's product ranges.

• Advise clients comprehensively on all available products and potential upgrades, explaining features, benefits, and implications for their home design and budget.

• Accurately complete all required documentation, including detailed variation orders and selection forms, to facilitate the customer's colour and material choices within the established project timelines.

• Foster strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with sales consultants, project managers, and other relevant departments to ensure alignment and a cohesive client experience.

• Proactively research and stay informed about new and emerging market trends, design styles, product innovations, and competitor offerings to enhance client advisory services.

• Ensure all client selections and documentation are processed efficiently and accurately into the company's CRM and project management systems.

• Manage a high volume of client appointments and selections, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines and maintain client satisfaction.

• Address client queries and concerns regarding selections, variations, and timelines with professionalism and a focus on problem resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the operational aspects of managing client selections in a volume building environment. This includes not just design advice but also the critical administrative and documentation tasks that directly impact project timelines and client satisfaction. The emphasis on "within our ranges" and "upgrades" highlights the commercial aspect of the role, where balancing client desires with company offerings and profit margins is key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Decoration, or a closely related discipline.

• Equivalent professional certifications in Interior Design or Colour Consulting are also highly valued. Experience:

• 2-5 years of demonstrated experience in a colour consulting, interior design, or client selections role, specifically within the residential construction industry.

• Proven experience in volume building or Knock-Down Rebuild (KDRB) environments is essential.

• Experience managing client appointments and project variations within a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting. Required Skills:

• Interior Design & Styling: Strong aesthetic sensibility with a flair for creating cohesive and appealing interior and exterior design schemes.

• Colour Consulting: Expertise in colour theory and application, with the ability to guide clients through complex colour selection processes.

• Residential Construction Knowledge: Solid understanding of building processes, materials, finishes, and common terminology within the volume building sector.

• Customer Experience Management: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build rapport, manage expectations, and deliver outstanding customer service.

• Floor Plan Interpretation: Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural floor plans to advise clients effectively on spatial planning and design integration.

• Time Management & Organization: Highly organized with excellent planning skills, capable of managing multiple client appointments and deadlines efficiently.

• Sales Acumen: Ability to present and sell product upgrades and additional features effectively, aligning client desires with company offerings.

• Administrative Proficiency: Detail-oriented with strong accuracy in documentation, variation orders, and data entry.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific CRM systems used in the construction or sales industry (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or industry-specific platforms).

• Knowledge of current and emerging interior design trends and materials.

• Experience with design software or visualization tools.

• Familiarity with contract administration and variation management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are tailored to emphasize the specific needs of a volume builder. The "2-5 years" experience level aligns with a mid-level consultant role. The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights core competencies versus desirable additional expertise, particularly regarding specific software or advanced design knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of interior design projects, with a strong emphasis on residential homes, particularly within volume building or KDRB contexts.

• Case studies demonstrating successful client consultation experiences, highlighting your ability to guide clients through selections, manage variations, and achieve client satisfaction.

• Examples of colour palettes, material selections, and upgrade recommendations you have provided, illustrating your design expertise and understanding of client needs.

• Documentation samples (e.g., selection sheets, variation orders) that reflect your accuracy, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks.

• Evidence of your ability to present design concepts and options clearly and persuasively. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of your process for planning and conducting client colour and selections appointments, including pre-appointment preparation and post-appointment follow-up.

• Examples of how you manage client variations, ensuring all necessary approvals and documentation are completed accurately and efficiently.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to staying updated on product knowledge and market trends, and how this informs your client consultations.

• Process flows for collaborating with sales, estimating, and construction teams to ensure seamless handover of client selections.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. The requirements focus on demonstrating practical application of design skills within an operational context, emphasizing client management, documentation accuracy, and process adherence relevant to the construction industry. It moves beyond pure aesthetic presentation to showcase project management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• A commensurate remuneration package will be negotiated with the right candidate.

• Estimated Range: AUD $65,000 - $85,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Generous discount on Simonds award-winning homes.

• Discount on all products and services that go into Simonds homes.

• Access to a free employee well-being program, offering counselling, nutritional, financial, and legal support for employees and their immediate families.

• Simonds Reward Days: An extra day of paid leave granted per year.

• Opportunities for professional and personal growth through the in-house Simonds Learning platform.

• Generous rewards and recognition programs. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically aligned with standard business hours (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

• Occasional weekend work may be required, particularly at display centres, with potential for time-in-lieu or overtime compensation as per company policy.

• The role requires on-site presence, with flexibility needed to accommodate client appointment schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on similar roles in Adelaide, South Australia, for a mid-level Interior Design Consultant with residential construction experience. The benefits are directly extracted from the job description and presented in a clear, bulleted format. The working hours are inferred from typical full-time roles in this industry and location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Residential Construction / Building & Development. Simonds Group is a leading national builder focused on making home ownership accessible across Australia.

Company Size: Large (typically 500-1000+ employees, as an ASX listed national builder). This size implies established processes, a structured hierarchy, and significant resources.

Founded: 1949. With a long history, Simonds Group has a strong legacy and established brand presence, indicating a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• The Interior Design Consultant will be part of the Adelaide team, likely within a broader Sales or Customer Experience department.

• Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to an Interior Design Manager, Selections Manager, or Sales Manager, with potential for dotted-line reporting to sales leaders.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Sales Consultants (for handover), Estimating (for costing variations), Construction/Site Managers (for technical feasibility), and potentially Procurement/Suppliers (for product information). Methodology:

• Data-Driven Client Engagement: Utilizing client preferences and sales data to guide selections and upsell opportunities.

• Process Optimization: Adhering to established workflows for client consultations, documentation, and variation management to ensure efficiency and consistency.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client satisfaction and experience throughout the selections process, aiming to make the "Great Australian Dream" a positive reality.

• Product Specialization: Deep knowledge of Simonds Group's specific product ranges, finishes, and upgrade options.

Company Website: https://www.simonds.com.au/ (Inferred based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team context are inferred from the provided description, company size, and industry. The "family" aspect is highlighted, suggesting a supportive yet professional environment. The operational implications of a large, ASX-listed company are considered.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Specialist. This role requires specialized design knowledge combined with operational execution in client management and documentation. It's a critical touchpoint in the customer journey, influencing satisfaction and project profitability.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a management layer responsible for customer experience, sales operations, or design coordination. This provides opportunities for mentorship from experienced managers and exposure to broader business operations.

Operations Impact: The Interior Design Consultant directly impacts:

• Customer Satisfaction: By helping clients realize their dream home vision, leading to positive reviews and referrals.

• Revenue Generation: Through the effective selling of upgrades and additional features, contributing to higher project profitability.

• Project Efficiency: By accurately documenting selections and variations, minimizing errors and delays for the construction team.

• Brand Reputation: By delivering a professional and enjoyable selection experience, reinforcing Simonds Group's commitment to quality and customer care.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Team Lead: Progress to managing a team of consultants, overseeing complex projects, or specializing in a niche area (e.g., luxury upgrades, specific product lines).

• Sales Operations Specialist: Transition into roles focused on optimizing sales processes, CRM management, or sales forecasting within the construction industry.

• Project Management: Leverage understanding of the construction lifecycle to move into project coordination or management roles.

• Product Development/Management: Contribute to the selection and development of new finishes, materials, and upgrade options offered by Simonds Group.

• Learning & Development Facilitator: Utilize expertise to train new design consultants on the Simonds Learning platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on how an "Interior Design Consultant" in a volume building context contributes to operations and offers clear pathways for career advancement within the company, leveraging both design and operational skillsets.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based on-site, likely within a dedicated design studio or showroom environment connected to sales offices or display villages. This setting is designed to be client-facing and inspirational.

Office Location(s): Adelaide, South Australia. Specific location would be a Simonds Group office or display centre in or around Adelaide.

Workspace Context:

• Client-Facing Environment: The workspace will be professional, aesthetically pleasing, and equipped with extensive sample libraries (materials, colours, finishes, appliances).

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The role requires close interaction with sales teams and other internal departments. Expect a dynamic environment with a focus on teamwork and shared goals.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to company CRM, design software, specification tools, and potentially 3D visualization aids will be provided to support client consultations and documentation.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours, typically Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility is required to accommodate client availability, which may include occasional weekend work or extended hours during peak periods.

• The role is predominantly office-based, requiring consistent on-site presence to facilitate client interactions and manage administrative tasks effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a client-facing role in a residential construction setting, focusing on the practical aspects of the workspace and the collaborative nature of the team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review and a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Design Manager, Sales Manager). This will focus on your experience in residential construction, client consultation skills, and understanding of the Simonds Group offering. Expect behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing your design approach, client management skills, and ability to handle selections and variations. This may involve a practical design exercise or case study related to a typical Simonds home.

• Second Interview (Optional): May involve meeting with senior leadership or a panel to discuss strategic alignment and broader team fit.

• Reference Checks: Standard professional reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your experience in volume building, colour selection, and client management. Highlight projects where you successfully guided clients through complex decisions or managed significant variations.

• Focus on Process & Outcome: For each project, explain your design process, how you collaborated with clients, and the successful outcomes achieved (e.g., client satisfaction, effective upsell of features, successful variation management).

• Showcase Documentation Skills: Include anonymized examples of selection sheets or variation orders to demonstrate your attention to detail and administrative accuracy.

• Address Client Challenges: Be prepared to discuss how you handled challenging clients or difficult design decisions, emphasizing your problem-solving abilities and customer-centric approach.

• Simonds-Specific Context: Research Simonds Group's current offerings, display homes, and design styles to tailor your presentation and demonstrate your understanding of their market and client base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario where you need to select finishes for a specific home type or address a client's conflicting design preferences within a budget.

• Process Walkthrough: Prepare to explain your step-by-step process for managing a client's selections from initial consultation to final documentation.

• Sales & Upselling: Practice articulating the benefits of specific upgrades and how you would present them to clients to increase project value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their design skills in an operational context and prepare for interviews that will assess both creative talent and process management capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a robust CRM such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or a specialized industry CRM for managing client interactions, sales pipelines, and selection data.

• Design Software: Potential use of design visualization tools or CAD software for client presentations or internal design conceptualization.

• Specification & Selection Software: Company-specific or industry-standard software for managing product options, pricing, and client selections.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Dashboards: Access to dashboards that track client selection progress, variation volumes, and upgrade revenue.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for analyzing client data and selection trends.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce (or similar): For managing client leads, tracking sales progress, and documenting selections and variations.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how automated workflows might be used for client communication or task reminders within the selection process.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how CRM and other internal systems (e.g., project management, accounting) are integrated to ensure data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on the role's function within a large construction company, emphasizing CRM, project management, and client-facing tools essential for managing a high volume of selections.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and fulfilling client needs, making the home-building journey positive and rewarding.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in design, documentation, and client service, reflecting the Simonds Group's reputation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing mutual support and effective communication across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Transparency: Conducting business with honesty, clarity, and fairness in all client and internal interactions.

• Efficiency & Process Adherence: Valuing structured workflows and accurate documentation to ensure smooth project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design consultants work closely with sales, project management, and administrative teams. Open communication and information sharing are key.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages feedback on processes to identify areas for improvement, ensuring continuous enhancement of the client selection experience.

• Shared Goal Orientation: A strong focus on collective success, where individual contributions are recognized within the context of achieving overall company objectives and customer satisfaction targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the company's description, industry norms, and the nature of the role, emphasizing aspects critical for success in a client-facing operations position within construction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Desires with Constraints: Managing client expectations and creative aspirations against budget limitations, available product ranges, and construction feasibility.

• High Volume & Pace: Juggling multiple client appointments, selections, and variations simultaneously in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality or accuracy.

• Technical & Process Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of building codes, product specifications, and company-specific documentation procedures.

• Market Trend Adaptability: Staying current with rapidly evolving design trends and product innovations while advising clients effectively.

• Remote Work Integration (if applicable): While this role is on-site, managing client expectations across different communication channels and ensuring seamless data transfer to construction teams can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design styles, materials, or sustainable building practices.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about new product lines, suppliers, and upgrade options offered by Simonds Group.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Development in consultative selling techniques, particularly for upselling features and managing client budgets.

• Process Improvement Training: Learning about operational efficiency, project management methodologies, and best practices in documentation management.

• Leadership Development: Potential to progress into roles with team leadership or management responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed from the perspective of an operations role within construction, focusing on the practical difficulties of the job and how they translate into opportunities for skill development and career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting an interior design consultation with a new client. What documentation do you prepare beforehand, and what are the key stages of the appointment?" (Focus on structured process, client engagement, and documentation.)

• "How do you manage a situation where a client requests a major design change or upgrade that significantly impacts the budget or project timeline? Walk me through your approach." (Assess problem-solving, negotiation, and ability to manage variations.)

• "Imagine a client is struggling to decide between two very different colour palettes. How would you guide them to a decision that they will be happy with long-term?" (Evaluate client advisory skills, design rationale, and empathy.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Simonds Group and our position in the Australian residential building market?" (Demonstrate research and interest.)

• "How do you ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest interior design trends and product innovations relevant to the volume building sector?" (Assess proactivity and industry knowledge.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with a sales team or construction manager to resolve a client issue. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluate teamwork and cross-functional communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pretty Pictures: For each project, explain the client's initial brief, your design thinking, how you presented options, and how you managed selections and any variations.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, highlight how your selections contributed to project profitability through upgrades or how your efficient process minimized delays. Use metrics where available (e.g., average upsell value per client).

• Prepare for a Scenario: Be ready to take a sample floor plan and outline your initial design approach, colour palette ideas, and key upgrade recommendations, explaining your reasoning.

• Highlight Simonds Alignment: Tailor your examples to resonate with Simonds Group's brand, target market, and typical home offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are crafted to probe the candidate's operational capabilities, client management skills, and understanding of the residential construction environment, beyond just aesthetic design talent.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers.pageuppeople.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and cover letter highlight your experience in residential construction, client selections, and customer service. If your portfolio is online, ensure it's easily accessible and showcases relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords like "Interior Design Consultant," "Colour Consulting," "Residential Construction," "Volume Building," "KDRB," "Client Selections," "Customer Experience," and "Project Variations." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, client management strategies, and how you handle administrative tasks like variations. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Simonds Group’s history, values, current projects, and design aesthetic. Understand their commitment to making home ownership accessible and their role as a leading national builder.

⚠️ 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.