Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: California Closets

Location: Temecula, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (primarily remote with showroom and in-home client interactions)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and customer engagement by designing custom storage solutions for residential clients within the Temecula, Murrieta, and Perris areas.

• Provide an exceptional, end-to-end customer experience from initial consultation and design to post-installation follow-up.

• Leverage design expertise and consultative sales skills to meet and exceed monthly sales goals.

• Collaborate effectively with installation teams and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project completion and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges design and sales operations, requiring a blend of creative talent, client management, and business acumen. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies significant autonomous work in the field and potentially a home office setup, balanced with client-facing interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home consultations to analyze client needs, measure spaces accurately, and understand aesthetic preferences for custom storage solutions (closets, home offices, garages, media centers, etc.).

• Utilize proprietary CAD software to develop compelling and personalized design proposals that meet client requirements and company standards.

• Employ a consultative sales approach to present design solutions, address client concerns, and close sales, consistently working towards achieving monthly sales targets.

• Manage a portfolio of client projects simultaneously, ensuring timely follow-up, clear communication, and effective project progression from design approval through installation.

• Foster strong client relationships to generate referrals and repeat business, embodying the brand's reputation as a design authority and service leader.

• Collaborate closely with installation teams to ensure accurate design interpretation and smooth execution of custom projects.

• Participate actively in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay abreast of product knowledge, design trends, and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a direct impact on revenue generation through sales and a critical role in customer satisfaction, aligning with GTM (Go-To-Market) and Sales Operations functions. The emphasis on "proprietary CAD software" suggests a need for adaptability and a willingness to learn specific company tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Interior design education, direct industry experience, or a demonstrated passion for home décor and space management.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in a client-facing sales or design role, preferably within the home furnishings, interior design, or custom solutions industry.

• Proven track record of managing client relationships and driving sales through a consultative approach.

Required Skills:

• Consultative Sales: Ability to engage clients, understand their needs, present solutions effectively, and close sales.

• Interior Design & Space Planning: Expertise in creating functional and attractive custom storage designs.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Experience with design software, specifically with the ability to quickly learn and master proprietary CAD tools.

• Customer Experience Management: Skills to create delightful and memorable experiences that foster loyalty and repeat business.

• Microsoft Suite Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for daily operations and client communication.

• Measurement & Precision: Meticulous attention to detail for accurate space measurements and design specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• CRM Software Experience: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management systems for client tracking and sales process management.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client interactions simultaneously.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for effective client and team interaction.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with installation teams and other internal departments.

• Product Knowledge Acquisition: Aptitude for quickly learning and promoting a range of custom storage products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a balance between creative design skills and robust sales capabilities. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a role that requires developed skills but offers opportunities for growth. Proficiency in CAD is essential, and prior CRM experience is a strong plus, indicating a need for structured sales operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of custom design projects, demonstrating versatility in style, space type (closets, offices, garages), and client needs.

• Include detailed case studies or project summaries highlighting the design process from initial client consultation to final installation.

• Present visual examples of CAD designs, mood boards, or 3D renderings that illustrate design capabilities and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you approach client needs analysis and space measurement.

• Documentation of your consultative sales process, including client engagement strategies and objection handling.

• Demonstrations of workflow management for multiple projects, including follow-up and collaboration with installation teams.

• Evidence of how you track and achieve sales goals, perhaps through sample sales reports or performance summaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is client-facing and sales-driven, a portfolio demonstrating process thinking, client management, and design execution is crucial. The "proprietary CAD software" implies that while general CAD skills are valuable, the ability to adapt to new systems is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• This is a commission-based role with an estimated total compensation range of $70,000 - $120,000+ annually, heavily dependent on sales performance. The base component is commission-driven, with potential for bonuses.

• Base Earnings Potential: While not explicitly stated, commission-only roles often have a variable base or draw. For planning purposes, anticipate a significant portion of earnings to be performance-based.

• Commission Structure: Typically tiered, rewarding higher sales volumes with increased commission rates.

• Bonus Eligibility: Additional incentives may be available for exceeding specific sales targets or achieving company-wide goals.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage.

• Retirement Planning: 401K plan with potential company matching (details may vary).

• Operational Support: Cell phone and mileage reimbursement to facilitate client visits and field operations.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible time off policy, allowing for personal needs and rejuvenation.

• Performance Incentives: Bonus eligibility tied to individual and/or company performance.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, outside sales opportunity, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• Working hours are flexible to accommodate client appointments, which may include evenings and weekends.

• The role demands autonomy and self-management to schedule client consultations and manage project pipelines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation model is performance-driven, typical for outside sales roles. The listed benefits are comprehensive, supporting both personal well-being and the operational needs of an outside sales consultant. The "flexible time off" is a notable perk for a commission-based role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings / Interior Design / Custom Home Solutions. California Closets operates within a competitive market focused on enhancing home functionality and aesthetics through custom organization.

Company Size: California Closets is a well-established national brand with a significant franchise network, indicating a medium-to-large enterprise structure with localized franchise operations. The "CC of San Diego, Inc." entity suggests a specific franchise owner.

Founded: Founded in 1978, California Closets has a long-standing reputation as a leader in the custom storage and space management industry.

Team Structure:

• Franchise-Based Operations: The "CC of San Diego, Inc." entity implies a franchise model, meaning the immediate team and reporting structure will be within this specific franchise, rather than a corporate headquarters.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with installation teams to ensure seamless project execution and with showroom or sales support staff for lead generation and client management.

• Reporting: Design Consultants typically report to a Sales Manager or Franchise Owner who oversees sales performance, client satisfaction, and operational adherence.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Design: The company's ethos emphasizes creating "practical magic" by designing custom solutions that add value to clients' lives and homes.

• Consultative Sales Process: The sales methodology is consultative, focusing on understanding client needs deeply and providing tailored solutions rather than a transactional approach.

• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated, the use of proprietary CAD software suggests a data-driven approach to design, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in space planning.

Company Website: https://www.californiaclosets.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the franchise model is key. The culture will likely blend corporate brand standards with the entrepreneurial spirit of a local business owner. The emphasis on "design authority" and "exceptional service" points to a high-quality, customer-focused environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level (2-5 years) "Design Consultant" or "Outside Sales" professional. It's a client-facing, revenue-generating position that requires a blend of design flair and sales acumen.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Sales Manager or Franchise Owner within the specific franchise entity (e.g., CC of San Diego, Inc.). This structure allows for direct mentorship and performance management.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant is directly responsible for revenue generation through sales of custom storage solutions. Their success significantly impacts the franchise's financial performance, market share, and brand reputation within their service area. Effective design and sales also contribute to operational efficiency by ensuring accurate orders and minimizing installation issues.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Advanced roles focusing on complex projects, high-profile clients, or specific product lines.

• Sales Management: Progression into a Sales Manager or Team Lead role, overseeing a team of Design Consultants, setting sales targets, and providing coaching.

• Design Leadership: Potential to become a lead designer or contribute to design standard development within the franchise or brand.

• Franchise Ownership/Management: For ambitious individuals with strong business acumen, opportunities may arise in franchise management or even ownership pathways.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific niches like luxury homes, commercial spaces, or specialized storage solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within sales and design. The franchise model can provide unique opportunities for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong understanding of business operations within a localized market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role is primarily an "Outside Sales" opportunity, meaning the consultant will spend significant time working remotely from home, conducting client consultations in their homes, and visiting showrooms for meetings or client presentations.

Office Location(s): The primary service area includes Temecula, Murrieta, and Perris, California. While there isn't a dedicated "office" for the consultant, they would likely utilize a local showroom or design center for training, team meetings, and client appointments when not in their homes.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomous Work Environment: Requires self-discipline and effective time management to schedule client visits, design work, and follow-ups.

• Client-Facing Interactions: The role involves direct interaction with clients in their homes, requiring professionalism, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Technology-Enabled: Heavy reliance on laptops, tablets, and specialized design software for creating proposals and managing client data.

• Collaborative Opportunities: Regular interaction with installation teams and potentially showroom staff, fostering a sense of teamwork despite the autonomous nature of the role.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexible scheduling is inherent to the role, allowing consultants to set appointments that best suit client availability. This often includes evenings and weekends.

• The ability to manage one's schedule efficiently is critical for success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role demands strong organizational skills and self-motivation. The "outside sales" aspect means successful candidates must be comfortable working independently and managing their territory effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, sales aptitude, and understanding of the role.

• In-Depth Interview: May involve meeting with the Sales Manager or Franchise Owner to discuss sales experience, design philosophy, and problem-solving skills. This stage might include a personality or sales assessment.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio of past design work and potentially tackle a hypothetical design challenge or case study. This assesses design creativity, client communication, and sales strategy.

• Field/Shadowing Experience: Potentially an opportunity to shadow an experienced Design Consultant to observe client interactions and daily operations.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion to assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Diversity: Include a mix of project types (closets, offices, garages) and styles to demonstrate broad design capability.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your design process: initial consultation, needs assessment, design development, client feedback, and final solution.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics: e.g., "Increased storage capacity by X%", "Improved workflow efficiency for home office by Y%", "Client satisfaction score: Z/5."

• Visual Appeal: Ensure high-quality images of finished projects, clear CAD renderings, and well-organized presentations.

• Sales Narrative: Frame your designs within a sales context – how did your design solve a client's problem and lead to a successful sale?

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Design Task: Be prepared to sketch or describe how you would approach designing a specific space (e.g., a small master closet, a challenging home office layout) based on limited information.

• Sales Scenario: Practice articulating your sales pitch, handling objections (e.g., cost, timeline), and closing a sale.

• Process Walkthrough: Be ready to explain your step-by-step process for managing a client from initial contact to project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and design challenges indicates that visual and practical demonstration of skills is as important as verbal communication. Candidates should be ready to articulate their sales process and demonstrate an understanding of client needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Proprietary CAD Software: This is a core requirement. Candidates must be comfortable learning and mastering a specific design software used by California Closets for creating proposals and 3D renderings.

• Laptops & Tablets: Essential for client presentations, design work, and on-the-go management of client projects and CRM.

• Measurement Tools: Standard measurement devices (tapes, laser measures) for accurate site assessments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Software: While listed as a "plus," experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or custom sales tracking tools) is highly beneficial for managing leads, client interactions, and sales pipelines.

• Sales Reporting Tools: Internal company tools or spreadsheets for tracking sales performance against goals.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Suite: Proficiency in Word for proposals and client communications, Excel for tracking and analysis, and PowerPoint for presentations.

• Email & Calendar: Standard tools for client communication, scheduling, and follow-ups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirement is proficiency with the company's specific CAD software. While general CRM and Microsoft Suite skills are expected, adaptability to new design software is paramount. The role is technologically enabled but not necessarily tech-intensive in terms of complex software development or IT infrastructure.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Delight: A core value focused on creating exceptional experiences that lead to repeat business and referrals.

• Design Authority & Craftsmanship: Valuing creativity, attention to detail, and a high standard of quality in design and execution.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with installation teams and colleagues to achieve shared project goals.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct and trustworthiness in all client and internal interactions.

• Results-Oriented: A focus on achieving sales targets and contributing to the overall success of the franchise.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused: All collaborations, whether with internal teams or clients, are driven by the goal of delivering the best possible custom solution.

• Process-Driven: A structured approach to sales and design, ensuring all steps are followed to maintain quality and efficiency.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open communication channels to resolve issues quickly and keep projects on track.

• Feedback Integration: A willingness to share and receive feedback to continuously improve designs, sales techniques, and client service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative excellence, sales drive, and customer service. The franchise model might introduce a more localized, community-oriented feel alongside the established brand values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sales Target Pressure: Consistently meeting monthly sales goals in a commission-based environment can be challenging.

• Client Management: Balancing diverse client expectations, personalities, and budgets while maintaining professionalism.

• Logistical Complexity: Managing a territory, scheduling appointments, and coordinating with installation teams can be demanding.

• Learning Proprietary Software: Adapting to and mastering a new, specific CAD design tool requires focused effort.

• Market Competition: Differentiating California Closets and its offerings in a competitive home improvement and design market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Design Training: Ongoing training on new product lines, design trends, and advanced CAD software usage.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine consultative selling techniques, negotiation skills, and closing strategies.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Sales Managers or Franchise Owners to develop business acumen and leadership potential.

• Networking: Connecting with industry professionals through company events and local design communities.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways to senior design roles, sales management, or other leadership positions within the franchise network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for high-performing sales roles, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals who excel in sales and design and show potential for leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Process: "Describe your typical consultative sales process from initial client contact to closing the sale." Be prepared to walk through your methodology, emphasizing client needs assessment, solution presentation, objection handling, and closing techniques.

• Design Approach: "How do you approach a new design project for a client you've just met? What are your key considerations?" Focus on understanding client lifestyle, space constraints, aesthetic preferences, and budget.

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you faced a challenging client or a difficult design problem. How did you resolve it?" Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and client management capabilities.

• Motivation & Goals: "What motivates you in a sales role, especially a commission-based one? What are your career aspirations?" Align your motivations with sales success, client satisfaction, and long-term growth within the company.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What do you know about California Closets and our brand?" Show you've researched the company's history, mission, and market position as a "design authority."

• Teamwork: "How do you collaborate with installation teams or other departments to ensure project success?" Highlight your communication and coordination skills.

• Adaptability: "How comfortable are you learning new software, specifically CAD design tools?" Emphasize your willingness and ability to adapt to new technologies.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show pictures; explain the client's problem, your solution, and the positive outcome.

• Quantify Results: If possible, include metrics like space saved, increased functionality, or client testimonials.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your design sketches, CAD renderings, or mood boards to illustrate your creative and technical process.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, highlighting your strongest and most relevant work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of sales acumen, design creativity, and client management skills. Be ready to articulate your processes clearly and showcase your ability to adapt to company-specific tools and methodologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in consultative sales, interior design, space planning, and customer service. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Exceeded sales targets by X%," "Managed Y client projects per month").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best design projects, focusing on custom storage solutions. Ensure it includes visuals and brief descriptions of your process and the client's outcome. Be ready to discuss it in detail.

• Research California Closets: Understand their brand promise, product offerings, and market positioning. Familiarize yourself with their design aesthetic and customer service philosophy.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your sales process, design approach, and why you are a strong fit for a commission-based, client-facing role. Practice explaining how you would use their proprietary CAD software.

⚠️ 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.