Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant
Company: Gabriella White
Location: Pineville, NC, US
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Retail / Sales / Design
Date Posted: January 09, 2026
Experience Level: 0-2 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Sales and Client Engagement: Drive sales of luxury furniture and accessories by engaging with clients, understanding their design needs, and offering personalized solutions. This role is crucial for revenue generation within the retail environment.
• Design Expertise and Consultation: Leverage knowledge of fabrics, finishes, and interior design principles to assist clients in crafting beautiful and functional living spaces, transforming visions into reality.
• Relationship Building and Clienteling: Develop and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional service, including potential home visits, to foster loyalty and repeat business.
• Showroom Representation: Act as a brand ambassador within the showroom, showcasing the Gabby and Summer Classics brands and creating an inspiring customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Design Consultant" within a luxury retail environment, specifically for furniture brands Gabby and Summer Classics. The emphasis is on blending sales acumen with design expertise. The "0-2 Years" experience level suggests a focus on individuals with foundational skills and a strong desire to learn and grow within the company, rather than extensive prior experience. The role involves direct client interaction, sales targets, and a focus on creating personalized design solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Consultation and Needs Assessment: Engage with customers to understand their design preferences, functional requirements, and budget, providing expert advice on furniture selection, layout, and styling.
• Sales Generation and Conversion: Proactively identify sales opportunities, guide clients through the product selection process, and close sales to meet or exceed individual and showroom targets.
• Showroom Presentation and Merchandising: Maintain a visually appealing and organized showroom environment, ensuring products are displayed attractively and information is readily available.
• In-Home Design Services (as applicable): Conduct client consultations at their homes to better assess space, lighting, and existing decor, providing tailored design recommendations.
• Relationship Management and Follow-up: Build and nurture long-term client relationships through personalized follow-up, addressing inquiries, and providing ongoing design support.
• Product Knowledge Development: Continuously expand knowledge of Gabby and Summer Classics product lines, including materials, construction, customization options, and design trends.
• Transaction Processing: Accurately process sales orders, manage client paperwork, and coordinate with logistics for delivery and installation.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with sales and showroom teams to achieve collective goals and support a positive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a dual focus on sales execution and design consultation. The emphasis on "luxury products," "timeless style," and "elevated, meaningful spaces" indicates a need for a sales professional who can articulate value and aesthetic appeal, not just transactional selling.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A background in design, business, marketing, or a related field is considered a strong asset, indicating a preference for candidates with a foundational understanding of relevant principles.

Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in design or high-end retail is required, demonstrating a need for candidates who have some practical exposure to client-facing roles, luxury goods, and sales environments.

Required Skills:

• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to sell luxury products, understand client needs, and drive sales to meet targets.
• Design Sensibility: Knowledge of fabrics, finishes, and interior design principles to create appealing and functional spaces.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for effective client interaction and relationship building.
• Customer Service Excellence: Ability to provide personalized service and build lasting relationships.
• Problem-Solving: Creative and professional approach to resolving client challenges and design dilemmas.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work weekends regularly and adapt to varying client needs and special events.
• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable using Microsoft Office, an iPad, and learning new systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with space planning software or tools like RoomSketcher.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a client book or referral network.
• A genuine passion for interior design and home furnishings.
• Experience in a showroom or boutique retail setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is derived from the "What You Bring" section of the job description, directly translating the stated requirements into skill-based bullet points for clarity. The "Preferred Skills" are inferred from the overall context of a "Design Consultant" role in a luxury furniture setting, suggesting that familiarity with design software and clienteling would be advantageous.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 projects that demonstrate your ability to translate client needs into successful design outcomes.
• Sales Achievement Examples: Quantify your sales performance with examples of exceeding targets, successful clienteling, or significant sales contributions.
• Client Relationship Examples: Illustrate your approach to building and maintaining client relationships, potentially including testimonials or descriptions of client interactions.
• Product Application: Include examples of how you've used specific furniture pieces or design elements to solve client problems or achieve a desired aesthetic.

Process Documentation:

• Client Consultation Process: Outline your typical approach to initial client consultations, from discovery questions to proposal development.
• Sales Cycle Management: Describe your process for guiding a client from initial contact through to closing the sale and post-sale follow-up.
• Design Solution Development: Explain how you approach creating design concepts, selecting products, and presenting them to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job description does not explicitly mention a portfolio requirement, for a "Design Consultant" role, especially in a luxury retail context, a portfolio demonstrating design sensibility and sales success is a standard expectation. This section outlines what such a portfolio would ideally contain, focusing on tangible examples of client work and sales achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Design Consultant role with 0-2 years of experience in Charlotte, NC, the estimated hourly rate is between $18-$25 per hour, plus commission and sales bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• Hourly Pay + Commission: A competitive base hourly wage supplemented by commission on sales, directly rewarding performance.
• Sales Bonus Opportunities: Additional incentives and bonuses tied to sales performance, offering further earning potential.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential counseling and support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Chaplain Services: Support services for spiritual and emotional well-being.
• Generous Employee Product Purchase Discount: Significant discounts on Gabby and Summer Classics products, allowing employees to furnish their own spaces with high-quality items.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. The job description explicitly states that weekends are required regularly, and flexibility for special events is also needed. Specific shift details are not provided but would typically align with retail operating hours and sales team coverage needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Charlotte, NC area, considering the provided experience level and the commission/bonus structure. The listed benefits are directly extracted from the "What We Offer" section. The working hours are detailed based on the explicit requirement for weekend work and the general nature of full-time retail roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Furniture & Home Decor Retail. Gabriella White operates as the parent company for Gabby and Summer Classics, known for their high-end outdoor and transitional furniture. This industry demands a focus on quality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, and exceptional customer experience. Company Size: Family-owned and operated since 1987, with growth across all business areas. While exact employee numbers aren't provided for the outlet, the parent company is established, suggesting a stable yet growing organization. This size often implies a close-knit culture with opportunities for direct impact. Founded: 1987. This long history indicates stability, established brand reputation, and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• Showroom-based Sales Team: The Design Consultant will be part of a team of sales professionals working within the Charlotte, NC Outlet showroom.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaboration is expected with other sales associates, showroom management, and potentially operations or design support teams within the broader Gabriella White organization.
• Family-Owned Ethos: The culture likely reflects the values of being family-owned and operated, emphasizing dedication, enthusiasm, synergy, integrity, goal-orientation, and nimbleness (DESIGN).

Methodology:

• Design-Centric Approach: The core of the business is design, focusing on creating beautiful and functional spaces.
• Client-Focused Sales: Emphasis on building relationships and providing personalized service to drive sales.
• Quality and Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality products and timeless style.
• Growth and Innovation: The company is actively growing and looking for talented individuals to contribute.

Company Website: https://www.gabriellawhite.com/ (Note: This is a general company website, specific outlet details may vary)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is inferred from the provided description, highlighting the "DESIGN" acronym (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble) and the family-owned nature. The industry context of luxury furniture is critical for understanding the expected client interactions and service standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career position within the sales and design domain. It's ideal for individuals looking to build foundational sales and design consultation skills in the luxury retail sector.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will likely report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager responsible for the Charlotte, NC Outlet. This manager would oversee daily operations, sales performance, and team development.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation. Their ability to connect with clients, understand design needs, and close sales contributes significantly to the outlet's financial performance and the overall success of Gabriella White's brands. Positive client experiences also build brand loyalty and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Expertise Development: Opportunity to hone sales techniques, product knowledge, and clienteling skills in a high-end market.
• Design Skill Enhancement: Gain practical experience in interior design consultation, space planning, and product application.
• Career Advancement: Potential to progress into senior Design Consultant roles, Showroom Management, or specialized sales positions within Gabby or Summer Classics.
• Product & Brand Mastery: Deepen expertise in luxury furniture and home decor, becoming a trusted advisor in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a "Design Consultant" typically involves building sales and design expertise. This enhancement details potential progression within a luxury retail environment, focusing on skill development and advancement opportunities within the company's brands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at a retail outlet showroom. This environment is customer-facing, visually stimulating, and focused on product display and sales interaction.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC (Outlet). The specific location within Charlotte would be an outlet setting, implying a focus on accessibility and a welcoming environment for shoppers.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Floor: The primary workspace will be the beautifully designed showroom, surrounded by high-quality furniture and accessories.
• Client Interaction Zones: Designated areas within the showroom for consultations, product demonstrations, and closing sales.
• Technology Integration: Use of iPads and potentially other digital tools for design visualization, product information, and sales processing.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: Working alongside other sales professionals, fostering a team environment focused on shared goals and client satisfaction.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time role requiring regular weekend availability. The schedule will likely involve shifts that cover the showroom's operating hours, including evenings and weekends, to maximize customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the "On-site" nature of the role and the context of a retail outlet showroom. The emphasis is on the visual aspects of the workspace, client interaction, and the collaborative team dynamic typical of such settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• Phone/Video Interview: A conversation with a hiring manager to discuss your background, interest in the role, and understanding of design and sales.
• In-Person Interview/Showroom Visit: An opportunity to visit the Charlotte, NC outlet, meet the team, and potentially present a portfolio or discuss design concepts in person.
• Sales/Design Simulation: You may be asked to demonstrate your sales approach or discuss a design challenge relevant to the role.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Vision: Include a diverse range of projects that highlight your aesthetic, understanding of different styles, and ability to solve design problems.
• Quantify Sales Success: If possible, include metrics or examples that demonstrate your sales performance and ability to close deals in a retail or client-service context.
• Highlight Client Interaction: Show examples of how you engage with clients, understand their needs, and build rapport. Case studies of successful client collaborations are ideal.
• Focus on Luxury Aesthetics: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding of luxury products and high-end design principles relevant to Gabby and Summer Classics.
• Keep it Concise and Relevant: Tailor your portfolio to the specific requirements of a Design Consultant role in furniture retail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific client's design needs or a particular space challenge.
• Sales Pitch: Practice articulating the value proposition of luxury furniture and how you would close a sale.
• Brand Knowledge: Research Gabby and Summer Classics to understand their brand identity, product lines, and target market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical interview process for a retail sales and design role, incorporating advice on portfolio preparation and potential interview challenges based on the job description's emphasis on design, sales, and client interaction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing inventory, and tracking sales data.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System: To manage client information, track interactions, and facilitate follow-up.
• iPad: For product catalog access, design visualization, space planning, and potentially sales presentations.
• Microsoft Office Suite: For general business tasks, communication, and potentially report generation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales performance dashboards or reports generated by the POS/CRM system.
• Client data analysis to identify trends and opportunities.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM software for clienteling and sales pipeline management.
• Potential use of email marketing or automated follow-up tools for client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are based on the "What You Bring" section's mention of "Microsoft Office, an iPad, and learning new systems," and common technology used in high-end retail sales environments, including CRM and POS systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design: A core value that permeates all aspects of the business, from product to client experience.
• Dedication: Commitment to excellence in client service and sales performance.
• Enthusiasm: A positive and energetic approach to work, client interactions, and design.
• Synergy: Collaboration and teamwork to achieve collective success.
• Integrity: Honesty and ethical conduct in all dealings with clients and colleagues.
• Goal-Oriented: Focus on achieving sales targets and personal/team objectives.
• Nimble: Adaptability and responsiveness to market changes and client needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working collaboratively with fellow Design Consultants and showroom staff to achieve shared sales goals and provide a seamless client experience.
• Client-Centric: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction in all interactions and decisions.
• Supportive: A culture where team members assist each other in client service and sales efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are directly extracted from the company's stated core values (DESIGN) and the general ethos of a family-owned business in the luxury sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Sales Quotas: Consistently achieving sales targets in a competitive luxury market.
• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively integrating design consultation with the drive to close sales.
• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide range of client tastes, budgets, and expectations.
• Staying Current with Trends: Keeping up-to-date with interior design trends and the latest product offerings from Gabby and Summer Classics.
• Weekend Work Requirements: Adapting to a schedule that regularly includes weekends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sales Training: Continuous development in luxury sales techniques, negotiation, and clienteling.
• Design Workshops: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of interior design principles, space planning, and product application.
• Product Immersion: Extensive training on Gabby and Summer Classics product lines, materials, and craftsmanship.
• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from experienced sales professionals and showroom management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inferred from the demands of a retail sales and design role, while growth opportunities are aligned with typical career development paths in this industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Approach: "How would you approach a client who is unsure about their design style?" or "Describe a time you successfully upsold a client on a higher-value item."
• Design Consultation: "How do you stay updated on interior design trends?" or "Walk me through how you would help a client furnish a living room."
• Problem-Solving: "A client is unhappy with a delivery. How would you handle this situation?" or "How do you handle a client who has a very tight budget for a luxury item?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Gabby and Summer Classics?"
• "Why are you interested in working for a family-owned company?"
• "How do you embody our core values of DESIGN (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble)?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's initial needs, your design process, the solutions you provided, and the successful outcome.
• Highlight Sales Impact: If possible, connect design projects to sales achievements or client satisfaction that led to repeat business.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you've used tools like RoomSketcher or iPads for client presentations.
• Show Passion: Express your genuine enthusiasm for design and luxury furnishings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to reflect the core requirements of the role, focusing on sales skills, design acumen, client interaction, and cultural fit with Gabriella White's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in sales, customer service, design, or high-end retail. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased sales by X%," "Managed Y client accounts").
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of design projects, sales successes, and client interactions. Be ready to discuss your process and results.
• Research the Brands: Familiarize yourself with Gabby and Summer Classics, their product lines, and their brand aesthetic. Understand their market position.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate why you are a great fit for this role, emphasizing your passion for design, sales skills, and commitment to client satisfaction.

⚠️ 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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