Design Consultant (On-Site in Nashville, TN)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant Company: Gabriella White Location: Nashville, TN, US Job Type: Full Time Category: Sales & Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-08T20:48:00 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive client engagement and sales within a luxury furniture showroom environment, focusing on personalized design consultations.
• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional service, including in-home visits and tailored design recommendations.
• Act as a brand ambassador for Gabby and Summer Classics, articulating brand values and product features to a discerning clientele.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a seamless customer experience from initial consultation to final delivery, optimizing the client journey.
• Leverage design expertise in fabrics, finishes, and space planning to translate client visions into tangible, aspirational living spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a hybrid sales and design role within a retail operations context. The focus on "selling furniture" and "monthly incentives and bonuses" highlights the sales-driven nature of this position, which interfaces directly with customer operations and client relationship management. This role is crucial for driving revenue through consultative sales and exceptional client experience management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage with clients in the showroom to understand their design needs, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements for their living spaces.
• Conduct personalized in-home consultations to assess client environments, take measurements, and gather detailed project scope information.
• Develop and present customized design proposals, including furniture selections, fabric swatches, finish options, and space layout recommendations.
• Utilize design software and tools, such as RoomSketcher, for effective space planning and visualization to aid client decision-making.
• Build and nurture a client base through proactive follow-up, personalized communication, and relationship management to foster repeat business and referrals.
• Manage the sales cycle from initial contact through to closing, ensuring all client needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
• Process sales orders accurately, coordinate with logistics for deliveries, and handle any post-sale inquiries or issues to maintain high customer satisfaction.
• Achieve and exceed monthly sales targets and performance goals through effective sales techniques and client engagement strategies.
• Stay abreast of current design trends, product knowledge for Gabby and Summer Classics brands, and best practices in luxury retail sales.
• Contribute to showroom visual merchandising and product presentation to create an inspiring and inviting client experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are heavily weighted towards direct client interaction, sales conversion, and relationship management. The "operations" aspect lies in the efficient execution of the sales process, accurate data management within CRM/sales systems (implied), and ensuring a smooth client journey from consultation to fulfillment. This role requires strong organizational skills to manage client appointments, follow-ups, and sales pipeline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A background in Design, Business, Marketing, or a closely related field is highly advantageous.
• Formal education in Interior Design or a related field will be considered a strong asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience in design consultation or high-end retail sales.
• Proven track record in selling luxury products and building client relationships.
• Experience with client-facing roles that involve personalized service and consultative approaches.

Required Skills:

• Design Acumen: Strong understanding of fabrics, finishes, furniture styles, and interior design principles.
• Sales Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to sell luxury products, manage a sales pipeline, and close deals effectively.
• Client Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal skills for building rapport, understanding client needs, and fostering long-term relationships.
• Communication Skills: Articulate and persuasive verbal and written communication, capable of engaging with diverse clientele.
• Problem-Solving: Creative and analytical approach to resolving client design challenges and ensuring satisfaction.
• Technical Aptitude: Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite, iPads, and adaptable to learning new sales and design software.
• Space Planning: Familiarity with space planning tools or software (e.g., RoomSketcher) for creating effective room layouts.
• Positive Attitude & Professionalism: A confident, stylish, and genuinely passionate demeanor.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work weekends regularly and adapt to special event schedules.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment and contribute to a positive showroom atmosphere.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM systems for client tracking and sales management.
• Knowledge of interior design software beyond basic space planning tools.
• Existing network of design professionals or clientele in the Nashville area.
• Bilingual abilities (if applicable to the local market).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend creative design expertise with robust sales and client-facing operational capabilities. Proficiency in specific software like RoomSketcher is explicitly mentioned, pointing to the need for practical application of design tools within the sales process. The emphasis on "luxury products" and "high-end retail" indicates a need for a sophisticated approach to customer engagement and transaction management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successful client projects, demonstrating your ability to interpret and execute design visions.
• Include case studies highlighting how you've used design expertise to solve client problems or enhance their living spaces.
• Present a range of projects that demonstrate versatility in style and application of different fabrics and finishes.
• Provide evidence of client relationship building and satisfaction, potentially through testimonials or project outcome descriptions.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal sales process, from initial client engagement to closing the sale and post-sale follow-up.
• Articulate how you manage your client pipeline, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely follow-through on commitments.
• Explain your approach to in-home consultations, including methodology for measurements, client needs assessment, and proposal development.
• Discuss how you utilize design tools and technology to streamline your workflow and enhance client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" as in a graphic design role might not be expected, candidates are implicitly asked to demonstrate their design and sales process through their experience and interview responses. The ability to articulate a structured approach to client engagement, sales, and design execution is crucial, indicating a need for candidates who can demonstrate operational efficiency in their client interactions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The position likely offers a base salary supplemented by monthly incentives and bonuses.
• Based on industry standards for Design Consultants in luxury retail in Nashville, TN, with 0-2 years of experience, a competitive base salary could range from $40,000 to $55,000 annually.
• Total compensation, including performance-based incentives and bonuses, could potentially range from $50,000 to $75,000+ annually, depending on sales performance and market demand.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Plans: Comprehensive medical coverage to support employee well-being.
• 401(k) Plan with Match: Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions after 12 months of service.
• Paid Time Off: Includes sick leave, vacation days, and holiday pay, providing work-life balance.
• Parental Leave: Support for new parents during a significant life event.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for mental and emotional well-being.
• Chaplain Services: Access to spiritual and emotional support resources.
• Generous Employee Product Purchase Discount: Significant discounts on Gabriella White's luxury furniture and accessories.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, likely requiring approximately 40 hours per week.
• The role necessitates regular weekend availability and flexibility for special events, which is common in the retail sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation structures for retail sales and design consultant roles in a high-cost-of-living area like Nashville, factoring in the luxury market segment. The inclusion of performance-based incentives is a key component of the total compensation package, emphasizing the sales-driven nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing, Luxury Goods, Interior Design. Company Size: Gabriella White is a growing, family-owned and operated company, indicating a potentially close-knit team environment with opportunities for direct impact. Founded: 1987. This long-standing history suggests stability and established expertise in the luxury furniture market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant will likely be part of a showroom sales team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Director.
• Collaboration is expected with other sales consultants, design associates, and potentially operations or logistics staff to ensure smooth client experiences.
• The company culture emphasizes "DESIGN" – Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble – suggesting a fast-paced, collaborative, and results-driven environment.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and fulfilling client design visions through personalized service and consultations.
• Sales-Driven Operations: Emphasis on achieving sales targets through effective sales techniques, relationship building, and performance incentives.
• Brand Storytelling: Active promotion of the Gabby and Summer Classics brands, highlighting their heritage, quality, and design philosophy.
• Continuous Improvement: A "Nimble" value suggests an openness to adapting and improving processes and strategies.

Company Website: https://www.gabriella-white.com/ (Implied from company name and description)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is explicitly defined by its "DESIGN" values. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate alignment with these principles, particularly enthusiasm, synergy (collaboration), integrity, and a goal-oriented mindset, which are critical for success in a sales and client-facing operations role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to junior-level within the sales and client operations spectrum. It serves as a foundational role for individuals interested in a career in luxury retail, interior design sales, or client relationship management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Lead. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight for sales performance and client interaction standards.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue generation through sales of luxury furniture. They also significantly influence customer satisfaction and brand perception through their personalized service and design expertise, contributing to customer loyalty and repeat business, which are key operational metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Advancement through demonstrating consistent sales performance, expertise in design, and strong client management skills.
• Showroom Management: Potential progression into leadership roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing sales teams and showroom operations.
• Specialized Design Roles: Opportunities to focus on specific product lines or client segments (e.g., hospitality, high-end residential) based on developing expertise.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into related areas like Merchandising, Marketing, or Client Services, leveraging acquired client and product knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is clearly defined within a sales and client service framework. Growth is tied to performance metrics and the development of specialized skills in luxury sales and design. Candidates should view this role as a stepping stone into a broader career in retail operations or the interior design industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a high-end, beautifully designed furniture showroom. This setting is visually stimulating and curated to inspire clients and showcase the brands' offerings.

Office Location(s): The role is exclusively on-site in Nashville, TN. The specific showroom location would be provided upon application or interview.

Workspace Context:

• Client-Facing: The primary workspace is the showroom floor, interacting directly with clients.
• Collaborative: Opportunities to collaborate with fellow sales consultants, sharing insights and best practices.
• Product-Rich: Constant exposure to a wide array of luxury furniture, fabrics, and finishes, fostering continuous learning and inspiration.
• Technology Integration: Use of iPads and potentially desktop systems for client management, order processing, and design visualization.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment, likely adhering to standard business hours but with a strong requirement for weekend availability.
• Flexibility is key, as retail environments often require coverage during peak shopping times and for special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The showroom environment is a critical aspect of the role, blending sales with an immersive design experience. Candidates should be comfortable and enthusiastic about working in a retail setting that requires both aesthetic sensibility and customer engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and possibly a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• In-Person Interview: Candidates will likely meet with the hiring manager (e.g., Showroom Manager) to discuss their design background, sales experience, and understanding of the luxury market. This stage will focus on assessing personality, communication skills, and alignment with company values (DESIGN).
• Design/Sales Scenario: You may be asked to walk through a hypothetical client scenario, demonstrating your approach to consultation, problem-solving, and sales techniques.
• Showroom Tour & Product Knowledge: A tour of the showroom and questions about your familiarity with furniture styles, fabrics, and finishes might be included.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term career aspirations, and overall fit within the Gabriella White organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prepare a Concise Presentation: If asked to present a portfolio, focus on 3-5 key projects that best showcase your design skills, client management abilities, and sales impact.
• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the client's needs, your design approach, the challenges faced, and the successful outcome, emphasizing your role and contributions.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, include metrics related to sales performance or client satisfaction that demonstrate your effectiveness.
• Showcase Versatility: Include projects that highlight your ability to work with different styles, budgets, and client types.
• Digital or Physical: Be prepared to present your portfolio either digitally (e.g., PDF, online portfolio) or with physical samples, depending on the interviewer's preference.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions that require you to think on your feet, such as "How would you handle a client who is unhappy with a fabric selection?" or "How would you approach a client who has a very limited budget but wants a high-end look?"
• Brand Knowledge: Research the Gabby and Summer Classics brands thoroughly. Understand their history, design philosophy, target market, and key product differentiators.
• Sales Pitch Practice: Practice articulating your value proposition as a Design Consultant and how you can contribute to client satisfaction and the company's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of design aptitude, sales acumen, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to articulate their personal design and sales processes, demonstrate brand enthusiasm, and showcase their ability to connect with clients in a luxury retail environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely used for client tracking, managing leads, sales pipeline, and customer data. Specific CRM not mentioned, but proficiency in general CRM principles is expected.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general business communication, reporting, and data management (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• iPad/Tablets: Used for client presentations, accessing product catalogs, space planning software, and potentially order processing.
• Space Planning Software: Explicitly mentions familiarity with tools like RoomSketcher, indicating a need for practical application in visualizing client spaces.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly detailed, sales performance will likely be tracked using CRM data and potentially internal sales reporting tools.
• Understanding of basic sales metrics (e.g., conversion rates, average transaction value) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Key for managing client interactions and sales workflows.
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Likely used for processing transactions and managing sales orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with customer-facing technology is essential. Candidates should highlight any experience with CRMs, POS systems, and design visualization tools, as these are integral to the operational execution of the Design Consultant role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Dedication: Commitment to client satisfaction and achieving sales goals through consistent effort.
• Enthusiasm: Passion for design, the brands, and creating positive client experiences.
• Synergy: Collaborative spirit, working effectively with colleagues to achieve shared showroom objectives.
• Integrity: Honesty and transparency in all client interactions and business dealings.
• Goal-Oriented: Focus on achieving and exceeding sales targets and performance metrics.
• Nimble: Adaptability to changing client needs, market trends, and business requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be collaborative, sharing insights and supporting team members to create a cohesive showroom experience.
• Openness to feedback and continuous learning from colleagues and management.
• Effective communication with cross-functional teams (e.g., logistics, customer service) to ensure seamless client fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values (DESIGN) are central to its culture and operational approach. Candidates must demonstrate how they embody these values in their daily work, particularly in client interactions and team collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Client Acquisition & Conversion: Attracting new clients and converting leads into sales in a competitive luxury market.
• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with the objective of closing sales and meeting targets.
• Managing Client Expectations: Handling diverse client needs, budgets, and aesthetic preferences to ensure satisfaction.
• Weekend Work: Adapting to a work schedule that requires regular weekend availability, common in retail operations.
• Product Knowledge Retention: Staying updated on the extensive product lines, customization options, and brand stories of Gabby and Summer Classics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Expertise: Deepen knowledge of luxury furniture, materials, and design trends through ongoing training and exposure.
• Sales Skill Enhancement: Develop advanced consultative selling techniques and client relationship management strategies.
• Design Software Proficiency: Gain expertise in using design visualization tools for client presentations.
• Industry Exposure: Learn about the broader interior design and luxury retail sectors.
• Career Advancement: Potential to move into senior sales roles, management positions, or specialized areas within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities for individuals passionate about design and sales to develop within a supportive, family-owned business. Challenges are typical of luxury retail sales roles, with growth potential tied to performance and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for consulting with a new client in a luxury showroom setting." (Focus on client needs assessment, rapport building, and design exploration.)
• "How do you approach a client who is unsure about their design style or has conflicting ideas?" (Highlight problem-solving, active listening, and guiding clients.)
• "Walk me through a time you successfully sold a high-value item or a complex design project." (Emphasize sales techniques, client communication, and achieving results.)
• "What interests you about the Gabby and Summer Classics brands specifically?" (Showcase your research and genuine enthusiasm for the company's aesthetic and values.)
• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends and incorporate them into your client recommendations?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and creative application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody our core values of DESIGN (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble) in your work?" (Prepare specific examples for each value.)
• "What do you think makes for a positive and productive team dynamic in a showroom environment?" (Focus on collaboration, support, and shared goals.)
• "How would you handle a situation where a client is dissatisfied with a product or service?" (Showcase problem-solving, empathy, and commitment to client resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as narratives that highlight client challenges and your successful design solutions.
• Visual Impact: Ensure any visual aids are high-quality and clearly showcase the design outcome.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.
• Client Focus: Consistently tie your design choices and sales efforts back to client needs and satisfaction.
• Brand Alignment: Briefly mention how your design sensibilities align with the aesthetic of Gabby and Summer Classics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of salesmanship, design sensibility, and a customer-centric approach that aligns with the company's "DESIGN" values. Understanding the luxury market and the specific brands is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.
• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight relevant experience in design consultation, luxury retail sales, client relationship management, and any proficiency with design or CRM software. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Preparation: If you have a design portfolio, ensure it is well-organized and ready to be shared. Prepare to speak about your projects in detail, focusing on client outcomes and your role. Even without a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss specific examples of your design work and sales successes.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Gabriella White, Gabby, and Summer Classics. Understand their brand identity, design philosophy, and target market. This knowledge will be crucial for demonstrating your fit during the interview.
• Practice Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to sales, customer service, design, and problem-solving, especially those tailored to a luxury retail environment. Rehearse articulating your personal sales and design process.

⚠️ 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.