Design Consultant (On-Site in Nashville, TN)
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Design Consultant Company: Gabriella White (Home of Gabby and Summer Classics) Location: Nashville, TN, US Job Type: Full Time Category: Sales / Retail / Design Date Posted: November 11, 2025 Experience Level: 0-2 Years Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Engage clients in a consultative sales process to understand their design needs and translate them into tangible furniture and accessory solutions.
- Leverage deep product knowledge of luxury furniture, fabrics, and finishes to guide client selections and ensure project success.
- Build and nurture long-term client relationships through personalized service, including potential home visits, to foster loyalty and repeat business.
- Represent the Gabriella White brands (Gabby and Summer Classics) with enthusiasm, articulating their value proposition and unique selling points to diverse clientele.
📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a blend of consultative sales within a high-end retail or showroom environment, with a significant emphasis on client relationship management and understanding design aesthetics. The role requires a sales-oriented individual with a passion for interior design and luxury products.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth client consultations to understand their aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, and budget for interior design projects.
- Develop and present tailored design solutions using Gabby and Summer Classics product lines, creating compelling proposals and visual aids.
- Manage the sales cycle from initial contact through closing, including order processing, follow-up, and post-sale support.
- Proactively identify opportunities to upsell or cross-sell products, enhancing the client's overall design vision and increasing transaction value.
- Maintain an organized and inspiring showroom environment, ensuring products are well-presented and information is readily available.
- Conduct personalized home visits to assess client spaces, provide on-site design advice, and confirm product suitability.
- Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., logistics, customer service) to ensure seamless order fulfillment and client satisfaction.
- Stay current with industry trends, product updates, and design best practices through continuous learning and professional development.
- Achieve and exceed monthly sales targets and performance metrics through effective client engagement and strategic selling.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to reflect a sales-focused role with a strong design component. Emphasis is placed on consultative selling, client relationship management, and achieving sales goals within a luxury retail context, consistent with the company's brands.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: A background in design, business, marketing, or a related field is a significant advantage. Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in interior design, luxury retail sales, or a client-facing sales role is required.
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to build rapport and lasting relationships with clients.
- Strong consultative sales skills, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with a diverse clientele.
- A keen eye for design aesthetics, understanding of fabrics, finishes, and space planning principles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable learning new software and systems, including iPad-based applications.
- Creative problem-solving abilities to address client needs and overcome design challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Flexibility to work weekends and potentially special events as required by the business.
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with space planning software such as RoomSketcher or similar tools.
- Experience selling luxury products and a deep appreciation for high-end furnishings.
- A genuine passion for interior design and creating beautiful, functional spaces.
- Ability to articulate the brand story and value of Gabby and Summer Classics.
📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are tailored to reflect a role that balances sales acumen with design expertise. The experience requirement is kept at a junior to mid-level, reflecting the 0-2 year experience range, while emphasizing transferable skills from design or high-end retail backgrounds.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate examples of successful client engagements, showcasing your ability to understand needs and deliver design solutions.
- Include case studies or project summaries that highlight your sales process and the successful application of design principles.
- Showcase your ability to present product selections effectively, perhaps with mood boards or conceptual layouts.
- Highlight any experience with space planning tools or visual presentation methods.
Process Documentation:
- Candidates are encouraged to be prepared to discuss their personal sales process and how they manage client relationships from initial contact to post-sale.
- Be ready to explain how you would approach a client consultation, from discovery to proposal.
- Familiarity with order management processes in a retail or sales context.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required, but candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and approach through their resume and during interviews. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical sales and design process skills rather than a formal portfolio submission.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants with 0-2 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like Nashville, TN, a base salary range of $45,000 - $60,000 annually is estimated. This range is supplemented by monthly incentives and bonuses, which can significantly increase total compensation based on performance.
Benefits:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match after 12 months of employment.
- Paid time off, including sick leave, vacation days, and holidays.
- Parental leave benefits.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services.
- Chaplain Services for emotional and spiritual well-being.
- Generous employee discount on company products.
Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role necessitates regular weekend availability to accommodate client schedules and showroom operations.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data for similar sales and design roles in Nashville, TN, considering the cost of living and the luxury retail sector. The inclusion of "monthly incentives and bonuses" is crucial, as it's a significant part of the potential earnings for this role.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Luxury Furniture, Interior Design, Retail. Gabriella White operates within a market segment focused on high-end, desirable home furnishings, catering to discerning clients and design professionals. Company Size: Gabriella White, encompassing Gabby and Summer Classics, is a growing, family-owned and operated business. While specific employee numbers are not provided, its description as "growing in all areas" suggests a dynamic, medium-sized enterprise with a strong established presence. Founded: The company has been family-owned and operated since 1987, indicating a long-standing commitment to its values and a stable operational history.
Team Structure:
- The Design Consultant will likely be part of a showroom sales team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Director.
- The team is characterized by a collaborative spirit, valuing "Synergy" and "Enthusiasm" as core tenets.
- Cross-functional collaboration is expected, particularly with customer service and logistics to ensure seamless client experiences.
Methodology:
- The company's core values (DESIGN: Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble) guide its operational methodology.
- Emphasis on data-driven decision-making ("Goal-Oriented," "Nimble") combined with a client-centric approach.
- A focus on continuous improvement and adaptation within the dynamic luxury market.
Company Website: https://www.gabriellawhite.com/ (Note: This URL is derived from the domain name and may need verification if it's not the primary careers or brand site.)
📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is explicitly defined by its DESIGN values. This provides a strong framework for understanding expected behaviors and team dynamics within Gabriella White, highlighting a blend of passion, professionalism, and drive.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry to mid-level within the sales and design spectrum. It offers a foundational opportunity for individuals looking to build a career in luxury retail sales and interior design consultation. Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Lead, who oversees daily operations and sales performance within the showroom environment. Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue generation through sales. They also play a crucial role in brand advocacy and customer satisfaction, influencing client perception and long-term loyalty, which are critical for a luxury brand's sustained success.
Growth Opportunities:
- Sales Advancement: Potential to progress into Senior Design Consultant, Key Account Manager, or Showroom Management roles, leading larger client portfolios or teams.
- Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in luxury product lines, advanced design principles, and consultative sales techniques.
- Brand Specialization: Become an expert in specific Gabby or Summer Classics collections, potentially leading to specialized training or advisory roles.
- Leadership Potential: For high performers, opportunities may arise to mentor new team members or take on leadership responsibilities within the showroom.
📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes both sales achievement and deepening design expertise, reflecting the dual nature of the Design Consultant role. The company's family-owned and growing status suggests potential for organic advancement.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in a 100% on-site showroom environment in Nashville, TN. This is a customer-facing role within a beautifully designed retail space. Office Location(s): Nashville, TN. The specific showroom location within Nashville is not detailed but is implied to be a premium retail space reflecting the brands' luxury positioning.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace is a high-end furniture showroom, providing an inspiring and aesthetically pleasing environment surrounded by luxury products.
- Access to company resources, product samples, and potentially design software on provided devices (e.g., iPad).
- Daily interaction with clients, fellow sales associates, and showroom management, fostering a collaborative and customer-centric atmosphere.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time role requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Critically, weekend availability is a regular expectation due to the nature of retail operations and client accessibility.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature and the requirement for weekend work are key environmental factors for candidates to consider, highlighting the customer-facing and retail operational demands of the position.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
- First Interview: Typically conducted by a hiring manager (e.g., Showroom Manager), focusing on your sales experience, design aptitude, and cultural fit with Gabriella White's values (DESIGN). Be prepared to discuss your approach to consultative selling and client relationship building.
- Second Interview/In-Person Assessment: May involve a showroom visit, a practical design exercise, or a presentation of past work (if applicable). This stage assesses your ability to engage with the product and environment, and your communication style.
- Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on long-term career aspirations and alignment with the company's strategic vision.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- While a formal design portfolio may not be mandatory, be prepared to discuss specific client projects from your past, highlighting challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.
- If you have any visual examples of your design work or space planning, have them readily accessible on a tablet or printed copies to share when discussing your design capabilities.
- Focus on storytelling: articulate the client's needs, your design process, and how you successfully met those needs using products relevant to Gabriella White's offerings.
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "increased client satisfaction by X%", "managed projects up to $Y in value").
Challenge Preparation:
- Expect scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a client who is undecided between two similar pieces?" or "How would you approach a client looking for a complete room makeover on a tight budget?"
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of luxury retail sales and what differentiates exceptional customer service in this market.
- Prepare to articulate your passion for design and how you stay inspired by current trends.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio guidance is tailored to a sales-consultant role, emphasizing practical experience, communication skills, and the ability to articulate value in a luxury retail setting.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general business communication, reporting, and record-keeping.
- iPad & Tablet Applications: Likely used for client presentations, product catalogs, space planning software, and potentially CRM access.
- CRM System: While not explicitly named, a Customer Relationship Management system is highly probable for tracking client interactions, sales pipelines, and managing leads.
- Space Planning Software: Familiarity with tools like RoomSketcher or similar applications is preferred for visualizing client spaces and furniture arrangements.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Basic reporting on sales performance, client engagement metrics, and potentially showroom traffic.
CRM & Automation:
- Likely use of a CRM for managing client data, sales activities, and follow-ups.
- Potential for order management systems that may have some automation features for processing and tracking orders.
📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred to support sales, client management, and design visualization. Proficiency with standard office tools and a willingness to learn specific showroom/CRM systems are key.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Dedication: Commitment to clients, the company, and achieving sales goals.
- Enthusiasm: Bringing passion and positive energy to client interactions and the showroom environment.
- Synergy: Working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to achieve collective success.
- Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical practices in all client and business dealings.
- Goal-Oriented: Focused on achieving and exceeding sales targets and personal development objectives.
- Nimble: Adaptable to market changes, client needs, and evolving business strategies.
Collaboration Style:
- A team-oriented approach within the showroom, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues to create a positive client experience.
- Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement.
- Emphasis on shared success and collective contribution to the showroom's overall performance.
📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of the DESIGN values provides a clear roadmap to the company's culture. Candidates should align their responses and behavior with these core principles, demonstrating how they embody each value in a professional setting.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Sales & Design: Effectively merging consultative sales techniques with genuine design expertise to meet diverse client needs and aesthetics.
- Managing Client Expectations: Navigating client desires against budget constraints or product limitations, requiring creative problem-solving and clear communication.
- Weekend Retail Demands: Adapting to a work schedule that regularly includes weekends, which is common in retail but requires careful personal time management.
- Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously learning about new product lines, design trends, and competitor offerings to maintain a competitive edge.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Product Expertise: Deep dive into the extensive Gabby and Summer Classics collections, becoming a brand ambassador with in-depth knowledge.
- Sales Techniques: Training in consultative selling, luxury client relationship management, and closing strategies.
- Design Skills: Opportunities to refine space planning, color theory, and interior styling skills through on-the-job experience and potential workshops.
- Industry Exposure: Gaining insight into the luxury furniture market and the dynamics of high-end retail.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in luxury sales and design roles, offering opportunities for skill development and professional growth. The learning opportunities are directly tied to excelling in this specific role and company.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you successfully sold a high-value product to a hesitant client. What was your approach?" (Focus on consultative selling, understanding objections, and building confidence.)
- "How do you stay updated on interior design trends and incorporate them into your client recommendations?" (Highlight your passion for design, research methods, and ability to apply trends contextually.)
- "Imagine a client wants a complete living room overhaul but has a limited budget. How would you approach this scenario?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, prioritization, and creative product selection skills.)
- "What does exceptional customer service mean to you in the context of luxury furniture sales?" (Emphasize personalized service, attention to detail, and building long-term relationships.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What do you know about Gabriella White, Gabby, and Summer Classics?" (Research the brands' history, style, and target audience.)
- "How do you embody the DESIGN values (Dedication, Enthusiasm, Synergy, Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Nimble) in your professional life?" (Provide specific examples for each value.)
- "Why are you interested in working for a family-owned and operated company?" (Connect your values to the company's structure.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- If you bring examples of past work, focus on the process and results. Explain the client's initial brief, your design concept, how you selected products, and the final outcome.
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of luxury retail and how you would present yourself and the brands to clients.
- Practice articulating your sales process clearly and concisely.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is geared towards assessing sales acumen, design sensibility, cultural fit, and understanding of the luxury market, aligned with the company's core values and brand identity.
📌 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, and any design-related background. Quantify achievements with numbers and specific results where possible. Use keywords from the job description such as "design," "sales," "luxury products," "client relationship," and "space planning."
- Prepare your talking points: Based on the interview preparation section, have clear, concise stories and examples ready to demonstrate your skills and alignment with Gabriella White's values.
- Research the brands: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with Gabby and Summer Classics. Understand their aesthetic, target market, and unique selling propositions. This will be crucial for demonstrating genuine interest and fit.
- Practice your pitch: Be ready to articulate why you are a great candidate for this role and how you can contribute to the success of the Nashville showroom.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
A background in design or related fields is preferred, along with at least a year of experience in design or high-end retail. Strong communication skills and a passion for beautiful spaces are essential.