Interior Design Consultant - Brighton Homes
π Job Overview
Job Title: Interior Design Consultant
Company: Brighton Homes (NEX Building Group Pty Ltd)
Location: Loganholme, Queensland, Australia
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Sales & Customer Relations / Design & Architecture
Date Posted: October 2, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Client-Centric Design Guidance: This role is pivotal in guiding new homeowners through the crucial selections phase of their building journey, ensuring a personalized and positive experience.
- Product Specification Expertise: You will be responsible for educating clients on a wide range of interior and exterior products, materials, and finishes, translating their vision into tangible design choices.
- Customer Satisfaction Focus: A primary objective is to achieve exceptional customer satisfaction by providing expert product support, tailored guidance, and a seamless selection process.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: This position requires close collaboration with various internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure accurate specification and client needs are met throughout the building process.
π Enhancement Note: This role, while situated within a building group, requires a strong blend of sales acumen, customer service excellence, and interior design expertise. The emphasis on "selections journey" and "product specification" suggests a consultative sales approach rather than pure design conceptualization, with a direct impact on client satisfaction and project progression.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Engage with clients from their initial visit to the design studio through their selection and electrical appointments.
- Provide comprehensive product support and expert guidance to help clients select interior and exterior details, materials, and finishes that align with their personal style and the home's overall design.
- Develop customized design concepts for interior and exterior elements, including color palettes, flooring, lighting, and electrical specifications.
- Interpret client needs accurately and translate them into detailed design concepts and contract documents.
- Write clear and concise specifications for all interior design-related selections.
- Provide on-the-spot pricing and accurate cost estimations for selected products and finishes.
- Coordinate effectively with other disciplines, such as sales, construction, and electrical teams, to ensure seamless project execution.
- Utilize available technology and systems to meticulously record all client revisions, selections, and re-selections.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a direct client-facing role with a significant emphasis on detailed specification writing and accurate estimating. This suggests a need for strong organizational skills and a meticulous approach to documentation, critical for managing client expectations and project scope within the construction context.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Certificate in Interior Design and Decoration or a relevant tertiary qualification in a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 2-5 years of solid experience in colour consulting, ideally within the residential building industry.
- Proven track record in customer service excellence and client consultation.
Required Skills:
- Interior Design & Colour Consulting: Demonstrated aesthetic sensibility and strong conceptual skills in interior design and colour schemes.
- Customer Service Excellence: A deep commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience and building strong client relationships.
- Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and accurately understand floor plans and housing contracts.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on detail in client selections, specification writing, and record-keeping.
- Record Keeping & Organization: Strong skills in planning, organizing, and maintaining detailed records of client selections and project details.
- Product Knowledge: Knowledge of a wide range of interior and exterior building products, materials, and finishes.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with clients and internal teams.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in new home selections studios or similar client-facing roles within the construction industry.
- Familiarity with space planning and detailing for residential properties.
- Proficiency in interpreting and specifying lighting and electrical requirements.
- Experience with on-the-spot pricing and estimating for design selections.
- Up-to-date knowledge of relevant building codes, legislation, and current industry trends in interior design and construction.
π Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level, combined with the requirement for a certificate or tertiary qualification, positions this as an intermediate-level role. Emphasis on "new homes selections studio" experience and "colour consulting" points to a specialization within interior design focused on client-driven residential projects.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Client Selection Case Studies: Showcase examples of client consultations where you successfully guided them through complex selections, demonstrating your ability to interpret needs and offer suitable solutions.
- Design Aesthetic Examples: Provide visual examples of your design aesthetic, highlighting your versatility in different styles and your ability to create cohesive and appealing interiors.
- Specification Documentation Samples: Include samples of detailed specification documents you have created for interior and exterior finishes, colours, lighting, and electrical components.
- Client Satisfaction Metrics (if available): Any quantifiable data or testimonials demonstrating successful client outcomes and high satisfaction levels.
Process Documentation:
- Client Consultation Workflow: Outline your typical process for a client consultation, from initial meeting to final selection confirmation, including key touchpoints and decision-making stages.
- Product Selection & Specification Process: Detail how you approach the selection of materials and finishes, including research, client presentation, and the formal specification writing.
- Technology Utilization: Describe how you use technology (e.g., CRM, design software, specification tools) to manage client information, track selections, and ensure accuracy.
π Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be explicitly requested for this client-facing role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to client consultations and selections. Demonstrating a structured process for managing client needs, product knowledge, and detailed documentation will be key. The emphasis on "accurately record all revisions and reselections" suggests a need to showcase organizational prowess.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Estimated Range: AUD $60,000 - $85,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Interior Design Consultants with 2-5 years of experience in the Australian residential building sector, specifically within Queensland. Factors considered include the company's status as part of a larger group (NEX Building Group), the client-facing nature of the role, and the comprehensive benefits package offered. Salary data from sources like Seek, Indeed Australia, and industry salary guides for similar roles in major Australian cities were consulted.
Benefits:
- Discount on Building a Home: Opportunity for employees to receive a discount when building a home with any of NEX Building Group's brands (after a qualifying period).
- Income Protection Insurance: 100% funded by NEX, covering up to 2 years at 75% of base salary in case of illness or injury.
- Purchased Leave: Option to apply for up to 2 additional weeks of leave annually.
- Paid Parental Leave: 12 weeks for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers.
- Employee Discounts: Access to discounts on gym memberships (Fitness Passport), motor vehicles (Mitsubishi), home appliances, energy, health insurance, and more.
- AIA Vitality Health and Wellbeing Program: A program focused on promoting employee health and wellbeing.
- Diversity and Inclusion Focus: Commitment to diversity and inclusion, including initiatives like the Women in Construction Program and annual Building Inclusivity Awards.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support for mental, financial, and physical wellbeing.
- Online Learning & Professional Development: Access to a wide catalog of online learning resources and ongoing professional development programs.
- NAWIC and HIA Corporate Membership: Corporate memberships providing access to industry resources and networks.
- Attractive Remuneration: Competitive salary and benefits package.
Working Hours:
- Typically 40 hours per week.
- Willingness to work Saturdays as required, which is common in client-facing sales and selection roles within the new home building industry.
π Enhancement Note: The benefits package is exceptionally strong, particularly the paid parental leave and income protection insurance, indicating a strong employee-centric culture at NEX Building Group. The inclusion of discounts on building a home is a unique and valuable perk for this industry. The requirement to work Saturdays is a standard expectation for this type of role.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Residential Home Building and Construction. Brighton Homes is a brand under the NEX Building Group, a large and diverse organization with a significant presence in the Australian housing market. Company Size: NEX Building Group is a substantial organization, employing over 1300 people across Australia. This indicates a stable, growing company with established processes and resources. Founded: NEX Building Group was established in 1987, signifying decades of experience and evolution in the home building sector.
Team Structure:
- Reporting: The Interior Design Consultant reports to the Design Studio Manager.
- Team: Part of the MyChoice Design team, specifically servicing Brighton Homes' clientele. This implies a specialized focus within a larger design studio network.
- Collaboration: Works closely with sales teams, construction personnel, and other design consultants to ensure a cohesive client experience from sale to specification.
Methodology:
- Client Engagement: Focus on a welcoming, modern, and engaging customer experience within the MyChoice Design Studio.
- Design Process: Emphasizes a personalized approach to selecting interior and exterior details, materials, and colours to reflect individual client taste.
- Efficiency: Utilizes technology for accurate record-keeping and management of client selections and revisions.
Company Website: nexbg.com.au
π Enhancement Note: As part of NEX Building Group, Brighton Homes benefits from the resources and stability of a large, established organization. The MyChoice Design Studio model suggests a standardized yet personalized approach to client selections, aiming to create a positive and memorable experience during a significant life event. The emphasis on "building beautiful homes for Australians" and "better futures" points to a mission-driven culture.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Interior Design Consultant," typically an intermediate-level position within a design or sales support function. It requires specialized knowledge and client-facing experience but is not generally considered an entry-level or senior management role.
Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the Design Studio Manager. This indicates a clear line of supervision and a structured management hierarchy within the design studio.
Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating sales role, the Interior Design Consultant significantly impacts the company's revenue and client satisfaction. Positive client experiences during the selections phase can lead to reduced client churn, fewer disputes, and strong word-of-mouth referrals, all of which indirectly boost sales and profitability. Accurate specifications also prevent costly errors and variations during construction.
Growth Opportunities:
- Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: With proven success, there could be opportunities to take on more complex projects, mentor junior consultants, or lead specific design initiatives.
- Design Studio Management: Progression to a Design Studio Manager role, overseeing operations, staff, and client flow within a studio.
- Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas, such as sustainability in design, advanced electrical specification, or custom home design consulting.
- Cross-Brand Opportunities: Potential to move into design roles for other brands within the NEX Building Group, offering exposure to different market segments.
- Professional Development: Access to a "huge catalogue of online learning" and ongoing professional development programs provided by NEX Group.
π Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests that this role is ideal for someone looking to deepen their expertise in the residential construction selections process. Growth paths are clear, particularly towards management or specialized design consultancy within the broader NEX Building Group ecosystem.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in a "welcoming, modern, and engaging" MyChoice Design Studio. This environment is designed to be client-friendly and conducive to detailed design discussions.
Office Location(s): The specific studio is located at 3926 Pacific Highway, Loganholme, QLD 4129. This is a dedicated design studio, not a typical office cubicle environment.
Workspace Context:
- Client Interaction: The primary focus of the workspace is client consultation, requiring a professional, organized, and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Tools & Technology: Expected to utilize available technology for client management, specification recording, and potentially design visualization tools.
- Team Interaction: Regular collaboration with the Design Studio Manager and potentially other design consultants or sales representatives.
Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) with the expectation of working Saturdays as required. This flexibility is crucial for accommodating client availability.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment is highly client-centric, meaning presentation, organization, and a calm, professional demeanor are paramount. The Loganholme location is specific, and candidates should assess its suitability for their commute. The Saturday work requirement is a key aspect of the schedule.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and application, focusing on relevant experience in interior design, colour consulting, and customer service within the building industry.
- First Interview: Likely with the Design Studio Manager. Expect questions about your experience, design philosophy, approach to client consultation, and problem-solving skills. You may be asked to discuss your understanding of the new home building process.
- Portfolio Review (Informal): While not explicitly called a "portfolio review," be prepared to discuss your past projects and design choices. Examples of your work, particularly in colour consulting and interior selections for residential properties, will be highly valuable.
- Second Interview/Assessment: Potentially with a senior manager or HR representative. This stage may involve behavioral questions, scenario-based questions (e.g., "How would you handle a difficult client?"), and further assessment of cultural fit.
- Final Offer: Subject to satisfactory employment screening, which may include a National Police Check and pre-employment medical.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Focus on Relevance: Showcase projects that align with the new home building sector and client selections. Highlight your ability to work within defined product ranges and client budgets.
- Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain your process: understanding client needs, presenting options, making selections, and documenting specifications.
- Visual Appeal: If presenting digital examples, ensure high-quality images and clear explanations. For colour consulting, show cohesive palettes and material combinations.
- Client-Centricity: Emphasize how your design choices met client needs and contributed to their satisfaction.
- Technical Accuracy: Be ready to discuss your understanding of specifications, product suitability, and basic cost implications.
Challenge Preparation:
- Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "A client wants a specific high-end finish, but it's outside their budget. How do you handle this?" or "How do you manage multiple client selections appointments in a single day?"
- Product Knowledge: Brush up on common interior finishes, materials, and current design trends relevant to new home construction.
- Company Research: Understand Brighton Homes' brand positioning and typical aesthetic. Familiarize yourself with the NEX Building Group's values and offerings.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess your ability to blend design acumen with strong client management and sales-support skills. Be ready to demonstrate how you translate client desires into concrete, specified selections within the framework of a home builder's offerings.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- CRM System: Likely a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system used by NEX Building Group or its brands to manage client leads, track interactions, and record selections. Candidates should be comfortable learning and using new CRM platforms.
- Specification Software: Potentially specialized software for creating detailed interior and exterior specifications, or a robust system for documenting selections within the CRM.
- Design Software (Basic): While not a primary architectural role, familiarity with design visualization tools (e.g., basic AutoCAD, SketchUp, or specific interior design software) could be beneficial for client presentations or understanding floor plans.
- Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word (for specifications), Excel (for basic pricing/estimating, data tracking), and Outlook (for communication) is essential.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Selection Tracking Tools: Systems or spreadsheets used to track client selections, material usage, and potentially cost variations.
- Reporting Dashboards: Potentially internal dashboards that track studio performance, client conversion rates, and consultation efficiency.
CRM & Automation:
- Client Database Management: The core function will involve managing client data accurately within the CRM.
- Workflow Automation (Internal): The company may use workflow automation for internal processes related to design approvals, ordering, or client communication triggers.
π Enhancement Note: While specific software names are not provided, the role implies a need for proficiency in client management systems and tools that facilitate detailed documentation and specification writing. Adaptability to learn new company-specific software is key. The emphasis on "accurately record all revisions and reselections" highlights the importance of data integrity within these systems.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Customer Focus: A paramount value, evident in the "MyChoice Design Studio" concept and the emphasis on customer satisfaction and helping clients create a reflection of their personal style.
- Excellence: A commitment to providing an "unbeatable level of customer support" and delivering high-quality design outcomes.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with "other disciplines" and within the MyChoice Design team to ensure a cohesive client experience.
- Integrity: Accuracy in pricing, specifications, and record-keeping is crucial for client trust and project success.
- Innovation: While grounded in established processes, there's an underlying goal of creating "beautiful homes" and evolving within the industry. NEX Group's stated purpose of "building beautiful homes for Australians and better futures" underscores a broader vision.
Collaboration Style:
- Team-Oriented: Works within a dedicated design team under a Studio Manager, requiring shared responsibility for studio operations and client satisfaction.
- Cross-Functional: Must liaise effectively with sales, construction, and potentially procurement teams to ensure that client selections are feasible and accurately communicated.
- Client-Led: The primary collaboration is with the client, requiring active listening, empathy, and clear communication to guide their decisions.
π Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of customer-facing service, operational efficiency, and a shared passion for creating homes. The NEX Building Group's emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing suggests a supportive internal environment.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Managing Client Expectations: Balancing client desires with budget constraints, available product options, and buildability requirements can be challenging.
- High-Volume Client Interaction: The role involves frequent client appointments, requiring stamina and consistent high performance.
- Accuracy in Detail: Ensuring every selection, specification, and price is recorded accurately is critical to avoid costly errors and client dissatisfaction.
- Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with a vast array of product options, industry trends, and new materials in a dynamic market.
- Weekend Work: The requirement to work Saturdays means balancing work and personal life.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Product Specialization: Deepen knowledge of specific product categories (e.g., flooring, lighting, sustainable materials) to become a subject matter expert.
- Client Consultation Skills: Enhance techniques for active listening, negotiation, and persuasive communication in a design context.
- Industry Trends: Stay abreast of emerging design styles, material innovations, and building regulations through provided learning resources and potential industry events.
- NEX Group Development Programs: Leverage the "huge catalogue of online learning" and professional development programs for broader skill enhancement, potentially in areas like project management or advanced sales techniques.
- Career Progression: As outlined in the "Career & Growth Analysis" section, pathways exist towards senior roles or management.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers a direct path to mastering the intricacies of the new home selections process. The challenges are inherent to a client-facing role in a high-stakes industry, but the company's commitment to learning and development provides ample opportunity for professional growth.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- Client Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a client who is indecisive, has unrealistic expectations, or is unhappy with a specific product option. Focus on your problem-solving approach and client management skills.
- Design Process: Articulate your step-by-step process for consulting with a new home buyer on their interior selections, from initial meeting to finalising specifications.
- Product Justification: Explain how you would recommend specific products or materials to a client, considering aesthetics, durability, budget, and building requirements.
- Handling Revisions: Describe your system for managing and documenting client changes or re-selections to ensure accuracy and avoid errors.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Motivation: Why Brighton Homes and NEX Building Group? What attracts you to this specific role within a new home builder's design studio?
- Values Alignment: How do your personal values and work ethic align with NEX Group's stated values (e.g., customer focus, excellence, diversity)?
- Teamwork: Describe a time you collaborated effectively with colleagues from different departments (e.g., sales, construction) to achieve a common goal.
- Weekend Work: Express your understanding and willingness to work Saturdays as required for this role.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Visual Examples: Have 2-3 concise examples of past projects ready to discuss. Focus on the client's original brief, your proposed solutions (especially colour palettes and material selections), and the outcome.
- Process Explanation: For each example, clearly explain your role, the steps you took, and how you ensured client satisfaction.
- Technical Detail: Be ready to briefly explain the types of specifications you typically create (e.g., finishes, lighting, electrical) and your approach to accuracy.
- Showcase Versatility: If possible, demonstrate experience with different styles or client needs to show adaptability.
π Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design sensibility, exceptional customer service, meticulous organization, and an understanding of the residential construction process. Your ability to translate client needs into tangible, specified selections will be key.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Interior Design Consultant position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on the connex.csod.com portal.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in interior design, colour consulting, customer service, and any previous work within the residential building or selections studio environment. Use keywords from the job description.
- Prepare Your 'Portfolio': While a formal portfolio may not be required, compile examples of your design work, colour palettes, and ideally, brief case studies of client consultations. Be ready to discuss your process and outcomes.
- Research Brighton Homes & NEX Building Group: Familiarize yourself with their brand, typical home styles, and company values. Understand their mission of "building beautiful homes for Australians."
- Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions about your design approach, client management skills, experience with specifications, and willingness to work weekends.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with NEX Building Group or Brighton Homes before making application decisions. The role is client-facing and requires a strong aesthetic sense combined with sales and organizational skills.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have solid experience in colour consulting and a commitment to excellence in customer service. A certificate in Interior Design and Decoration or a relevant tertiary qualification is required, along with strong attention to detail and knowledge of industry trends.