Part Time or 1099 Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant (Part-Time or 1099)

Company: Up Closets of Savannah

Location: Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This client-facing role focuses on in-home consultations to drive sales of custom closet and storage solutions, directly impacting revenue generation.

• Requires a blend of sales acumen, design sensibility, and operational efficiency in managing client interactions and project handoffs.

• Involves utilizing design software and technology to create compelling proposals and ensure seamless project execution from consultation to installation.

• Operates as a commission-based role, emphasizing individual performance and direct contribution to company sales targets and operational throughput.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Consultant" title, combined with "in-home consultations," "design process," and "sales performance" strongly indicates a role focused on the initial revenue-generating touchpoint of the sales cycle, with operational implications for lead management, sales forecasting, and customer onboarding. The mention of "commission-based" and "sales experience" positions this as a direct sales role with operational responsibilities in managing client relationships and sales pipelines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home consultations with homeowners to meticulously understand their storage needs, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements.

• Leverage company-provided design software to conceptualize and present customized closet and space solutions that align with client vision and optimize space utilization.

• Develop and present detailed, accurate estimates and proposals for custom closet systems, clearly outlining project scope, materials, and investment.

• Collaborate closely with the installation team to ensure precise and efficient implementation of designed spaces, facilitating smooth project handoffs and client satisfaction.

• Provide exemplary customer service and maintain consistent, proactive communication throughout the entire design and installation lifecycle, fostering client trust and loyalty.

• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment during client consultations and while handling company tools and materials.

• Adhere strictly to company policies and procedures governing design, sales, customer service, and operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are sales-oriented, the emphasis on "design custom closets and spaces using our software," "Provide estimates and proposals," and "Collaborate with the installation team" highlights operational aspects of the sales process. This includes data input into design tools, proposal generation (a form of sales operations documentation), and cross-functional coordination with the installation/production team, which is a key GTM operations function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background or demonstrated aptitude in design, interior decorating, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience:

• Required: Sales experience is a prerequisite. Proficiency in technology and the ability to quickly learn and utilize design software is essential.

• Preferred: Direct design experience, particularly in home improvement or custom solutions, is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

• Sales Experience: Proven ability to engage prospects, understand needs, and close deals.

• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable using laptops, tablets, and specialized design software.

• Design Software Aptitude: Ability to learn and effectively use proprietary design tools for 3D modeling and proposal generation.

• Excellent Communication Skills: Clear, concise, and persuasive verbal and written communication.

• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and trust with clients in a home environment.

• Organizational Skills: Effective management of client appointments, design files, and follow-up tasks.

• Time Management Skills: Ability to efficiently schedule and conduct consultations, manage design time, and meet deadlines.

• Valid Driver's License & Reliable Transportation: Essential for in-home client consultations and travel within the service area.

• Independent Work Ethic: Ability to manage workload and client interactions with minimal direct supervision.

• Teamwork Orientation: Willingness to collaborate with installation teams and support colleagues.

• Detail-Oriented: Keen eye for accuracy in measurements, designs, and proposals, ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Passion for Design: Genuine interest in interior design, space optimization, and creating appealing home environments. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in custom closet design or home organization solutions.

• Familiarity with CRM systems for managing client interactions and sales pipelines.

• Experience in consultative selling methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a mix of sales and operational skills. "Proficiency in technology and ability to understand design software" points to the need for technical operational competence. "Organizational skills," "time-management skills," and "Ability to work independently" are critical for managing the sales cycle operationally. The "commission-based" nature implies a strong focus on sales pipeline management and forecasting, which are core to sales operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of successful sales consultations, highlighting client needs assessment and solution proposal.

• Examples of custom designs created, showcasing creativity, space optimization, and adherence to client specifications.

• Case studies illustrating the client journey from initial consultation through to project completion, emphasizing customer satisfaction.

• Evidence of effective proposal generation, including clear scope, pricing, and presentation. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and follow the company's established sales and design process from lead engagement to project handover.

• Understanding of how to document client interactions, design choices, and project details within the company's CRM or design software.

• Familiarity with the workflow of handing off completed designs and client specifications to the installation team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement" in the traditional sense for operations roles, the nature of a "Design Consultant" role implies a need to showcase design work, sales success, and client management. For operations professionals, this would translate to demonstrating how they've managed sales processes, utilized design tools effectively, and contributed to revenue generation through efficient client engagement. The emphasis on "design software" and "collaboration with installation team" hints at process integration points.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year. This is a commission-based role, meaning earnings are directly tied to sales performance. The stated range represents the potential earning capacity for successful consultants.

Benefits:

• Employee Discounts: Access to discounted Up Closets products and services.

• Flexible Schedule: Ability to manage personal schedule around client appointments and work demands.

• Performance-Based Bonus: Additional earning potential beyond base commission for exceeding sales targets.

• Free Uniforms: Provided for professional client-facing appearances.

• Opportunity for Advancement: Potential for career growth within the company.

• Training & Development: Opportunities to enhance sales and design skills.

• Paid Training: Compensation for time spent in initial training programs.

• Tools Provided: Access to necessary design software and potentially other sales tools.

• W2 Employee: Indicates a formal employment status with associated protections and benefits (as opposed to a pure 1099 contractor, though the job title also mentions 1099).

Working Hours: While listed as Part-Time, the role requires flexibility to accommodate client availability, which often includes evenings and weekends. The typical full-time equivalent for such roles is around 40 hours per week, but a part-time arrangement would be discussed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is commission-based, typical for sales roles. The stated range of $50,000 - $100,000 per year for a part-time or 1099 role suggests a significant earning potential based on performance, aligning with roles that have direct revenue impact. The "W2 Employee" benefit contradicts the "1099" in the title, suggesting potential ambiguity or different employment models within the franchise. For operations roles, understanding compensation structures and performance metrics is crucial.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Improvement / Custom Home Furnishings (specifically custom closets and storage solutions).

Company Size: Franchise model, "tight-knit family." Specific employee count not provided but likely varies by franchise location. The "franchise is independently owned and operated" note is critical.

Founded: The founding narrative suggests a company built on innovation, growth, and a passion for transforming spaces.

Team Structure:

• The "Design Consultant" role appears to be an individual contributor role within a local franchise.

• Reports likely to a Sales Manager or Franchise Owner, depending on the franchise's structure.

• Collaborates closely with the installation team, implying a direct link between sales/design and fulfillment operations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizes design software to create tailored solutions based on client input and spatial analysis.

• Customer-Centric Process: Focuses on understanding client needs and ensuring satisfaction throughout the sales and design journey.

• Sales Performance Focus: Emphasizes commission-based earning, driving a results-oriented operational approach.

Company Website: http://www.upclosets.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company positions itself as a "family of creative visionaries, builders, and dreamers" focused on transforming spaces and careers. This suggests a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. The franchise model means that "company culture" can vary by location, but the overarching brand emphasizes innovation and excellence. For operations professionals, understanding how a franchise operates and its reliance on standardized processes while allowing for local adaptation is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to mid-level within a sales and design function. It serves as a primary point of contact for revenue generation and client engagement.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Sales Manager or Franchise Owner, with close collaboration with the installation team.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant is directly responsible for initiating the revenue stream by closing sales. Their ability to accurately assess needs, design solutions, and generate proposals is critical for operational efficiency downstream (installation, production) and for accurate sales forecasting and revenue recognition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Mastery: Develop advanced consultative selling skills, product knowledge, and client relationship management.

• Design Expertise: Deepen understanding of space optimization, materials, and aesthetic trends in custom storage.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to move into sales management, team leadership, or franchise ownership roles within the network.

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in specific design niches or client segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Design Consultant," for operations professionals, the growth path could involve moving into roles like Sales Operations Specialist, Revenue Operations Analyst, or GTM Operations Manager, where they can leverage their understanding of the sales cycle, client data, and process optimization to improve overall revenue performance and efficiency. The "Opportunity for advancement" and "Training & development" benefits suggest a structured path for skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is primarily an on-site, client-facing role, with the "office" being the client's home.

Office Location(s): Richmond Hill, GA 31324, serving the surrounding Savannah area.

Workspace Context:

• Client Homes: The primary workspace involves conducting in-home consultations, requiring professionalism, adaptability, and comfort working in diverse residential settings.

• Remote Work (Limited): While the core function is in-home, there might be a need for administrative tasks or design work from a home office or a designated franchise location, depending on the franchise's setup.

• Tools & Technology: Access to design software and potentially a company laptop or tablet will be provided.

Work Schedule: While listed as Part-Time, the role demands flexibility to meet client needs, often requiring availability during evenings and weekends. This requires strong personal scheduling and time management to balance client appointments with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of client consultations is a key aspect. For operations professionals, this means understanding how field-based sales roles integrate with centralized operations, particularly in areas like lead management, scheduling optimization, and data synchronization from remote consultations back to the main system. The "Flexible schedule" benefit is crucial for managing this dynamic work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of application and resume to assess sales experience and basic qualifications.

• In-Person Interview: An opportunity to discuss sales experience, design passion, and understanding of the role. May involve behavioral questions.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical exercise, such as a mock consultation or a design challenge using the company's software, to evaluate design aptitude and technology proficiency.

• Final Interview: Discussion with the franchise owner or hiring manager to assess cultural fit and long-term potential. Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Sales Achievements: Quantify sales performance with metrics like conversion rates, average deal size, or revenue generated.

• Showcase Design Projects: Present a few key design projects, detailing the client's initial needs, your design solution, and the final outcome. Visuals (photos, renderings) are crucial.

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Explain how you manage client interactions from initial contact through to project completion, emphasizing communication and problem-solving.

• Emphasize Technology Use: Briefly mention experience with design software or CRM tools, and your ability to learn new systems.

• Tailor to Up Closets: Research Up Closets' design style and company values to demonstrate alignment. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your sales process and how you approach overcoming objections.

• Prepare for questions about your design philosophy and how you balance client desires with practical space utilization.

• Familiarize yourself with common closet organization challenges and potential solutions.

• Research the Up Closets brand and its competitors to articulate your value proposition.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, the "portfolio" here is less about formal operations process documentation and more about demonstrating sales effectiveness and design capability. However, the underlying skills—data analysis of sales performance, process adherence, and client management—are transferable. The interview process will likely assess operational efficiency in managing client interactions and sales cycles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Proprietary Design Software: Used for creating 3D renderings, space planning, and generating project proposals. Proficiency in this specific tool will be a key focus.

• CRM System: Likely used for managing leads, client interactions, scheduling, and tracking sales pipeline progress. Examples could include Salesforce, HubSpot, or a franchise-specific CRM.

• Communication Tools: Standard tools for internal and external communication (e.g., email, phone, potentially messaging apps). Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Consultants may have access to dashboards showing their individual sales metrics, commission earnings, and pipeline status.

• Design Software Analytics: Some design tools may offer insights into popular designs, material usage, or efficiency metrics. CRM & Automation:

• Lead Management: Automated lead distribution and follow-up processes.

• Scheduling Tools: For booking client consultations and coordinating with installation teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design software" and a "CRM" is critical. For operations professionals, understanding the capabilities and limitations of these tools, and how they integrate, is fundamental. This role requires a user's understanding of these systems to drive sales and facilitate operational handoffs. Familiarity with CRM data management and reporting is a key operational skill.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction through excellent service and tailored design solutions.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging unique design ideas and efficient space transformations.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with sales, design, and installation teams to achieve project success.

• Results-Oriented: Driving sales performance and contributing to the company's revenue goals.

• Integrity: Maintaining honesty and transparency in all client interactions and business dealings. Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Close collaboration between Design Consultants and the installation team is essential for seamless project execution.

• Client-Centric: A partnership approach with clients, involving them actively in the design process.

• Team Support: While individual performance is key, a "tight-knit family" culture suggests a supportive environment where team members assist each other.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "tight-knit family" culture, combined with "creative visionaries, builders, and dreamers," suggests a collaborative and passionate environment. For operations, this means understanding how to foster communication and alignment between different functional groups (sales, design, installation) to ensure smooth workflow and high customer satisfaction. The emphasis on "customer service" and "collaboration with the installation team" points to a process-driven approach to client management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: Managing personal finances and sales targets in a performance-driven, commission-only environment.

• Balancing Sales and Design: Effectively switching between consultative selling and creative design tasks within client consultations.

• Client Expectations Management: Aligning ambitious client visions with practical design constraints and budget realities.

• Geographic Reach: Managing travel time and efficiency across a service area for in-home consultations.

• Technology Adoption: Quickly mastering proprietary design software and CRM systems. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sales Training: Formal training on consultative selling techniques, objection handling, and closing strategies.

• Design Workshops: Sessions on space planning, material selection, and emerging design trends.

• Product Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Up Closets' product lines, materials, and customization options.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced sales consultants or franchise owners.

• Career Advancement: Pathways to senior consultant roles, sales management, or franchise operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding these challenges is key to identifying areas where process improvements can be made. For example, improving lead qualification, optimizing scheduling for travel, or enhancing CRM data accuracy can directly mitigate some of these challenges and improve overall operational efficiency for the sales team. The growth opportunities highlight a structured path for developing specialized skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your sales process from initial client contact to closing a deal. How do you manage your pipeline?" (Focus on structured approach, CRM usage, follow-up strategies).

• "Walk me through a challenging design project you managed. What were the client's needs, what was your solution, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, creativity, client satisfaction, and process).

• "How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively when scheduling multiple client consultations and design tasks?" (Emphasize time management tools, prioritization, and efficiency). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Up Closets and the custom closet industry?" (Research company mission, values, and market position).

• "How do you approach building rapport and trust with clients in their homes?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and professionalism).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with another team (e.g., installers, designers) to achieve a project goal." (Showcase teamwork and cross-functional communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare 2-3 concise case studies of successful sales consultations. For each, detail:

  • Client's initial problem/need.
  • Your consultation approach and design solution.
  • Any challenges faced and how you overcame them.
  • The final outcome and client satisfaction.

• Use visuals if possible (e.g., mock-ups of designs, photos if you have them).

• Be ready to discuss your sales targets and achievements.

• Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "managed a pipeline of Y leads per month").

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, the interview preparation should focus on demonstrating an understanding of sales operations, process management, and how individual performance contributes to broader GTM strategy. Highlight experience with CRM, sales forecasting, lead management, and process optimization. Frame design and sales experience through an operational lens.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Up Closets careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight sales experience, any design-related skills, customer service achievements, and proficiency with technology and design software. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of past design projects or sales achievements. If you don't have formal design portfolio, prepare to discuss your approach to client consultations and problem-solving with specific examples.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your sales process, how you manage client relationships, and your understanding of design and organization. Practice articulating your experience with specific examples that demonstrate your skills.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Up Closets of Savannah, their design aesthetic, and their approach to customer service. Understand the franchise model and how this role contributes to the local business's success.

⚠️ 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.