Retail Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Design Consultant

Company: Studio McGee

Location: Retail - Trolley Square, Salt Lake City, UT, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Operations / Interior Design Consulting

Date Posted: July 14, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing a high-touch, personalized styling and design experience for customers purchasing furniture and décor, blending retail sales with interior design expertise.

• You will be the primary point of contact for clients, guiding them through the entire design and purchase process, from initial inquiry to post-purchase engagement.

• Responsibilities include applying strong knowledge of design principles, creating room plans and moodboards, and achieving sales goals within the Studio McGee aesthetic.

• Requires maintaining up-to-date expertise on McGee & Co.'s product assortment and effectively communicating product details to inform client purchasing decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Retail Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a hybrid role blending direct sales, client consultation, and interior design application within a retail environment. This is distinct from a pure operations role but heavily involves operational aspects of client management and sales process execution. The target audience for this enhancement will be professionals with a background in interior design, retail sales, or client relationship management who are interested in a client-facing role with a strong design component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the design process, from initial inquiry to order fulfillment, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience that reflects the Studio McGee brand.

• Apply strong knowledge of design principles, including scale, proportion, color theory, and space planning, to create aesthetically pleasing and functional client designs within the Studio McGee aesthetic.

• Confidently discuss and recommend McGee & Co. products, considering details like wood tones, color variations, fabrics, finishes, and comfort to guide clients toward informed purchasing decisions.

• Create detailed room plans, mood boards, and quotes tailored to individual client needs, styles, preferences, and living spaces.

• Maintain up-to-date expertise on McGee & Co.'s entire product assortment, including materials, finishes, dimensions, and new launches, to effectively advise clients.

• Guide clients from inspiration to purchase with authenticity and enthusiasm for the McGee & Co. brand, identifying upselling opportunities and recommending complementary pieces to complete a space.

• Achieve and exceed established sales and productivity goals through exceptional client engagement and product knowledge.

• Manage multiple client projects simultaneously with high attention to detail, tracking client progress, proposals, and selections through to purchase and fulfillment.

• Collaborate effectively with design, sales, and operations teams to ensure timely delivery and overall client satisfaction.

• Support general retail operations as required, including being mobile on the sales floor for extended periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a sales-driven approach within a design context. The emphasis on "achieving sales & productivity goals" and "upselling opportunities" positions this role as a revenue generator. The "Organization & Project Coordination" points also touch on operational aspects of managing client pipelines and ensuring smooth fulfillment, which is crucial for retail operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is listed, a background in Interior Design, Merchandising, or a related field is highly beneficial, as evidenced by the emphasis on design principles and aesthetic. Experience:

• 2+ years of customer service or retail sales experience is required, demonstrating a strong foundation in client interaction and transactional processes.

• 2+ years of experience in interior design and space planning is preferred, with a strong understanding of furniture specifications, scale, and styling principles. This experience is critical for fulfilling the design consultation aspect of the role. Required Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective client interaction and internal collaboration.

• Strong knowledge of design principles, including scale, proportion, color theory, and space planning.

• Proficiency in discussing and recommending furniture and décor, understanding materials, finishes, dimensions, and styling.

• Ability to create detailed room plans, mood boards, and client quotes.

• Proven ability to manage multiple client projects simultaneously with high attention to detail.

• Self-motivation, proactivity, and strong organizational skills to manage client pipelines and sales processes.

• Adaptability to support general retail operations and maintain mobility on the sales floor. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in design presentation software (e.g., CAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar visualization tools) to create compelling client presentations.

• Experience with complex large order completion and coordination, demonstrating an ability to manage intricate sales cycles.

• A demonstrated understanding of the Studio McGee aesthetic and ability to apply it to individual client needs.

• Experience in upselling and identifying complementary product opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred qualifications, particularly "Proficiency in design presentation software," suggest a need for technical aptitude beyond basic design knowledge. The requirement for managing "complex large orders" points to a need for robust project management and organizational skills, which are key operational competencies in high-volume retail environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Work Samples: Showcase a range of interior design projects, including mood boards, space plans, and 3D renderings (if applicable), demonstrating an understanding of scale, proportion, and client aesthetic integration.

• Client Project Examples: Highlight 2-3 client projects from inquiry to completion, detailing the design process, product selection, and final outcome. Emphasize how the Studio McGee aesthetic was incorporated.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Quantify sales performance where possible, detailing how sales goals were met or exceeded, and showcasing successful upselling or complementary product recommendations.

• Process Flow Documentation: Briefly outline your typical client consultation and design process, from initial contact to order fulfillment, highlighting key touchpoints and decision-making stages.

Process Documentation:

• Client Onboarding & Needs Assessment: Demonstrate how you gather client requirements, understand their lifestyle, and translate these into design briefs.

• Design Development & Presentation: Detail your approach to creating mood boards, selecting products, and presenting design concepts to clients, ensuring clarity and buy-in.

• Order Management & Fulfillment Coordination: Explain your system for tracking orders, managing client communications regarding delivery, and coordinating with internal teams (sales, operations) to ensure a smooth fulfillment process.

• Post-Purchase Engagement: Describe strategies for following up with clients to ensure satisfaction and foster repeat business or referrals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial to visually demonstrate design capability and client management skills. The "Process Documentation" aspect should focus on how the candidate operationalizes their design and sales process, showing an understanding of workflow efficiency and client journey management. This is where the "operations" aspect of the job is most evident.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Interior Design Consultants with 2-5 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like Salt Lake City, and considering the retail sales component, a competitive annual salary range would likely fall between $55,000 - $75,000. This range is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, proven sales performance, and negotiation.

• A commission or bonus structure tied to sales performance is highly probable, given the emphasis on sales goals. Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Comprehensive health benefits for full-time Team Members, including:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Hospital indemnity
  • Accident insurance
  • Pet insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO).

• 401k Employer match: 100% of deferrals up to 4% of compensation, providing a strong retirement savings incentive.

• Exclusive Team Member discount at mcgeeandco.com, offering significant savings on company products.

• Access to Team Member warehouse sales, providing further purchasing opportunities.

• Opportunity to be part of a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative team environment. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position. The exact daily schedule will need to meet the needs of the business, implying potential for weekend and evening work. Standard retail hours, likely involving 8-hour shifts, would apply. The job description notes "Scheduling availability and flexibility to meet the needs of the business." A typical work week would be 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the Salt Lake City area, factoring in the blend of design expertise, retail sales, and the company's brand positioning. The detailed breakdown of benefits is directly from the provided text, highlighting the company's investment in employee well-being and financial security, which is attractive to professionals in any field, including operations and design.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Studio McGee operates within the Home Design, Retail, and E-commerce sectors. Their unique approach leverages digital communities and licensing partnerships to expand their brand, distinguishing them in a competitive market. This blend of interior design services and product retail requires a strong focus on brand aesthetic, customer experience, and operational efficiency across multiple channels. Company Size:

• While not explicitly stated in the input, Studio McGee is described as one of the fastest-growing home design brands in America, with a "thriving interiors business," a retail arm (McGee & Co.), licensing partnerships, a Netflix series, and a NY Times Best-Selling book. This suggests a medium to large, rapidly scaling organization with diverse operations. For a Retail Design Consultant, this means opportunities for growth and exposure to various aspects of the business, but also potentially a fast-paced and demanding environment. Founded:

• Founded in 2014, Studio McGee has rapidly evolved from an interiors business to a multi-faceted brand. This relatively young company history suggests a dynamic, innovative, and potentially less hierarchical structure compared to legacy firms, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. Team Structure:

• Operations Hierarchy: The Retail Design Consultant reports to the Senior Store Manager, indicating a clear retail management structure.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires collaboration with "design, sales, and operations teams" to ensure seamless client experiences and timely delivery. This implies a need for strong communication and coordination skills to bridge different functional areas.

• Team Specialization: The company structure supports specialized roles in interior design, retail sales, and broader operations, allowing for focused expertise within each area.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Sales: While not explicitly detailed, the company's success through digital communities and broad brand reach suggests a data-informed approach to understanding customer preferences and market trends, which informs both design and sales strategies.

• Customer-Centric Approach: The emphasis on "high-touch, personalized styling experience" and "world-class customer service" highlights a core methodology centered around client satisfaction and brand loyalty.

• Brand Aesthetic Consistency: A key operational methodology is maintaining the distinct "Studio McGee aesthetic" across all products and client interactions, ensuring brand integrity.

Company Website:

• https://www.studio-mcgee.com/ (Inferred from company name and URL structure)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Studio McGee's rapid growth and multi-channel approach is key. For a Retail Design Consultant, this means the role isn't just about selling furniture; it's about embodying the brand's aspirational yet approachable design philosophy and contributing to a cohesive customer journey across digital and physical touchpoints. The emphasis on "operations" here relates to the efficient management of client projects and sales processes within a retail setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned at an intermediate level, requiring a combination of foundational customer service/sales experience and specialized interior design knowledge. It's a client-facing role with direct impact on revenue generation and customer satisfaction, serving as a crucial touchpoint within the broader retail and design ecosystem. Reporting Structure:

• The Retail Design Consultant reports directly to the Senior Store Manager. This implies a management structure focused on retail performance, sales targets, and in-store operational efficiency. The Senior Store Manager would likely provide guidance on sales techniques, client management, and adherence to store policies and brand standards. Operations Impact:

• The primary impact of this role is direct revenue generation through sales of McGee & Co. products. Beyond sales, the consultant significantly influences customer satisfaction and brand perception through their design expertise and service quality. Successfully managing client projects contributes to efficient inventory turnover and reduces potential operational issues related to returns or dissatisfaction. A well-executed design consultation can lead to larger, more comprehensive sales, positively impacting overall store revenue and profitability. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: With proven sales performance and advanced design skills, there's potential to move into a senior role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior consultants, or specializing in specific design areas.

• Store Management Track: Progressing through the retail management hierarchy, potentially to Senior Store Manager or even District Manager, by demonstrating strong leadership, sales management, and operational oversight skills.

• Design Specialization: Developing expertise in specific product categories or design styles, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Cross-Functional Transition: Opportunities to transition into related roles within the broader Studio McGee organization, such as visual merchandising, product development liaison, or client relations management, leveraging transferable skills in design, sales, and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth paths highlight how a role with strong client-facing and sales components can still offer development opportunities relevant to operations and management, particularly in a growing company. The ability to manage projects and client relationships efficiently is a transferable skill for many operational roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is an on-site role within the McGee & Co. Retail Store at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The environment is expected to be a high-end retail showroom designed to reflect the Studio McGee aesthetic, providing an inspiring backdrop for client consultations and product discovery. Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is the McGee & Co. Retail Store at Trolley Square, Salt Lake City, UT 84102. Trolley Square is a well-known shopping destination, suggesting accessibility and a professional retail setting. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires interaction with clients in a showroom setting and collaboration with internal teams (sales, design, operations), fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

• Tools and Technology: Access to design presentation software and likely a point-of-sale (POS) and customer relationship management (CRM) system will be essential for managing client interactions, proposals, and sales transactions.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with colleagues in sales, management, and potentially back-office operations will be part of the daily routine, contributing to a supportive team atmosphere. The focus is on creating an inspiring and functional space for both staff and customers.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time position requiring flexible scheduling to meet business needs, which typically includes evenings, weekends, and potentially holidays inherent to retail operations. The role necessitates being mobile on the sales floor for extended periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the importance of the physical retail space as a brand ambassador. For operations professionals, understanding this environment means appreciating the need for seamless integration of sales, design, and logistical processes within a customer-facing setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background in design and sales.

• In-Person Interview/Design Challenge: A more in-depth interview, possibly including a practical design exercise or a presentation of your portfolio. This stage will evaluate your design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the Studio McGee aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review: You will be asked to present and discuss your portfolio, highlighting specific projects that demonstrate your ability to manage client relationships, execute designs, and achieve sales objectives. Be ready to articulate your design process and the impact of your work.

• Meet the Team/Senior Management: Potential final interviews with the Senior Store Manager or other key stakeholders to assess team fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best represent your skills in interior design, space planning, client consultation, and sales. Prioritize projects that align with the Studio McGee aesthetic.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the client's brief, your design approach, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the final outcome (including client satisfaction and any sales metrics, if applicable).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your projects. This could include sales figures, client retention rates, or positive feedback.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial consultation and mood board creation to product selection and order management. Show how you manage client expectations and project timelines.

• Address Brand Alignment: Explicitly explain how your design philosophy and past work align with the Studio McGee brand aesthetic and values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical client scenario where you must propose a design concept, select products, and justify your choices, considering budget and functional constraints.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Practice articulating the value proposition of McGee & Co. products and your design services, focusing on how you would upsell and close a sale.

• Operations/Logistics Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would manage multiple client projects simultaneously, handle delivery issues, or coordinate with internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review are critical for this role. Candidates must demonstrate not only design talent but also a strong sales acumen and the ability to manage projects efficiently – key "operations" aspects of a client-facing role. Preparing case studies that highlight both design success and sales outcomes will be paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in design presentation software is preferred. This could include tools like:

  • CAD Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp (for 3D modeling and space planning)
  • Visualization Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign for mood boards and presentations), Keynote/PowerPoint (for presentations)
  • Specialized Interior Design Software: Chief Architect, HomeByMe, or similar platforms.

• CRM System: Likely used for managing client interactions, tracking leads, proposals, and sales pipeline. Specific CRM software is not mentioned, but experience with Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar systems would be transferable.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing transactions, managing inventory, and customer data within the retail store.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, the role requires achieving sales goals, suggesting the use of internal sales dashboards or reporting tools to track performance against targets.

• Client Data Analysis: Basic analytical skills to understand client preferences and purchasing patterns to inform sales strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management: The core of managing client projects relies on effective CRM practices to ensure timely follow-ups, proposal delivery, and order tracking.

• Communication Platforms: Standard office software for email, scheduling, and internal communication (e.g., G Suite, Microsoft Office Suite).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Retail Design Consultant," the technology stack is a blend of creative tools for design and business tools for sales and client management. Familiarity with design software is a direct requirement, while experience with CRM and POS systems points to the operational side of the role. Understanding how these tools integrate to support the client journey is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to providing a "high-touch, personalized styling experience" and "world-class customer service" is paramount. This means prioritizing client needs and satisfaction above all else.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and embodying the "Studio McGee aesthetic" in all client interactions and design recommendations is critical. This ensures a consistent and aspirational brand experience.

• Efficiency & Organization: The ability to manage multiple client projects simultaneously with "high attention to detail" and "track client progress, proposals, and selections" points to a value placed on operational efficiency and meticulousness.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with "design, sales, and operations teams" underscores the importance of cross-functional communication and a supportive team dynamic.

• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design, furniture, and home décor is essential to inspire clients and effectively represent the McGee & Co. brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused Collaboration: The primary collaboration is with clients, requiring active listening, clear communication, and a partnership approach to design.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: A collaborative style that bridges design, sales, and operations is needed. This involves proactive communication, shared problem-solving, and a collective focus on client satisfaction and order fulfillment.

• Feedback Integration: An openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback, particularly from senior management and peers, to continuously improve design and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of aesthetic excellence and operational discipline. For a candidate, understanding these values means recognizing that success in this role requires not only creative talent but also a strong work ethic, organizational skills, and a commitment to teamwork. This aligns with the operational backbone required to support a high-growth design brand.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Client Needs: Effectively translating the distinct Studio McGee aesthetic into designs that also meet diverse individual client preferences, functional requirements, and budgets.

• Managing High Client Expectations: Clients purchasing from a recognized brand often have high expectations for service and design quality, requiring consistent excellence and proactive communication.

• Sales Pressure: Achieving and exceeding sales goals in a competitive retail environment, while maintaining authenticity and a client-centric approach.

• Project Management Complexity: Juggling multiple client projects simultaneously, each with unique timelines, product selections, and potential logistical hurdles, requires robust organizational skills.

• Keeping Pace with Product Assortment: Continuously updating knowledge on a wide range of products, including materials, finishes, and new launches, to provide accurate and compelling recommendations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine skills in space planning, styling, and utilizing design software through hands-on experience and potential internal training.

• Sales & Negotiation Training: Developing advanced sales techniques, upselling strategies, and negotiation skills to maximize revenue and client satisfaction.

• Product Knowledge Deepening: Becoming an expert on the McGee & Co. product line, understanding the nuances of materials, craftsmanship, and design intent.

• Client Relationship Management: Mastering strategies for building long-term client relationships, fostering loyalty, and generating referrals.

• Exposure to Broader Business Operations: Gaining insights into how retail sales, design services, and broader company operations (e.g., inventory, logistics) integrate within a fast-growing design brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in client-facing sales and design roles. The growth opportunities highlight how this position can serve as a stepping stone for developing a comprehensive skillset in design, sales, and client management, which are valuable in many operational contexts.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Client Journey & Design Process: "Describe your process for taking a client from initial inquiry to a finalized design proposal and purchase. How do you ensure alignment with the Studio McGee aesthetic while meeting client needs?" (Focus on your systematic approach, client communication, and design rationale.)

• Sales & Upselling: "Walk me through a time you successfully identified an upselling opportunity or recommended complementary products to a client. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your sales acumen and ability to enhance the client's purchase.)

• Problem-Solving & Design Challenges: "Imagine a client loves a specific sofa but it doesn't quite fit their space's scale. How would you address this challenge?" (Demonstrate your creative problem-solving skills and ability to offer alternatives.)

• Brand Understanding: "What appeals to you about the Studio McGee brand and aesthetic, and how do you see yourself contributing to it in this role?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the brand's identity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Teamwork & Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with other departments (e.g., sales, operations) to ensure a client's successful outcome. What was your role, and what were the key takeaways?" (Prepare examples of cross-functional communication and problem-solving.)

• Handling Difficult Clients: "How do you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with a design proposal or a product selection?" (Focus on your client management, empathy, and resolution skills.)

• Performance Metrics: "How do you stay motivated to meet sales targets? What metrics do you track to gauge your own success?" (Show your drive and understanding of performance indicators.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or client. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the results.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished and easy to navigate. If digital, use high-quality images and a clean layout.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process step-by-step for selected projects, explaining your rationale behind each decision.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – sales figures, client satisfaction levels, successful project completions, etc.

• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your work to the Studio McGee aesthetic and brand values. Show how your style and approach fit the company's vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role requires a dual focus: demonstrating creative design talent and articulating a strong understanding of sales processes, client management, and operational efficiency. Candidates should be ready to discuss how they manage projects and contribute to revenue generation, showcasing their ability to operate effectively within a retail and design context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Retail Design Consultant position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link on ADP WorkForcenow to submit your resume and any requested initial information.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experiences directly relevant to interior design, space planning, customer service, retail sales, and project coordination. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "design principles," "client experience," "sales goals," "mood boards," "product knowledge").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your best design projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your design skills, client management capabilities, and any quantifiable sales achievements. Be ready to present and discuss it during the interview process.

• Research Studio McGee: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the Studio McGee brand, their aesthetic, their products, and their company values. Understand their mission to "Make Life Beautiful."

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on how your skills and experience align with the role's responsibilities, particularly in client consultation, design application, sales achievement, and project management. Be ready to articulate your approach to client engagement and your understanding of the Studio McGee brand.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details, including salary estimates and specific process requirements, should be verified directly with Studio McGee during the application and interview process.