Design Expert, Sales - Interior Define Studio - Santa Monica

As a Design Expert at Interior Define Studio, your main responsibilities include achieving sales targets by providing exceptional customer service, engaging with clients through in-person and virtual consultations, and guiding them in their design choices. You will own the entire customer journey, from initial inquiry through to purchase execution, ensuring a smooth and personal experience. Additionally, you will create spatial plans and mood boards, spearhead sales growth initiatives, and maintain ongoing communication with clients post-purchase to ensure satisfaction.

To qualify for the Design Expert role at Interior Define Studio, candidates should have 2-3 years of sales experience, preferably in the furniture or interior design industry. Experience in interior design is essential, along with the ability to create mood boards and floor plans. A customer-centric approach, goal orientation, exceptional organizational skills, and proficiency with design tools and CRM systems are also crucial for this position. Being adaptable and passionate about design trends is a must!

As a Design Expert at Interior Define Studio, you will lead the sales process by engaging clients from their initial inquiry through to their final purchase. You'll consult with clients on their furniture selections and design choices, ensuring that every aspect of the customer journey is seamless. This involves conducting in-store and virtual consultations, providing tailored advice based on client needs, and proactively following up post-purchase to foster long-term relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.

A Design Expert at Interior Define Studio should be proficient with design tools like Canva and interior design floor planning software. Familiarity with both 2D and 3D design applications is a significant advantage, as these tools are essential for creating compelling mood boards and spatial plans for clients. Being tech-savvy and comfortable adapting to new platforms in a fast-paced, startup-like environment is also critical for success in this role.

Working as a Design Expert at Interior Define Studio comes with a competitive compensation package that offers on-target earnings of $70-80,000+ per year, based on performance. Additional benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401K, company equity, paid time off (PTO), and employee discounts on furniture and design services. Moreover, the role provides growth opportunities within a fast-growing company that's committed to your professional development.

When approaching a new client consultation, it’s important to first build rapport and understand their style preferences, needs, and budget. Begin by asking open-ended questions to gather information about their vision for their space. Use this insight to offer tailored recommendations and guide them through your product offerings, showcasing how your expertise can bring their ideas to life.

In your response, focus on a specific instance where you exceeded a sales target or turned a hesitant customer into a satisfied buyer. Highlight the strategies you used, such as personalized consultation, effective follow-ups, and leveraging product knowledge to address their concerns. Emphasize how this approach led to repeat business or positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Staying current with trends in interior design and furniture is crucial for a Design Expert. I regularly read industry publications, attend design fairs, and follow influential designers on social media. I also participate in webinars and local workshops to further enhance my knowledge and network within the design community, ensuring I can provide clients with the most relevant and stylish options.

I find design software like Canva and specialized floor planning tools to be incredibly effective. These tools allow me to create visually appealing mood boards and spatial plans that help clients visualize their choices. Additionally, using CRM systems to track customer interactions ensures that I provide a personalized and organized experience from inquiry to purchase.

Handling difficult clients starts with empathy and active listening. I always strive to understand their concerns fully and reassure them that their satisfaction is my priority. By staying calm, providing clear solutions, and being transparent about what can be done to address their issues, I aim to transform a challenging situation into a positive experience that reinforces trust.

I employ a combination of personalized service and proactive follow-ups to exceed sales targets. Building strong relationships with clients through attentive consultations helps me understand their needs. I also set specific goals for myself, analyze my sales metrics, and use this data to refine my sales approaches regularly. This strategy allows me to engage clients at various touchpoints, maximizing our chances of closing sales.

When working on a floor plan with a client, I first assess the space and gather information on their lifestyle, needs, and design preferences. Then, I use design software to create initial layouts that reflect these elements. I actively involve the client in this process by discussing options and making adjustments based on their feedback to ensure the final design aligns with their vision.

Prioritizing projects effectively requires strong organizational skills and tools for tracking deadlines. I typically assess the urgency of each project based on client needs and timelines. By utilizing a planner and keeping a communication schedule, I ensure that I maintain timely follow-ups with all clients while allocating my time effectively to meet their individual expectations.

I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to help clients realize their design dreams and create spaces they love. The satisfaction of seeing a client thrilled with their final design motivates me every day. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the furniture industry and the challenge of staying updated with trends and products keeps my passion for this field alive.

Building community presence starts with engaging with local events and fostering relationships with potential clients. I would actively participate in neighborhood initiatives and collaborations with other local businesses to showcase what Interior Define Studio offers. By creating workshops or design sessions, I can both share my expertise and strengthen our brand’s footprint within the Santa Monica community.