Studio Design Consultant

Studio Design Consultant

Position Reports to: Studio Manager

Direct Reports to position: N/A

Location: Division Studio

KEY FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

• The primary role of the Studio Design Consultant is to drive option sales and revenue, which has a substantial and significant impact on overall company profitability.  While driving option sales and creating revenue is the primary objective of this position, the means to achieving this goal is crucial: The Studio should be about the experience, not any one upgrade or sample. By driving the holistic Studio experience, option sales and referral sales will follow.
• Seamlessly execute the Studio option selection process, managing the customer and the appointment immediately following a signed contract. Streamline the decision-making process, effectively conveying benefits of upgrades through product knowledge and expertise.  Recognizes The Studio as an integral part of the customer journey.
• Support our commitment to design as well as world class customer service, by utilizing strong, influential communication and negotiating skills.  In this capacity, design consultants play a key role in running and servicing the business, assuming the authority to interpret and implement Studio policies and operating practices as necessary to satisfy buyer requests for personalization while driving option revenue and profitability.
• View the Studio through the perspective of a buyer, identifying innovative ways to display options that inspire the customer to buy.  Communicate openly with Studio Manager to maintain effective displays, current samples and merchandising techniques.  This includes both physical and virtual merchandising, as the consultant must also skillfully utilize the web and iPad to demonstrate options.
• Continued design education is paramount to success regarding selling options.  Time management is crucial, and ample time must be set aside for research, seminars, trade shows, forums, site visits, and training sessions with designers and trade partners. Studio Consultants must not only remain current on design trends, but also be able to articulate the importance of these trends to buyers.
• Supports the sales teams through personal, one-on-one previews with potential buyers or by organizing group preview events that reach all BP levels effectively. Studio Design Consultants are also expected to attend monthly or quarterly special events hosted in The Studio or model homes.
• Acts as a liaison in the customer experience, bridging communication between the sales agent and construction team.
• Facilitates the construction process through organized paperwork/selections and utilizing the Studio module via Dynamic Builder.  Manage the item rule set up and administrative processes required to make Dynamic Builder an effective tool during the selection process.
• Communicates the need for product updates with specific recommendations as well as communicates homeowner feedback regarding product pricing
• Support Ashton Wood Collections as they apply to creating new styles, stories and administrative tasks which could include training and sales team assistance

KEY SKILLS/EXPERIENCED REQUIRED

• 5 years of design experience.  Residential interior design or retail / construction experience a plus
• College degree in Design or related field
• Solid understanding of core design principles and color concepts and proven ability to apply
• Ability to think and sketch three-dimensionally to illustrate design concepts, floor diagrams, furniture plans and custom requests.
• Displays strong knowledge of interior finishes, including wood species, natural stone and hardware
• Computer-savvy (Excel, PowerPoint) and ability and desire to learn how to design with new technology
• Strong active listening skills, in addition to solid written and verbal communication skills
• Strong work ethic, takes initiative, learns and applies new information quickly
• Ability to lift up to 15lbs as needed
• Maintains a professional image as the face of Ashton Woods to the consumer