Design Assistant

Gabberts, Inc.; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical and/or Dental Coverage

401(k) Employee Contribution Plan

401(k) Employer Matching

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

A leading design firm in Bloomington, Minnesota is seeking a Designer to support multiple interior designers. The role requires strong product knowledge, client engagement, and self-motivation. Candidates should have an Associate or Bachelor's degree in design and 3-5 years of administrative experience. The position involves creating pricing, learning systems, and supporting design processes. Competitive pay consists of $16-$18/hr, transitioning to commission-based earnings.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of administrative experience preferred.
• Must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Drafting and proofreading skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create pricing and proposals.
• Learn basic AS400 functions (inventory, sales entry, scheduling).
• Support designers and help the team.

Skills

Strong product knowledge

Ability to engage and sell

Resilience

Self-motivation

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in design

Job description

To be successful at Gabberts as a designer, these are the key things you’ll need:

• Strong product knowledge ? We work with a wide range of vendors and custom options. You’ll need to know what’s possible so you can confidently guide clients.
• The ability to engage and sell ? Building trust with clients, understanding their needs, and helping them through the design and buying process is essential.
• Resilience ? Interior design is deeply personal. You’re helping clients make decisions about their home, which can be emotional. Staying grounded and professional is a must.
• Motivation - Self motivation is key to success!

The Path to Success

Schedule: Includes one evening and one weekend day.

Pay: $16-$18/hr

You’ll start by supporting multiple Interior Designers. This gives you exposure to different styles, approaches, and processes. This is also where you get familiar with our vendors, systems, and how we work. This is a hands‑on learning phase.

What you’ll focus on:

• Creating pricing and proposals
• Learning basic AS400 functions (inventory, sales entry, scheduling)
• Vendor and product education
• Supporting designers and helping the team

Schedule: Continue as a Design Assistant part‑time, with 2 days a week on the sales floor

Pay: $18 + 1% commission on your personal sales

Once you’re more comfortable, we’ll transition you into a shared role. You’ll still support other designers, but now you’ll start working directly with clients too. This gives you the chance to begin building your own clientele, with support still in place. The goal will be to achieve $250K in sales and that can be achieved by focusing on the following skills and behaviors:

• Engaging with clients on the floor
• Understanding their needs and offering solutions
• Building confidence in sales skills and closing business
• Managing follow‑up and starting to develop a client base

As your confidence and business grow, we can increase your time on the floor.

Step 3: Interior Designer (After 1 Year)

Pay: 100% commission

Sales Goal: $600K in written sales in year one as a full‑time designer

• At this point, you’ll be running your own business within Gabberts. You’ll take projects from start to finish, building relationships and managing every step of the process. The goal is steady growth year over year as your client base expands.
• Why This Plan Works
• Gives you time to learn the business before taking on full sales pressure
• Provides a clear timeline and milestones
• Supports you as you build confidence and a client base
• Offers opportunities to learn from experienced designers
• Sets realistic (but meaningful) sales goals
• We can accelerate the plan as key metrics are met.
• HOM Furniture offers its full‑time employees a competitive benefits package.
• Paid Time Off
• Medical and/or Dental Coverage
• 401(k) Employee Contribution Plan
• 401(k) Employer Matching
• Career advancement opportunities and training
• Pay on Demand - options for receiving earned wages

Requirements

Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in design preferred.

Experience: Three to five years of administrative experience preferred.

Physical Demands: Low physical demands required. The employee is regularly required to sit for sustained periods of time and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Other: Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Drafting and proofreading skills are a plus.

*Reasonable accommodation will be made for those who require it.

HOM Furniture is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Individuals seeking employment at HOM Furniture are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, creed, public assistance status, disability, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic or classification protected by federal, state or local law.