Design Consultant (Independent Contractor -1099)

Hakes Brothers; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Hakes Brothers is seeking a Design Consultant to guide homeowners through the Design Studio experience, offering expert interior design advice and premium customer service. You will collaborate with Sales, Construction, Purchasing, and Operations to tailor finishes, materials, and upgrades that reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle, vision, and budget.

With 2–5 years in residential interior design, you will manage the design process, present proposals, and ensure a smooth, engaging experience from

Qualifications

• Two to five years of residential interior design or Design Studio experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design or related field preferred.
• Interior Design certification or licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct professional Design Studio consultations with new homebuyers.
• Assess buyer lifestyle, design preferences, and budget.
• Guide structural selections, finish selections, and upgrade opportunities.
• Prepare design proposals, selection documentation, approvals, and cost estimates.
• Manage the design process from consultation through final selections and coordinate with Sales, Construction, Purchasing, Vendors, and Operations.

Skills

Interior design

Consultative selling

Project management

Communication (verbal/written)

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design

Interior Design certification/licensure

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BuilderMT

RFMS

Job description

Position Summary

At Hakes Brothers, we believe designing a home should be just as exciting as building one.

Position Summary

At Hakes Brothers, we believe designing a home should be just as exciting as building one.

The Design Consultant serves as a trusted advisor throughout one of the most memorable milestones in the homebuilding journey—the Design Studio Experience. This role combines professional interior design expertise, consultative selling, project management, and exceptional customer service to help homeowners personalize a home that reflects their lifestyle, vision, and budget.

Working collaboratively with Sales, Construction, Purchasing, and Operations, the Design Consultant provides expert guidance through structural options, interior finishes, and product selections while ensuring an organized, efficient, and enjoyable customer experience from beginning to end.

Expectations & Commitments

• Deliver an exceptional Design Studio Experience that exceeds homeowner expectations.
• Listen first to understand each buyer's lifestyle, needs, and vision.
• Reduce decision fatigue by simplifying complex choices.
• Educate buyers while helping them maximize their investment.
• Create excitement and confidence throughout the design process.

Essential Functions

• Conduct professional Design Studio consultations with new homebuyers.
• Assess buyer lifestyle, design preferences, and budget.
• Guide structural selections, finish selections, and upgrade opportunities.
• Recommend flooring, cabinetry, countertops, tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware, paint colors, and additional interior finishes.
• Develop cohesive interior design solutions balancing aesthetics, functionality, durability, and value.
• Prepare design proposals, selection documentation, approvals, and cost estimates.
• Manage the design process from consultation through final selections while coordinating with Sales, Construction, Purchasing, Vendors, and Operations.
• Interpret builder standards, schedules, and product specifications to ensure timely submissions.
• Maintain expert knowledge of builder standards, upgrade offerings, current trends, and product performance.
• Maintain Design Studio displays, sample libraries, and presentation standards.
• Lead browse appointments and educational design sessions.
• Respond promptly to homeowner questions while maintaining exceptional customer service.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance the Design Studio experience.

Professional Appearance / Team Player

• Represent Hakes Brothers professionally in appearance, communication, and attitude.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, organization, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Help Hakes Brothers remain the Builder of Choice through an exceptional customer experience.

Education & Experience

• Required: Two to five years of residential interior design or Design Studio experience
• Preffered: Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design or related field
• Preffered: Interior Design certification or licensure
• Equivalent education and experience will be considered.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of residential interior design principles.
• Space planning and finish material selection.
• Strong consultative selling and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Organization and project management.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, builder standards, and product specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency; AutoCAD, Revit, BuilderMT, RFMS, or similar platforms are a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing while presenting product in multiple-buyer appointments, daily
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds, occasionally

Why Hakes Brothers?

• Help families transform a house into a home.
• Join a team committed to: expert design, proffesional quality, outstanding customer service and exceptional value.
• Create memorable experiences that homeowners will remember long after receiving the keys to their new home.