Outdoor Living - Design Representative

Outdoor Living Design Representative

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained by our client, Glen Allen Grounds to search for their new Outdoor Living Design Representative in their Rockville, VA location.

Glen Allen Grounds is a growing, design-driven outdoor construction company known for creating exceptional, custom outdoor living environments throughout the Richmond region. They specialize in high-end hardscape, landscape, and outdoor lighting projects that transform how clients live, entertain, and enjoy their homes.

As a Class A contractor, BBB-accredited business, and SWaM-certified firm, Glen Allen Grounds has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and professionalism from first meeting through final install. Their work is collaborative, detail-focused, and built around long-term client relationshipsnot one-off projects.

They are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding both our project portfolio and internal team. This role is a key player in that growth. The right person will help shape their continued success by combining strong design and technical ability with outstanding customer service and a commitment to delivering exceptional outdoor spaces.

The Outdoor Living Sales & Design Representative is responsible for designing, pricing, and selling high-end custom outdoor projects, while serving as a trusted guide for clients throughout the full project lifecycle. This position will be based out of their Rockville, VA office and will have both daily office time and field-based time using a company vehicle. This position serves the Metro-Richmond, VA area.

This role requires a rare blend of skills:

• Strong technical and construction knowledge
• High-quality design capability
• Clear communication and client-facing professionalism

You will work closely with clients, internal construction teams, and material partners to ensure designs are buildable, budgets are accurate, and expectations are metor exceeded.

Key Responsibilities

• Design custom hardscape, landscape, and outdoor lighting projects tailored to each client's property, goals, and preferences
• Produce accurate, scaled construction drawings (AutoCAD or similar software) that crews can execute confidently
• Conduct pre-construction site visits to gather measurements, elevations, benchmarks, and layout requirements
• Prepare construction documents, material takeoffs, and scope-specific details needed for pricing and execution
• Verify plant selections, quantities, and materials prior to ordering and installation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients from initial meeting through project completion
• Clearly communicate design intent, pricing, timelines, and next steps throughout the process
• Build trust through responsiveness, attention to detail, and proactive follow-up
• Manage leads and opportunities, track sales activity, and participate in weekly sales meetings
• Support business growth through relationship-based selling and referrals, not transactional sales tactics

• Partner closely with the Construction Manager and field teams on job setup and execution
• Participate in site visits prior to project start to confirm layout and plan logistics
• Be on site on Day 1 of newly sold projects to assist with layout and answer questions
• Provide ongoing design and problem-solving support as projects progress
• Ensure drawings, layouts, and materials are finalized in advance of project start dates

Role Mission

• Help grow the ongoing success of Glen Allen Grounds' construction division by delivering some of the most distinctive outdoor living spaces in the Richmond market
• Provide clients with a professional, well-managed, and transparent experience from design through completion
• Serve as a strong internal partner to construction teams by delivering clear, accurate, and buildable designs

Measurables for Success

• Contract turnaround of approximately 710 business days for standard projects (longer for complex designs)
• Sales success rate of approximately 40% on written proposals
• Maintain strong gross margins on executed projects
• Client communications responded to promptly (same day for urgent matters)
• Drawings, layouts, and site preparation completed 35 days prior to project start
• Consistent on-site involvement during project kickoff and layout phases

What We're Looking For

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience designing and selling hardscape and outdoor construction projects
• Strong working knowledge of construction methods, materials, and sequencing
• Ability to create clear, accurate construction drawings using AutoCAD or similar software
• Comfort working directly with high-end residential clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of organization, follow-through, and accountability

Personal Attributes

• Client-focused and calm under pressure
• Detail-oriented with high standards for quality
• Proactive and solution-oriented
• Adaptable and collaborative teammate
• Takes pride in continuous improvement

Why This Role Matters

This is not a transactional sales role. This position directly influences the quality of our work, our client relationships, and the future growth of Glen Allen Grounds. The right person will have real ownership, visibility, and impactwhile working with a supportive team that values craftsmanship, professionalism, and doing things the right way.