What is Tim Gunn’s job description?

I can’t figure out what greater purpose Tim Gunn serves on Project Runway. He’s sort of the proctor in that he’s the one to administer challenges and lay down the rules. He’s sort of the team coach, with his pep talks. He’s sort of the voice of reason, with his arched eyebrow.

He’s sort of an advocate for the designers because he’s not a judge, and that’s why his visits and his speculative remarks are more or less welcomed and why he’s the one to bid the final farewell to the outed contestants. But sometimes I wonder if he doesn’t walk out of the workshop, light up a cigar, and take bets in a Project Runway elimination pool.

I will revisit the Tim Gunn Is a Bookie conjecture next season.