DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Oklahoma City, OK, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales & Design

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive in-store and virtual sales by providing expert interior design consultations and leveraging consultative selling techniques.

• Cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships through personalized service and a deep understanding of design trends and furniture construction.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets within a commission-based compensation structure, demonstrating a strong drive for performance.

• Utilize a keen eye for color and texture to translate customer needs and lifestyle into compelling design solutions.

• Engage in clienteling activities, including virtual appointments and live chats, to expand reach and customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a client-facing sales position focused on interior design services within a retail furniture environment. The emphasis is on relationship building and consultative selling rather than traditional operations functions, but it requires strong organizational and client management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, understanding their tastes, lifestyles, and budget to recommend appropriate furniture and design solutions.

• Develop and present customized design proposals, including product selections, color palettes, and layout suggestions.

• Utilize a comprehensive understanding of furniture construction, materials, and current design trends to advise clients effectively.

• Build and nurture a client base through proactive outreach, follow-up, and personalized service, fostering repeat business and referrals.

• Manage the sales process from initial consultation through to order placement and post-sale follow-up, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

• Drive showroom traffic and engagement through excellent customer service, product knowledge, and effective sales techniques.

• Perform virtual design consultations and engage with customers via live chat to accommodate varying client preferences and schedules.

• Collaborate with team members to share best practices, support showroom operations, and contribute to a positive team environment.

• Stay updated on product lines, promotions, and industry design trends to maintain expertise and provide informed recommendations.

• Travel to customers' residences or businesses for in-home or on-site design makeovers as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales, design expertise, and customer relationship management. The "makeovers" aspect suggests some level of project management or client site visitation, which is a key differentiator from a purely showroom-based sales role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative field is highly beneficial.

Experience: Proven track record of success in sales, ideally within a retail or client-facing environment. Experience in interior design or a related creative field is a significant asset.

Required Skills:

• Passion for interior design and a strong aesthetic sense.

• Exceptional selling skills with a client-centric approach.

• Proficient in translating customer needs and preferences into actionable design choices.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills for effective client engagement.

• Friendly, outgoing, and positive personality conducive to building rapport.

• Self-motivated and driven to develop a personal clientele and exceed sales goals.

• Basic computer proficiency for CRM, communication, and order processing.

• Eagerness to learn about products, design, and sales techniques.

• Polished and professional demeanor suitable for a retail showroom environment.

• Ability to discern and coordinate colors and textures effectively.

• Willingness to work weekends and holidays as required by retail schedules.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with virtual consultation tools and live chat platforms.

• Familiarity with furniture construction and materials.

• Knowledge of current interior design trends and styles.

• Experience in a commission-based sales environment.

• Ability to drive to client locations for design consultations or makeovers.

• Interest in pursuing Interior Design certification training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "proven track record of success in sales" and "commission-based sales environment" indicates that quantifiable sales achievements will be a key factor in evaluation. The "desire to learn" and "interior design certification training" suggest a company that invests in employee development, making this an attractive role for ambitious sales professionals looking to grow into design specialists.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual examples of past design projects, showcasing an ability to translate client needs into cohesive design schemes.

• Case studies detailing the design process for specific client projects, highlighting problem-solving and client satisfaction.

• Documentation of client interactions, demonstrating relationship-building skills and consultative selling approaches.

• Examples of color palettes, mood boards, or fabric/material selections that illustrate an understanding of color and texture coordination.

Process Documentation:

• While a formal "operations portfolio" isn't explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal sales process, clienteling strategies, and how they manage their pipeline.

• Understanding of how to document customer needs and preferences clearly for order accuracy and design execution.

• Familiarity with retail sales processes, including point-of-sale systems and order management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is not a traditional operations role, a strong candidate will be able to articulate their "sales process" and "clienteling process" as a form of personal operations management. The company provides training, so a lack of formal portfolio may not be a disqualifier if the candidate can demonstrate strong potential and a clear methodology for client engagement and sales.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The potential income for experienced Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000 per year, with top writers earning up to $135,000 per year. This is a commission-based compensation plan, with additional bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive training program to equip associates with product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Medical benefits package.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education and professional development.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): For vacation, sick leave, and personal needs.

• Generous Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Bassett Furniture products.

• Work in a State-of-the Art Showroom: Access to a modern and well-equipped retail environment.

Working Hours:

• Willingness to work weekends and holidays is required.

• The role operates within typical retail hours, which can vary based on showroom operations and customer traffic. Expect a full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility needed to accommodate business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based, meaning income potential is directly tied to sales performance. The provided salary range reflects this, with a clear distinction between average and top performer earnings. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering standard protections and perks common in the retail industry, with a notable emphasis on employee discounts and professional development like tuition assistance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Manufacturing and Retail. Bassett Furniture has been a recognized brand for over a century, known for quality custom furniture, style, comfort, and value.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint and manufacturing operations. It operates numerous stores across the United States.

Founded: 1902. This long history signifies stability, a strong brand heritage, and deep expertise in the furniture industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant role is typically part of a local showroom sales team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• Team members collaborate to support overall showroom performance, share customer insights, and contribute to a positive sales environment.

Methodology:

• Bassett emphasizes "relationship selling" and a "complimentary design service" as key tools for client development and sales growth.

• The company focuses on providing a personalized customer experience, translating individual style and needs into custom furniture solutions.

• Data-driven insights are likely used to track sales performance, customer engagement, and market trends, though this role's primary focus is on execution rather than deep data analysis.

Company Website: https://www.bassettfurniture.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's long-standing presence and focus on custom furniture suggest a culture that values craftsmanship, customer relationships, and long-term client engagement. The emphasis on "innovating furniture retailing" indicates a forward-thinking approach despite its heritage. This role is central to delivering on that customer experience promise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level to mid-level sales position, focusing on specialized design consultation within a retail sales framework. It's a step into a career path that bridges sales acumen with interior design expertise.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager within their specific retail location. This structure provides direct oversight, coaching, and performance management.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation and customer retention. Their ability to understand customer needs and deliver design solutions drives profitable transactions and builds brand loyalty, which are critical to the company's overall business operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Excellence: Continuous improvement in sales techniques, clienteling, and closing skills, leading to higher commission earnings.

• Design Specialization: Opportunity to gain Interior Design certification through company-provided training, enhancing professional credentials and design capabilities.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into Showroom Management or other leadership roles within the retail sales division, managing teams and overseeing store operations.

• Product Expertise: Deepening knowledge across Bassett's extensive product lines and custom options.

• Clientele Building: Developing a robust personal client base that ensures consistent income and professional fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly mentions "Opportunity for growth and advancement" and offers "Interior Design certification training," signaling a commitment to developing talent from within. This role serves as a strong foundation for a career in retail sales and interior design, with clear pathways for increased earning potential and responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom. This is a customer-facing space designed to showcase furniture and inspire design ideas.

Office Location(s): The role is located at a specific Bassett Furniture showroom in Oklahoma City, OK. This is an on-site position.

Workspace Context:

• The showroom environment is designed to be visually appealing and collaborative, featuring various furniture vignettes and design resources.

• Associates will have access to design tools, samples, product catalogs, and potentially CRM or point-of-sale systems.

• The workspace encourages interaction with customers and fellow team members, fostering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• A flexible schedule is required, including weekends and holidays, as is standard for retail operations.

• Full-time employment is expected, likely around 40 hours per week, but may vary based on showroom traffic and business needs. The commission structure incentivizes being present during peak customer hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "State-of-the Art Showroom" mention suggests a modern, well-equipped retail space. This environment is conducive to creative work and customer interaction, but also requires the ability to handle the demands of a retail schedule and customer flow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, focusing on sales experience, design passion, and alignment with company values.

• First Interview: Typically with a Showroom Manager or Hiring Manager. This may involve behavioral questions about sales experience, customer service, and problem-solving. Expect to discuss your passion for design and how you approach client relationships.

• Design/Sales Challenge (Potential): You might be asked to present a design concept or discuss how you would handle a specific client scenario to assess your design thinking and sales approach.

• Second Interview (If applicable): May involve meeting with other team members or a district manager to assess cultural fit and overall suitability.

• Offer: Extension of offer, contingent on background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Appeal: If you have a design portfolio, ensure it is well-organized, visually appealing, and highlights your best work. This could be digital or a physical presentation.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your design process: understanding the client's needs, concept development, material selection, and final execution.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, highlight the success of your designs or sales outcomes. For sales roles, this means demonstrating how you met or exceeded targets.

• Tailor to Bassett: Emphasize projects that align with Bassett's style, custom offerings, and focus on building long-term client relationships.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey your genuine passion for interior design and furniture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle common sales objections, engage hesitant customers, or upsell products.

• Design Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a client with a limited budget, specific style constraints, or unique space challenges.

• Company Knowledge: Research Bassett's history, product lines, and design philosophy. Understand their "relationship selling" approach.

• Commission Structure: Be comfortable discussing your understanding of and readiness for a commission-based compensation model.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" is not specified, candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples of their sales successes and design thinking. The interview process will likely focus on assessing personality, sales aptitude, design potential, and cultural fit within a retail sales environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely used for client tracking, lead management, and sales pipeline monitoring. Proficiency in any CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system) is valuable.

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing orders, and inventory checks.

• Design Software (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with interior design software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Interior Design suites) or even strong 2D visualization tools could be an asset.

• Virtual Appointment Tools: Platforms for conducting remote consultations (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, specialized virtual showroom tech).

• Live Chat Software: For real-time online customer interaction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic reporting on sales figures, customer conversion rates, and personal performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Proficiency in using CRM for clienteling, scheduling follow-ups, and managing customer interactions.

• Basic understanding of how to leverage technology to enhance customer relationships and drive sales efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description emphasizes "Computer proficiency" and mentions "virtual appointments and live chats," indicating a need for comfort with modern digital tools. While deep technical expertise isn't required, familiarity with sales and communication technologies is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A primary value is understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized service and design expertise.

• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design, style, and creating beautiful living spaces is core to the role.

• Sales Drive: A strong commitment to achieving and surpassing sales goals, driven by a commission-based compensation structure.

• Teamwork: The ability to collaborate effectively with showroom colleagues to create a positive and supportive work environment.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a polished image, excellent communication, and a career-minded approach to client relationships.

• Continuous Learning: A willingness to learn about products, design trends, and sales techniques to grow within the company.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom teams likely operate with a sense of shared responsibility for the overall success of the store.

• Collaboration involves sharing customer insights, supporting colleagues during busy periods, and contributing to a positive showroom atmosphere.

• Open communication is key, especially when discussing client needs or potential design challenges that might benefit from a second opinion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's long history suggests a culture that values tradition and customer loyalty, but the mention of "innovating furniture retailing" indicates a dynamic element. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "design" points to a culture that fosters creativity, personalized service, and a strong work ethic focused on client satisfaction and sales achievement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income: The primary challenge is the inherent variability of income in a commission-only or heavily commission-based sales role. Success requires consistent high performance.

• Client Acquisition & Retention: Continuously attracting new clients and retaining existing ones in a competitive retail market requires proactive effort and excellent relationship management.

• Balancing Sales & Design: Effectively managing the dual demands of achieving sales targets while also providing in-depth, personalized design consultations.

• Adapting to Trends: Staying current with rapidly evolving interior design trends and customer preferences.

• Weekend/Holiday Work: The requirement to work weekends and holidays can be a lifestyle adjustment for some.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers comprehensive training, including the opportunity to earn Interior Design certification, a significant professional development benefit.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Ongoing coaching and training to refine consultative selling, negotiation, and clienteling techniques.

• Product Knowledge Mastery: Deepening expertise across a wide range of furniture styles, materials, and customization options.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into management roles, such as Showroom Manager, or specialize further in design consultation.

• Networking: Building relationships with clients and industry professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a retail sales role, particularly one with a strong design component and commission structure. However, Bassett's investment in training and certification transforms these challenges into opportunities for significant professional growth and increased earning potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Approach: "Describe your approach to selling high-value, customizable products like furniture. How do you build rapport and trust with clients?" Focus on consultative selling and understanding needs.

• Design Process: "Walk me through how you would help a client design a living room from scratch. What questions would you ask, and how would you incorporate their lifestyle and preferences?" Be ready to discuss color, texture, and functionality.

• Handling Objections: "How do you handle objections related to price, style, or delivery timelines?" Prepare examples of overcoming common sales hurdles.

• Clienteling: "How do you build and maintain long-term relationships with clients?" Discuss follow-up strategies, personalized communication, and creating loyalty.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Passion for Design: "What inspires your passion for interior design?" Be ready to share personal anecdotes or examples.

• Bassett's Brand: "What do you know about Bassett Furniture and our commitment to custom design?" Research their history, values, and product offerings.

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a sales team." Highlight collaboration and support.

• Commission Environment: "How do you feel about working in a commission-based sales environment? What motivates you?" Show enthusiasm for performance-driven rewards.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: If presenting a portfolio, use it to tell the story of your design process and successful client outcomes.

• Highlight Customization: Showcase projects where you adapted designs to specific client needs or spaces, demonstrating your ability to work with custom furniture.

• Quantify Impact: For sales achievements, use numbers to demonstrate your success (e.g., "exceeded sales targets by X%," "grew client base by Y%").

• Prepare for Virtual: If the interview is virtual, ensure your presentation materials are clear, legible, and professionally formatted for screen sharing.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating your passion for design, your consultative sales skills, and your understanding of the importance of client relationships. Being ready to discuss your personal sales process and how you would leverage Bassett's design services will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant sales experience, any design-related projects or education, and your ability to build customer relationships. Use keywords from the job description such as "interior design," "sales," "customer service," "consultative selling," and "clienteling."

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have a design or sales portfolio, ensure it is organized and ready to be shared. Focus on showcasing projects that demonstrate your design eye, client communication skills, and sales success.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your sales methodology, design approach, and motivation for working in a commission-based environment. Practice articulating your passion for design and how you build client relationships.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's history, product lines, design philosophy, and commitment to customer service. Understand their value proposition and market position.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided raw data. Specific details regarding job responsibilities, compensation, and interview processes should be verified directly with Bassett Furniture during the application and interview stages.