DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: [Location - Not specified in raw data, inferring from company headquarters and typical retail operations. Actual location will be provided by the applicant.]

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultations and personalized sales strategies within a retail showroom environment.

• Cultivate and manage long-term customer relationships by understanding their unique design needs, lifestyle, and budget.

• Leverage comprehensive product knowledge, including furniture construction and current design trends, to present compelling and tailored design solutions.

• Utilize a blend of in-person, virtual, and live chat interactions to engage a diverse clientele and maximize selling opportunities.

• Contribute to a positive and collaborative showroom team environment, consistently striving to meet and exceed sales targets in a commissioned sales structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw data describes a "Design Consultant" role within a furniture retail setting. Based on the emphasis on sales goals, relationship selling, and interior design, this role is categorized under "Retail Sales & Design Operations" to reflect its dual focus. The experience level is inferred from the emphasis on training and the typical progression in retail sales roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients to understand their aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, and budgetary constraints.

• Develop and present compelling product and design solutions, effectively translating customer needs into actionable design choices.

• Utilize "relationship selling" techniques to build rapport, foster trust, and establish long-term client loyalty, driving repeat business and referrals.

• Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of Bassett Furniture's product catalog, including furniture construction, materials, customization options, and current design trends.

• Actively engage in clienteling activities, including follow-up communications, personalized recommendations, and proactive outreach to nurture leads and existing customer relationships.

• Perform virtual appointments and live chat consultations to extend reach and accommodate diverse customer preferences for engagement.

• Collaborate with showroom management and team members to achieve individual and collective sales targets within a commissioned environment.

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

• Maintain a polished image and professional demeanor at all times, reflecting the Bassett Furniture brand standards.

• Continuously seek opportunities for professional development through company-provided training and self-study to enhance design expertise and sales acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description highlights a strong emphasis on clienteling and relationship management, which are core components of successful retail sales operations. The responsibility to conduct "makeovers" suggests a hands-on approach to design consultation that extends beyond the showroom.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in or demonstrable passion for Interior Design principles, color theory, and spatial planning is essential. Familiarity with design software is a plus but not explicitly required.

Experience: Proven track record of success in sales, particularly in a commissioned retail environment. Experience in interior design, furniture sales, or a related client-facing role is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for aesthetics, color, texture, and creating beautiful living spaces.

• Exceptional Selling Skills: Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed sales goals through consultative and relationship-driven approaches.

• Color and Texture Coordination: Innate ability to discern and harmonize colors and textures to create cohesive and appealing designs.

• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly, listen actively to customer needs, and build rapport effectively.

• Clienteling & Relationship Building: Proficiency in nurturing customer relationships for long-term loyalty and repeat business.

• Computer Proficiency: Comfortable using standard office software, CRM systems (if applicable), and virtual communication tools.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: Proactive approach to identifying and pursuing sales opportunities and client engagement.

• Positive Outlook & Friendly Demeanor: Ability to create a welcoming and positive customer experience.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and thrive in a varied-paced retail environment.

• Willingness to Travel: Ability to drive to customer residences and businesses for consultations and makeovers.

Preferred Skills:

• Furniture Construction Knowledge: Understanding of how furniture is made, materials used, and quality indicators.

• Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or specific interior design visualization software.

• Virtual Selling Experience: Adeptness at conducting sales and consultations via video conferencing and live chat platforms.

• Formal Interior Design Training or Certification: Prior education or certification in interior design.

• Experience with CRM Systems: Familiarity with customer relationship management tools for tracking interactions and sales pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "relationship selling" and "clientele," indicating a need for skills beyond transactional sales. The "polished image" and "career-minded professionalism" suggest a requirement for candidates who present themselves as dedicated professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: Examples of past design projects, ideally showcasing space planning, color palettes, and furniture selection. This can include mood boards, sketches, digital renderings, or photographs of completed spaces.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Evidence of meeting or exceeding sales targets, potentially through quantifiable results or performance metrics from previous roles.

• Client Testimonials/Case Studies: Examples of successful client interactions, highlighting how needs were understood and translated into satisfactory design solutions.

• Process Workflow Visualization: A brief overview or visual representation of how a design consultation and sales process is managed from initial contact to final sale.

Process Documentation:

• Consultation Framework: Outline of the steps taken during a client consultation, from initial needs assessment to presenting design proposals.

• Sales Cycle Management: Description of how leads are managed, nurtured, and converted into sales, including any follow-up strategies.

• Customer Relationship Management: Explanation of how client information and preferences are recorded and utilized to build ongoing relationships.

• Design Solution Presentation: Methodologies for presenting design ideas and product recommendations effectively to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, roles involving design consultation and sales typically benefit from a portfolio demonstrating both creative and commercial capabilities. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "maximizing selling opportunities" implies that candidates should be prepared to showcase how they translate design concepts into sales outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual income for Bassett Design Consultants averages between $70,000 - $105,000 USD. Top performers can earn up to $135,000+ USD annually. This range is based on a generous commission-based compensation plan, with additional bonus opportunities available.

Benefits:

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

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Medical benefits to support employee well-being.

• Disability Insurance: Protection against loss of income due to disability.

• Life Insurance: Financial security for beneficiaries.

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

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued leave for vacation, personal time, and sick days.

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

• State-of-the-Art Showroom: Work environment featuring modern and inspiring showroom spaces.

• Opportunity for Growth and Advancement: Clear pathways for career progression within the company.

Working Hours:

The role requires flexibility, including willingness to work weekends and holidays to accommodate customer availability. The standard workweek is estimated at 40 hours, though this may vary based on showroom needs and client appointment schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the raw data ($70,000-$105,000/year, with top writers making up to $135,000/year) is directly incorporated. The "commission-based compensation plan" is highlighted as a key aspect of the earnings structure. The working hours are inferred as standard full-time (40 hours) with the caveat of weekend/holiday requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Manufacturing and Retail. Bassett Furniture has a long-standing heritage in crafting quality custom furniture, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design innovation to offer value and style in the home furnishings market.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture is a well-established company with a significant presence. Its size implies a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for career development, and a broad customer base. This size also suggests a robust support infrastructure for its retail operations.

Founded: Established in 1902, Bassett Furniture boasts over a century of experience and brand recognition in the American furniture market. This long history signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Teams: Design Consultants typically operate within a local showroom team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on customer-facing sales, Design Consultants will interact with other departments such as design support, logistics, and potentially marketing for local store initiatives.

• Sales-Oriented Environment: The team culture is driven by sales performance, with an emphasis on collaboration to share best practices and achieve collective goals.

Methodology:

• Relationship-Centric Sales: The core methodology revolves around building long-term customer relationships through personalized consultations and service.

• Design-Led Selling: Utilizing interior design expertise as a primary tool to understand customer needs and drive product selection.

• Continuous Learning: Emphasis on ongoing training in product knowledge, sales techniques, and design trends to maintain a competitive edge.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, successful sales professionals leverage customer data and sales metrics to inform their strategies and client outreach.

Company Website: bassettfurniture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights Bassett's heritage since 1902, its focus on custom furniture, and innovation. This context suggests a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking approaches in retail and design. The "State-of-the Art Showroom" benefit implies a modern and professional work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Design Consultant" role is positioned as an entry to mid-level position within the retail sales and operations framework. It is a client-facing role that requires a blend of sales acumen and design sensibility. Success in this role can lead to more senior sales positions, showroom management, or specialized design roles.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report directly to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This structure allows for direct coaching, performance management, and guidance on sales strategies and design best practices.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is direct revenue generation through sales. Design Consultants directly influence customer purchasing decisions, contributing significantly to the showroom's overall sales performance and profitability. Their ability to build strong customer relationships also impacts customer lifetime value and brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Progress to Senior Design Consultant or Key Account Manager roles, handling more complex projects or high-value clients.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to move into Showroom Management, Assistant Manager, or Team Lead positions, overseeing sales teams and showroom operations.

• Design Expertise: Potential to become a certified Interior Designer within Bassett, focusing on advanced design consultations and client projects.

• Training and Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor new consultants, drawing on experience and contributing to the team's overall skill development.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Potential to transition into roles within merchandising, marketing, or corporate sales support based on demonstrated skills and interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "opportunity for growth and advancement" and "continuing opportunities to learn" in the training section suggests clear career progression paths within Bassett. The role itself blends sales and design, offering diverse avenues for development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a retail showroom environment. This involves working within a professionally designed space showcasing Bassett Furniture products, intended to inspire customers and facilitate design consultations. The environment is customer-facing and dynamic.

Office Location(s): The role is situated within Bassett Furniture retail locations. These showrooms are typically located in accessible retail centers or design districts. The job description mentions the ability to "drive to customers' residences and businesses for makeovers," indicating that the showroom is the primary base, but client sites are also part of the work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Inspiring Showroom: The workspace is a "State-of-the Art Showroom," designed to be visually appealing and functional for showcasing furniture and conducting design consultations.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Design Consultants work alongside other sales professionals and showroom staff, fostering a team-oriented environment where knowledge sharing and mutual support are encouraged.