DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN CONSULTANT

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Falls Church, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Consulting

Date Posted: May 04, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by cultivating and maintaining strong, long-term customer relationships through expert interior design consultations and a consultative selling approach.

• Leverage a deep understanding of furniture construction, current design trends, and color/texture coordination to create personalized design solutions that meet client needs and exceed sales targets.

• Actively engage in clienteling activities and conduct virtual appointments and live chats to expand reach and provide exceptional customer service.

• Contribute to a dynamic retail environment by creating, presenting, and selling product and design solutions that reflect each customer's unique taste, lifestyle, and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Design Sales Opportunity" within Bassett Furniture, emphasizing a blend of design expertise and sales acumen. The primary focus is on building client relationships through interior design services, directly impacting sales performance. The "Design Consultant" title, combined with the commission-based compensation and sales goals, clearly indicates a sales-driven role with a strong design component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations and home makeovers, translating customer needs, lifestyle, and budget into compelling design choices and product selections.

• Develop and maintain a robust client base through proactive outreach, follow-up, and exceptional customer service, fostering repeat business and referrals.

• Utilize product knowledge, design principles, and visual merchandising techniques to create captivating showroom displays and client presentations.

• Achieve and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets through effective relationship selling and the successful closure of design projects.

• Stay abreast of the latest interior design trends, furniture construction techniques, and product innovations to provide expert advice and maintain a competitive edge.

• Collaborate effectively with showroom management and team members to share best practices, support sales initiatives, and contribute to a positive team environment.

• Efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks to handle multiple client consultations, design projects, and administrative duties simultaneously.

• Drive sales by effectively presenting and selling Bassett Furniture's custom options, fabric selections, and complementary design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are centered around driving sales through a design-led, consultative approach. This involves not only understanding customer needs but also actively translating them into actionable design solutions and product recommendations, with a clear emphasis on achieving sales goals. The requirement to drive to client locations for makeovers and conduct virtual appointments highlights a flexible, multi-channel sales approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or demonstrable aptitude in Interior Design, Art, Architecture, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Bassett offers Interior Design certification training, indicating a willingness to develop talent.

Experience: Proven track record of success in sales, preferably within a retail or commission-based environment. Experience in interior design, furniture sales, or a client-facing consultative role is strongly preferred. A minimum of 2-5 years of experience is suggested by the AI-assigned experience level.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for creating beautiful and functional living spaces.

• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to meet or exceed sales goals, with strong closing skills.

• Color and Texture Coordination: A keen eye for discerning and harmonizing colors and textures in design.

• Exceptional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with diverse clientele and team members.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport, establish trust, and foster long-term customer relationships through empathy and active listening.

• Clienteling: Skill in building and nurturing a client base, driving repeat business through personalized service.

• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using computers for various tasks, including CRM, design software (if applicable), and virtual communication tools.

• Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and proactively seek out sales opportunities.

• Positive Outlook & Friendly Demeanor: A welcoming and approachable personality that enhances the customer experience.

• Adaptability: Capability to thrive in a varied-paced retail environment and manage multiple responsibilities.

• Professional Presentation: Maintaining a polished image and demonstrating career-minded professionalism.

Preferred Skills:

• Furniture Construction Knowledge: Understanding of furniture quality, materials, and craftsmanship.

• Design Trend Awareness: Knowledge of current and emerging interior design styles and trends.

• Virtual Appointment Proficiency: Experience conducting successful client consultations via video conferencing and live chat.

• Consultative Selling: Ability to uncover client needs deeply and offer tailored solutions.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Familiarity with CRM systems for managing client interactions and sales pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative talent and sales drive. While formal education in design is not strictly required, a demonstrated passion and aptitude are crucial. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "clienteling" highlights the importance of building personal connections to drive sales, aligning with a commission-based compensation structure. Proficiency in virtual appointments is a key requirement, reflecting modern retail sales practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated collection of past design projects, including mood boards, space plans, and final room renderings, demonstrating a range of styles and client needs.

• Client Success Stories: Case studies detailing how you translated client requirements into successful design outcomes, highlighting problem-solving skills and creative solutions.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Evidence of exceeding sales targets, potentially including sales performance metrics or testimonials related to revenue generation.

• Process Workflow Examples: Visual representations or descriptions of your typical design consultation process, from initial client engagement to final product delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Consultation Workflow: Document your step-by-step approach to conducting client consultations, including discovery questions, needs assessment, and solution proposal phases.

• Design Solution Development: Outline your methodology for developing design concepts, selecting furniture and finishes, and creating presentation materials.

• Client Engagement Strategy: Detail your methods for building and nurturing client relationships, including follow-up procedures and clienteling techniques.

• Sales Conversion Process: Illustrate your approach to guiding clients through the decision-making process and closing sales, including objection handling and negotiation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly demand a formal portfolio, the nature of the role as a "Design Consultant" implies that candidates should be prepared to showcase their design capabilities and sales successes. This could include a digital portfolio or a well-prepared presentation of past work and sales achievements. The emphasis on "translating customer wants into design choices" and "creating, presenting, and selling product and design solutions" suggests a need to demonstrate a structured approach to design and sales.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated annual income for experienced Bassett Design Consultants ranges from $70,000 to $105,000, with top performers potentially earning up to $135,000 annually. This is based on a generous commission-based compensation plan, with additional bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

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

• Health Coverage: Medical insurance benefits.

• Dental Coverage: Dental insurance benefits.

• Vision Coverage: Vision insurance benefits.

• Disability Insurance: Coverage for short-term or long-term disability.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

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

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

• Paid Time Off: Accrued leave for vacation, personal days, and holidays.

• 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.

• Opportunity for growth and advancement: Potential for career progression within the company.

Working Hours: The role requires willingness to work weekends and holidays, common in retail environments. While specific daily hours are not detailed, a full-time commitment is implied, likely aligning with showroom operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-driven, with a significant income potential for high performers. The provided salary range ($70,000 - $105,000, up to $135,000 for top writers) is a key selling point. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, retirement, and professional development, which is attractive for a full-time retail sales role. The requirement to work weekends and holidays is standard for retail sales positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Home Furnishings. Bassett Furniture is a well-established American brand with a long heritage (since 1902) known for quality custom furniture, style, comfort, and value. The company emphasizes innovation in furniture retailing.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture operates as a significant player in the furniture industry, with numerous showrooms and a substantial employee base (implied by its long history and retail presence). This suggests a structured corporate environment with opportunities for career development.

Founded: 1902. This long history signifies stability, brand recognition, and a deep understanding of the furniture market and customer needs.

Team Structure:

• Showroom-Based Teams: Design Consultants typically work within a specific Bassett Furniture showroom, forming a local sales and design team.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and team development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on direct sales, Design Consultants will collaborate with showroom staff, potentially delivery teams, and corporate support functions (e.g., marketing, customer service).

Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: A core methodology focused on building long-term customer loyalty through personalized service and design expertise.

• Consultative Approach: Understanding customer needs deeply before recommending solutions, acting as a trusted advisor.

• Data-Driven Insights (Implied): While not explicitly stated, successful sales professionals leverage customer data and sales metrics to inform their strategies and identify opportunities.

• Continuous Learning: Emphasis on ongoing training in product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture's culture is rooted in its long history, emphasizing quality, customer relationships, and innovation. The "Design Consultant" role is central to the customer experience, requiring a blend of creative passion and sales drive. The company's commitment to training and development suggests an environment that supports professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level sales and design position. It requires a blend of creative talent, sales proficiency, and customer relationship management skills. It's a client-facing role with direct responsibility for revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager within their assigned retail location. This structure provides direct oversight and mentorship for sales performance and professional development.

Operations Impact: Design Consultants have a direct and significant impact on the company's revenue, acting as the primary point of contact for customers and driving sales through their design expertise and selling skills. Their ability to build relationships and close deals directly contributes to the company's financial success and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Advancement to roles with higher earning potential, greater responsibility, and potentially specialization in specific design areas or client segments.

• Showroom Management: Progression into leadership roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing operations, sales teams, and business development for a retail location.

• Design Certification & Expertise: Becoming a certified Bassett Interior Designer, enhancing professional credentials and potentially leading to specialized design roles or training positions.

• Regional Sales/Design Roles: Opportunities to move into regional support or management positions as experience and performance grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Consultant at Bassett is clearly defined, moving from a direct sales role into potential leadership, specialized design, or management positions. The company's investment in training and certification provides a structured framework for skill development and career advancement within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The Design Consultant will work primarily within a modern, state-of-the-art Bassett Furniture showroom, which serves as the primary workspace for client consultations and product display.

Office Location(s): The specific location mentioned is Falls Church, Virginia. Bassett Furniture operates numerous showrooms across the United States, offering potential for relocation or opportunities in other regions.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: A well-appointed, visually appealing space designed to showcase furniture and inspire customers. This includes dedicated design consultation areas and product display zones.

• Tools & Technology: Access to computer systems for order processing, customer management (CRM), and potentially design visualization tools. Proficiency in virtual appointment technology is also required.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with fellow Design Consultants, showroom management, and other retail staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility, including willingness to work weekends and holidays, which are critical periods for retail sales. The specific daily schedule will align with showroom operating hours and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is sales-focused and customer-centric, set within a professional retail showroom. The emphasis on a "state-of-the-art showroom" suggests a modern and appealing workspace. The need to work weekends and holidays is a key aspect of the schedule, typical for retail sales roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the application and resume, followed by a brief phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and enthusiasm for design/sales.

• In-Person Interview/Audition: A more in-depth interview at the showroom, potentially including a "design challenge" or scenario-based questions to assess design thinking, problem-solving, and consultative selling approach. This may involve presenting a hypothetical design solution.

• Portfolio Presentation (Informal): Candidates are expected to discuss their relevant design experience and sales achievements. While a formal portfolio may not be required upfront, being prepared to discuss past projects and successful sales outcomes is crucial.

• Meet the Team: Opportunity to interact with the showroom manager and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit and team dynamics.

• Final Offer: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Versatility: Include examples of projects demonstrating your ability to work with different styles, color palettes, and client needs.

• Highlight Sales Impact: If possible, quantify the success of your design projects in terms of sales generated or client satisfaction.

• Detail Your Process: Be ready to explain your design consultation process, from initial client interaction to final execution.

• Prepare for Scenario Questions: Practice answering questions about handling difficult clients, overcoming design challenges, or presenting solutions.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for interior design and your drive to succeed in a sales environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Client Needs Assessment: Be prepared for a scenario where you must identify a client's needs based on limited information and propose design solutions.

• Product Recommendation: Practice recommending specific furniture pieces and finishes from a hypothetical Bassett catalog that align with client requirements.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Rehearse how you would present a design solution and close a sale, emphasizing benefits and value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be hands-on, assessing both design aptitude and sales capability. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and translate those into profitable design solutions. While a formal portfolio might not be a strict requirement, being able to articulate design philosophy and sales success is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) / Order Management System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer orders, and tracking inventory.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: To manage client information, track interactions, schedule follow-ups, and nurture leads. (Specific CRM not mentioned, but common in sales roles).

• Virtual Appointment Software: Tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or specialized virtual selling platforms for conducting remote consultations and live chats.

• Design Software (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, proficiency in design visualization tools (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, or interior design-specific software) could be an advantage, though Bassett may provide proprietary tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools to track individual sales metrics, conversion rates, average order value, and progress towards sales goals.

• CRM Reporting: Generating reports on client engagement, lead status, and sales pipeline health.

CRM & Automation:

• Email & Calendar Management: For client communication, appointment scheduling, and task management.

• Potential for Marketing Automation Tools: To support lead nurturing and customer engagement campaigns, though direct use by Design Consultants might be limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack will focus on enabling efficient sales operations and customer engagement. Proficiency in CRM and virtual communication tools is essential. While specific design software isn't listed, a willingness to learn and adapt to Bassett's internal systems will be key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A paramount focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized design and exceptional service.

• Passion for Design: A genuine appreciation for aesthetics, creativity, and the transformative power of interior design.

• Sales Excellence: A drive to achieve and surpass sales targets through effective selling techniques and relationship building.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a showroom team, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective success.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning and development in design trends, product knowledge, and sales strategies.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all client interactions and maintaining a polished, professional demeanor.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Design Consultants are expected to be supportive team members, contributing to a positive and productive showroom atmosphere.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing design insights, sales strategies, and customer feedback with colleagues and management.

• Feedback Integration: Willingness to receive and act upon feedback from managers and peers to enhance performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative passion and business acumen. The values reflect a commitment to both design quality and sales performance, underpinned by strong customer relationships and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: The reliance on commission means income can fluctuate based on sales performance, requiring strong sales skills and resilience.

• Competition: Navigating a competitive retail landscape and differentiating Bassett's offerings.

• Client Management: Handling diverse client needs, managing expectations, and resolving potential design or delivery issues.

• Keeping Pace with Trends: Continuously updating knowledge of design trends, product lines, and competitor offerings.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively merging creative design sensibilities with the practical demands of achieving sales targets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Bassett Interior Design Certification: A significant opportunity to gain formal certification and specialized knowledge in interior design, enhancing professional credibility.

• Product Knowledge Training: Ongoing education on Bassett's extensive product lines, customization options, and quality craftsmanship.

• Sales & Design Skill Development: Access to training programs and one-on-one coaching to refine consultative selling techniques, clienteling strategies, and design presentation skills.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth into senior sales roles, showroom management, or specialized design positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for significant income growth and professional development, particularly through Bassett's unique design certification program. However, candidates must be prepared for the inherent challenges of a commission-based sales role and the dynamic nature of the retail environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's design needs and translating them into furniture and decor choices." (Focus on active listening, questioning techniques, and how you uncover lifestyle and budget).

• "How do you handle a situation where a client has a very specific, perhaps challenging, design request?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, creativity, and client management skills).

• "Walk me through your process for building and maintaining long-term customer relationships." (Highlight clienteling strategies, follow-up, and personalized service).

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends and how do you incorporate them into your client recommendations?" (Showcase your passion for design and continuous learning).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Bassett Furniture specifically, and our approach to custom furniture?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and unique selling propositions).

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a commission-based sales environment?" (Express enthusiasm for performance-driven roles and earning potential).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: If you have a portfolio, be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining the client's initial needs, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the successful outcome (both design and sales-wise).

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your step-by-step approach to design consultations and sales, from initial contact to closing the sale.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your achievements (e.g., "increased sales by X%," "managed projects up to $Y value").

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Let your passion for design and sales shine through your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of creative flair, strong salesmanship, and excellent interpersonal skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process, demonstrate how they drive sales, and express genuine enthusiasm for the Bassett brand and its offerings.

📌 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 experience in sales, interior design, customer relationship management, and any achievements related to exceeding sales targets or creative problem-solving. Use keywords from the job description such as "interior design," "relationship selling," "sales goals," and "clienteling."

• Portfolio Preparation (Recommended): Compile a digital portfolio or prepare a presentation showcasing 2-3 of your most impactful design projects. Include before-and-after visuals, project scope, your design process, and any quantifiable sales results or client testimonials.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions focusing on your design approach, sales strategies, client management skills, and passion for the furniture industry. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's history, product lines, design philosophy, and current marketing initiatives. Understand what makes their brand unique and how you can contribute to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.