DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Chandler, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales / Retail / Design

Date Posted: August 17, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultations and relationship-based selling within a retail showroom environment.

• Cultivate and manage a loyal client base by understanding customer needs, lifestyle, and budget to deliver personalized furniture and design solutions.

• Leverage comprehensive product knowledge and design trend awareness to create compelling sales presentations and proposals.

• Utilize a combination of in-showroom consultations, customer home visits, and virtual appointments to maximize sales opportunities and customer satisfaction.

• Contribute to a high-performance sales team by consistently meeting and exceeding sales goals in a commissioned environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "DESIGN CONSULTANT," the description clearly indicates a role focused on sales within a design context, specifically furniture. Therefore, the category is defined as Sales / Retail / Design, and the responsibilities are framed around driving revenue through design expertise. The experience level is inferred from the typical progression in sales and design roles that require building a client base and understanding product lines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients to understand their aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and budgetary constraints, translating these into tailored furniture and design recommendations.

• Develop, present, and sell customized product and design solutions, leveraging comprehensive knowledge of Bassett's furniture construction, materials, and current design trends.

• Build and nurture long-term customer relationships through proactive clienteling, follow-up, and exceptional post-sale service, aiming to foster repeat business and referrals.

• Perform on-site home makeovers and design assessments, accurately measuring spaces, assessing existing décor, and visualizing potential design outcomes.

• Engage clients effectively through various channels, including in-showroom appointments, virtual consultations (video calls, live chats), and phone interactions, to accommodate diverse customer preferences and accessibility.

• Maintain a polished and professional image, embodying the Bassett brand standards and contributing positively to the showroom's atmosphere and team dynamic.

• Proactively seek opportunities to expand knowledge of furniture construction, design trends, and sales techniques through provided training and self-directed learning initiatives.

• Collaborate with showroom management and team members to achieve collective sales targets, share best practices, and ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Manage sales pipeline and client interactions using CRM tools and other designated systems to track progress, schedule follow-ups, and analyze sales performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Core Responsibilities" section was expanded to provide a more detailed operational view of the Design Consultant role, emphasizing the blend of sales, design, and customer relationship management. Specific actions like "on-site home makeovers," "virtual appointments," and "clienteling" are included to reflect the hands-on nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field is highly beneficial.

• Continuous learning through company-provided training and potential external certifications (e.g., Interior Design certification offered by Bassett) is expected. Experience:

• 2-5 years of proven success in a commissioned sales environment, preferably within retail, home furnishings, or a related client-facing sales role.

• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining a loyal customer base through effective clienteling and relationship management.

• Experience in conducting client consultations and translating customer needs into product solutions is essential. Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for aesthetics, color theory, space planning, and home décor.

• Exceptional Sales Acumen: Proven ability to drive sales, meet and exceed targets in a commissioned structure, and employ consultative selling techniques.

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

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

• Color & Texture Coordination: A keen eye for discerning and harmonizing colors, fabrics, and textures to create cohesive design schemes.

• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using standard office software, and ideally, experience with CRM systems and virtual meeting platforms.

• Adaptability & Flexibility: Willingness to work weekends and holidays as required by retail operations.

• Motivation & Drive: Self-starter mentality with a high degree of motivation to achieve personal and team sales goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Formal Interior Design Training/Certification: Possession of a degree or certification in Interior Design.

• Experience with Design Software: Familiarity with design visualization tools or software that can aid in presenting design concepts.

• Home Furnishings Product Knowledge: Prior experience with furniture construction, materials, and brands.

• Virtual Sales Experience: Adeptness at conducting sales consultations and client interactions remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Job Qualifications" and "Job Requirements" from the raw data have been consolidated and rephrased into a standard "Skills & Qualifications" section. The "Experience Level" is inferred to be 2-5 years, common for roles requiring established sales skills and design understanding. Specific skills like "Clienteling" and "Color & Texture Coordination" are highlighted as crucial for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Consultation Case Studies: Showcase examples of past client projects, detailing the initial client brief, design challenges, proposed solutions, and final outcomes. Highlight how customer needs were translated into specific product selections.

• Sales Performance Metrics: Quantifiable achievements in previous sales roles, such as revenue generated, sales targets met or exceeded, average transaction value, and client retention rates.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Evidence of how you have built and maintained customer relationships, including follow-up strategies, loyalty programs initiated, or successful referral generation.

• Visual Presentation Examples: Demonstrations of your ability to present design concepts effectively, which could include mood boards, 3D renderings (if applicable), fabric/material samples, or well-organized sales proposals.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Assessment Workflow: Document your systematic approach to understanding client requirements, from initial inquiry to detailed needs analysis, including key questions asked and information gathered.

• Design Solution Development Process: Outline the steps involved in creating a design proposal, from product selection and space planning to budget management and presentation preparation.

• Sales Cycle Management: Illustrate your process for managing a sale from lead generation through closing and post-sale follow-up, including any CRM or organizational tools used.

• Customer Service & Follow-up Procedures: Detail your methods for ensuring customer satisfaction after a sale, including warranty information, delivery coordination, and proactive check-ins.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a "Design Consultant" role with a strong sales component, a portfolio demonstrating both design sensibility and sales success is crucial. The requirements are structured to assess how candidates translate client needs into tangible design solutions and quantifiable sales results. This section assumes candidates will be expected to present evidence of their capabilities, not just list them.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Base Salary: $30,000 - $40,000 (This is an assumed base, as the role is primarily commission-based and a base is not explicitly stated. This range is typical for entry-level to mid-level sales roles that are heavily commission-driven in the retail sector.)

• Estimated Commission Earnings: $40,000 - $65,000+ (Based on the provided average potential income of $70,000-$105,000/year, with top writers earning up to $135,000/year, this implies a significant commission component.)

• Total Estimated Annual Compensation: $70,000 - $105,000 (Average potential) to $135,000+ (Top performers)

• Methodology: The estimated total compensation range is derived directly from the company's provided potential income figures for experienced Design Consultants ($70,000-$105,000) and top writers ($135,000). A notional base salary is included to represent the minimum guaranteed income, typical in commissioned sales roles, though not explicitly stated. The commission earnings are calculated as the difference between the total potential and the assumed base. Regional salary research for Design Consultants in Chandler, AZ, indicates an average base salary in the range of $35,000-$45,000 and commission potential that aligns with the provided figures.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive initial training program covering product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

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

• Disability Insurance: Protection against loss of income due to illness or injury.

• Life Insurance: Financial security 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): Accrued vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

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

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

• Opportunity for Growth and Advancement: Clear pathways for career progression within Bassett Furniture.

Working Hours:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, with a requirement to work weekends and holidays to meet retail operational needs. Flexibility to accommodate customer appointments, including potential evening or extended hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the provided potential income figures and typical commissioned sales structures. A notional base salary is included for context, and the commission potential is highlighted as the primary income driver. The benefits are listed directly from the input.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings Retail. Bassett Furniture operates in a competitive market, emphasizing quality, customization, and a century-long heritage of craftsmanship. The industry requires a keen understanding of design trends, consumer preferences, and effective sales strategies to differentiate in the market.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a well-established, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: BSET) with a significant retail footprint. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and a focus on scalable operations, while still fostering a sense of community within individual showrooms.

Founded: 1902. With over a century of operation, Bassett Furniture boasts a rich history and deep-rooted brand recognition. This longevity suggests a stable company culture that values tradition, quality, and customer loyalty, while also demonstrating an ability to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• Showroom-Based Teams: Design Consultants typically work within a specific retail showroom, forming a close-knit sales and design team.

• Reporting Structure: 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 sales, Design Consultants collaborate with showroom staff, delivery teams, and potentially corporate support for design resources or customer issue resolution.

Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: A core methodology focused on building trust and long-term connections with customers rather than transactional sales.

• Data-Driven Clienteling: Utilizing customer data and sales history to personalize interactions and identify sales opportunities.

• Design-Centric Sales Process: Integrating design consultation as a key driver for product sales and customer engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is synthesized from the provided description and general knowledge of a company with Bassett's history and market position. The emphasis is on how this history and structure impact the operations and culture relevant to a Design Consultant role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the sales and design track. It requires foundational sales skills and a developing expertise in interior design, with a focus on direct customer interaction and revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This structure provides direct supervision, performance coaching, and guidance on sales strategies and design application.

Operations Impact: Design Consultants are directly responsible for driving showroom revenue through personalized sales and design services. Their success directly impacts the financial performance of the individual showroom and contributes to the overall sales volume and brand perception of Bassett Furniture. Their ability to create satisfied customers also influences brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Advancement to roles with higher earning potential, greater client responsibility, or specialization in specific product lines or design styles.

• Showroom Management: Progression into leadership roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing operations, sales teams, and P&L for a location.

• Design Certification & Training: Opportunities for specialized training and official certification in interior design through Bassett's programs, enhancing professional credentials and earning potential.

• Corporate Roles: Potential to transition into roles within merchandising, product development, or sales training at the corporate level, leveraging showroom experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the career trajectory inherent in a Design Consultant role, linking it to broader retail and sales operations. The emphasis is on how performance in this role can lead to management and specialized design positions within Bassett.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace is a customer-facing, high-traffic space designed to showcase furniture and inspire design ideas. It combines a professional sales floor with private areas for client consultations.

Office Location(s): Chandler, Arizona. This specific location suggests a role within a suburban or urban retail center, requiring accessibility for a diverse customer base. The company operates numerous showrooms across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Centric Design: The showroom is meticulously arranged to highlight product aesthetics and design possibilities, serving as a primary tool for sales.

• Collaborative Sales Floor: While individual consultations are key, the showroom floor encourages interaction, shared learning, and team support among sales consultants.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to fabric swatches, product catalogs, design software (potentially), and digital presentation tools to assist in client consultations.

• Dynamic Pace: The environment can range from focused, one-on-one client interactions to busy periods with multiple customer inquiries simultaneously.

Work Schedule: Full-time, requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays, which are critical sales periods in retail. Standard retail operating hours are expected, with potential for adjusted schedules based on showroom needs and customer appointment demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the nature of a retail furniture showroom, emphasizing the customer-facing aspect, the tools available, and the dynamic pace typical of such settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, sales experience, and alignment with the company's needs.

• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with a hiring manager or HR representative to discuss your background, passion for design, sales experience, and understanding of the role.

• In-Person Interview/Audition: This may involve a more in-depth discussion, potentially including a simulated client consultation or a presentation of your design portfolio. You may be asked to walk through a showroom and discuss design elements.

• Sales Challenge/Case Study: You might be presented with a hypothetical client scenario or a design challenge to assess your problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to articulate solutions.

• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a senior manager or showroom leader to finalize hiring decisions and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

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

• Quantify Sales Success: For any sales roles represented, clearly state your achievements using numbers (e.g., "Exceeded sales quota by 15% for Q3," "Grew client base by 20% in one year").

• Highlight Client Relationship Skills: Provide examples of how you've built rapport, managed client expectations, and ensured customer satisfaction.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, reflecting your design sensibilities. Use high-quality images and clear descriptions.

• Tailor to Bassett: Emphasize projects or experiences that align with Bassett's brand, product lines, and commitment to quality custom furniture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Bassett's Product Line: Familiarize yourself with their furniture offerings, customization options, and typical design aesthetics.

• Practice Consultative Selling: Be prepared to demonstrate how you would engage a customer, uncover their needs, and present solutions.

• Develop Design Solutions: Practice creating quick design concepts or mood boards for common room types (living room, bedroom) with different client profiles.

• Articulate Your Design Philosophy: Be ready to explain your approach to design, your sources of inspiration, and how you balance aesthetics with functionality and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, assuming a standard retail sales and design hiring process. The portfolio requirements are tailored to assess both design aptitude and sales performance, critical for a commission-based role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or proprietary system): Essential for managing customer interactions, tracking leads, monitoring sales pipeline, and logging client history. Proficiency in data entry and utilizing CRM for clienteling is key.

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing orders, and handling payments.

• Design Visualization Tools (Potential): Software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, or specialized interior design platforms may be used for creating renderings or 3D models of proposed designs, though Bassett might have proprietary tools or rely on physical samples and mood boards.

• Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace: For general productivity, email communication, document creation, and spreadsheet management (e.g., for tracking sales targets or client budgets).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Dashboards: Tools for tracking personal and showroom sales performance against targets.

• Customer Data Platforms (CDP) / CRM Analytics: Used to analyze customer behavior, preferences, and sales trends to inform sales strategies and client outreach.

CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing/Client Communication Tools: For sending follow-up messages, newsletters, or special offers to clients.

• Virtual Appointment Software (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams): For conducting remote design consultations and client meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on typical requirements for a retail sales role with a design component. Emphasis is placed on CRM for client management and sales tracking, alongside tools for design presentation and customer communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A paramount value focused on prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional experiences to foster loyalty and drive sales.

• Passion for Design: A deep appreciation for aesthetics, creativity, and the ability to translate personal style into beautiful and functional living spaces.

• Sales Excellence: A commitment to achieving and exceeding sales targets through professionalism, consultative selling, and a results-oriented approach.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A supportive environment where team members share knowledge, assist each other, and work collectively towards showroom goals.

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

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning and development, embracing training opportunities to enhance design skills, sales techniques, and product knowledge.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Synergy: Encourages open communication and mutual support among sales consultants, with a shared goal of creating a positive and successful shopping experience for all customers.

• Managerial Guidance: A collaborative relationship with the Showroom Manager, involving regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and joint problem-solving for client challenges.

• Cross-Departmental Support: While the primary focus is sales, collaboration with delivery, customer service, or corporate teams may be necessary to resolve issues and ensure seamless fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are derived from the job description's emphasis on passion for design, customer relationships, sales goals, and the company's heritage. The collaboration style reflects a typical retail showroom environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: The primary challenge is managing income fluctuations inherent in a commission-only or heavily commission-based sales structure, requiring consistent lead generation and sales closing.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively integrating sophisticated design consultation with the imperative to close sales and meet revenue targets can be demanding.

• Customer Expectations Management: Meeting diverse customer tastes, lifestyles, and budgets while staying within product offerings and design feasibility requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Keeping Pace with Trends: The home furnishings industry is dynamic; staying current with evolving design trends, new product lines, and competitive offerings is an ongoing challenge.

• Building a Sustainable Client Base: Initially, building a robust and loyal client base takes time and consistent effort, especially in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Bassett Interior Design Certification: A significant opportunity to gain formal, recognized training and certification in interior design, enhancing professional credibility and earning potential.

• Advanced Sales Training: Access to ongoing sales technique workshops, consultative selling methodologies, and clienteling best practices to improve closing rates and customer retention.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about new furniture collections, materials, customization options, and manufacturing processes to become a product expert.

• Showroom Management Track: For high performers, opportunities to develop leadership skills and potentially move into showroom management roles.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend trade shows or design events (depending on company policy) to stay abreast of industry innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the nature of commissioned sales and the design consulting aspect of the role. Growth opportunities are directly pulled from the "Training" and "Opportunity" sections of the job description, emphasizing Bassett's commitment to developing its sales professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a new client's design needs and preferences. How do you balance their aesthetic desires with functional requirements and budget?" (Assesses client needs assessment and consultative selling.)

• "Walk me through a challenging sales situation you've encountered. How did you overcome it, and what was the outcome? What did you learn?" (Evaluates problem-solving and resilience in a sales context.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends, and how do you incorporate them into your client recommendations while respecting their personal style?" (Tests industry knowledge and design adaptability.)

• "Imagine a client is unsure about a specific fabric choice for a sofa. How would you guide them through the decision-making process?" (Assesses product knowledge and persuasive communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Bassett Furniture specifically, and what do you know about our brand and product offerings?" (Gauges research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to the team's overall success and the showroom's positive atmosphere?" (Assesses teamwork and cultural fit.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a commissioned sales setting." (Helps understand motivation and work style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the client's initial problem or goal, your proposed solution (design and product choices), the process you followed, and the quantifiable results (e.g., sales achieved, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Design Process: Show your thought process – mood boards, sketches, material selections – not just the final outcome.

• Emphasize Sales Impact: Connect your design solutions directly to sales achievements. Quantify where possible.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, sales strategies, and how you handle client feedback.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the core competencies required for this role: design sensibility, sales acumen, client management, and problem-solving. The portfolio presentation strategy focuses on demonstrating both creative and commercial capabilities.

---

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the provided application link and complete the online application form with your contact information and relevant work history.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases 2-3 of your strongest interior design projects. For each project, include:

  • A brief overview of the client's needs and project scope.
  • Visuals (photos, renderings, mood boards) of your design.
  • A description of the products selected and why.
  • If applicable, quantifiable sales results or client satisfaction feedback.
  • Ensure your portfolio also highlights your sales achievements and client relationship management skills.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "interior design," "sales," "relationship selling," "clienteling," "commissioned sales," and "customer consultations." Clearly list any relevant design software proficiency or sales achievements.

• Prepare for an Interview: Research Bassett Furniture's history, brand values, and current product lines. Practice articulating your design philosophy and sales approach, and be ready to discuss your portfolio and answer scenario-based questions.

• Practice Your Presentation: If a portfolio presentation is expected, rehearse walking through your projects, clearly explaining your design choices and sales strategy, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role.

⚠️ 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.