DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales / Retail Operations

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by providing expert interior design consultations and personalized sales experiences to a diverse clientele.

• Cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships through exceptional service, design expertise, and proactive clienteling strategies within a retail showroom setting.

• Master comprehensive product knowledge, including furniture construction, design trends, and material specifications, to effectively translate customer needs into compelling design solutions.

• Leverage relationship selling techniques and in-store and virtual engagement methods to maximize sales opportunities and achieve or exceed ambitious sales targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and qualifications heavily lean into a sales and client relationship management function within a retail environment. The "operations" aspect is primarily focused on the sales process efficiency, clienteling, and driving revenue within the showroom.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough in-person and virtual consultations with customers to understand their aesthetic preferences, lifestyle needs, budget constraints, and design objectives.

• Develop and present customized furniture and interior design solutions, utilizing product knowledge, color theory, and an understanding of current design trends.

• Proactively build and manage a personal client base, fostering loyalty and repeat business through consistent follow-up and exceptional service.

• Utilize relationship selling techniques to guide customers through the design and purchasing process, ensuring a positive and seamless experience from initial contact to final delivery.

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of Bassett Furniture's product lines, including construction, customization options, materials, and pricing, to effectively advise customers.

• Coordinate and present color palettes, fabric swatches, and material samples to help clients visualize their design concepts.

• Drive sales performance by meeting and exceeding individual sales goals and contributing to overall showroom targets.

• Engage with customers through various channels, including in-store interactions, virtual appointments, and live chat, to address inquiries and facilitate sales.

• Collaborate with showroom management and team members to maintain showroom presentation standards and support overall store operations.

• Participate in ongoing training programs to enhance product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a consultative sales approach, requiring deep product knowledge and the ability to translate customer needs into actionable design and sales strategies. The role is sales-driven with a strong emphasis on building and maintaining customer relationships.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related creative field is preferred but not explicitly required. A strong aptitude for design principles and a willingness to undergo comprehensive training are key.

Experience: Proven track record in sales, particularly in a commission-based or B2C environment, is highly valued. Experience in retail, customer service, or interior design is beneficial. The company provides extensive training, suggesting that a strong foundation in sales and a passion for design are prioritized over extensive prior experience.

Required Skills:

• Passion for interior design and home furnishings.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective customer engagement and relationship building.

• Strong selling skills with a proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets in a commissioned environment.

• Ability to discern and coordinate colors and textures for effective design presentations.

• Excellent active listening skills to accurately translate customer wants into design choices.

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

• Self-motivated and driven to develop and manage a personal client base (clienteling).

• Basic computer proficiency for utilizing sales tools, communication platforms, and potentially design software.

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

• Professional and polished image suitable for a retail design environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with virtual sales tools and conducting remote client consultations.

• Familiarity with design software or visualization tools.

• Knowledge of furniture construction and materials.

• Experience working in a showroom or high-end retail environment.

• Ability to drive to customers' residences or businesses for design makeovers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on soft skills like communication, relationship building, and a passion for design, coupled with a strong sales drive. While formal design education isn't a strict requirement, a demonstrable aptitude and willingness to learn are crucial. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that the company is willing to train individuals with strong potential.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable understanding of design principles, color theory, and spatial arrangement through examples of past projects or conceptual designs.

• Case studies or examples showcasing successful client interactions and how customer needs were translated into effective design solutions.

• Evidence of ability to present design concepts clearly and persuasively, highlighting the benefits and value proposition of proposed solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to client consultations, from initial needs assessment to final design presentation and sales closure.

• Illustrate a process for managing customer relationships post-sale, including follow-up and fostering repeat business.

• Documentation of how feedback is incorporated into refining sales and design processes.

• Examples of how technology (e.g., virtual tools, CRM) is leveraged to streamline the sales and design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations" portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are expected to demonstrate their design and sales process through examples. This would likely involve showcasing past design projects, client success stories, and a structured approach to 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 potentially earning up to $135,000 per year. This is based on a commission-based compensation plan with additional bonus opportunities.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived directly from the provided text, which states average and top-tier earnings for experienced individuals in this role. The base is commission, so actual earnings will vary significantly based on performance.

• Regional Adjustment: The provided salary figures are presented as averages for experienced individuals within the company's structure, not necessarily tied to a specific geographic salary benchmark for entry-level roles. Louisville, KY, typically has a cost of living slightly below the national average, which might influence the perceived value of this income range.

Benefits:

• Paid training program to develop essential skills and product knowledge.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

• Disability insurance.

• Life insurance.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Tuition assistance for continued learning and development.

• Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Generous employee discounts on Bassett Furniture products.

• Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom environment.

• Clear opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours: The role requires willingness to work weekends and holidays, indicating a standard retail work schedule that likely includes evenings and weekends. While not explicitly stated, a full-time role typically involves around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to accommodate customer needs and peak retail periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is heavily commission-driven, emphasizing performance. The provided salary range is for experienced individuals, so entry-level earnings will likely be at the lower end of this spectrum, heavily reliant on commission from the outset. The benefits package is robust and typical for a full-time retail sales position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail / Home Furnishings. Bassett Furniture has been a recognized brand for over a century, known for quality custom furniture, style, comfort, and value. They focus on innovating furniture retailing.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a well-established company with a significant presence, suggesting a medium to large organization with structured departments and established retail operations.

Founded: Since 1902. This long history indicates a company with deep roots, a strong brand heritage, and a commitment to enduring quality and customer trust.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a retail showroom environment, likely reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• The immediate team would consist of fellow Design Consultants and potentially support staff (e.g., administrative, delivery coordinators).

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes building meaningful, long-term customer relationships through personalized service and design expertise.

• Relationship Selling: The primary sales methodology focuses on understanding and meeting customer needs, rather than transactional selling.

• Continuous Learning: A strong emphasis is placed on ongoing training in product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated as "data analysis," understanding customer needs, budgets, and preferences informs design and sales decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture positions itself as a heritage brand with a focus on innovation and quality. The culture likely values professionalism, a passion for design, strong customer service, and a results-oriented sales approach. The long history suggests stability and a commitment to its employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to mid-level sales and design position. It's a foundational role within the retail showroom structure, focused on direct customer interaction and revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and team development.

Operations Impact: The direct impact of this role is on driving individual and showroom sales revenue. By effectively consulting with clients and closing sales, Design Consultants contribute directly to the company's financial performance and market share within their territory. Their ability to build customer loyalty also contributes to long-term brand value and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers its own Interior Design certification training, providing a structured path to formalize and enhance design expertise.

• Sales Advancement: Successful Design Consultants can progress into senior sales roles, potentially becoming top performers with higher earning potential.

• Leadership Roles: With proven sales success and leadership potential, opportunities may exist for Showroom Management, Sales Management, or other leadership positions within the retail division.

• Specialization: Development of expertise in specific design styles or product categories can lead to specialized roles or advisory positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within this role is primarily tied to sales performance and the development of design and clienteling skills. The company's investment in training and certification signals a commitment to developing talent from within, offering clear pathways for career progression in sales and potentially management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a retail showroom, described as "State-of-the Art." This implies a well-designed, modern, and aesthetically pleasing space showcasing Bassett Furniture's product lines.

Office Location(s): The specific role is located in Louisville, Kentucky. Bassett Furniture operates numerous showrooms across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The workspace is a shared retail environment where Design Consultants interact with customers and colleagues.

• Customer-Facing: A significant portion of the workday involves direct interaction with customers, both on the showroom floor and through virtual channels.

• Product Immersion: The environment is filled with furniture and design samples, requiring constant engagement with the product.

• Technology Integration: The role requires proficiency with computer systems for sales, communication (virtual appointments, live chat), and potentially design tools.

Work Schedule: The role requires willingness to work weekends and holidays. A full-time schedule typically involves approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate customer demand and peak retail periods. This is a standard retail operating schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-centric, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The emphasis on a "state-of-the-art showroom" suggests a focus on visual presentation and a premium customer experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and potentially a brief phone screening to assess basic qualifications, enthusiasm for design, and sales aptitude.

• In-Person Interview: Expect a more in-depth interview with the Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This will likely focus on assessing sales skills, design passion, personality, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of design principles and sales approaches.

• Sales/Design Challenge: The company may present a scenario or ask you to "design" a space based on a hypothetical client's needs. This assesses your ability to apply design principles, understand customer requirements, and present solutions. Portfolio examples can be crucial here.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional management or team members to ensure a good fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Aptitude: Include examples of interior design projects, mood boards, color palettes, or space plans that demonstrate your eye for design, understanding of aesthetics, and ability to create cohesive looks. Even non-professional projects can be valuable if well-presented.

• Highlight Sales Impact: If possible, include examples that demonstrate how your design recommendations or sales efforts led to successful outcomes (e.g., client satisfaction, successful project completion). Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Briefly explain your process for understanding client needs, developing design concepts, and presenting solutions. This shows a structured approach.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. High-quality images are essential.

• Tailor to Bassett: Understand Bassett's brand aesthetic and product offerings, and try to align your portfolio examples with their style where appropriate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Bassett's Brand: Research Bassett Furniture's style, target customer, and brand positioning.

• Practice Design Scenarios: Be ready to walk through how you would approach a client with specific needs (e.g., a small living room, a family-friendly dining area).

• Articulate Sales Approach: Prepare to explain your sales philosophy, how you build rapport, and how you handle objections.

• Color & Texture Coordination: Be prepared to discuss your approach to selecting colors and textures for different spaces and moods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize sales acumen, design passion, and the ability to connect with customers. A portfolio that showcases both design sensibility and a customer-centric approach will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a proprietary or industry-standard CRM for managing customer relationships, tracking leads, sales pipelines, and client communication history. Proficiency in using CRM for clienteling is essential.

• Sales POS System: For processing transactions, managing orders, and handling payments within the showroom.

• Design Software/Visualization Tools: While not explicitly named, the role involves creating and presenting design solutions. This could range from basic tools for creating mood boards and floor plans to more advanced 3D rendering software. Familiarity with tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD (basic use), or specialized interior design software would be beneficial.

• Communication Platforms: For virtual appointments and live chats, this could include platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or integrated website chat features.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: To track individual and showroom sales metrics, commission earnings, and performance against targets.

• Customer Data Analytics: Understanding customer demographics, purchase history, and preferences to inform sales strategies and clienteling efforts.

CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing/Communication Tools: For follow-up communications, newsletters, and promotional outreach to clients.

• Inventory Management Systems: To check product availability, lead times, and manage customer orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific software names, a modern retail sales role requires comfort with CRM, POS systems, and digital communication tools. An aptitude for learning new software, especially design-related tools, is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, emphasizing building genuine relationships and exceeding customer expectations through personalized design and service.

• Passion for Design: A core attribute, encouraging creativity, trend awareness, and a genuine enthusiasm for interior design and home furnishings.

• Sales Excellence: A results-oriented culture that values drive, ambition, and a commitment to achieving and exceeding sales goals.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The importance of supporting colleagues, contributing to a positive showroom environment, and working together to achieve collective success.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a polished image, demonstrating accountability, and exhibiting career-minded professionalism in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Synergy: Design Consultants are expected to collaborate to create a welcoming and inspiring showroom experience for all customers.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing insights on design trends, successful sales strategies, and customer feedback to benefit the entire team.

• Mutual Support: Assisting colleagues with customer inquiries or design challenges when needed, fostering a supportive team atmosphere.

• Managerial Guidance: Open communication with management for support, coaching, and performance feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to blend a creative, design-centric environment with a strong sales performance orientation. Success likely hinges on balancing individual sales drive with a collaborative and customer-focused team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income: For individuals new to commission sales, managing income variability and maintaining motivation during slower periods can be a challenge.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively merging creative design passion with the objective of driving sales and meeting targets requires a unique skill set.

• Customer Expectations: Managing diverse customer expectations, budgets, and tastes while delivering satisfactory design solutions.

• Keeping Up with Trends: Continuously staying abreast of evolving interior design trends and product knowledge to remain a credible consultant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Formal training provided by Bassett, enhancing design expertise and professional credibility.

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

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deep dives into furniture construction, materials, and new product lines.

• Showroom Management Training: Potential pathways for individuals interested in leadership roles within retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional development in both design and sales. The primary challenges are typical of high-performance sales roles, requiring resilience, strong client management, and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your personal design style and how you approach translating a client's vision into a cohesive design." (Be ready to reference your portfolio and design principles.)

• Sales Approach: "How do you build rapport with a new customer in a retail setting, and what are your strategies for understanding their needs?" (Focus on consultative selling and active listening.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a client loves a sofa but is concerned about its durability for their young children. How would you address this concern and propose a solution?" (Showcase product knowledge and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Bassett Furniture specifically, and what do you know about our brand and products?" (Research the company's history, values, and product lines.)

• "How do you handle working in a commission-based sales environment, and what motivates you?" (Emphasize drive, resilience, and a focus on customer satisfaction as motivators.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a brief story: the client's challenge, your approach, the solution, and the successful outcome.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify results (e.g., "This design led to a significant purchase," "The client was thrilled with the space transformation").

• Showcase Process: Clearly explain your step-by-step approach to design and sales, demonstrating your methodology.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, professional, and easy to follow. Use high-quality visuals.

• Engage the Interviewer: Be prepared for questions about your work and engage in a dialogue about your design and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative passion, strong sales acumen, and a customer-centric approach. The portfolio is your key tool to validate your skills and experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant sales experience, customer service achievements, and any design-related skills or projects. Use keywords from the job description like "interior design," "sales goals," "customer relationships," and "color coordination."

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 3-5 strong examples that showcase your design sensibility, client interaction skills, and any demonstrable sales success. Ensure it is visually appealing and easy to navigate.

• Research Bassett Furniture: Familiarize yourself with their brand, product lines, design aesthetic, and company history. Understand their market position and values.

• Practice your pitch: Be ready to articulate your passion for design and sales, explain your process for client engagement, and discuss how you would contribute to the showroom's 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.

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