DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Cockeysville, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultations and relationship selling within a state-of-the-art showroom.

• Cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships by understanding their needs, lifestyle, and budget, translating them into personalized design solutions.

• Leverage comprehensive product knowledge, design trends, and color/texture coordination skills to create compelling sales proposals and close deals.

• Utilize a consultative sales approach, including virtual appointments and in-home/in-business makeovers, to enhance customer experience and maximize selling opportunities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core functions heavily lean into a sales-driven role within a retail environment. The operations aspect comes from the structured approach to sales, client management, and the utilization of company-provided training and design tools to achieve business objectives. This role requires a blend of creative flair and a strong commercial acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Develop, present, and sell customized furniture and design solutions, effectively articulating product benefits and design recommendations.

• Build and nurture a robust client base through proactive outreach, follow-up, and exceptional customer service, fostering long-term loyalty.

• Maintain a deep understanding of current design trends, color palettes, fabric textures, and furniture construction to provide expert advice.

• Utilize company-provided design tools, software, and resources to create compelling visual presentations and proposals for clients.

• Manage the sales process from initial contact through to closing, ensuring a seamless and positive customer experience.

• Perform in-home or in-business design makeovers and consultations, driving sales opportunities and showcasing product versatility.

• Engage effectively with customers through various channels, including in-showroom interactions, virtual appointments, and live chats.

• Collaborate with sales management and team members to share best practices and contribute to overall showroom performance.

• Track sales activities, customer interactions, and pipeline progression using the company's CRM or sales management system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, client-centric approach to sales, integrating design expertise with commercial objectives. The "makeovers" and "virtual appointments" indicate a need for adaptable sales methodologies and strong client engagement skills beyond traditional showroom interactions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. A degree or certification in Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly preferred.

Experience: Proven track record of success in a sales environment, preferably within retail, furniture, or interior design.

• Minimum of 0-2 years of experience in sales, with a strong emphasis on clienteling and consultative selling.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for aesthetics, color theory, texture, and home furnishings.

• Exceptional Sales Acumen: Driven to meet and exceed sales goals, with a proven ability in closing deals and upselling.

• Client Relationship Management: Skill in building rapport, understanding customer needs, and fostering long-term client relationships.

• Color and Texture Coordination: An innate ability to discern and effectively combine colors and textures to create harmonious and appealing designs.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, and the ability to connect with a diverse clientele.

• Computer Proficiency: Adept at using standard office software, with the ability to quickly learn and utilize design software and CRM systems.

• Self-Motivation & Proactiveness: A strong drive to work independently, generate leads, and manage client interactions effectively.

• Positive Outlook & Professionalism: A friendly, outgoing personality, a positive attitude, and a polished, career-minded demeanor.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a varied-paced retail environment and adapt to different customer needs and sales scenarios.

Preferred Skills:

• Interior Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with design visualization tools or CAD software.

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

• Experience with Virtual Sales Tools: Proficiency in conducting virtual consultations and utilizing online communication platforms.

• Customer Needs Translation: Ability to effectively listen and translate customer desires into actionable design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of creative and commercial skills. While formal education in design is preferred, a strong passion and proven sales ability are paramount. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "clientele" points towards a need for candidates who can build and manage a book of business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Showcase: A curated selection of personal or professional design projects, illustrating your ability to conceptualize and execute design solutions. This could include mood boards, CAD renderings, or before-and-after project photos.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Evidence of successful sales performance, such as top performer awards, sales volume metrics, or testimonials highlighting your closing ability.

• Clienteling Strategy Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how you have built and maintained client relationships in previous roles, showcasing your approach to customer retention.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Examples of how you have addressed specific client challenges or design dilemmas, demonstrating your analytical and solution-oriented approach.

Process Documentation:

• Sales Cycle Workflow: A clear outline of your typical sales process, from initial client engagement to closing and post-sale follow-up, detailing key touchpoints and strategies.

• Design Consultation Methodology: A description of your approach to conducting client consultations, including how you gather information, present options, and finalize design choices.

• Client Management System Use: If applicable, examples of how you have used CRM or client management tools to track leads, manage customer interactions, and nurture relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations" portfolio isn't expected for this sales-focused role, demonstrating a structured approach to design and sales is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they manage client relationships and the sales process, highlighting their ability to bring order and strategy to creative endeavors.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Commission Potential: $70,000 - $105,000 per year (average for experienced consultants).

• Top Performers: Up to $135,000+ per year.

• Structure: Commission-based compensation with bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing product and sales training programs.

• Health & Wellness: Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• Insurance: Disability and Life Insurance.

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

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance for continued education.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Perks: Generous Employee Discounts on Bassett Furniture products.

• Work Environment: Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Requirement: Willingness to work weekends and holidays as needed to meet retail operational demands and customer availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-driven, offering significant earning potential for high-performing individuals. The "average" and "top writer" figures provide clear benchmarks. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a retail sales role with a large organization. The explicit mention of weekend and holiday work is a critical operational requirement for retail sales roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Interior Design. Bassett Furniture is a long-standing American brand with over a century of history, known for quality custom furniture and innovation in furniture retailing.

Company Size: Large (likely 1,000-5,000 employees, based on typical retail operations of this scale). This size suggests established processes and a structured corporate environment.

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

Team Structure:

• Showroom-Based Teams: Design Consultants typically operate within a specific showroom, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily client-facing, Design Consultants collaborate with showroom management, design support staff, and potentially logistics or operations teams for order fulfillment.

• Sales Focus: The culture is sales-driven, with an emphasis on achieving individual and team revenue targets.

Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: A core methodology focused on building long-term customer connections rather than transactional sales.

• Data-Driven Clienteling: Utilizing customer data and insights to personalize sales approaches and enhance customer engagement.

• Process-Oriented Training: Structured training programs covering product knowledge, sales techniques, and design principles to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's long heritage and focus on custom furniture suggest a culture that values craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and continuous innovation. The "state-of-the-art showroom" implies a modern, well-equipped retail environment. The operations implication is a structured sales environment with robust training and support systems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the sales and design function. It is a client-facing role focused on direct 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: Design Consultants are critical to the company's revenue stream. Their ability to understand customer needs, provide expert design advice, and close sales directly impacts the company's financial performance, market share, and brand reputation. Effective clienteling and sales strategies contribute to predictable revenue and customer lifetime value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Design Specialist: With proven sales performance and advanced design skills, consultants can move into roles with higher earning potential and more complex client projects.

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

• Specialized Design Roles: Potential to focus on specific product lines, custom design services, or commercial sales.

• Training & Development Roles: Experienced consultants may transition into roles focused on training new hires or developing sales methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path within Bassett's retail sales structure is clearly defined, offering progression from individual contributor to management. The "operations" aspect of growth involves understanding the business metrics, sales forecasting, and team leadership required for higher-level roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom. This is a customer-facing environment designed to showcase furniture and design services. It requires a professional and inviting atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Cockeysville, Maryland. The specific showroom location will offer a modern, well-equipped workspace designed to facilitate design consultations and sales activities.

Workspace Context:

• Customer-Centric Design: The showroom environment is a key tool for sales, requiring a clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing presentation of products.

• Technology Integration: Access to computers, design software, and communication tools for client interaction and sales management.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: While individual sales are paramount, a supportive team environment encourages knowledge sharing and mutual assistance among consultants.

Work Schedule: Flexible, but requires availability during peak retail hours, including weekends and holidays. This ensures maximum customer access and sales opportunities. The role requires a commitment to being present during scheduled shifts, which may vary based on showroom traffic and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-focused. The "state-of-the-art showroom" suggests a modern, well-equipped space that supports both design creativity and efficient sales operations. The need for weekend and holiday availability is a standard operational requirement for retail sales roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Showroom Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your sales experience, design passion, understanding of the Bassett brand, and ability to meet sales targets. Expect questions about your sales methodology and clienteling approach.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present a portfolio of your design work or complete a design exercise, demonstrating your creative skills, ability to translate needs into solutions, and presentation abilities.

• Final Interview (Potentially with Regional Manager): A final conversation to assess cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Variety: Include a range of projects that demonstrate your versatility in styles, room types, and client needs.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your design process, from initial concept to final execution, and the rationale behind your choices.

• Quantify Success: If possible, include metrics or testimonials that speak to the success of your designs or sales outcomes.

• Tailor to Bassett: Emphasize projects that align with Bassett's brand aesthetic and commitment to custom furniture.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Bassett: Understand their product lines, design philosophy, and target market.

• Prepare Design Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common client challenges (e.g., small spaces, specific functional needs, budget constraints).

• Practice Sales Pitches: Rehearse how you would present a design solution and close a sale, focusing on benefits and customer value.

• Anticipate Commission-Based Questions: Be prepared to discuss your comfort and success in commission-based sales environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both sales capability and design aptitude. The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates that practical skills and a demonstrable passion for design are key evaluation criteria.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: For managing customer interactions, tracking leads, and monitoring sales pipeline (e.g., Salesforce, proprietary Bassett system).

• Design Software: Tools for creating mood boards, 2D/3D renderings, and floor plans (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, or specialized interior design software).

• Communication Platforms: For virtual appointments, live chats, and internal team communication (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or similar).

• Product Catalog & Configuration Tools: Software or digital resources for accessing product information, specifications, and customization options.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools to track individual and showroom sales metrics, conversion rates, and average transaction value.

• Customer Data Platforms: Systems that store customer purchase history and preferences to inform clienteling strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Clienteling Software: Features within the CRM or standalone tools to manage customer relationships, track follow-ups, and personalize communications.

• Order Management System: To process sales orders, track production, and manage delivery logistics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with CRM systems for sales pipeline management and clienteling is essential. Familiarity with design visualization tools will be a significant advantage. The company likely provides specific software training, but a foundational understanding of these types of tools is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized service and design.

• Sales Excellence: A drive for achieving and surpassing sales targets, fostering a competitive yet collaborative sales environment.

• Design Integrity: Upholding high standards of design quality, creativity, and aesthetic appeal in all client solutions.

• Teamwork & Support: Valuing collaboration and mutual support among showroom staff to achieve collective success.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on learning, adapting, and refining sales techniques and design skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Synergy: Consultants are expected to work together, sharing insights on customer trends and supporting each other during busy periods.

• Managerial Guidance: Open communication with showroom management for support, feedback, and strategic alignment.

• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Liaising with operations and logistics teams to ensure smooth order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of individual achievement in sales and a supportive team environment within the showroom. The core values revolve around customer satisfaction, design quality, and sales performance, all underpinned by a commitment to the Bassett brand.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Pressure: Adapting to and thriving in a compensation structure solely dependent on sales performance requires resilience and consistent effort.

• Client Expectations Management: Balancing ambitious client visions with practical design constraints and budgets requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to evolving interior design trends and product offerings to remain a valuable resource for clients.

• Driving Foot Traffic & Lead Generation: Proactively engaging customers and generating leads in a competitive retail landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers its own certification program, providing formal training and enhancing design expertise.

• Sales Methodology Training: Ongoing professional development in consultative selling, clienteling, and advanced sales techniques.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: In-depth training on new collections, materials, and customization options.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Opportunities to learn from experienced sales managers and top-performing consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the commission-based compensation, which requires a high degree of self-motivation. Growth opportunities are clearly defined through formal training programs and potential advancement into leadership roles, aligning with the company's commitment to developing its talent.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's design needs and translating them into a cohesive design plan." (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and visual aids.)

• "How do you handle a situation where a client's budget does not align with their desired design vision?" (Emphasize compromise, offering alternatives, and demonstrating value.)

• "Walk me through a successful sales interaction you've had, highlighting your role in the process and the outcome." (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Bassett Furniture specifically?" (Research the company's history, values, and product offerings.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment in a sales setting?" (Discuss collaboration, support, and shared goals.)

• "What are your long-term career aspirations in sales or design?" (Align your goals with potential growth paths at Bassett.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's initial needs, your design solution, and the positive impact of your work.

• Highlight Sales Integration: If a project resulted in a significant sale or repeat business, mention it to connect design with revenue.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Demonstrate your proficiency with design tools through visual aids and clear explanations.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your portfolio efficiently, allowing time for questions and discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative passion, sales capability, and a customer-centric approach. Being prepared to discuss your sales process and how you handle commission-based roles is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant sales achievements, customer service experience, and any design-related skills or education. Use keywords from the job description like "interior design," "sales goals," "clienteling," and "relationship selling."

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your best design work and, if possible, evidence of sales success or client satisfaction. Be ready to discuss your projects in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bassett Furniture's brand, history, product lines, and design aesthetic. Understand their commitment to custom furniture and their market position.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common sales and design interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your passion, skills, and alignment with Bassett's values. Practice presenting your portfolio and design concepts.

⚠️ 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.