DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Oklahoma City, OK, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships by understanding individual needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.

• Leverage a comprehensive understanding of furniture construction, design trends, and color/texture coordination to create compelling product and design solutions.

• Execute a consultative sales approach, focusing on "relationship selling" and utilizing design services to maximize selling opportunities and customer satisfaction.

• Contribute to a positive team dynamic and uphold the Bassett Furniture brand standards through polished professionalism and a passion for design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements clearly indicate a strong sales and client relationship management component, positioning this role within a sales operations and customer engagement framework. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and exceeding sales goals aligns it with revenue-generating operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, assessing their needs, style preferences, and budget to recommend tailored furniture and décor solutions.

• Develop, present, and sell comprehensive product and design proposals that align with customer tastes, lifestyle, and investment range.

• Actively build and nurture a loyal client base through proactive follow-up, personalized communication, and exceptional customer service.

• Maintain an expert-level understanding of Bassett Furniture's product catalog, including construction, materials, customization options, and current design trends.

• Utilize a "relationship selling" methodology, focusing on understanding client aspirations and translating them into tangible design outcomes.

• Drive sales performance by consistently meeting or exceeding established sales goals and contributing to overall showroom revenue targets.

• Collaborate with design and sales teams to share insights, best practices, and support collective success within the showroom.

• Perform virtual appointments and live chats to engage with a broader customer base and accommodate diverse client needs.

• Travel to customers' residences and businesses for in-home design consultations and makeovers as required.

• Maintain a professional and polished appearance and demeanor that reflects the Bassett Furniture brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description highlights "comprehensive knowledge ranging from furniture construction to design trends" and "using 'relationship selling' techniques through interior design consultations and makeovers to maximize selling opportunities." This has been expanded to emphasize the sales operations aspect of consultative selling and client relationship management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Completion of Bassett's Interior Design certification training is a key component of professional development within the role. Experience:

• Proven track record of success in sales, particularly in a commission-based environment.

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a client-facing sales or design consultation role is preferred, demonstrating an ability to manage a sales pipeline and nurture leads.

• Experience in the furniture, home décor, or interior design industry is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

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

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

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

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a talent for active listening and building rapport with diverse clientele.

• Customer Relationship Management: Proficiency in cultivating and maintaining long-term customer relationships through personalized service and follow-up.

• Computer Proficiency: Ability to utilize CRM systems, design software (if applicable), and standard office applications for client management and sales tracking.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Capacity to thrive in a varied-paced retail environment and adapt to evolving customer needs and market trends.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Design Trends: Staying current with interior design styles, furniture manufacturing, and emerging trends.

• Virtual Selling Capabilities: Experience conducting successful sales consultations and client interactions via video conferencing and digital platforms.

• Clientele Development: Proven ability to build and grow a personal client book through networking, referrals, and exceptional service.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for understanding customer challenges and translating them into effective design solutions.

• Polished Image & Professionalism: A sophisticated presentation and demeanor suitable for a premium retail brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original "Job Qualifications" and "Job Requirements" have been consolidated and expanded to clearly delineate between essential skills and preferred attributes, using operations-relevant terminology like "CRM systems," "sales pipeline," and "consultative selling."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Consultation Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed examples of customer projects from initial consultation through to final sale, highlighting the client's needs, your design process, and the successful outcome.

• Sales Performance Metrics: Quantifiable achievements demonstrating your ability to meet or exceed sales targets, including average transaction value, conversion rates, and client retention metrics.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Illustrate how you build and maintain long-term client relationships, perhaps through examples of follow-up strategies or loyalty programs you've implemented.

• Color & Texture Palettes: Visual examples of color schemes and material combinations you have successfully utilized in design projects, demonstrating your aesthetic sensibility and technical skill.

Process Documentation:

• Client Needs Assessment Workflow: Document the steps involved in understanding a client's requirements, from initial inquiry to detailed needs analysis, including key questions asked and information gathered.

• Design Solution Development Process: Outline the stages of creating a design proposal, from concept ideation and product selection to presentation and refinement, emphasizing how you translate client needs into tangible solutions.

• Sales Cycle Management: Describe your approach to managing the sales cycle, from lead generation and qualification to closing the sale and post-sale follow-up, focusing on efficiency and customer experience.

• Customer Relationship Building Strategy: Detail your methods for cultivating and nurturing client relationships to foster repeat business and referrals, including communication cadence and personalized engagement tactics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a sales and design role, a portfolio demonstrating both creative talent and sales acumen is crucial. The requirements are structured to reflect the need for tangible proof of design skill, sales success, and process-oriented thinking, aligning with typical operations expectations for roles involving client interaction and revenue generation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Salary: $30,000 - $40,000 annually (This is an estimated base, as commission is the primary driver).

• On-Target Earnings (OTE): $70,000 - $105,000 annually, based on achieving sales targets.

• Top Performer Earnings: Potential to exceed $135,000 annually for high-achieving consultants.

Explanation of Estimate:

This estimate is derived from the provided information indicating potential income for experienced Design Consultants averaging $70,000-$105,000/year, with top writers making up to $135,000/year. In retail sales roles with a significant commission component, a base salary is often lower, with the majority of income coming from commissions and bonuses. The estimated base range reflects typical entry points for such roles in a retail environment, assuming a 40-hour work week. Salary data for similar commissioned sales roles in Oklahoma City, OK, was also considered.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive initial and ongoing training programs, including product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive medical benefits package for eligible employees.

• Disability Insurance: Income protection in case of extended illness or injury.

• Life Insurance: Financial security for beneficiaries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Working Hours:

• Full-time commitment, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• Willingness to work weekends and holidays is essential due to the nature of retail operations and customer availability.

• Schedules will vary based on showroom needs and customer traffic patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range has been estimated based on the provided income potential and typical commission-based retail sales structures. A breakdown of the estimated base versus on-target earnings is provided for clarity. The benefits are listed as provided in the input.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings & Retail. Bassett Furniture operates within the competitive home goods market, blending manufacturing capabilities with a direct-to-consumer retail sales model. This dual focus allows for unique control over product quality and customization, while also emphasizing the customer experience in their showrooms.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. is a well-established company with a significant presence. While specific employee numbers aren't detailed, its history dating back to 1902 and its status as a recognizable brand suggest a medium to large-sized organization with multiple showrooms and potentially manufacturing facilities. This size implies structured operations, defined processes, and opportunities for career development.

Founded: 1902. With over a century of history, Bassett Furniture boasts a strong heritage of craftsmanship and quality. This longevity indicates stability, a deep understanding of the furniture market, and a commitment to evolving with industry changes. The company's focus on "innovating furniture retailing in the next 100 years" shows a forward-thinking approach alongside its traditional values.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Sales Team: Design Consultants typically work within a showroom team, led by a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This team is focused on driving individual sales and contributing to collective showroom performance.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While direct sales are primary, Design Consultants will interact with other departments, potentially including design support, order processing, delivery coordination, and customer service, to ensure a seamless client experience.

• Mentorship and Coaching: The company emphasizes one-on-one coaching and training, suggesting a culture that supports skill development and knowledge transfer from more experienced team members.

Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: The core sales methodology emphasizes building long-term customer connections over transactional sales.

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated as "data-driven" in the operations sense, the process of understanding customer needs, lifestyle, and investment range implies a systematic approach to gathering and utilizing client information for design and sales decisions.

• Continuous Learning: The robust training programs highlight a commitment to ongoing professional development, encouraging associates to stay updated on product knowledge, design trends, and sales techniques.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out using the provided founding date and "What sets Bassett apart?" section. The implications for a design consultant role within a company of this size and history are highlighted, focusing on structured operations and career growth potential.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the retail sales and design operations framework. It requires a blend of creative design sensibility, strong sales acumen, and customer relationship management skills. A Design Consultant is expected to operate with a degree of autonomy in managing their client interactions and sales pipeline, while also adhering to company standards and sales targets. It's a client-facing role with direct impact on revenue.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This manager is responsible for overseeing showroom operations, sales performance, team development, and ensuring adherence to company policies and sales strategies. They provide guidance, coaching, and performance evaluations.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of a Design Consultant on operations is direct revenue generation. By successfully converting leads into sales and fostering repeat business, they contribute significantly to the company's financial performance and market share. Their ability to build strong client relationships also enhances brand loyalty and contributes to positive word-of-mouth marketing, indirectly impacting customer acquisition costs and lifetime value. Effective consultation also minimizes returns and customer service issues by ensuring clients make informed purchasing decisions that align with their needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Progress to handling more complex client projects, higher-value sales, or specializing in specific product lines.

• Showroom Management: Opportunity to move into leadership roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing the entire sales team and showroom operations.

• Design Specialist/Interior Designer: Further develop design expertise, potentially leading design initiatives, training new consultants, or working on larger design projects.

• Corporate Roles: Potential to transition into roles within corporate training, sales management, product development, or marketing, leveraging their understanding of the customer and sales floor.

• Sales Training & Development: Become a trainer or coach for new hires, sharing best practices in sales and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the "operations" aspect of this sales role, detailing its level, reporting, impact on revenue and customer retention, and specific growth paths within a retail and design context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace is designed to be visually appealing, showcasing furniture and home décor in an aspirational setting. It's a customer-facing location, meaning interactions with clients are constant and varied.

Office Location(s): The specific role is located in Oklahoma City, OK. This implies working within a dedicated Bassett Furniture showroom, which is likely a well-appointed, professional retail space designed to attract and serve customers seeking high-quality home furnishings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom Floor: While individual sales are key, the showroom floor is a shared space where consultants work collaboratively, sharing customer insights, product knowledge, and supporting each other during busy periods.

• Access to Design Resources: Consultants will have access to product samples, fabric swatches, design tools, and potentially digital design software to assist clients.

• Customer Interaction Hub: The showroom is the primary point of contact for customers, making it a dynamic environment requiring excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple interactions.

• Professional Presentation: The workspace is expected to be immaculate and well-organized, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and aesthetics.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week.

• Requires willingness to work weekends and holidays, as this is standard for retail operations and when customers are most likely to visit showrooms.

• Schedules will be varied and may include a mix of weekdays and weekends, often determined by showroom traffic patterns and team coverage needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description focuses on the practical aspects of a retail showroom environment, highlighting the collaborative nature, available resources, and the essential requirement for weekend/holiday work, which is a critical factor for retail operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements, with a particular focus on sales experience and design passion.

• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss your background, motivation for applying, and understanding of the Design Consultant role and Bassett's brand.

• In-Person Interview & Showroom Tour: If selected, you will likely visit the Oklahoma City showroom for a more in-depth discussion. This may include a tour of the facility and an opportunity to observe showroom dynamics.

• Sales/Design Challenge: You may be asked to present a mock design consultation or sales pitch, showcasing your ability to engage a "customer," understand their needs, and propose solutions. This is where your portfolio can shine.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior manager or district manager, to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the role and compensation structure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Your Design Process: For each project, clearly outline the client's initial needs, your design thinking, the solutions you proposed, and the final outcome. Use visuals (photos, mood boards) to illustrate your work.

• Quantify Sales Success: Include specific metrics demonstrating your sales achievements. Use numbers, percentages, and concrete examples of exceeding targets or closing high-value deals.

• Highlight Relationship Building: Provide examples of how you've built lasting client relationships, including testimonials or descriptions of your follow-up strategies.

• Demonstrate Color & Texture Expertise: Include examples of palettes and material combinations that showcase your aesthetic judgment and ability to create harmonious designs.

• Tailor to Bassett: Research Bassett's style and target customer. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills and experience align with their brand and market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Role-Play Scenarios: Practice common sales and design consultation scenarios. Anticipate customer questions and objections, and prepare thoughtful responses.

• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's product lines, materials, and customization options. Be ready to discuss specific pieces and their benefits.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design concepts and sales approach clearly and concisely. Focus on storytelling and demonstrating value.

• Understanding Commission: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of and comfort with a commission-based compensation structure and how you plan to achieve success within it.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, breaking down the likely interview stages and offering specific tips for portfolio presentation and challenge preparation, tailored to a sales and design role in retail operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Bassett likely utilizes a Customer Relationship Management system (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or a proprietary system) for managing customer data, tracking leads, logging interactions, and monitoring sales pipeline progress. Proficiency in CRM is crucial for sales operations.

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing inventory updates, and generating sales reports.

• Design Software/Tools: While not explicitly detailed, consultants may use software for creating mood boards, 3D renderings, or floor plans to visualize designs for clients. This could include tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD LT, or specialized interior design software.

• Communication Platforms: Standard business communication tools like email, internal messaging systems (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) for virtual appointments and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Dashboards: Access to reports and dashboards that track individual and showroom sales performance, conversion rates, average transaction value, and customer acquisition metrics.

• Product Performance Data: Insights into which products are selling well, customer preferences, and market trends to inform sales strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Lead Management Tools: Within the CRM, tools for capturing, qualifying, and nurturing incoming leads from various sources (online inquiries, walk-ins, events).

• Customer Data Management: Ensuring accurate and up-to-date customer profiles for personalized service and targeted marketing efforts.

• Automated Follow-up (Potentially): Some CRM systems allow for automated follow-up emails or reminders, though high-touch relationship selling often relies on manual outreach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates the technology stack relevant to a retail sales role with operations components, focusing on CRM, POS, design tools, and reporting mechanisms that are standard in such environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A paramount value focused on understanding and exceeding customer expectations throughout the design and purchase journey. This translates to active listening, empathetic problem-solving, and a commitment to client satisfaction.

• Design Excellence: A dedication to quality, aesthetics, and trend awareness in all design recommendations and showroom presentation. This involves a passion for beautiful spaces and a continuous effort to stay updated on design innovations.

• Sales Drive & Achievement: A strong emphasis on performance, goal attainment, and a results-oriented approach to sales. This value encourages consultants to be proactive, persistent, and focused on closing business.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: While individual sales are critical, fostering a supportive team environment where consultants share knowledge, assist colleagues, and contribute to the overall showroom success is vital.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Upholding high standards of personal presentation, ethical conduct, and honest business practices in all client and internal interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Floor Synergy: Consultants often collaborate informally on the showroom floor, sharing insights about customers, product availability, or design challenges.

• Managerial Support: Regular check-ins and coaching sessions with the Showroom Manager provide a structured avenue for collaboration, feedback, and strategic alignment.

• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Working with order fulfillment, delivery, and customer service teams to ensure a seamless post-sale experience for clients. This requires clear communication and a shared understanding of customer needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share successful sales techniques, design tips, and customer insights with colleagues to elevate the performance of the entire team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are extrapolated from the job description's emphasis on customer relationships, design passion, sales goals, and teamwork, framed within the context of retail operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: The primary challenge is the reliance on commission, which can lead to fluctuating income based on sales performance, seasonality, and market conditions.

• Managing Diverse Client Expectations: Balancing individual customer tastes, budgets, and lifestyle needs with available product offerings and design principles can be complex.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new design styles, materials, and product innovations to remain a valuable resource for clients.

• Handling Objections and Rejection: Sales roles inherently involve facing objections and potential rejection, requiring resilience and effective negotiation skills.

• Balancing Sales and Design: Effectively integrating the consultative design aspect with the drive to close sales without compromising either.

• Physical Demands: The role involves standing for extended periods, walking the showroom, and potentially lifting or moving smaller items.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Bassett Interior Design Certification: A significant opportunity to gain formal certification, enhancing design expertise and credibility.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous training on new collections, materials, and furniture construction techniques.

• Sales Methodology Training: Development in consultative selling, relationship management, and closing techniques.

• Showroom Management Training: Potential pathways to leadership roles through dedicated management development programs.

• Networking with Design Professionals: Opportunities to interact with a diverse clientele, including interior designers and architects, expanding professional networks.

• Exposure to Retail Operations: Gaining hands-on experience in the operational aspects of a successful retail furniture business.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential challenges inherent in a commission-based retail sales role and highlights the structured learning and growth pathways provided by Bassett, emphasizing the combination of design skill development and sales operational enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's design needs and translating them into a compelling furniture proposal." (Focus on your process: discovery questions, listening skills, problem-solving, and presentation of solutions.)

• "How do you build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, especially in a commission-based sales environment?" (Highlight CRM usage, follow-up strategies, personalized service, and how you foster loyalty.)

• "Walk me through a challenging sales scenario you've faced and how you successfully navigated it to achieve a positive outcome." (Prepare a STAR method answer demonstrating resilience, negotiation, and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically attracts you to Bassett Furniture, and why do you believe you'd be a good fit for our design and sales culture?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and recent initiatives. Connect your passion for design and sales approach to their brand.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends, and how do you incorporate them into your client recommendations?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to blend trends with client individuality.)

• "Describe your experience with commission-based sales. How do you stay motivated to achieve sales targets?" (Be enthusiastic about earning potential and discuss your strategies for pipeline management and proactive selling.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the client's problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., customer satisfaction, sale completion, repeat business).

• Highlight Quantifiable Achievements: Emphasize sales figures, conversion rates, and client retention numbers. Use charts or graphs if possible to visualize your success.

• Showcase Your Design Sensibility: Use high-quality images of your work, color palettes, and material samples to demonstrate your aesthetic judgment and ability to create cohesive designs.

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

• Connect to Bassett's Brand: Frame your experience and style in a way that aligns with Bassett's market position and typical customer profile.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to the specific blend of sales, design, and customer relationship management required for this role, emphasizing how to showcase relevant skills and knowledge during the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application: Complete the online application form through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your sales experience, design skills, customer service achievements, and any experience with commission-based roles or the home furnishings industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate your best design projects and sales achievements. Focus on showcasing your process, results, and ability to meet client needs. Ensure it's visually appealing and easy to navigate.

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

• Practice your pitch: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions, and be ready to present your portfolio and handle a mock design consultation or sales scenario.

⚠️ 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.