DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Irvine, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales / Retail / Design

Date Posted: June 25, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultations and personalized sales strategies within a contemporary showroom environment.

• Cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships, acting as a trusted advisor for furniture selection and home design.

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

• Execute a "relationship selling" approach, focusing on understanding customer lifestyles, tastes, and budgets to deliver tailored design makeovers.

• Utilize a blend of in-person, virtual, and in-home consultations to maximize client engagement and sales opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core function and compensation structure clearly indicate a sales-driven role within the retail and interior design sector. The emphasis on sales goals, commission, and clienteling points towards a Sales Operations or GTM-focused role within a retail context, rather than a traditional operations support function. The role requires a strong understanding of sales processes, customer lifecycle management, and revenue generation strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients to understand their needs, preferences, lifestyle, and budget constraints.

• Develop, present, and sell customized product and design solutions that align with client requirements and current design trends.

• Build and nurture a strong base of loyal clients through exceptional customer service, follow-up, and personalized engagement strategies.

• Proactively identify opportunities to upsell and cross-sell products and services, maximizing each client interaction for revenue potential.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Bassett Furniture's product lines, including construction, materials, customization options, and pricing.

• Coordinate and discern colors, textures, and finishes to create aesthetically pleasing and functional design proposals.

• Perform in-home consultations and design makeovers, accurately assessing space, lighting, and existing decor.

• Utilize virtual appointment tools and live chat functionalities to engage with clients remotely and expand reach.

• Collaborate effectively with sales and design teams to share insights, best practices, and support on complex client projects.

• Consistently meet or exceed individual sales goals and contribute to overall showroom revenue targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize direct client interaction, sales execution, and design expertise, aligning with a client-facing sales role that requires operational awareness of the sales process and customer journey. The "makeovers" aspect suggests a consultative sales approach with a tangible output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Interior Design certification or equivalent training is highly desirable, demonstrating foundational knowledge in design principles, color theory, and space planning.

• A Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Marketing, Business, or a related field can be advantageous, providing a broader understanding of client management and business operations. Experience:

• 2-5 years of proven experience in a sales-driven role, preferably within the furniture, interior design, or luxury retail sectors.

• Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding sales targets in a commissioned sales environment.

• Experience in consultative selling, clienteling, and building long-term customer relationships. Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for home furnishings, interior aesthetics, and helping clients realize their design vision.

• Exceptional Sales Acumen: Proven ability to engage customers, identify needs, present solutions, and close sales effectively.

• Color & Texture Coordination: Strong eye for selecting and harmonizing colors, fabrics, and materials to create appealing design schemes.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) / Clienteling: Proficiency in managing client interactions, tracking preferences, and nurturing relationships for repeat business and referrals.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening capabilities, and the ability to build rapport quickly with diverse clientele.

• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using CRM software, design visualization tools (if applicable), virtual meeting platforms, and standard office productivity suites.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: A proactive and results-oriented mindset with a strong desire to achieve and surpass sales goals.

• Professionalism & Polished Image: Maintaining a professional demeanor and appearance that reflects the Bassett brand's quality and sophistication.

Preferred Skills:

• Furniture Construction Knowledge: Understanding of furniture materials, build quality, and manufacturing processes.

• Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Chief Architect) for creating visual representations of designs.

• Virtual Selling Expertise: Experience conducting effective sales consultations and presentations via video conferencing and digital platforms.

• Business Acumen: Understanding of commission structures, sales metrics, and how individual performance contributes to overall business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills list is heavily weighted towards sales and client interaction, with design knowledge being a critical enabler. Keywords like "clienteling," "relationship selling," and "sales goals" are crucial for ATS optimization. "Computer proficiency" is noted, implying a need for familiarity with digital tools used in modern retail sales.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Consultation Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 examples of successful client design projects, detailing the client's initial needs, your proposed solutions, the products selected, and the final outcome. Highlight how you translated customer wants into design choices.

• Sales Performance Metrics: Quantify your sales achievements, demonstrating your ability to meet and exceed targets. Include metrics such as average sale value, conversion rates, and client retention rates.

• Clienteling Process Examples: Illustrate how you build and maintain client relationships. This could include examples of follow-up strategies, personalized recommendations, or how you leverage customer data to drive repeat business.

• Visual Presentation Examples: Include mood boards, space plans, or 3D renderings (if applicable) that demonstrate your design aesthetic and ability to communicate visual concepts effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Client Needs Assessment Workflow: Outline the steps you take from initial customer contact to understanding their design needs, lifestyle, and budget.

• Design Solution Development Process: Detail your methodology for selecting furniture, fabrics, and accessories, including how you coordinate colors and textures.

• Sales Conversion Process: Describe your approach to presenting proposals, handling objections, and closing sales, including any specific techniques used in a commissioned environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a sales-focused role like this, a "portfolio" translates to showcasing successful client engagements and sales results. The emphasis is on demonstrating the process of consultative selling and design execution, not just the final product. This section is crucial for candidates to prepare tangible examples of their capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $135,000+ per year (Commission-based with potential for bonuses) This estimated range is derived from the provided information stating that experienced Design Consultants average $70,000-$105,000/year, with top performers earning up to $135,000/year.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing product, sales, and design skill development.

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

• 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 matching.

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and/or personal days.

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

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

• Opportunity for Growth and Advancement: Clear pathways for career progression within the company.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays as required by retail operations. Flexibility is expected to accommodate client availability and showroom needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is commission-based, with a significant earning potential tied directly to sales performance. The provided range reflects the average and top-tier earnings, emphasizing the performance-driven nature of the role. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a full-time retail sales position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail / Home Furnishings / Interior Design

Company Size: Large (Implied by "Bassett Furniture Industries" and extensive benefits/training programs, likely 1,000-5,000+ employees globally).

Founded: 1902, indicating a long-standing heritage and established brand reputation in the furniture industry.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Sales Team: Typically organized by sales associates, design consultants, and potentially a showroom manager.

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

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with other sales associates, design specialists, and potentially delivery or customer service departments to ensure a seamless client experience.

Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: A core philosophy focused on building trust and long-term rapport with customers, moving beyond transactional sales.

• Consultative Design Approach: Emphasizing understanding client needs and offering expert guidance rather than just product pushing.

• Data-Driven Clienteling: Utilizing customer data and purchase history to personalize interactions and drive repeat business.

• Continuous Learning & Development: Commitment to ongoing training in product knowledge, design trends, and sales techniques to foster associate growth.

Company Website: www.bassettfurniture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's long history (since 1902) suggests a stable company with a focus on quality and customer loyalty. The culture likely balances traditional retail sales practices with modern design consultation and relationship-building approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Sales Professional / Design Consultant

This role represents a significant step up from entry-level sales, requiring established sales skills and a strong understanding of interior design principles. It's a client-facing position focused on direct revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This structure allows for direct mentorship, performance feedback, and guidance on sales strategies.

Operations Impact: Directly impacts revenue generation through sales performance. Successful Design Consultants contribute significantly to the company's financial success by driving showroom traffic, closing deals, and building a loyal customer base, which in turn supports operational stability and growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant / Design Specialist: Advanced roles focusing on more complex design projects, mentoring junior staff, or specializing in specific product categories.

• Showroom Management: Progression into leadership roles overseeing showroom operations, sales teams, and P&L responsibilities.

• Sales Training & Development: Opportunities to become a trainer or coach for new sales associates, leveraging expertise in design and sales methodologies.

• Regional Sales Roles: Potential to move into regional sales management or business development roles within specific territories.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path emphasizes vertical growth within sales and management, with opportunities to leverage design and sales expertise. The emphasis is on performance and leadership development within a retail sales context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom

The work environment is a professional, well-appointed furniture showroom designed to showcase products and inspire customers. It's a customer-facing role requiring a welcoming and engaging presence.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California. The specific showroom location will be a key factor in the local market dynamics and customer base.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual sales targets are key, there's an expectation of teamwork and support among sales associates within the showroom.

• Tools & Technology: Access to product catalogs, fabric samples, design software (potentially), CRM systems, and communication tools for virtual appointments.

• Client Interaction: The primary workspace involves direct, face-to-face interaction with customers, as well as virtual and in-home consultations.

Work Schedule: Full-time, requiring availability on weekends and holidays, typical for the retail furniture industry. Flexibility is essential to meet client needs and showroom operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is dynamic and customer-centric, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The "state-of-the-art showroom" suggests a modern and professional setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, focusing on sales experience, design passion, and alignment with company values.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): An introductory conversation with a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and initial cultural fit. Expect questions about your sales philosophy and design interests.

• In-Person Interview/Design Challenge: This may involve a portfolio review, a simulated client consultation, or a specific design task to assess your practical skills, design aesthetic, and ability to articulate solutions. You may be asked to present your portfolio.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, compensation expectations, and confirm overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-4 of your strongest client projects that best represent your skills in design, sales, and client management.

• Quantify Success: For each project, clearly state the client's objective, your solution, the products used, and, most importantly, the quantifiable sales outcome or client satisfaction achieved.

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio pieces as mini case studies. Explain your design process, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

• Show Versatility: If possible, showcase a range of styles or project types to demonstrate adaptability.

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

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Bassett: Deeply understand Bassett's brand, product lines, target customer, and design philosophy.

• Practice Consultations: Role-play client interactions, focusing on active listening, needs assessment, and solution-oriented communication.

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

• Know Your Numbers: Be prepared to discuss your sales performance and commission earnings confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of design and sales skills. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their capabilities through a portfolio and potentially a design challenge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: For managing client interactions, tracking leads, sales pipelines, and customer data. (Specific system not mentioned, but proficiency in any major CRM like Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system is likely beneficial).

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: To process transactions, manage orders, and track sales.

• Virtual Meeting Platforms: Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for conducting remote consultations and client presentations.

• Design Visualization Tools: Potential use of specialized software for creating 3D renderings, floor plans, or mood boards (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or internal tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Dashboards: To monitor individual and showroom sales performance, track key metrics (e.g., conversion rates, average sale value, lead conversion), and identify trends.

• CRM Reporting Modules: To generate reports on customer demographics, sales pipeline velocity, and client engagement.

CRM & Automation:

• Clienteling Software/Features: Functionality within the CRM or a dedicated system for personalized client communication and follow-up.

• Order Management Systems: To track custom furniture orders from placement through production and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool names aren't provided, the role requires comfort with standard retail sales technology, including CRM, POS, communication platforms, and potentially design software. The emphasis is on leveraging technology to enhance the sales and design consultation process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: Placing the customer's needs and satisfaction at the forefront of all interactions and design decisions.

• Passion for Design: A shared enthusiasm for interior design, aesthetics, and creating beautiful, functional living spaces.

• Sales Excellence: Commitment to achieving and exceeding sales goals through ethical practices and consultative selling.

• Team Collaboration: Working cooperatively with colleagues to share knowledge, support each other, and enhance the overall customer experience.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning, adapting to new trends, and refining skills in design, sales, and customer service.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Knowledge-Sharing: Encouraging team members to help each other, share design ideas, and provide insights into client needs.

• Performance-Oriented: A culture that drives towards collective and individual sales success, with healthy competition and mutual encouragement.

• Client-Focused Partnership: Working together to ensure every client receives exceptional service from initial contact through post-purchase follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of passion for aesthetics, dedication to sales performance, and a strong emphasis on customer relationships and teamwork within the showroom.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving ambitious commission-based sales goals in a competitive market.

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design expertise with the practicalities of sales targets and client budgets.

• Client Motivation: Engaging and converting clients with varying levels of design knowledge and purchasing intent.

• Adapting to Trends: Staying current with evolving interior design trends and product offerings.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide range of tastes, lifestyles, and financial capacities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Bassett Interior Design Certification: Formal training and certification program to enhance design skills and product knowledge.

• Sales Technique Workshops: Ongoing training to refine consultative selling, negotiation, and closing strategies.

• Product Knowledge Deep Dives: Regular updates and training on new collections, materials, and customization options.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced Design Consultants and Sales Managers.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways to senior roles, showroom management, and potentially other departments within Bassett Furniture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a commission-based sales role in a design-focused industry. The growth opportunities are robust, emphasizing skill development and career progression within Bassett.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's design needs and translating them into tangible solutions." (Focus on active listening, questioning techniques, and design process.)

• "How do you handle objections or hesitations from clients regarding price or design choices?" (Demonstrate negotiation skills, problem-solving, and value proposition articulation.)

• "Walk me through a successful sales project where you exceeded your goals. What was your strategy?" (Prepare a case study showcasing your sales process, clienteling, and results.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends and incorporate them into your sales approach?" (Showcase your passion for design and continuous learning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Bassett Furniture? What attracts you to our brand and products?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and market position.)

• "How do you see yourself fitting into our showroom team and contributing to a collaborative sales environment?" (Emphasize teamwork and a positive attitude.)

• "What are your long-term career aspirations within the retail design or sales industry?" (Align your goals with Bassett's growth opportunities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the Client: Begin each portfolio example by outlining the client's initial situation and goals.

• Highlight Your Process: Detail your design consultation, space planning, and product selection process.

• Showcase Solutions: Present your recommended solutions clearly, using visuals effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Clearly state the sales results, client satisfaction, or any other measurable outcomes.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, sales tactics, and challenges overcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design acumen, sales prowess, and a client-centric approach, supported by concrete examples from past experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided Dayforce link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in sales, interior design, clienteling, and any achievements related to meeting or exceeding sales targets. Use keywords like "interior design," "relationship selling," "sales consultant," and "commissioned sales."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble case studies of successful client projects, focusing on design solutions and quantifiable sales outcomes. Be ready to present this digitally or in person.

• Research Bassett Furniture: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, design aesthetic, brand history, and company values. Understand their approach to customer service and sales.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common sales and design interview questions, focusing on your experience, skills, and passion for the role. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.