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: April 21, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a client-facing sales position focused on interior design and home furnishings within a retail showroom environment.

• Responsibilities include building long-term customer relationships through personalized design consultations and leveraging "relationship selling" techniques.

• The Design Consultant will act as an expert in furniture construction, design trends, and color/texture coordination to help customers realize their dream room visions.

• This position requires a driven individual with a passion for design and a proven ability to meet or exceed sales goals in a commissioned environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core function is sales driven by design expertise. The role is suitable for individuals transitioning into sales from design-focused backgrounds or those with strong sales acumen and a passion for interior design. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests it's open to individuals starting their sales or design consulting career, with comprehensive training provided.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with customers to understand their style, lifestyle, and budget requirements.

• Develop, present, and sell customized furniture and design solutions that align with customer needs and preferences.

• Build and maintain a robust base of loyal clients through exceptional customer service and personalized follow-up.

• Leverage "relationship selling" methodologies to foster trust and drive repeat business.

• Utilize comprehensive product knowledge, including furniture construction, design trends, and material properties, to advise customers effectively.

• Coordinate colors, textures, and styles to create aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces.

• Drive sales to meet or exceed established sales goals and contribute to overall showroom revenue targets.

• Conduct virtual appointments and live chats to engage with a wider customer base and offer remote design assistance.

• Occasionally visit customers' residences or businesses for on-site makeovers and design assessments.

• Maintain a polished and professional image at all times, representing the Bassett brand with integrity.

• Collaborate effectively with showroom team members and management to achieve collective success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of sales acumen and design expertise, with a strong focus on customer relationship management and consultative selling. The role requires proactive clienteling and the ability to translate customer needs into tangible design solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. A strong foundation in color theory and spatial design is advantageous.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a sales or customer-facing role, preferably within the retail or home furnishings industry. Proven success in a commissioned sales environment is a significant plus. Experience in interior design or a related creative field is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Genuine passion for interior design and home furnishings.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly.

• Strong listening skills to accurately interpret customer wants and translate them into design choices.

• Proven ability to discern and coordinate colors and textures effectively.

• Highly motivated and driven to meet or exceed sales goals.

• Friendly, outgoing, and positive personality.

• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to clienteling and lead generation.

• Basic computer proficiency for CRM, order entry, and virtual communication.

• Eagerness and desire to learn about products, design principles, and sales techniques.

• Ability to maintain a polished and professional image.

• Career-minded professionalism and a commitment to long-term success.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in consultative selling within the furniture or home decor industry.

• Familiarity with design software or visualization tools.

• Experience conducting virtual consultations or live chats.

• Knowledge of furniture construction and quality standards.

• Understanding of current interior design trends.

• Proven track record of success in a commissioned sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong emphasis on soft skills, sales aptitude, and a genuine passion for design. While formal education in design is not strictly required, a demonstrable aptitude and interest are crucial. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that comprehensive training will be provided, making it accessible for entry-level candidates with the right foundational traits.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of design projects, even if from personal endeavors or academic work, demonstrating an eye for aesthetics, color palettes, and spatial arrangement.

• Examples highlighting the ability to translate client needs into tangible design solutions.

• Documentation of any successful sales achievements or customer relationship management initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the process of a design consultation, from initial client engagement to presenting final solutions.

• Demonstration of how you would manage the customer journey from initial contact through sale and follow-up.

• Examples of how you would utilize CRM tools for clienteling and sales tracking.

• Understanding of how to present product and design solutions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations" portfolio is not expected for this sales-focused role, candidates will benefit from presenting a portfolio that visually demonstrates their design sensibility and ability to conceptualize solutions. The emphasis is on showcasing creativity, client focus, and sales potential through past work or conceptual projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The potential income for experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000 per year, with top performers earning up to $135,000 per year. This is based on a generous commission-based compensation plan, with potential for additional bonuses.

Benefits:

• Paid training program designed to build product knowledge, sales techniques, and client-building skills.

• Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• Disability insurance.

• Life Insurance.

• 401(k) plan with company contribution potential.

• 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.

• Clear opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position requiring flexibility. Candidates must be willing to work weekends and holidays to accommodate retail operational needs. The role involves active engagement in the showroom and potentially customer visits, requiring a dedicated work schedule typically aligning with retail operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based, offering significant earning potential tied directly to sales performance. The provided salary ranges are estimates based on the information in the job description. The benefits package is comprehensive, supporting employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings / Retail. Bassett Furniture is a well-established brand with a heritage dating back to 1902, known for quality custom furniture and a focus on value and style. They are committed to innovating furniture retailing.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a significant player in the furniture market, suggesting a structured retail environment with established operational processes. The company size implies opportunities for career advancement and access to comprehensive training and support systems.

Founded: 1902. This long history signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a strong brand reputation built on craftsmanship and customer trust.

Team Structure:

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

• Collaboration is expected with fellow Design Consultants and sales associates to share best practices and support overall showroom performance.

Methodology:

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

• Design-Driven Sales: The core strategy involves leveraging interior design expertise to create compelling sales opportunities and drive revenue.

• Continuous Learning: Bassett invests in comprehensive training programs, including online classes, hands-on activities, and one-on-one coaching, to ensure associates are well-equipped.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly detailed, a successful sales role in this environment would implicitly involve using sales data and customer insights to inform strategies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture's culture is built on a blend of heritage and innovation, focusing on quality, customer relationships, and professional development. The retail showroom environment fosters a collaborative yet performance-driven atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to mid-level sales professional within the retail design sector. It serves as a foundational role for individuals aspiring to build a career in consultative sales and interior design. The emphasis is on developing client relationships and driving personal sales performance.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This structure provides guidance, performance feedback, and support for sales activities and professional development.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's impact is directly tied to revenue generation. By successfully converting leads and building customer loyalty, they contribute significantly to the showroom's overall sales performance and profitability. Their ability to foster customer relationships also impacts brand reputation and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Advancement: Progression to Senior Design Consultant, Sales Lead, or Showroom Manager positions.

• Design Specialization: Opportunities to become a recognized expert in specific design styles or product categories.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor new hires and take on leadership responsibilities within the showroom.

• Continued Education: Access to ongoing training, including Bassett's Interior Design certification, to enhance skills and marketability.

• Cross-Departmental Roles: Potential to move into roles within merchandising, visual display, or even corporate sales support functions based on performance and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined within sales and management tracks, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and skill development within the home furnishings and interior design space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace will be a professionally designed, state-of-the-art furniture showroom where customers can view and experience products.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California. The showroom is likely located in a high-traffic retail area, easily accessible to potential customers.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While individual sales are paramount, there's an expectation of teamwork and mutual support among sales associates.

• Customer-Focused: The primary interaction is with customers, requiring a friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor.

• Product-Rich: The workspace is filled with furniture and design elements, serving as a constant source of inspiration and product knowledge.

• Technology Integration: The role involves using computer systems for CRM, order processing, and communication (virtual appointments, live chat).

Work Schedule: Full-time, requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays. The schedule will align with typical retail operating hours, allowing for active customer engagement during peak shopping times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, customer-centric, and sales-driven, offering a visually stimulating and collaborative setting for design-minded individuals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, passion for design, and sales aptitude.

• In-Person Interview: A meeting at the showroom to evaluate personality, communication skills, and cultural fit. This may involve a role-playing scenario or a discussion about design preferences and sales strategies.

• Portfolio Review (Informal): Candidates may be asked to discuss their design sensibilities, show examples of past work (even personal projects), or present how they would approach a design challenge.

• Sales Aptitude Assessment: Questions might focus on handling objections, closing sales, and building customer relationships.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Showroom Manager or District Manager to discuss compensation, benefits, and final expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Visual Storytelling: If presenting a portfolio, focus on visually appealing projects that showcase your understanding of color, texture, space, and style.

• Client-Centric Examples: Highlight projects where you successfully understood and met a client's needs or preferences.

• Process Explanation: Be prepared to walk through your design process for a chosen project, explaining your rationale at each step.

• Enthusiasm for Design: Convey your passion for interior design and how it translates into creating beautiful and functional spaces.

• Sales Alignment: Frame your design experience in the context of driving sales and customer satisfaction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a room for a hypothetical client with specific needs or constraints.

• Sales Objection Handling: Prepare responses to common sales objections related to price, style, or decision-making.

• Product Knowledge Application: Demonstrate how you would use product knowledge to solve a customer's design problem.

• Relationship Building: Articulate strategies for building rapport and long-term relationships with customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess a candidate's blend of design creativity and sales drive. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both their aesthetic judgment and their ability to convert client interest into sales.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: To track customer interactions, manage leads, schedule follow-ups, and maintain client profiles.

• Design Software/Visualization Tools (Potentially): May be used for creating design mockups, mood boards, or 3D renderings to present to clients.

• Communication Platforms: Email, phone systems, and potentially internal messaging tools for team communication.

• Virtual Appointment Tools: Software for conducting video consultations and live chats with remote clients.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: To track personal sales metrics, commission earnings, and progress towards goals.

• CRM Reports: For analyzing customer demographics, sales trends, and lead conversion rates.

CRM & Automation:

• Integrated CRM System: Likely used for managing the entire customer lifecycle, from initial lead capture to post-sale follow-up.

• Order Management System: To efficiently process and track customer orders from placement to delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CRM systems and basic computer skills are essential. Familiarity with design visualization tools would be a significant asset, though training is likely provided. The focus is on tools that support sales, customer management, and efficient order processing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A fundamental value, driving all interactions and design decisions towards meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

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

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in all dealings with customers and colleagues, reflecting the brand's long-standing reputation.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive, productive showroom environment.

• Drive & Achievement: A commitment to personal sales success and continuous improvement.

• Innovation: Embracing new design trends and sales approaches to stay competitive.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive Sales Team: Associates are expected to collaborate, share insights, and support each other in achieving showroom-wide goals.

• Client-Centric Coordination: Working together to ensure a seamless customer experience, from initial consultation to delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing design ideas, sales strategies, and product knowledge to benefit the entire team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of individual performance and team support, all centered around delivering exceptional design solutions and customer experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income: The primary challenge is maintaining consistent sales performance to ensure a stable and high income, requiring continuous effort in lead generation and closing deals.

• Handling Diverse Customer Tastes: Effectively catering to a wide range of customer preferences, styles, and budgets requires strong adaptability and design versatility.

• Staying Current with Trends: The interior design industry is constantly evolving, necessitating ongoing learning about new styles, materials, and products.

• Managing Customer Expectations: Balancing customer desires with practical design constraints, budget limitations, and product availability can be challenging.

• Navigating a Dynamic Retail Environment: Adapting to varied customer traffic, seasonal trends, and the fast pace of retail operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Product Training: In-depth knowledge of Bassett's extensive furniture lines, materials, and customization options.

• Sales Techniques Training: Development in consultative selling, objection handling, closing strategies, and clienteling.

• Interior Design Certification: Opportunity to gain official certification through Bassett's training programs.

• Mentorship: One-on-one coaching from experienced sales professionals and management.

• Industry Trends Education: Staying abreast of the latest in home decor, color palettes, and furniture design through company resources and external learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for growth in sales and design expertise, balanced by the inherent challenges of a commission-based retail environment. Continuous learning is key to success and advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you helped a customer visualize a design concept. What was your process?" (Assesses design thinking and communication)

• "How would you approach a client who has a very specific, potentially challenging, design request?" (Tests problem-solving, creativity, and customer handling)

• "Walk me through how you would build a long-term relationship with a new client." (Evaluates clienteling and CRM understanding)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Bassett Furniture, and what do you know about our brand?" (Tests company research and alignment with values)

• "How do you handle working in a commission-based sales environment?" (Assesses comfort with performance-driven compensation)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to it." (Evaluates collaboration and cultural fit)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selective Showcasing: Choose 3-5 of your strongest design-related projects or sales achievements.

• Storytelling: For each example, explain the client's need, your design solution, the process, and the outcome (especially if sales were involved).

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality images or digital renderings if possible. For sales achievements, use quantifiable results.

• Concise & Clear: Be ready to present your portfolio within a specific timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes).

• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design and sales throughout the presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of design passion, sales drive, and customer-centricity. Candidates should be ready to showcase their creative process and their ability to convert that creativity into sales results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio (digital or physical) that highlights your design sensibility, color/texture coordination skills, and any relevant sales or customer service achievements. Focus on visuals that showcase your ability to translate client needs into design solutions.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize transferable skills such as customer service, communication, problem-solving, and any sales or design-related experience. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your sales approach, and how you build customer relationships. Be ready to discuss your passion for interior design and why Bassett Furniture is a good fit for your career goals.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's brand, history, product lines, and design philosophy. Understand their commitment to quality, customization, and customer experience.

⚠️ 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.