DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales / Retail / Design

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead clienteling and relationship selling strategies within a retail showroom environment, focusing on interior design consultations.

• Drive revenue growth by achieving and exceeding sales goals through expert product presentation and personalized design solutions.

• Leverage comprehensive product knowledge and design trend awareness to consult with customers on furniture construction, color coordination, and style.

• Cultivate long-term customer loyalty by understanding individual tastes, lifestyles, and investment ranges to translate needs into compelling design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," is fundamentally a sales position within the retail furniture sector. The emphasis on "relationship selling," "exceeding sales goals," and "commission-based compensation" clearly indicates a sales-driven objective. The "design" aspect is a specialized skill set utilized to enhance the sales process and differentiate Bassett Furniture's offering.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, utilizing "relationship selling" techniques to understand their needs, preferences, and budget.

• Develop, present, and sell tailored product and design solutions, effectively coordinating colors, textures, and furniture selections to meet customer requirements.

• Build and maintain a robust client base through proactive outreach, follow-up, and exceptional customer service, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business.

• Actively participate in the sales process, from initial customer engagement to closing the sale, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

• Stay abreast of current interior design trends, furniture construction knowledge, and Bassett's product offerings to provide expert advice and recommendations.

• Perform in-home or on-site design consultations and makeovers, requiring travel to customers' residences and businesses.

• Engage with customers through various channels, including in-showroom appointments, virtual consultations, and live chats, adapting communication to meet client needs.

• Collaborate with showroom management and team members to achieve collective sales targets and maintain showroom presentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of sales acumen and design expertise. The "relationship selling" and "clientele" aspects suggest a proactive approach to building and nurturing a customer base, which is crucial for commission-based sales roles in high-value retail. The requirement for in-home consultations and virtual appointments highlights the need for adaptability and strong client management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, a related field, or extensive coursework in design principles is highly beneficial.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of proven sales experience, preferably in a commissioned, customer-facing environment, with a demonstrated ability to meet or exceed sales targets. Experience in furniture sales or interior design is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Passion for interior design and a keen eye for color, texture, and style.

• Exceptional sales acumen with a proven track record of success in achieving sales goals.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse clientele.

• Proficiency in "relationship selling" techniques and clienteling.

• Ability to articulate product features and benefits effectively, translating customer needs into design solutions.

• Computer proficiency for managing client information, order processing, and virtual consultations.

• Friendly, outgoing, and positive personality conducive to a client-facing retail environment.

• Self-motivation and a proactive approach to client engagement and business development.

• Polished image and professional demeanor.

Preferred Skills:

• Formal Interior Design certification or degree.

• Experience with CRM systems for managing customer interactions and sales pipelines.

• Familiarity with furniture construction and materials.

• Experience conducting virtual appointments and live chats.

• Demonstrated ability to perform design makeovers and consultations on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Proven track record of success in sales" and "Desire to work in a commissioned sales environment" are critical indicators that sales performance is paramount. The "Passion for design" and "Ability to listen and translate customer wants into design choices" are the key differentiators for this sales role, suggesting that candidates with a strong design sensibility will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of successful client engagement strategies, showcasing how you've built and maintained customer relationships over time.

• Examples of design work, space planning, or mood boards that illustrate your ability to coordinate colors, textures, and furniture styles effectively.

• Documentation of sales achievements, including metrics on sales goals met or exceeded, average transaction value, or client retention rates.

Process Documentation:

• Outline of your personal sales process, from initial client contact and needs assessment to design proposal, closing, and post-sale follow-up.

• Examples of how you manage customer inquiries, schedule consultations (both in-showroom and on-site), and follow up on leads.

• Description of how you utilize product knowledge and design principles to guide customer decisions and overcome objections.

• Explanation of how you track your sales performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio" requirement, the nature of the role and its emphasis on "relationship selling" and "design solutions" implies that candidates should be prepared to showcase their sales approach and design capabilities. This could include examples of past sales successes, design projects, or a clear articulation of their consultative sales process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided information indicates a commission-based compensation plan with potential for significant earnings. Based on industry benchmarks for commissioned sales consultants in high-value retail with design responsibilities, the estimated annual income range is:

• Average Potential Income: $70,000 - $105,000 per year

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

This estimate is derived from the stated average and top writer earnings, adjusted for the Kennesaw, GA location's cost of living and retail sales compensation averages.

Benefits:

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

• Health Coverage: Medical insurance benefits.

• Dental Coverage: Dental insurance benefits.

• Vision Coverage: Vision insurance benefits.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and/or long-term disability coverage.

• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance.

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

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

• Paid Time Off: Accrued vacation, sick leave, or personal days.

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

• Work in a State-of-the Art Showroom: Access to a modern and well-equipped retail environment.

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

Working Hours: Full-time position requiring flexibility, including willingness to work weekends and holidays, which are critical selling periods in retail. The role involves a standard 40-hour work week, with specific scheduling determined by showroom needs and customer appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based, with a significant earning potential tied directly to sales performance. The provided salary figures ($70,000-$105,000 average, up to $135,000 for top writers) are crucial for candidates to understand. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a full-time retail sales role with a large, established company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture has a long-standing heritage (since 1902) in providing quality custom furniture, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern retailing innovation. The company emphasizes style, comfort, and value.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a significant player in the furniture market, operating numerous showrooms across the United States. While exact employee numbers for the Kennesaw location aren't specified, the company as a whole is of considerable size, implying a structured corporate environment with established processes and training programs.

Founded: 1902. This demonstrates a deep history and stability in the furniture industry, suggesting a company culture that values tradition, quality, and long-term customer relationships, while also striving for innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant likely works within a retail showroom team, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• The team structure would involve other sales consultants, potentially design associates, and support staff.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: While design-focused, the core methodology is driven by sales data, customer insights, and achieving quantifiable revenue targets.

• Consultative Approach: The primary method involves in-depth customer consultations to understand needs and provide personalized design solutions, rather than a hard-sell approach.

• Relationship Building: A key methodology is developing and nurturing long-term customer relationships through excellent service, follow-up, and personalized attention.

• Continuous Learning: The company emphasizes ongoing training in product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills to ensure associates are equipped to succeed.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture's long history suggests a stable and reputable company. The culture likely balances a commitment to quality and traditional values with a forward-looking approach to furniture retailing and customer experience. The structure implies a professional sales environment with clear performance expectations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level sales position focused on direct customer interaction and revenue generation. It's a specialized sales track where design expertise is a key differentiator.

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

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's impact is directly tied to revenue generation. By successfully closing sales and building customer loyalty, they contribute significantly to the company's overall financial performance and market presence. Their ability to understand and translate customer needs also influences product sales mix and customer satisfaction metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Progression to roles with higher earning potential, greater autonomy, or specialization in specific product lines or design services.

• Showroom Management: Opportunity to move into leadership roles, managing a showroom, team, and sales operations.

• Design Certification & Advanced Training: Bassett offers Interior Design certification training, providing a structured path for skill development and professional recognition.

• District/Regional Sales Roles: Potential to move into roles overseeing multiple showrooms or a larger sales territory.

• Corporate Sales/Design Support: Opportunities within corporate functions related to sales strategy, product development, or design support.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett explicitly mentions "Opportunity for growth and advancement" and provides "Interior Design certification training." This indicates a commitment to employee development and clear pathways for career progression within the company, particularly for high-performing sales and design professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, within a state-of-the-art retail showroom. This environment is designed to showcase furniture collections, create an inspiring customer experience, and facilitate both in-person consultations and sales activities.

Office Location(s): Kennesaw, Georgia. This is a specific retail location, implying a dynamic, customer-facing setting rather than a traditional corporate office.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is a retail showroom, requiring a professional and aesthetically pleasing presentation of merchandise.

• It involves direct interaction with customers, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Access to product samples, design tools, and potentially a design studio or consultation area within the showroom.

• Opportunities for collaboration with fellow sales consultants and management in a team-oriented retail setting.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a requirement to work weekends and holidays, which are peak selling times in retail. The schedule will likely be structured around showroom hours and customer appointment availability, typically involving 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a retail showroom, which is distinct from a typical corporate office. It requires a professional appearance and demeanor, strong customer engagement skills, and the ability to work during peak retail hours, including weekends and holidays.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess relevant sales experience, design passion, and basic qualifications.

• First Interview: Likely with a Showroom Manager or HR representative to discuss your sales background, design interests, understanding of Bassett's brand, and motivation for the role. Be prepared to articulate your approach to sales and customer service.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potentially a task to assess design sensibility, color coordination, or a simulated client consultation scenario. This may involve presenting a design concept or discussing how you'd handle a specific customer need.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a senior sales leader or showroom director to discuss career aspirations, compensation expectations, and overall fit with the company culture.

• Reference Checks: Standard verification of past employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Sales Success Stories: Prepare to share specific examples of how you've met or exceeded sales goals, managed client relationships, and driven revenue. Quantify your achievements with metrics (e.g., percentage of sales targets met, average deal size, client retention rates).

• Design Showcase: If you have a formal design portfolio, bring examples that highlight your ability to coordinate colors, textures, and styles, and to create cohesive room designs. If not, be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you apply it.

• Consultative Process: Clearly articulate your sales process, emphasizing how you engage with customers, understand their needs, provide solutions, and close sales. Use the "relationship selling" and "clienteling" concepts from the job description.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenging customer situations or objections and turned them into successful sales outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle a customer with specific design needs, a tight budget, or conflicting preferences.

• Product Knowledge Application: Be prepared to discuss how you would learn and apply product knowledge to sell effectively.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Practice delivering a concise, compelling pitch about why a customer should choose Bassett Furniture and work with you as their Design Consultant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh sales performance and design aptitude. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to sell, consult, and design, using specific examples and quantifiable results. The "portfolio" here is less about formal design projects and more about showcasing sales acumen and design sensibility through experience and case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) / Retail Management System: For processing transactions, managing inventory, and customer order tracking.

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) System: Likely used for managing client information, tracking interactions, scheduling follow-ups, and managing sales pipelines (e.g., Salesforce, or a proprietary system).

• Design Software/Tools: Potentially proprietary Bassett design software or industry-standard tools for creating mood boards, space plans, or 3D renderings.

• Virtual Appointment/Live Chat Software: For conducting remote consultations and engaging with online customers.

• Product Information Management (PIM) System: For accessing detailed product specifications, materials, and pricing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Used by management to track individual and showroom sales metrics, conversion rates, and goal achievement.

• Clienteling Reports: Data on customer purchasing history, preferences, and engagement for personalized outreach.

CRM & Automation:

• Automated Follow-up Systems: Potentially integrated within the CRM to send appointment reminders or post-purchase follow-up communications.

• Email Marketing Platforms: For broader customer outreach or promotional campaigns, though individual clienteling is likely more emphasized.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, it's standard for retail sales roles to utilize a POS system, a CRM for client management, and specific software for design visualization. Proficiency in these types of systems is expected. The emphasis on virtual appointments and live chats suggests familiarity with relevant communication and collaboration technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A primary focus on understanding and exceeding customer needs and expectations through personalized service and design solutions.

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to quality craftsmanship, style, and helping customers create beautiful, functional living spaces.

• Sales Achievement: A strong drive to meet and exceed sales goals, contributing to both personal success and the company's profitability.

• Teamwork: Collaboration and support among showroom staff to achieve collective objectives and provide a seamless customer experience.

• Innovation: A willingness to embrace new design trends, sales techniques, and technologies to stay competitive.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a polished image, demonstrating integrity, and upholding the Bassett brand reputation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional within Showroom: Design Consultants will collaborate with colleagues and management on sales strategies, customer service issues, and showroom operations.

• Client-Focused: The primary collaboration is with clients, involving active listening, understanding their needs, and co-creating design solutions.

• Learning-Oriented: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, learning from training, and supporting each other's professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of design artistry and sales performance. The emphasis on "relationship selling" and customer experience suggests a collaborative approach that prioritizes building long-term client loyalty.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: The primary challenge is the reliance on commission, meaning income can fluctuate based on sales performance and market conditions.

• Meeting Sales Quotas: Consistently achieving demanding sales targets in a competitive retail environment.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively integrating design consultation with the objective of closing sales, ensuring both customer satisfaction and revenue generation.

• Adapting to Diverse Customer Needs: Handling a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and decision-making styles.

• Working Weekends/Holidays: Committing to work during peak retail periods, which may impact personal time.

• On-site Consultations: Managing time and logistics for travel to customer locations for design makeovers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers a formal certification program, providing structured training in design principles and application.

• Product Knowledge Mastery: Continuous learning about furniture construction, materials, and design trends to become an expert resource for clients.

• Sales Technique Refinement: Opportunities to hone relationship selling, clienteling, and negotiation skills through ongoing training and coaching.

• Customer Relationship Management: Developing advanced skills in building and nurturing long-term customer relationships for repeat business and referrals.

• Showroom Management Training: Potential pathways to develop leadership skills for future management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents typical challenges of commission-based sales, requiring resilience and strong self-management. However, the significant investment in training, including formal design certification, offers substantial growth and skill development opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to building long-term customer relationships in a retail sales environment." (Focus on clienteling, follow-up, and understanding needs.)

• "How do you balance your passion for design with the need to meet sales targets?" (Emphasize how design expertise drives sales and customer satisfaction.)

• "Walk me through a time you successfully helped a customer transform their space with furniture. What was your process?" (Use your sales and design process; highlight problem-solving and customer focus.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends and furniture knowledge?" (Mention research, publications, training, and product study.)

Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you feel about working on commission and weekends?" (Express enthusiasm for the earning potential and commitment to customer availability.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and team." (Align your response with Bassett's emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, and design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Sales Success: If discussing past sales roles, use numbers and percentages to demonstrate your achievements (e.g., "I consistently exceeded my monthly sales quota by 15%").

• Showcase Design Thinking: Even without a formal portfolio, describe your design process. Explain how you assess a client's space, style, and needs, and how you select and present furniture options.

• Clientele Examples: Talk about how you've nurtured client relationships, perhaps through personalized follow-ups or by remembering preferences for future recommendations.

• Problem/Solution Narratives: Frame your experiences as mini case studies: "A customer came in unsure of their style. I listened to their lifestyle needs, showed them versatile pieces, and helped them build a cohesive look, resulting in a significant sale."

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong sales drive coupled with genuine design passion and excellent customer service skills. Be ready to articulate your sales process and how your design sensibility translates into successful sales outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Dayforce.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight sales achievements, customer relationship management experience, and any interior design background or passion. Use keywords from the job description such as "interior design," "relationship selling," "sales goals," "clienteling," and "customer needs assessment."

• Portfolio Preparation: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, prepare to discuss specific examples of your sales successes and your approach to design consultations. Have quantifiable sales results ready and be able to articulate your design process.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common sales and design interview questions, focusing on demonstrating enthusiasm for Bassett Furniture, your sales acumen, and your design sensibility. Practice explaining your consultative sales approach.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's history, product lines, brand aesthetic, and recent news. 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.