Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: McKinney, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive showroom sales and enhance customer experience through expert interior design consultation and space planning.

• Develop and present photo-realistic 3D renderings and floor plans to visualize furniture and accessory placements in customer homes.

• Collaborate closely with Sales Consultants to provide design expertise, support transaction closing, and increase average ticket values.

• Conduct in-home, in-store, and virtual consultations to deeply understand customer needs, style preferences, and budget constraints.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of furniture styles, product lines, special sales, financing, and delivery procedures to effectively advise customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while primarily customer-facing sales and design, has significant operational components related to client management, process adherence (consultation to closing), and sales support. The "Design Consultant" title implies a focus on the creative and client advisory aspects, but the operational efficiency in managing consultations, creating renderings, and supporting sales is critical for success. The integration with sales consultants highlights a GTM (Go-To-Market) alignment within the retail operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth consultations, both in-store and in-home, to assess customer needs, interior design preferences, lifestyle, and budget.

• Develop comprehensive design proposals, including detailed floor plans and high-fidelity 3D renderings using specialized software, to showcase furniture and accessory selections within the customer's space.

• Actively partner with Sales Consultants to leverage design expertise, assist in closing sales, and contribute to achieving individual and branch sales targets.

• Provide expert recommendations on furniture, accessories, and décor to create cohesive and aesthetically pleasing room designs, thereby increasing average transaction values.

• Manage the end-to-end client engagement process for design projects, from initial consultation through final presentation and purchase, ensuring a seamless and satisfying customer journey.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the full Havertys product catalog, current market trends in interior design, and competitor offerings to provide informed and competitive advice.

• Assist in the creation of special-order SKUs and manage sales reserves, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in order processing.

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Management regarding customer interactions, home visits, and design presentations to foster continuous improvement.

• Stay informed about company sales promotions, financing options, delivery processes, and warranty policies to effectively communicate these details to customers.

• Utilize internal CRM or sales management tools (e.g., My Sales Center) for customer follow-up, lead management, and tracking sales activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "assisting Sales Consultants in closing transactions" and "increasing average tickets" indicates a direct impact on revenue generation. The responsibility to "provide feedback to Sales Consultant and Branch Manager" suggests a role in operational improvement and knowledge sharing within the sales team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Interior Design or a related field from a four-year college or university. ASID certification is preferred.

Experience: 2 to 4 years of relevant experience in interior design, furniture sales, or a related client-facing consultative role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Proven ability to conceptualize and execute interior design plans, including space planning, color theory, and furniture selection.

• 3D Rendering & Floor Planning Software Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with design software for creating photo-realistic 3D renderings and detailed floor plans (e.g., Room Planner software, SketchUp, AutoCAD, or similar).

• Consultative Sales Acumen: Strong ability to engage clients, understand their needs, build rapport, and guide them towards purchasing decisions.

• Customer Service Excellence: A track record of providing exceptional customer service, managing client expectations, and resolving issues effectively.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Competence in using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for client communication, reporting, and presentations.

• Valid Driver's License & Reliable Transportation: Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record and maintain reliable personal transportation for customer in-home appointments, with verified minimum state-required car insurance.

Preferred Skills:

• ASID Certification: Professional certification from the American Society of Interior Designers.

• Furniture Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of furniture styles, materials, construction, and market trends.

• CRM/Sales Management Tool Experience: Familiarity with sales management systems such as "My Sales Center" or similar CRM platforms for client tracking and follow-up.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to effectively present design concepts, renderings, and proposals to clients.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design ideas clearly and build strong relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a valid driver's license and personal transportation for in-home consultations points to a hybrid operational model, blending showroom presence with field-based client engagement. Proficiency in "room planner software" is a direct technical requirement that impacts the operational efficiency of design presentations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Examples: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse interior design projects, including residential spaces, demonstrating a range of styles and client needs.

• 3D Renderings & Floor Plans: Include high-quality examples of photo-realistic 3D renderings and detailed floor plans created using design software, highlighting spatial layout and furniture placement.

• Client Consultation Case Studies: Present 1-2 case studies detailing the client consultation process, problem-solving approaches, and the final design solutions implemented.

• Sales Impact Metrics (if available): Quantify the impact of your design contributions on sales, such as increased average ticket value, conversion rates, or successful closure of complex projects.

Process Documentation:

• Client Engagement Workflow: Outline the typical process for managing a client from initial contact through design finalization, including key touchpoints and decision gates.

• Design Development Process: Detail the steps involved in creating a design concept, from needs assessment and mood boarding to rendering production and final presentation.

• Collaboration Protocol: Describe how you typically collaborate with sales teams or other stakeholders to ensure design solutions align with sales objectives and client budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on 3D renderings and floor plans, the portfolio should prominently feature examples of these deliverables. Case studies demonstrating how design expertise directly contributed to sales closures or increased transaction values will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $100,000+ per year. The average national earning for an Interior Design Consultant in 2025 was $84,000. This compensation is primarily commission-based, with a guaranteed wage for the first 90 days.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Training: Paid, comprehensive training program covering product knowledge and customer engagement processes.

• Flexible Pay Options: Daily Pay Program allowing access to earned wages between pay cycles.

• Retirement Savings: 401K program with a generous company match of 4%.

• Health & Wellness: Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes vacation days, sick time, personal days, and company holidays.

• Associate Discount: Substantial discount on Havertys merchandise.

• Referral Bonuses: Bonus program for successful team member referrals.

• Financial Assistance: Educational financial assistance programs available.

• Wellness Support: Complimentary health and wellness program.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Retail hours include nights and weekends, with stores open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm. Flexibility is required to meet customer schedules for in-home visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary structure is commission-based with a guaranteed income for the initial period, a common model in retail sales. The national average provides a strong benchmark, and the upper limit suggests significant earning potential for high performers. The "Daily Pay Program" is a unique benefit offering immediate access to earned wages, which can be attractive for managing personal cash flow. The 4% 401K match is a solid retirement benefit.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture & Home Furnishings Retail. Haverty's has been a prominent name in the furniture business for over 140 years, known for quality, price, and customer service.

Company Size: Large (likely 1,000-5,000 employees based on typical retail operations of this scale). This size offers stability and structured processes while potentially allowing for individual impact.

Founded: Over 140 years ago. This long history signifies stability, established brand recognition, and a deep understanding of the furniture market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant will work within a showroom environment, likely reporting to a Branch Manager or Showroom Manager.

• Close collaboration is expected with Sales Consultants, who are peers in driving showroom performance.

• Potential interaction with other support staff such as delivery coordinators or administrative personnel. Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: The core methodology revolves around understanding and fulfilling customer needs through personalized design solutions and excellent service.

• Sales-Driven Environment: Success is measured by sales performance, average ticket increases, and customer satisfaction.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While design is creative, decisions on product recommendations and sales strategies are informed by customer preferences, market trends, and sales data.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history suggests a culture that values tradition, quality, and customer loyalty. The opening of a new showroom in McKinney indicates growth and investment, offering opportunities for early team members.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an experienced individual contributor level within the retail sales and design operations framework. It requires specialized design skills combined with consultative sales capabilities.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Branch Manager or Showroom Manager, with direct collaboration with Sales Consultants. This structure allows for focused mentorship and performance management.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through increased sales and higher average ticket values by providing expert design guidance. Their work enhances the customer experience, contributing to brand loyalty and repeat business, which are critical operational metrics for a retail business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Design Specialist: Advancement to roles with greater design complexity, client portfolios, or specialized product knowledge.

• Sales Management: Progression into leadership roles such as Sales Manager or Showroom Manager, overseeing sales teams and showroom operations.

• Training & Development Roles: Opportunities to become a trainer for new design consultants, leveraging expertise to develop talent.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Potential to move into merchandising, visual display, or even corporate roles within the broader Haverty's organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a retail sales and operations context, with opportunities for both specialization in design and advancement into sales management. The company's commitment to advancement suggests a structured career progression framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site within a beautifully appointed Haverty's furniture showroom. The environment is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and inspiring for customers.

Office Location(s): McKinney, Texas (new showroom). This location implies a vibrant retail setting within a growing community.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Floor: Primary workspace involves interacting with customers on the showroom floor, utilizing display areas for product visualization.

• Design Studio/Workstation: Dedicated space for creating floor plans, 3D renderings, and presentation materials, equipped with design software and potentially sample materials.

• Customer Homes: Occasional work environment for in-home consultations, requiring adaptability and professionalism in diverse residential settings.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The environment fosters collaboration with sales teams to achieve shared goals and provide a cohesive customer experience.

Work Schedule: Retail hours including nights and weekends are mandatory. Flexibility is needed to accommodate customer appointments, including potential evening or weekend in-home visits. This schedule demands strong time management and personal organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending creative design tasks with direct sales interactions and client management, requiring adaptability. The requirement for in-home visits means the consultant must be comfortable and professional in various residential settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the design and sales aspects of the role.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Branch Manager): Assessment of sales aptitude, customer service philosophy, design passion, and cultural fit. May include behavioral questions.

• Design Assessment/Portfolio Review: Presentation of your design portfolio, including 3D renderings and floor plans. Discussion of your design process, client interaction examples, and how you approach sales through design.

• Skills Demonstration (Potential): May involve a short design challenge or scenario-based questions related to customer interactions or design problem-solving.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or senior leadership, focusing on overall suitability, career aspirations, and understanding of the retail operations environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: For each project, articulate the client's initial problem or need, your design solution, and the tangible outcome (e.g., client satisfaction, increased space functionality, successful sales closure).

• Showcase Software Skills: Ensure your renderings are high-quality and clearly demonstrate proficiency in your chosen design software. Clearly label floor plans and indicate scale.

• Emphasize Consultation Process: Be prepared to walk through your process for understanding client needs, presenting options, and handling feedback or revisions.

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, include metrics such as average ticket size for projects you've influenced, or conversion rates for designs you've presented.

• Tailor to Haverty's: Research Haverty's style and product offerings. Be ready to discuss how your design aesthetic and skills align with the brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you handle a client who loves a design but can't afford it?" or "How would you advise a client on selecting furniture for a multi-functional space?"

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you approach common design challenges such as awkward room layouts, limited natural light, or balancing different aesthetic preferences within a household.

• Sales Integration: Practice articulating how design expertise directly supports and enhances the sales process and drives higher transaction values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a practical demonstration of the candidate's design capabilities and their ability to translate creative vision into sales opportunities. Expect questions that probe both design methodology and sales psychology.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in room planner software is essential. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, software like HomeByMe, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or similar visualization tools used for creating floor plans and 3D renderings.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for client communication, proposal generation, and internal reporting. Includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• CRM/Sales Management System: Familiarity with systems like "My Sales Center" (as mentioned in the job description) or other CRM platforms for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and monitoring sales progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: While not directly managed, understanding how to interpret sales data and metrics (e.g., average ticket, conversion rates) is important for performance evaluation.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Data: Utilizing CRM data to understand customer segments, preferences, and purchase history to inform design recommendations.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Databases: Utilizing internal databases to access product information, inventory levels, and customer purchase history.

• Communication Tools: Email, phone, and potentially internal messaging platforms for coordinating with sales consultants and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "My Sales Center" suggests this is a key system for tracking customer interactions and sales activities. Proficiency in design visualization software is paramount for the core function of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and delivering exceptional design experiences that lead to successful sales.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Haverty's long-standing reputation for quality merchandise and expert design services.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with sales consultants and management to achieve showroom goals and provide a seamless customer journey.

• Efficiency: Managing time effectively to balance consultations, design work, sales support, and administrative tasks.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing feedback and training to refine design skills, sales techniques, and operational processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Sales & Design: A collaborative approach where design expertise is seamlessly integrated into the sales process, acting as a value-add to drive sales and customer loyalty.

• Proactive Communication: Regular communication with sales consultants to share insights on client needs, design progress, and sales opportunities.

• Team-Oriented: Contributing to a positive showroom environment where team members support each other in achieving collective success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative problem-solving and results-driven sales performance, with a strong emphasis on customer relationships and team collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Design with Sales Targets: Effectively merging artistic vision with the practical requirements of driving sales and meeting revenue goals.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs & Budgets: Adapting design solutions to a wide range of customer preferences, lifestyles, and financial constraints.

• Time Management: Juggling multiple client consultations, design projects, administrative tasks, and showroom responsibilities within demanding retail hours.

• In-Home Consultation Logistics: Navigating client schedules, travel, and presenting designs in varied residential settings.

• Staying Current: Continuously updating knowledge of furniture trends, design styles, and Haverty's product line to remain competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design styles, software techniques, or advanced rendering capabilities.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Development programs focused on consultative selling, closing techniques, and effective negotiation.

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

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways for growth into management roles, focusing on team leadership, operational management, and strategic planning.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for participation in design workshops, trade shows, or ASID events to foster professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a unique opportunity to hone both creative design skills and consultative sales abilities, offering a robust development path for individuals interested in the intersection of design and retail operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting an in-home design consultation. What key information do you gather, and how do you use it?" (Focus on structured approach, active listening, and information synthesis for sales objectives.)

• "Walk me through a challenging design project. How did you overcome obstacles, and what was the outcome in terms of client satisfaction and sales?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating problem-solving, creativity, and commercial impact.)

• "How do you balance a client's desired aesthetic with their budget constraints? Provide an example." (Highlight your ability to offer creative compromises and value-driven solutions.)

• "How do you see your design expertise contributing to closing sales and increasing the average ticket value for Haverty's?" (Articulate the direct link between design consultation and revenue generation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Haverty's brand and our typical customer? How does your design philosophy align with ours?" (Research the brand's style, history, and target demographic.)

• "This role requires significant collaboration with Sales Consultants. How do you envision that partnership working effectively?" (Emphasize teamwork, clear communication, and shared goals.)

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends and new furniture products?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the client's challenge, your design solution, and the successful resolution (including sales impact if possible).

• Highlight Process: Clearly explain your design methodology, from initial client engagement and needs assessment to rendering creation and final presentation.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific software used for your renderings and floor plans and how they aided the design process.

• Quantify Results: If possible, present metrics related to sales increases, client satisfaction scores, or project profitability driven by your design work.

• Enthusiasm and Brand Alignment: Convey your passion for interior design and how your skills can directly benefit Haverty's customers and sales objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your ability to blend artistic talent with commercial acumen. Your portfolio presentation should clearly demonstrate how your design skills translate into tangible sales results and enhanced customer experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the Haverty's careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in interior design, consultative sales, customer service, and proficiency with design software. Use keywords from the job description such as "interior design," "3D rendering," "floor planning," "consultation," and "sales."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest design projects that showcase a range of styles, demonstrate your 3D rendering and floor planning skills, and ideally, illustrate how your designs contributed to sales success or client satisfaction. Ensure it is well-organized and easy to navigate.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with clear explanations of your design process, client interaction, and the outcomes of your projects. Be ready to articulate your sales contribution.

• Research Haverty's: Understand the company's brand, product lines, target market, and current design aesthetic. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and style align with the Haverty's brand.

⚠️ 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.

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