Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: New Caney, TX (Permanent transfer to Baytown, TX in late 2026)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design / Retail Sales Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-28

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of dynamic home decor designs and furnish customer spaces by leveraging interior design expertise.

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

• Develop detailed floor plans and photorealistic 3D renderings to visually showcase Haverty's furniture and accessories within the customer's home environment.

• Collaborate closely with Sales Consultants to facilitate transaction closures by providing informed design recommendations and enhancing the customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends the creative aspects of interior design with the strategic demands of retail sales operations, requiring a consultant who can translate aesthetic vision into tangible sales outcomes and customer satisfaction. The permanent transfer to a new location indicates a growth-oriented environment with potential for early involvement in setting up new operational workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with customers and sales consultants to design beautiful rooms and spaces, recommending furniture and accessories for a complete, envisioned look.

• Offer in-home, in-store, and virtual design consultations to thoroughly assess customer needs, style, investment level, and space constraints.

• Create detailed floor plans and photo-realistic 3D renderings, integrating Havertys furniture and accessories into the customer's home layout.

• Support Sales Consultants in closing deals by applying design knowledge to Havertys customers, thereby increasing average ticket size and sales volume.

• Assist Sales Consultants in scheduling and conducting qualified home visits, ensuring a seamless customer engagement process from initial contact to final selection.

• Conduct detailed reviews with customers regarding selected items, pricing, and delivery schedules during home visits and final presentations.

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Managers post-home visits and after floor plan/presentation board completion to refine sales strategies.

• Aid Sales Consultants in generating special-order SKUs and increasing sales reserves through expert product knowledge and design application.

• Offer insightful guidance to customers to build sales, enhance average transaction values, and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of special sales, financing plans, delivery procedures, and warranty policies to effectively advise customers.

• Reinforce customer selections and actively contribute to the successful closure of sales transactions.

• Utilize internal systems, such as My Sales Center, for customer follow-up and engagement.

• Continuously update and maintain knowledge of a broad spectrum of furniture styles and product offerings.

• Consistently achieve and maintain required sales levels and other key performance metrics as directed by management.

• Actively participate in sales training sessions conducted on the sales floor to gain a deep understanding of Havertys' customer engagement processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative design and direct sales support, emphasizing the consultant's role in driving revenue through expertly crafted design solutions and effective customer engagement. The requirement to assist with special orders and sales reserves indicates a need for proficiency in operational processes beyond just design conceptualization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Interior Design or a related field from a four-year college or university.

Experience:

• 2 to 4 years of related experience in interior design, sales, or a customer-facing role within the furniture or home decor industry.

• Demonstrated ability to combine design principles with sales objectives to achieve revenue targets.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, space planning, and furniture styles.

• Customer Consultation & Relationship Management: Ability to build rapport, understand customer needs, and provide tailored design solutions.

• Sales Acumen: Proficiency in guiding customers through the sales process, reinforcing selections, and closing transactions.

• 3D Rendering & Floor Planning: Experience using software to create visual representations of design concepts and room layouts.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Word, Excel, and Outlook for communication, documentation, and basic data management.

Preferred Skills:

• Room Planner Software Proficiency: Experience with specialized design software beyond basic Microsoft Office applications.

• ASID Certification: Professional certification demonstrating advanced knowledge and ethical standards in interior design.

• Visual Merchandising: Ability to create attractive displays and presentations of furniture and accessories.

• Special Order Processing: Familiarity with managing custom orders and ensuring accuracy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with sales teams and management to achieve operational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative design skills and practical sales execution. The preference for ASID certification and room planner software suggests that candidates with formal design training and specialized technical skills will be highly competitive. The requirement for a valid driver's license and personal transportation underscores the mobile nature of client interactions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse design projects, including at least one that demonstrates significant collaboration with a sales team to achieve a revenue target.

• Include detailed case studies for each project, outlining the client's initial brief, the design process undertaken, challenges encountered, and the final outcome, with a focus on how design influenced purchasing decisions.

• Present examples of floor plans and 3D renderings, highlighting the ability to translate spatial concepts into realistic visualizations.

• Demonstrate experience with creating mood boards, material palettes, and furniture selections that align with customer preferences and brand standards.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of developing or adhering to standardized design consultation workflows, from initial client contact to final presentation and sale.

• Include examples of how you have documented customer preferences, spatial measurements, and design rationale to ensure accuracy and alignment throughout the design process.

• Illustrate experience in using or adapting CRM systems for client management, tracking interactions, and managing sales pipeline stages related to design projects.

• Showcase an understanding of how design recommendations integrate with sales processes, financing options, and delivery logistics to ensure a seamless customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of design capability and sales impact. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, demonstrate technical proficiency in rendering and planning, and quantify the business results of their design interventions. The emphasis on collaboration with sales teams suggests that the portfolio should highlight projects where design directly contributed to revenue generation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated annual earnings between $55,000 to $100,000+.

• National average earnings for Haverty's Interior Design Consultants in 2025 was $84,000.

Benefits:

• Paid Comprehensive Training: Extensive training program covering product knowledge, sales techniques, and design best practices.

• Daily Pay Program: Flexibility to draw earned pay between regular pay cycles.

• 401K Program: Retirement savings plan with a company match of 4%.

• Generous Benefits Package: 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 Haverty's merchandise for employees.

• Referral Bonus Program: Bonus opportunities for referring new team members.

• Educational Financial Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Health and Wellness Program: Complimentary program focused on employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position requiring 5 days of work per week.

• Retail hours include nights and weekends, with store operating hours from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.

• Flexibility is required to accommodate customer schedules for in-home visits outside of standard store hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily performance-based, with a significant commission component. Candidates should be comfortable with uncapped earning potential and motivated by sales targets. The inclusion of a guaranteed income feature provides a safety net during initial ramp-up or slower periods. The extensive benefits package, including educational assistance and a wellness program, indicates a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Home Decor. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a long-standing, iconic brand in the furniture business with over 140 years of heritage, focusing on quality, value, and customer service.

Company Size: Large (Indicative of a structured corporate environment with established processes and career paths, but potentially fewer than 10,000 employees based on typical retail organizations of this scale).

Founded: Over 140 years ago. This deep history suggests a stable company with established operational procedures and a strong brand reputation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant will work within a retail store environment, collaborating closely with Sales Consultants and reporting to a Branch Manager.

• The role is customer-facing and requires seamless integration with the sales team to achieve store-wide revenue objectives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Sales: Leveraging customer data (purchase history, preferences) and sales performance metrics to inform design recommendations and sales strategies.

• Customer-Centric Workflow: Emphasizing personalized consultations and tailored design solutions to meet individual customer needs and drive satisfaction.

• Collaborative Sales Environment: Fostering teamwork between design consultants and sales associates to maximize closing rates and enhance the overall customer experience.

Company Website: https://jobs.havertys.com/ (Assuming this is the primary careers portal, or directly: https://www.havertys.com/)

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's culture likely emphasizes a blend of traditional retail values (customer service, quality) with modern sales techniques and design expertise. The long history suggests a company that values stability and customer loyalty, while ongoing investments in new locations indicate a forward-looking approach. The structure within a retail store means the operations of this role are directly tied to showroom performance and customer foot traffic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents an entry to mid-level role within the broader sales and design operations of a retail organization. It requires a blend of creative talent and business acumen, serving as a crucial touchpoint for customer engagement and revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant reports to the Branch Manager, with a strong day-to-day collaboration with Sales Consultants. This structure facilitates direct oversight of sales performance and design integration.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's primary impact is on revenue generation through increased average ticket values, improved sales conversion rates, and enhanced customer loyalty. By providing expert design services, they differentiate Haverty's offerings and build stronger customer relationships, directly contributing to the company's sales performance and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: Progression to leadership roles within design, potentially managing a team of consultants or overseeing design standards for a region.

• Sales Management: Opportunity to move into sales leadership roles, leveraging design expertise to guide sales teams and drive overall store performance.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific product lines (e.g., custom upholstery, outdoor living) or design styles to become a subject matter expert.

• Corporate Roles: Potential for advancement into corporate roles related to visual merchandising, product development, or sales training, utilizing their deep understanding of customer needs and design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a well-established retail organization. The combination of design and sales skills makes candidates versatile, with opportunities to specialize, lead teams, or transition into broader sales and operations management functions. The opening of a new store in Baytown in late 2026 presents an immediate opportunity for early involvement and potential leadership in a new operational environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates within a retail showroom environment. The workspace is a beautifully appointed Haverty's furniture store, designed to be customer-centric and showcase merchandise effectively.

Office Location(s):

• Current: New Caney, TX

• Future (Late 2026): Baytown, TX

These locations are in the greater Houston metropolitan area, offering access to a large customer base.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The showroom floor serves as the primary workspace, fostering direct interaction with customers and sales colleagues.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to design resources, furniture samples, and potentially specialized software for 3D rendering and floor planning.

• Customer Interaction Hub: The environment is geared towards customer engagement, requiring a professional and welcoming demeanor at all times.

Work Schedule:

• A commitment to working 5 days a week is required.

• The schedule includes retail hours, encompassing evenings and weekends, reflecting typical retail operational needs.

• Flexibility is essential for conducting in-home consultations that align with customer availability, potentially outside of regular store hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and customer-focused, requiring adaptability to retail schedules and a proactive approach to client engagements. The transition to a new Baytown location in 2026 suggests an evolving operational landscape where new team members might influence workspace setup and workflow optimization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience in interior design and sales.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion of your background, design philosophy, and understanding of the Design Consultant role. You may be asked about your experience with customer consultations and sales.

• In-Person Interview/On-Site Assessment: This may involve a practical exercise, such as presenting a design concept based on a hypothetical client brief, or a tour of the showroom to assess your spatial awareness and product knowledge. You will likely meet with the Branch Manager and potentially senior sales staff.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your professional portfolio, focusing on your design process, technical skills (rendering, floor planning), and the impact of your designs on sales outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or HR representative, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your ability to blend design aesthetics with commercial success. Emphasize projects where your design work directly contributed to sales, customer satisfaction, or increased average transaction value.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's needs, your design process, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable results achieved. Use visuals effectively to guide the interviewer through your work.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with 3D rendering software, floor planning tools, and any other relevant design technology. Demonstrate your ability to create realistic and compelling visualizations.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of projects where you worked closely with sales teams or other stakeholders. Explain how your design input supported their efforts and contributed to a shared goal.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Increased average sale by X%," "Achieved a Y% close rate on presented designs").

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready for a hypothetical design challenge. Practice creating a quick design concept for a specific room or client type, focusing on understanding needs, selecting appropriate furniture from Haverty's offerings, and presenting a cohesive vision.

• Sales Pitch Integration: Prepare to articulate how your design recommendations translate into sales opportunities and customer value. Think about how you would present your design solutions to a customer to inspire confidence and encourage purchase.

• Customer Service Scenarios: Consider how you would handle difficult customer situations, objections, or requests for compromises on design. Focus on maintaining professionalism and finding solutions that satisfy both the customer and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both creative design talent and commercial aptitude. A strong portfolio is paramount, serving as the primary evidence of your capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their understanding of sales processes, customer relationship management, and their ability to contribute directly to revenue generation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily communication, documentation, and basic data management (Word, Excel,

Outlook).

• Room Planner Software: Proficiency in specialized design software is preferred for creating floor plans and 3D renderings. Examples include:

  • AutoCAD/Revit: For professional architectural and interior design drafting.
  • SketchUp: A popular 3D modeling software for conceptual design and visualization.
  • Chief Architect/Home Designer Suite: Software specifically designed for residential design, floor planning, and 3D visualization.
  • Havertys' Internal Design Software: Candidates should be prepared to learn and adapt to any proprietary tools used by the company.

• Sales CRM System (e.g., My Sales Center): Used for customer relationship management, tracking leads, managing sales pipeline, and customer follow-up.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding sales reports, performance metrics, and customer data is beneficial for informing design choices and sales strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Experience using CRM systems to manage customer interactions, track sales progress, and nurture leads.

• Project Management Tools (Informal): Ability to manage multiple client projects simultaneously, track deadlines, and organize design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design visualization software is a key differentiator. While specific proprietary tools will be learned, a strong foundation in industry-standard 3D rendering and floor planning applications will be advantageous. Familiarity with CRM systems is critical for managing customer interactions and sales activities effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A core value of putting the customer’s needs and satisfaction at the forefront of all design and sales interactions.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Haverty's legacy of providing high-quality furniture and design solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with sales consultants and management to achieve collective goals, fostering a supportive and productive team environment.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Maintaining high standards of conduct, honesty, and ethical practice in all customer and internal dealings.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning, skill development, and adapting to evolving design trends and customer expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with sales consultants to ensure design solutions align with sales objectives and customer purchasing capacity.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and consistent communication regarding customer needs, design proposals, and sales progress.

• Feedback Loop: Participating in regular feedback sessions with sales teams and management to refine processes and improve customer outcomes.

• Shared Success: A culture where the success of individual design consultants and sales consultants contributes to the overall success of the store and the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's values likely reflect a blend of traditional retail principles with a modern emphasis on customer experience and professional development. The collaborative nature of the role means that individuals who can effectively partner with sales colleagues and contribute to a team-oriented atmosphere will thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Sales Objectives: Effectively translating artistic design concepts into commercially viable solutions that meet customer budgets and drive sales.

• Managing Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and project scopes, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.

• Adapting to Retail Schedules: Working nights, weekends, and holidays, and maintaining high energy levels throughout demanding retail hours.

• Navigating the Transition to Baytown: Adapting to a new store environment, potentially helping to establish new operational workflows and team dynamics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in 3D rendering, space planning, and specific design styles through internal training and potentially external workshops.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Continuous development in sales techniques, consultative selling, and closing strategies to maximize earning potential.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening expertise across Haverty's extensive product lines, including custom options and new arrivals.

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways into senior design roles, sales management, or corporate positions for high-performing individuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to grow both creatively and commercially. Successfully navigating the challenges will require strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to learning and development. The upcoming move to a new location offers a unique chance to be part of an evolving operational setup.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy & Process: "Describe your approach to interior design. How do you balance aesthetics with functionality and budget constraints for a retail client?" (Be prepared to walk through a past project, explaining your thought process from client brief to final execution).

• Sales & Collaboration: "How do you collaborate with sales associates to ensure design recommendations lead to successful sales outcomes? Provide an example." (Focus on how you support the sales cycle and add value to their efforts).

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult customer or a challenging design problem. What steps did you take, and what was the result?" (Highlight your ability to find solutions, maintain composure, and achieve customer satisfaction).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Haverty Furniture and our brand?" (Research company history, values, and recent initiatives).

• "How do you see yourself fitting into our team culture and contributing to our sales environment?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit, customer focus, and drive for results).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and achievements relevant to this role.

• Focus on ROI: For each project, clearly articulate how your design work contributed to sales, customer satisfaction, or business objectives. Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Walk the interviewer through your design thinking – from understanding the client's needs to the final presentation and sale.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of design software and how it aids in client visualization and decision-making.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives that highlight your problem-solving abilities and client engagement skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a clear understanding of how design directly impacts sales in a retail setting. Candidates must be able to articulate their design process, showcase their ability to collaborate with sales teams, and present quantifiable results from their past work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating both strong interior design skills and direct contributions to sales revenue and customer satisfaction in a retail or client-facing environment. Focus on examples where you successfully guided clients through the purchase process.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant experience in interior design, sales, customer consultation, and proficiency with design software. Use keywords from the job description, such as "interior design," "3D rendering," "floor planning," "sales consultation," and "customer relationship management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, sales approach, and collaborative strategies. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to meet customer needs while driving sales. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc., focusing on their brand, values, product lines, and the specifics of their sales and design approach. Understand the significance of the upcoming Baytown store opening.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding the transfer to Baytown and specific operational processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.