Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 03, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and enhance customer experience through expert interior design consultation and space planning services within a retail showroom environment.

• Collaborate with sales consultants to provide design solutions, creating visually compelling room layouts and 3D renderings that meet customer needs and investment levels.

• Manage client relationships from initial consultation through to final purchase, ensuring a seamless and inspiring design process that reinforces customer selections and drives increased average ticket values.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of furniture styles, products, and industry trends to effectively advise customers and support sales objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," has significant operational responsibilities within a retail sales context. It bridges the gap between creative design and the practicalities of sales, customer engagement, and process adherence. The "Operations" aspect lies in the structured approach to client interactions, sales support, and the use of specific tools for visualization and client management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Develop detailed floor plans and create photo-realistic 3D renderings of furniture and accessories within the customer's home environment using specialized design software.

• Actively support Sales Consultants by offering expert design advice, reinforcing customer selections, and contributing to the closure of transactions.

• Assist Sales Consultants in scheduling and attending qualified home visits, providing on-site design expertise and client engagement.

• Coordinate with customers during home visits and final presentations to review selected items, pricing, delivery schedules, and address any concerns.

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Managers post-visit to refine processes and improve client engagement strategies.

• Facilitate the creation of special-order SKUs and contribute to increasing sales reserves through expert product recommendations and design solutions.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of current sales promotions, financing options, delivery procedures, and warranty policies to effectively advise customers.

• Continuously learn and maintain knowledge of a broad range of furniture styles and product offerings to ensure accurate and inspiring recommendations.

• Adhere to sales targets, key performance metrics, and sales training protocols as required by management to ensure consistent performance and revenue generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of client-facing design services and direct sales support. The operational components include structured consultation processes, the use of specific software for visualization, and adherence to sales performance metrics and company policies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• ASID certification is preferred, indicating a high level of professional recognition in the interior design field. Experience:

• A minimum of 2 to 4 years of relevant experience in interior design, furniture sales, or a related client-facing design role.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered, offering flexibility for candidates with strong practical skills. Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Proven ability to conceptualize and execute interior design schemes, understand aesthetic principles, and translate client visions into tangible designs.

• 3D Rendering & Space Planning: Proficiency in creating detailed floor plans and photo-realistic 3D renderings using industry-standard design software (e.g., Room Planner software).

• Client Consultation & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with diverse clientele, understanding their needs, and presenting design solutions effectively.

• Sales Acumen & Closing Skills: Ability to support sales efforts, reinforce customer selections, and contribute to closing transactions, understanding the link between design and revenue.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, for daily operational tasks and client communication.

Preferred Skills:

• ASID Certification: Demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and advanced knowledge in interior design.

• Room Planner Software Experience: Prior hands-on experience with specific room planner or design visualization software commonly used in furniture retail is highly beneficial.

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

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Familiarity: Experience with systems like "My Sales Center" for customer follow-up and data management is an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for both creative design talent and practical sales support capabilities. Proficiency in specific software for visualization and client management is crucial, underscoring the operational aspect of this role. The preference for ASID certification suggests a company that values professional standards and potentially complex design projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Visualization Examples: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects featuring client-provided spaces, demonstrating your ability to create compelling floor plans and photo-realistic 3D renderings. Each example should clearly articulate the design challenge and your solution.

• Client Consultation Summaries: Include brief case studies or summaries for 2-3 projects that detail your approach to understanding client needs, budget constraints, and style preferences, and how these informed your design recommendations.

• Sales Support Integration: Highlight at least one project where your design consultation directly contributed to a successful sales transaction or increased the average ticket value, quantifying the impact if possible.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: If possible, include visual examples or descriptions of how you utilize design software (e.g., room planners, 3D rendering tools) to enhance client presentations and decision-making.

Process Documentation:

• Consultation Workflow: Document your typical end-to-end client consultation process, from initial contact and needs assessment to final presentation and follow-up.

• Rendering Creation Process: Outline the steps involved in creating 3D renderings and floor plans, including data input, design iteration, and client feedback incorporation.

• Sales Collaboration Protocol: Describe your established methods for collaborating with sales consultants, including how you share design insights, support sales efforts, and integrate design recommendations into the sales cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design skills, client management, and sales support is essential. The emphasis on process documentation indicates that Haverty's values structured workflows and a systematic approach to design consultation, which is a key operational component for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Range: $55,000 - $100,000+ USD.

• Average Earnings: In 2025, the national average earnings for an Interior Design Consultant at Haverty's was approximately $84,000.

• Structure: The compensation is based on an uncapped commission structure with a guaranteed income feature, incentivizing performance and providing a stable earning base.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive, paid training program to ensure proficiency in product knowledge and sales techniques.

• Daily Pay Program: Flexibility to draw earned pay between standard 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: Generous allocation for vacation, sick time, personal days, and company holidays.

• Associate Discount: Substantial discount on Haverty's merchandise.

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

• Financial Assistance: Educational financial assistance opportunities.

• Health and Wellness Program: Complimentary health and wellness resources.

Working Hours:

• Schedule: Required to work 5 days per week.

• Retail Hours: Must be available to work retail hours, which include evenings and weekends. Store hours are typically Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.

• Flexibility: Additional flexibility may be required for scheduled home visits outside standard retail hours to accommodate customer availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is presented as a significant earning potential driven by commission, with a guaranteed income component. The benefits package is robust, covering health, retirement, and personal well-being, which are standard for full-time retail sales and design roles. The working hours emphasize the demands of a retail environment, requiring flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Interior Design. Haverty Furniture Companies has been a prominent name in the furniture business for over 140 years, known for its commitment to quality, pricing, and customer service.

Company Size: Havertys is a well-established, large-scale retail organization with a significant footprint. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and career paths.

Founded: Over 140 years ago, providing a legacy of stability and experience in the home furnishings market.

Team Structure:

• Sales & Design Integration: The Design Consultant works closely with Sales Consultants, forming a collaborative unit focused on customer engagement and sales closure.

• Branch Management: Reporting lines typically extend to a Branch Manager or Showroom Manager, who oversees sales performance, operational efficiency, and team development within a specific location.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily working within a showroom team, there will be interaction with other departments such as delivery, customer service, and potentially corporate merchandising or marketing teams.

Methodology:

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

• Data-Driven Sales Support: Utilizing customer data, sales metrics, and design software to inform recommendations, track performance, and optimize sales strategies.

• Process Standardization: Adherence to established sales processes, consultation protocols, and company policies to ensure consistent service delivery and operational efficiency across all locations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's culture likely emphasizes a blend of traditional retail values (customer service, quality) with modern design consultation services. The company's long history suggests stability and established operational frameworks, while its size indicates opportunities for structured growth and development within a professional sales and design environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within a retail sales and design framework. It requires specialized design skills combined with the ability to contribute directly to sales performance and operational efficiency within the showroom. It's a step beyond entry-level sales associate, demanding a higher degree of creative input and client management.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Branch Manager or Showroom Manager. This structure provides direct oversight for sales performance, adherence to operational procedures, and client interaction quality.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's impact is measured by their direct contribution to sales revenue through design expertise, increasing average ticket values, and enhancing customer satisfaction, which in turn drives repeat business and positive referrals. Their operational role involves efficiently managing client consultations, utilizing design tools effectively, and supporting the overall sales process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Design Consultant, Sales Manager, or Branch Manager, overseeing sales teams and showroom operations.

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design niches or product categories, becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.

• Training & Development: Access to ongoing training programs focused on advanced design techniques, new product lines, sales strategies, and potentially leadership development.

• Regional Opportunities: For high performers, potential opportunities within larger regional management roles or corporate functions related to merchandising or design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large retail organization, moving from individual contributor to leadership roles. The operational aspect of managing client interactions and supporting sales processes is foundational for advancement into management positions where broader operational oversight is required.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a beautifully appointed retail furniture showroom. This setting is customer-focused, fast-paced, and requires a professional business attire dress code. It is designed to inspire customers and showcase the product line effectively.

Office Location(s): The specific role is located in Durham, North Carolina. Haverty's operates numerous showrooms across the United States, suggesting potential for relocation opportunities based on business needs and employee performance.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Floor: A significant portion of the role involves engaging with customers on the showroom floor, presenting products, and discussing design concepts.

• Design Consultation Areas: Dedicated spaces within the showroom for more in-depth consultations, potentially including areas for presentations and use of design tools.

• Client Homes: A key aspect involves conducting in-home consultations, requiring the consultant to travel to customer residences, necessitating reliable personal transportation and a valid driver's license.

• Technology Integration: Access to showroom technology, including computers for design software, CRM systems, and potentially interactive display tools.

Work Schedule: The schedule is structured around retail operating hours, requiring availability 5 days a week, including evenings and weekends (Monday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday 12 pm-6 pm). Flexibility is essential for accommodating customer appointments, including potential home visits outside of standard showroom hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending a professional retail showroom setting with client-facing activities that extend into their homes. The operational requirement for flexibility in scheduling is critical for success in this customer-centric role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications.

• In-Person Interview/Showroom Visit: This stage typically involves meeting with the Branch Manager or a senior sales/design leader. You will likely discuss your design philosophy, sales approach, and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a specific design project from your portfolio, explaining your process, client interaction, and the outcomes. This assesses your presentation skills and ability to articulate design value.

• Sales Simulation: Potentially a role-playing exercise where you demonstrate how you would engage a customer on the showroom floor or handle a design consultation.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a regional manager, to confirm fit and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your versatility, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within client constraints (budget, space). Include a mix of residential and, if applicable, commercial designs.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, highlight how your designs have positively impacted sales, customer satisfaction, or project success. Use metrics like average ticket increase, project completion rate, or client testimonials.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, include: a brief overview of the client's needs, your design concept, key challenges, your solutions (including floor plans/renderings), and the final outcome.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Visually demonstrate your skill with design software. Show before-and-after renderings, 3D walkthroughs, or detailed floor plans that highlight your technical capabilities.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is professionally presented, whether digital or physical. It should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and free of errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Haverty's Brand: Research their product lines, design styles, and target customer demographic. Tailor your design approach and presentation to align with their brand identity.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process, sales approach, and how you add value beyond just aesthetics. Practice explaining your portfolio projects concisely and persuasively.

• Anticipate Sales Scenarios: Prepare for questions related to handling objections, upselling, and working with sales consultants to close deals.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show genuine passion for interior design and for contributing to the success of Haverty's.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both design acumen and sales aptitude, with a strong emphasis on practical application and the ability to integrate design services into a retail sales environment. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just creativity but also operational effectiveness in client management and sales support.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Visualization Software: Proficiency in room planner software and 3D rendering tools is essential for creating floor plans and photo-realistic visualizations of customer spaces. Examples could include tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or proprietary Haverty's software.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including document creation (Word), data analysis and reporting (Excel), and communication (Outlook).

• CRM System: Familiarity with CRM platforms, such as "My Sales Center" mentioned in the job description, for managing customer information, tracking leads, and following up on sales opportunities.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and utilize data from sales dashboards to track personal performance against key metrics (e.g., sales volume, average ticket value, conversion rates).

• Reporting Tools: Experience with basic reporting functions within CRM or sales software to track client interactions and sales pipeline status.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Data Management: Skills in managing customer databases within the CRM to maintain accurate client profiles, preferences, and interaction history.

• Sales Process Automation: Understanding how to leverage CRM functionalities to automate follow-up reminders, schedule appointments, and streamline the sales cycle.

• Integration Awareness: While not explicitly stated as a requirement, an understanding of how design tools might integrate with CRM or sales order systems can be beneficial for efficient workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack focuses on tools that support visual design, client management, and sales operations. Proficiency in design software and CRM systems is paramount for effective job performance and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs, providing exceptional service throughout the design and purchase process.

• Collaboration: A team-oriented approach where Design Consultants work closely with Sales Consultants and management to achieve shared goals.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of presentation, communication, and conduct, both in the showroom and during client visits.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A focus on optimizing time and resources to manage a high volume of client interactions and sales opportunities effectively.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning and skill development in design, product knowledge, and sales techniques.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership with Sales: Design Consultants act as a crucial partner to Sales Consultants, providing specialized expertise to enhance the sales process and close deals.

• Feedback Loop: Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged between Design Consultants, Sales Consultants, and management to refine strategies and improve performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports sharing insights on design trends, product features, and effective client engagement techniques within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a synergistic relationship between design and sales, emphasizing teamwork, professional conduct, and a results-driven approach. This collaborative operational model is key to maximizing customer engagement and sales success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Design with Sales Objectives: Effectively merging artistic vision with the practical demands of retail sales and customer budgets.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide spectrum of customer tastes, budgets, and expectations, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

• High-Volume Retail Environment: Thriving in a fast-paced showroom setting with consistent customer traffic and the need for efficient time management.

• Remote Client Engagement: Successfully translating design expertise and building rapport through virtual or in-home consultations, which may lack the immediate tactile experience of a showroom.

• Staying Current: Continuously updating knowledge on furniture trends, materials, and design styles in a rapidly evolving market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or receive training on new design software, techniques, and emerging trends.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: In-depth training on new furniture lines, materials, and customization options to enhance expertise.

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Development programs focused on enhancing sales techniques, closing strategies, and customer objection handling.

• Leadership Development: Potential for training and mentorship geared towards advancing into management roles within Haverty's.

• Industry Certifications: Support or encouragement for pursuing professional certifications such as ASID, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to overcome challenges by leveraging company-provided training and development programs. The growth path is clearly defined, moving from specialized design consultation to broader sales and operational leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting an initial client consultation, from understanding their needs to presenting initial design concepts." (Prepare to detail your needs assessment, questioning techniques, and initial mood board/concept development.)

• "How do you balance creative design aspirations with a client's budget and the specific product offerings available at Haverty's?" (Focus on your ability to find creative solutions within constraints and guide clients realistically.)

• "Walk me through a challenging design project you completed. What were the obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result – to structure your answer, highlighting problem-solving and adaptability.)

• "How do you collaborate with sales consultants to ensure a seamless customer experience and drive sales?" (Emphasize your understanding of the symbiotic relationship, how you support their efforts, and contribute to closing deals.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Haverty Furniture Companies and this specific Design Consultant role?" (Research Haverty's history, values, and recent initiatives. Connect your passion for design and sales to their brand.)

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends and new furniture products?" (Mention industry publications, trade shows, online resources, and continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture." (Highlight your collaborative spirit, professionalism, and proactive approach to supporting colleagues.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, focus on the narrative: the client's problem, your design solution, and the successful outcome. Keep descriptions brief and impactful.

• Visual Emphasis: Let your renderings and floor plans speak for themselves, but be prepared to verbally explain the key design decisions and how they addressed the client's needs.

• Highlight Sales Contribution: Clearly articulate how your design work supported the sales process, increased the average ticket, or led