Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: Boca Raton, FL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Customer-Facing)

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultation and sales support in a retail environment.

• Collaborate with sales teams to enhance customer understanding of furniture and decor offerings, leading to increased average ticket values.

• Leverage design software to create compelling visualizations, including floor plans and 3D renderings, to close sales.

• Conduct comprehensive client consultations, both in-store and in-home, to assess needs and present tailored design solutions.

• Maintain a deep understanding of furniture styles, product lines, and promotional offers to effectively advise customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is customer-facing and sales-oriented, its focus on design, space planning, and client consultation positions it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and customer experience operations. The emphasis on sales support and driving revenue through design expertise aligns it with revenue-generating functions, making it a valuable role for operations professionals interested in client engagement and sales enablement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with sales consultants and customers to develop beautiful and functional room designs, recommending furniture and accessories for a complete aesthetic.

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

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

• Support Sales Consultants in closing transactions by providing expert design knowledge and persuasive recommendations to Haverty's customers.

• Assist Sales Consultants in scheduling and conducting qualified in-home visits, acting as a design subject matter expert.

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

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Managers post-site visit and upon completion of design presentations.

• Aid Sales Consultants in creating special-order SKUs and increasing sales reserves through expert design solutions.

• Offer insightful feedback to customers to help build sales volume and enhance average transaction values.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of special sales, financing options, delivery procedures, and warranty policies.

• Reinforce customer selections and actively contribute to bringing sales to successful closure.

• Utilize internal sales management systems (e.g., My Sales Center) for customer follow-up and engagement.

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

• Consistently meet or exceed sales targets and other key performance metrics as defined by management.

• Participate in sales training initiatives on the sales floor to reinforce the Haverty's customer engagement process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction, sales enablement, and operational support for the sales team. The role requires proactive engagement, detailed planning, and an understanding of sales processes to effectively contribute to revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Alternatively, 2 to 4 years of directly related experience and/or training.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience:

• Proven experience in interior design, space planning, or a related creative field, with a focus on client-facing roles.

• Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs and style preferences into tangible design solutions.

• Experience in a retail sales environment, particularly in furniture or home decor, is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Principles: Strong understanding of color theory, space planning, furniture arrangement, and aesthetic composition.

• Customer Consultation: Excellent ability to actively listen, build rapport, and effectively consult with diverse clientele.

• Sales Support: Capacity to assist sales professionals in closing deals by providing compelling design rationale.

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

• Reliable Transportation: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and verifiable personal transportation for in-home client visits.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for client interactions and internal collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Rendering & Room Planner Software: Experience with design visualization tools (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or similar) for creating floor plans and realistic renderings.

• Furniture Product Knowledge: Familiarity with furniture styles, materials, construction, and brands within the home furnishings industry.

• Client Relationship Management (CRM): Experience using CRM systems for tracking customer interactions, sales pipelines, and follow-up activities.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to create and deliver engaging design presentations, including mood boards and material samples.

• ASID Certification: Professional accreditation demonstrating a high level of expertise and commitment to the interior design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a valid driver's license and personal transportation for client visits is a critical operational requirement for this role, especially for the in-home consultation aspect. Proficiency in specific design software, while preferred, indicates a need for candidates who can quickly adapt to the company's chosen tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your interior design process from initial client consultation to final project completion. Each case study should highlight your problem-solving approach.

• Visualization Examples: Include examples of floor plans and 3D renderings created for client projects, showcasing your ability to translate concepts into visual representations.

• Client Collaboration Documentation: Present evidence of how you have worked with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget constraints, illustrating your client management skills.

• Sales Impact Demonstration: Where possible, include examples or data that demonstrate how your design recommendations have contributed to increased sales volume or average ticket value.

• Process Flow Documentation: Briefly outline your typical design process, from initial client contact to project closure, emphasizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate your ability to map out and optimize design workflows, from initial client engagement and needs assessment to proposal generation and final presentation.

• System Implementation: Highlight any experience you have in using or implementing design software and CRM tools to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and enhance client communication.

• Performance Measurement: Show how you track and measure the success of your design projects, focusing on client satisfaction, sales conversion rates, and average order value improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a customer-facing role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design skills and client management. The focus should be on visual evidence of work and clear articulation of the process, with an emphasis on how design directly supports sales objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Compensation: $55,000 - $100,000+ USD per year.

• Average National Earnings (2025): $84,000 USD per year for Haverty's Interior Design Consultants.

• Structure: This role operates on an uncapped commission structure with a guaranteed income feature during the initial training and ramp-up period. The higher end of the range is achievable with strong performance and consistent sales closure.

Benefits:

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

• 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 partners.

• Paid Time Off: Generous allocation including vacation days, sick time, personal days, and company holidays.

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

• Referral Bonuses: Bonus program for referring successful team member candidates.

• Educational Assistance: Financial support for further education and professional development.

• Health and Wellness Program: Complimentary access to a comprehensive health and wellness program.

Working Hours:

• Standard Schedule: Required to work 5 days per week.

• Retail Hours: Store hours include evenings and weekends (Monday-Saturday: 10 am - 7 pm; Sunday: 12 pm - 6 pm).

• Flexibility: May require flexibility to accommodate customer schedules for in-home visits outside of standard store hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is performance-based, with a guaranteed income component to support new hires. The broad salary range reflects the uncapped commission potential, emphasizing the importance of sales acumen alongside design expertise. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for full-time retail sales roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture and Home Furnishings Retail. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a long-standing, reputable brand with over 140 years of history, known for quality products and customer service.

Company Size: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: HVT) with a significant retail footprint across the United States, indicating a well-established corporate structure and operational scale.

Founded: Founded over 140 years ago, Haverty's has a deep heritage and a proven business model, suggesting a stable work environment with a focus on long-term customer relationships and brand loyalty.

Team Structure:

• Sales Floor Collaboration: Design Consultants work closely with Sales Consultants, often reporting to a Sales Manager or Branch Manager.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Collaboration extends to store management, delivery teams, and potentially corporate support functions like marketing or merchandising.

• Customer-Centric Focus: The team operates within a customer-centric model, prioritizing client satisfaction and sales conversion.

Methodology:

• Consultative Sales Approach: The company emphasizes understanding customer needs and providing tailored solutions, rather than a purely transactional sales model.

• Design-Led Selling: Design expertise is a core component of the sales strategy, used to enhance customer experience and increase sales value.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, operational efficiency is likely driven by sales performance metrics, customer feedback, and inventory management best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's culture likely balances traditional retail values with modern design trends and customer service expectations. The emphasis on a long company heritage suggests stability and a commitment to quality, while the focus on design consultants points to an evolving strategy that values aesthetic expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the customer-facing sales and design segment of the retail operations. It requires a blend of creative talent and sales acumen.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Consultant reports to a Sales Manager or Branch Manager within a specific retail location. There may be opportunities to interact with regional management or corporate design leads.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue by influencing customer purchasing decisions, increasing average transaction values through upselling and cross-selling design services/products, and enhancing customer satisfaction, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Advance to roles with greater design complexity, potentially specializing in specific product categories or client segments.

• Sales Management: Transition into leadership roles such as Sales Manager or Assistant Store Manager, overseeing sales teams and store operations.

• Merchandising/Visual Display: Opportunities may arise to contribute to store visual merchandising and product display strategies.

• Corporate Design/Product Development: Potential for roles at the corporate level involving product selection, trend analysis, or design support for new initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Consultant at Haverty's is strongly tied to both sales performance and the development of design expertise. Growth often involves increasing responsibility in sales and leadership, or specializing further in design-related functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom – a beautifully appointed Haverty's furniture store. This setting is customer-focused and aims to inspire home decor ideas.

Office Location(s): Boca Raton, Florida, with potential for in-home consultations within a defined service area. The company operates numerous locations nationwide.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The showroom provides an open, visually engaging space for customer interaction and product display, fostering collaboration with sales colleagues.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to design software, 3D rendering capabilities, and potentially sample libraries or material swatches.

• Customer Interaction Hub: The showroom is the central point for client consultations, sales presentations, and relationship building.

Work Schedule:

• Retail Demands: Requires working 5 days a week, including evenings and weekends, to align with customer shopping habits.

• Flexibility for Client Needs: Some flexibility is necessary to schedule in-home consultations that best suit customer availability. This offers a dynamic work schedule beyond fixed retail hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending a retail sales floor with the creative demands of interior design. The need for direct customer interaction and on-site presence (both in-store and in-home) means this role is not remote.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with an HR representative or Hiring Manager to discuss your background, interest in Haverty's, and basic qualifications.

• In-Person Interview & Design Assessment: This stage typically involves meeting with the Branch Manager and potentially senior sales staff. You may be asked to present your portfolio, discuss design case studies, and demonstrate your understanding of the sales process. An assessment of your ability to interact with potential customers may also occur.

• Sales Simulation/Role-Playing: You might participate in a simulated sales or design consultation to evaluate your approach, communication style, and ability to close.

• Final Interview & Offer: A final discussion to confirm fit and extend an offer of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best represent your skills in space planning, visualization, and client collaboration.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your design process: initial consultation, needs assessment, concept development, material selection, visualization (floor plans/renderings), and final presentation.

• Showcase Sales Impact: If possible, quantify the success of your designs. Did they lead to a sale? Did they increase the average ticket price? Use data to support your claims.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. High-quality images and clear annotations are essential.

• Tailor to Haverty's: Research Haverty's product lines, current styles, and target customer demographics. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills align with their offerings and market.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, how you handle client feedback, and how you would integrate into a sales-driven team.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenario Practice: Rehearse how you would approach a customer on the showroom floor, conduct a needs assessment, and propose design solutions.

• Design Software Familiarity: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with design software and potentially demonstrate basic skills if asked.

• Product Knowledge Research: Familiarize yourself with Haverty's current product catalog and common furniture styles.

• Understanding the Role: Be ready to explain why you are interested in a Design Consultant role specifically at Haverty's and how your skills will contribute to their sales objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both design capability and sales effectiveness. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to translate design skills into tangible sales results and revenue generation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with room planner software is beneficial. Examples include Chief Architect, SketchUp, AutoCAD, or similar visualization tools for creating floor plans and 3D renderings.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for internal communication, documentation, and basic data management. This includes Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• CRM System: Experience with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is preferred for managing client interactions, tracking sales progress, and follow-up activities. (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or proprietary systems like "My Sales Center" mentioned).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and utilize sales reports and dashboards to track personal performance against targets and identify areas for improvement.

• Customer Data Analysis: Understanding how to leverage customer data (from CRM or sales interactions) to personalize design recommendations and sales approaches.

CRM & Automation:

• My Sales Center: The job description specifically mentions "My Sales Center," indicating this is a key internal tool for customer follow-up and sales process management. Familiarity with similar sales enablement platforms is advantageous.

• Communication Platforms: Standard workplace communication tools (e.g., email, potentially internal chat applications) are assumed.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific design software isn't mandated, familiarity with visualization tools is highly valued. The mention of "My Sales Center" suggests a proprietary or industry-specific CRM that candidates should research or be prepared to learn quickly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A primary focus on understanding and meeting customer needs to ensure satisfaction and drive sales.

• Quality & Heritage: Commitment to the quality and legacy associated with the Haverty's brand, emphasizing lasting customer relationships.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with sales consultants and management to achieve store-wide goals.

• Sales Driven: A culture that values and rewards sales performance, with a clear focus on revenue generation and exceeding targets.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to develop design skills, sales techniques, and product knowledge to enhance performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive Sales Environment: Design Consultants act as a key support resource for Sales Consultants, enhancing their ability to close deals.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaboration with store management for operational efficiency and adherence to company policies.

• Customer Engagement: A proactive approach to engaging with customers on the showroom floor and in their homes, building trust and rapport.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely blends a traditional retail ethos with a modern focus on design and personalized customer service. Team members are expected to be both creative and results-oriented, contributing to a cohesive sales environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Demands: Effectively integrating artistic design sensibilities with the practical requirements of retail sales targets and customer budgets.

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

• In-Home Consultation Logistics: Managing personal transportation, scheduling, and professional presentation during in-home visits.

• Staying Current with Trends and Products: Continuously learning about new furniture styles, materials, and Haverty's evolving product lines to remain an expert.

• Performance Pressure: Meeting consistent sales levels and key metrics in a commission-based environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Paid Training Program: Comprehensive initial training provided by Haverty's to equip new hires with necessary skills and product knowledge.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Ongoing opportunities to learn about new collections, materials, and design trends directly from manufacturers and through internal resources.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Training and mentorship focused on consultative selling, closing techniques, and customer relationship management.

• Design Software Proficiency: Potential to deepen expertise in visualization tools and learn new design technology.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth into senior design roles, sales leadership, or related corporate functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a dynamic challenge for individuals who enjoy both creative problem-solving and direct customer interaction that drives business outcomes. Growth opportunities are intrinsically linked to performance and willingness to take on more responsibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's budget with their design aspirations. How did you approach this?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and creative compromises).

• "How would you handle a situation where a customer is unsure about their design style or needs? Walk me through your consultation process." (Demonstrate active listening, questioning techniques, and building rapport).

• "Imagine a customer wants to furnish a living room but is overwhelmed by choices. What steps would you take to guide them towards a decision and a sale?" (Showcase your sales process, design expertise, and ability to close).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in a Design Consultant role at Haverty's specifically?" (Research Haverty's history, values, and product offerings. Connect your skills to their brand).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our sales objectives?" (Emphasize the link between design expertise and revenue generation).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly explain the client's initial needs, your design objectives, your process, the solutions you provided, and the outcome (ideally, a successful sale).

• Highlight Visuals: Use your floor plans and 3D renderings to visually tell the story of the transformation. Explain what makes them effective.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your designs contributed to sales, referrals, or customer satisfaction.

• Concise & Engaging: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key highlights and being prepared to delve deeper into specific projects when asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating how your design skills directly translate into sales success and customer satisfaction for Haverty's. Be ready to speak to both creative and business aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your best interior design projects, emphasizing space planning, 3D visualization, and client collaboration. Tailor your examples to reflect styles and product types that align with Haverty's offerings.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights relevant experience in interior design, retail sales, customer consultation, and any proficiency with design software or CRM systems. Use keywords from the job description such as "Interior Design," "3D Rendering," "Customer Consultation," and "Sales Support."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and sales approach. Be ready to discuss your portfolio with confidence and explain how you can contribute to driving sales and customer satisfaction at Haverty's.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Haverty Furniture Companies' brand, product lines, history, and values. Understanding their market position will help you articulate your fit and enthusiasm during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.