Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: Charleston, SC

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Operations / Design Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue and customer satisfaction by providing expert interior design consultation and furniture recommendations within a retail showroom environment.

• Collaborate closely with sales consultants to enhance the customer journey, from initial consultation to final sale, ensuring a seamless and inspiring design experience.

• Develop compelling visual presentations, including floor plans and 3D renderings, to help customers visualize their ideal spaces.

• Maintain a deep understanding of furniture styles, product lines, and current design trends to effectively advise a diverse customer base.

• Actively participate in sales training and contribute to achieving store sales targets and key performance indicators.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges the gap between design and sales, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a keen eye for aesthetics, aligned with typical Sales Operations and Retail Operations functions focused on customer engagement and revenue generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Create detailed floor plans and photo-realistic 3D renderings, showcasing Haverty's furniture and accessories within the customer's actual home environment.

• Partner with Sales Consultants to provide design expertise, reinforcing customer selections and actively assisting in closing transactions.

• Schedule and/or attend qualified home visits to gather essential design information and build rapport with potential clients.

• Coordinate with customers regarding selected items, pricing, and delivery schedules, ensuring clarity and managing expectations.

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Managers post-consultation and after client presentations to refine future approaches.

• Assist Sales Consultants in generating special-order SKUs and increasing sales reserves through comprehensive design solutions.

• Offer expert advice on special sales, financing options, delivery procedures, and product warranties to enhance the customer value proposition.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Haverty's broad range of furniture styles, products, and current market trends.

• Consistently meet or exceed required sales levels and other key performance metrics as set by management.

• Engage in ongoing sales training on the sales floor to continuously improve customer engagement processes and product knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct customer interaction, creative design work, and supportive sales functions, indicating a role that is integral to the sales pipeline and customer experience management within a retail setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

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

Required Skills:

• Expertise in interior design principles, space planning, and furniture styling.

• Proficiency in creating detailed floor plans and 3D renderings using design software.

• Strong sales acumen with a proven ability to consult and influence customer decisions.

• Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills to foster client loyalty.

• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Ability to conduct effective in-home and virtual consultations.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable personal transportation for client visits.

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize multiple client engagements. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with Room Planner software or similar interior design visualization tools.

• Knowledge of special sales, financing plans, and delivery logistics within a retail environment.

• ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) certification.

• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems for client follow-up.

• Ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines and visual merchandising standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design skills, client-facing sales capabilities, and practical requirements like transportation, aligning with a role that requires both creative talent and operational execution in a sales-driven environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse interior design projects, demonstrating a range of styles and client needs.

• Include examples of completed floor plans and 3D renderings, highlighting spatial arrangement and furniture placement.

• Present case studies of client consultations that led to successful sales, detailing the process from initial contact to project completion.

• Demonstrate the ability to integrate specific product lines (e.g., Haverty's furniture) effectively into design concepts.

• Include examples of how design recommendations directly contributed to increased average ticket size or sales conversion rates. Process Documentation:

• Document the end-to-end design consultation process, from initial client inquiry to final presentation and sale.

• Outline the workflow for creating and presenting 3D renderings and floor plans, including software used and time estimations.

• Detail methods for gathering customer requirements, managing feedback, and iterating on design proposals to achieve client satisfaction.

• Illustrate how design recommendations are communicated to sales consultants and integrated into the overall sales process.

• Explain how design insights are used to identify opportunities for special orders or upsells.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of design capability, sales influence, and process management. The emphasis on 3D renderings and client case studies indicates a need for candidates who can visually communicate their impact and articulate their design methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $100,000+ per year. The average national earning for an Interior Design Consultant at Haverty's in 2025 was $84,000. This range reflects a commission-based structure with a guaranteed income feature.

Benefits:

• Paid comprehensive training program to ensure success in the role.

• Daily Pay Program allowing flexibility to draw pay between regular pay cycles.

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

• Robust benefits package including premier medical, dental, and vision insurance partners.

• Paid time-off (PTO) that includes vacation days, sick time, personal days, and company holidays.

• Opportunities for career advancement within the company.

• Significant associate discount on Haverty's quality merchandise.

• Bonus program for successful team member referrals.

• Educational financial assistance to support ongoing learning and development.

• Complimentary health and wellness program.

Working Hours: Required to work 5 days a week, including retail hours which encompass nights, holidays, and weekends. Store operating hours are Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm, and Sunday, 12 pm – 6 pm. Flexibility is also required for scheduled in-home client visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is performance-driven, with a commission model designed to reward high performers, supplemented by a guaranteed income feature and a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being and long-term financial security. The average salary provided offers a strong benchmark for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Interior Design. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a well-established leader in the furniture industry with over 140 years of heritage, known for quality, value, and exceptional customer service.

Company Size: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint, indicating a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for growth.

Founded: Founded over 140 years ago, Haverty's has a long-standing history and a deep understanding of the furniture retail market, emphasizing tradition, quality, and customer trust.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant typically operates within a branch or showroom team, working closely with Sales Consultants, a Branch Manager, and potentially other design professionals.

• Reporting structure likely involves direct reporting to the Branch Manager, with strong collaborative ties to the sales team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly with sales staff to close deals and with operations/delivery teams to ensure customer satisfaction post-purchase. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are used to understand customer preferences and sales trends, informing design recommendations and sales strategies.

• Workflow planning and optimization focus on streamlining the customer journey from initial consultation to final delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly in utilizing design software for renderings and floor plans, and potentially CRM for customer follow-up.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's culture emphasizes a blend of historical legacy with a customer-centric approach. For a Design Consultant, this means upholding quality standards while actively engaging with customers to create personalized design solutions, supported by a structured retail sales environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an intermediate level within a retail sales and design function. It requires a foundation in interior design principles and the ability to translate creative concepts into tangible sales outcomes. The role is crucial for enhancing customer experience and driving average transaction value.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Branch Manager or Store Manager, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with a team of Sales Consultants. This structure allows for direct mentorship and performance feedback within the store environment.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue by influencing customer purchasing decisions, increasing average ticket sizes through comprehensive design solutions, and contributing to higher sales conversion rates. Their expertise elevates the customer's perception of value and service.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Specialization: Advance to Senior Design Consultant roles, focusing on more complex projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Sales Leadership: Transition into Sales Management or Branch Management roles, leveraging design insights and sales experience to lead a store team.

• Training & Development: Become a trainer for new Design Consultants or Sales Consultants, sharing expertise in design principles and customer engagement.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Potential to move into corporate roles related to merchandising, product development, or marketing, utilizing a deep understanding of customer design preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Consultant at Haverty's offers clear progression within retail sales and design, with opportunities to move into leadership or specialized roles, underpinned by continuous learning and performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a beautifully appointed Haverty's furniture showroom. This setting is designed to be inspiring and customer-focused, showcasing a wide range of furniture and home décor products.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Charleston, SC, within a specific Haverty's retail location. This on-site role requires direct engagement with customers in the showroom and potentially in their homes.

Workspace Context:

• The showroom provides a dynamic and visually rich environment, requiring consultants to be organized and adept at managing multiple client interactions simultaneously.

• Access to design tools, product catalogs, and potentially digital rendering software is standard, supporting the consultative sales process.

• Frequent interaction with Sales Consultants and store management fosters a collaborative and performance-driven atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role requires a commitment to retail hours, which include evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate customer availability. This necessitates flexibility in scheduling to meet both business needs and customer appointment preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is hands-on and customer-centric, blending a retail sales floor with the creative demands of interior design. Success requires comfort in a fast-paced, visually stimulating setting and adaptability to varied customer schedules.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth interview at the showroom, likely with the Branch Manager and potentially a senior Sales Consultant or Design Consultant. This stage will assess personality, communication style, and initial design thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their design portfolio, showcasing key projects, floor plans, and 3D renderings. This is a critical step to evaluate design skills and client engagement strategies.

• Sales Simulation/Role-Playing: May involve a scenario where the candidate interacts with a "customer" (interviewer) to demonstrate their sales and consultation approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or HR representative to discuss compensation, benefits, and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate a range of skills (e.g., space planning, color theory, furniture selection) and successful client outcomes.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the client's needs, your design process, the challenges you faced, and how your solutions led to a successful outcome (e.g., increased sales, high client satisfaction).

• Showcase Visuals: Ensure your floor plans are clear, and your 3D renderings are high-quality and photo-realistic. Explain how these visuals aided client understanding and decision-making.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics such as average ticket increase, sales conversion rates, or positive client testimonials.

• Tailor to Haverty's: Emphasize projects that align with Haverty's product style and customer base. Be prepared to discuss how you would integrate their offerings into your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge, such as creating a mood board or initial concept for a specific room based on a brief description.

• Sales Pitch Practice: Rehearse how you would pitch a furniture collection or a specific design solution to a client, focusing on benefits and value.

• Objection Handling: Anticipate common customer objections (e.g., price, style, delivery time) and prepare thoughtful, solutions-oriented responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both design aptitude and sales effectiveness. A strong, well-presented portfolio is paramount, as it serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to perform the core functions of the role and contribute to sales goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in room planner software and 3D rendering applications is essential for creating visual presentations. Examples may include SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or similar industry-standard tools.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Comprehensive knowledge of Word for proposals and client communications, Excel for tracking sales data and client information, and PowerPoint for presentations.

• Internet Software: Effective use of web browsers for product research, trend analysis, and virtual consultation platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analyst role, the Design Consultant will utilize sales reports and potentially CRM data to track personal performance metrics, understand sales trends, and identify opportunities for upselling.

• Understanding of how their individual sales and design contributions impact broader store or company sales targets. CRM & Automation:

• May use a CRM system (e.g., My Sales Center mentioned) for customer follow-up, lead management, and tracking client interactions.

• Familiarity with any sales automation tools that assist in scheduling, communication, or proposal generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack focuses on design visualization tools and standard office productivity software. While direct analytics roles are not expected, an understanding of how to leverage sales data and CRM information to drive personal performance is beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized design and exceptional service.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Haverty's long-standing reputation for offering high-quality furniture and durable, stylish products.

• Integrity & Trust: Building lasting relationships with customers and colleagues through honesty, transparency, and reliable service.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Optimizing the design and sales process to maximize customer satisfaction and achieve sales targets effectively.

• Collaboration: Working harmoniously with sales teams and management to achieve shared goals and provide a cohesive customer experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Sales Integration: A highly collaborative style with Sales Consultants, acting as a design partner to support and close sales. This involves open communication and shared client goals.

• Feedback Loop: A culture that encourages constructive feedback between design and sales to continually improve client interactions and sales strategies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, product knowledge, and successful client engagement techniques with the broader team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Haverty's, as reflected in the Design Consultant role, emphasizes a strong partnership between design expertise and sales execution, all grounded in a commitment to customer satisfaction and company values of quality and integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Objectives: Effectively translating artistic vision into commercially viable designs that meet customer needs and drive sales.

• Managing Diverse Client Expectations: Catering to a wide range of tastes, budgets, and project scopes while maintaining consistent service quality.

• Adapting to Retail Pace: Thriving in a fast-paced retail environment that requires managing multiple client appointments, design tasks, and sales support simultaneously.

• Staying Current with Trends: Continuously updating knowledge of furniture styles, interior design trends, and product offerings to remain a valuable resource for clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepen expertise in Haverty's extensive product lines, understanding materials, construction, and customization options.

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to become proficient in more advanced design visualization tools or specific Haverty's proprietary software.

• Sales and Negotiation Skills: Enhance consultative selling techniques, negotiation strategies, and closing skills through ongoing training and mentorship.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways to senior design roles, sales management, or other leadership positions within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to hone both creative and commercial skills. Challenges are framed as growth opportunities, with clear pathways for professional development and career progression within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for understanding a client's design style and needs during an initial consultation." (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and needs assessment.)

• "How do you incorporate specific product lines, like Haverty's furniture, into your design proposals to meet client objectives and drive sales?" (Highlight product knowledge integration and sales-oriented design.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design project where you had to balance a client's desires with budget constraints or spatial limitations. How did you resolve it?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and creative solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Haverty Furniture Companies, and how do your design philosophy and career goals align with our brand?" (Research company history, values, and product offerings.)

• "How do you envision collaborating with Sales Consultants to create a seamless customer experience and achieve store sales targets?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and shared goals.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design consultations and their impact on sales performance?" (Discuss metrics like client satisfaction, conversion rates, and average ticket size.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation as a story for each project, detailing the client's challenge, your creative solution, and the successful outcome.

• Visual Emphasis: Ensure your renderings and floor plans are clear, well-organized, and visually appealing. Be ready to explain your design choices and how they benefit the client.

• Sales Integration Focus: For each project, explicitly state how your design work contributed to the sale, whether through increased confidence, enhanced perceived value, or meeting specific needs.

• Interactive Discussion: Be prepared for questions about your process, tools, and design decisions. Engage the interviewer by asking clarifying questions and seeking their perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design talent, sales acumen, and a customer-centric approach. Highlighting successful client collaborations and quantifiable sales impact will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features interior design projects, including floor plans and 3D renderings. Tailor your selection to showcase projects that align with Haverty's aesthetic and customer base.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights relevant experience in interior design, sales, and customer consultation. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, particularly those related to design process, sales strategy, and client collaboration. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc., understanding their brand, product lines, history, and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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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