Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: San Antonio, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by providing expert interior design consultation and sales support within a retail environment.

• Develop and present compelling 3D renderings and floor plans to visualize customer design concepts and furniture selections.

• Foster strong customer relationships through in-home, in-store, and virtual consultations, understanding unique needs and preferences.

• Collaborate effectively with sales consultants to enhance customer engagement and facilitate transaction closures.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of furniture styles, products, and company sales initiatives to maximize sales opportunities and average ticket values.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities and compensation structure clearly indicate a hybrid role blending interior design expertise with direct sales and commission-based earning potential. This is common in high-end retail environments where design consultation is a key driver of sales. The role requires a strong understanding of sales processes and customer relationship management, in addition to design skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home, in-store, and virtual design consultations to assess 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 envisioned space.

• Partner with Sales Consultants to provide design expertise, assist in closing transactions, and enhance the overall customer experience.

• Schedule and attend qualified home visits, presenting design proposals and coordinating selections, pricing, and delivery schedules.

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Managers on customer interactions, design presentations, and sales opportunities.

• Assist Sales Consultants in the creation of special-order SKUs and contribute to increasing sales reserves through design-led upselling.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of a broad range of furniture styles, product lines, and current design trends to effectively advise customers.

• Stay informed about special sales, financing plans, delivery procedures, and warranty information to support sales efforts and customer inquiries.

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

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

• Actively participate in sales training on the showroom floor to refine customer engagement techniques and product knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to sales enablement through design. The emphasis on "assisting Sales Consultants" and "reinforcing customer selections" indicates a supportive but crucial role in the sales funnel, directly impacting revenue and average transaction value.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Interior Design or a closely related field is preferred.

• A strong foundation in design principles and aesthetics is essential. Experience:

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

• Proven ability to translate customer needs into compelling design solutions.

• Experience with sales processes, client relationship management, and closing techniques is highly beneficial. Required Skills:

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

• 3D Rendering & Visualization: Proficiency in creating photo-realistic 3D renderings and detailed floor plans using design software.

• Customer Consultation: Exceptional ability to conduct needs assessments, understand client preferences, and build rapport.

• Sales Acumen: Strong understanding of sales cycles, upselling, cross-selling, and closing techniques within a retail context.

• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Competence in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reporting, presentations, and general office tasks.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for client interaction and internal collaboration.

• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple client consultations, projects, and deadlines effectively, including travel for in-home visits.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Room Planner Software: Prior experience with specialized room planning or interior design software beyond basic rendering tools.

• Furniture Product Knowledge: In-depth understanding of furniture construction, materials, and brands, particularly within the Haverty's product catalog.

• CRM Software: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management systems for lead tracking and customer management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2 to 4 years related experience" coupled with a "Bachelor's degree" suggests this role is positioned for individuals who have moved beyond entry-level design positions and are ready to apply their skills in a commercially driven environment. The preference for ASID certification indicates a desire for candidates with recognized professional credentials in the design field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 distinct design projects that demonstrate your ability to create cohesive and functional spaces, highlighting before-and-after scenarios.

• 3D Rendering Examples: Include a selection of high-quality, photo-realistic 3D renderings that illustrate your skill in visualizing furniture layouts and design aesthetics.

• Floor Plan Samples: Provide examples of detailed floor plans that effectively communicate spatial arrangements and furniture placement.

• Client Consultation Process: Briefly outline your approach to client consultations, from initial needs assessment to final design presentation, emphasizing how you tailor solutions to individual client requirements.

• Sales Integration: If possible, demonstrate how your design work has directly contributed to sales conversions or increased average ticket values in previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your process for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including client onboarding, design development, client feedback incorporation, and final delivery.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Be ready to articulate your experience with specific design software and how you leverage these tools to enhance the client experience and drive sales.

• Metrics and Impact: For each case study, aim to include quantifiable results where possible, such as increased customer satisfaction, higher sales conversion rates, or larger average transaction values attributed to your design input.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that blends design with sales, a portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic and technical design skills but also demonstrate an understanding of how design influences purchasing decisions and contributes to revenue generation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process and quantify their impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $100,000+ per year (based on commission structure and guaranteed income feature).

• Estimated Average: $84,000 annually (based on 2025 national average for Interior Design Consultants at Haverty's).

Benefits:

• Paid Comprehensive Training: Extensive onboarding and ongoing training program to equip you with product knowledge and sales techniques.

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

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

• Generous Benefits Package:

  • Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance partners.
  • Paid time-off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, and company holidays.

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

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

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

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

• Advancement Opportunities: Potential for career growth within the company.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, 5 days a week.

• Retail hours, including nights and weekends (Monday-Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm).

• Flexibility required for scheduled in-home customer visits outside of standard showroom hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is commission-based, with a guaranteed income feature, indicating a performance-driven compensation model. The average earnings provide a realistic expectation for a motivated individual. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, retirement, paid time off, and professional development, which are attractive to mid-level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Furniture & Home Furnishings)

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (based on LinkedIn data, though company website may vary)

Founded: 1885 (over 140 years of heritage)

Team Structure:

• Design Consultant Role: Operates within a retail showroom environment, working closely with Sales Consultants and reporting to Branch Management.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Frequent interaction with sales teams, management, and potentially corporate support for design resources or special orders.

• Customer-Centric Focus: The company culture emphasizes customer satisfaction, quality products, and building long-term relationships, rooted in its long history.

Methodology:

• Design-Driven Sales: The core methodology integrates design expertise directly into the sales process to enhance customer value and drive higher transaction values.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly detailed, a company with this heritage likely utilizes sales data and customer feedback to refine sales strategies and product offerings.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on training and structured responsibilities suggests a focus on standardized processes for customer engagement, design creation, and sales closure.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's positions itself as a long-standing, quality-focused furniture retailer. The culture likely values professionalism, customer service, and a blend of design artistry with commercial acumen. The company's age suggests stability and a well-established operational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Sales & Design Professional. This role is ideal for individuals with a foundation in interior design who want to apply their skills in a direct sales capacity, influencing revenue and customer satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant typically reports to the Branch Manager or a Sales Manager within the retail store. They will collaborate closely with individual Sales Consultants.

Operations Impact:

• Revenue Generation: Directly contributes to sales revenue through expert design advice, upselling, and assisting in closing transactions.

• Average Ticket Value: Increases average transaction value by creating comprehensive room designs and recommending complementary products.

• Customer Loyalty: Enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing personalized design experiences and ensuring their needs are met.

• Brand Perception: Reinforces Haverty's brand as a provider of quality furniture and expert design services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant: Potential to take on more complex projects, mentor junior staff, or specialize in specific design areas.

• Sales Management: Progression into roles like Sales Manager or Branch Manager, leveraging a deep understanding of sales and customer engagement.

• Corporate Design Roles: Opportunities in areas like visual merchandising, product development support, or training development for the design team.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific product categories or design styles to become a go-to resource.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for individuals who excel in both design and sales. The growth opportunities are tied to performance and the ability to contribute to the company's commercial success, moving from a consultative design role to leadership or specialized positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom Environment. This involves working within a beautifully appointed furniture store, showcasing a wide range of products.

Office Location(s):

• Haverty's San Antonio location.

• Haverty's Selma location.

• Customer homes for in-home consultations. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: A dynamic environment where interaction with Sales Consultants and customers is constant.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to design software, rendering tools, product catalogs, and potentially a dedicated design consultation area.

• Customer Interaction: A primary focus on face-to-face interactions, both within the showroom and in customers' homes, requiring professional presentation and adaptability.

• Retail Pace: A fast-paced environment, especially during peak retail hours and weekends.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 5 days a week, including evenings and weekends.

• Requires flexibility to accommodate customer schedules for in-home visits, which may extend beyond standard retail hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is customer-facing and performance-driven. The need to travel to customer homes means the role isn't confined solely to the showroom, requiring adaptability and personal transportation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. In-Depth Interview: A face-to-face interview at the San Antonio or Selma showroom. This may involve a discussion with the Branch Manager and potentially a senior Sales Consultant. Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy, sales experience, and approach to customer service.

3. Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your design portfolio, showcasing your best work, including renderings, floor plans, and case studies. Be ready to explain your design process, client collaboration, and any quantifiable results.

4. Role-Playing/Scenario: You might be given a scenario (e.g., a customer walk-in, a design challenge) to assess your ability to apply design skills and sales techniques in real-time.

5. Final Interview/Offer: If successful, a final discussion may occur before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that highlight your ability to create aesthetically pleasing, functional, and commercially viable designs. Prioritize examples that show how your design input led to sales or increased customer satisfaction.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics. Did your design lead to a higher average ticket? Did the customer express exceptional satisfaction? Did the project close quickly due to your input?

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your approach to client consultations, problem-solving, and using design software. This demonstrates your professionalism and systematic thinking.

• Tailor to Haverty's: Research Haverty's style and target customer. If you have designs that align well, emphasize them.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure all renderings are high-resolution and clearly presented. Floor plans should be easy to read and understand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customer Scenario: Practice how you would greet a customer, understand their needs, and begin the design consultation process, incorporating sales techniques naturally.

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a challenging design request, a budget constraint, or a difficult customer. Focus on solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sales objectives.

• Product Knowledge: While training is provided, familiarizing yourself with common furniture styles and materials will be beneficial. Be prepared to discuss how you'd learn about Haverty's specific product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate both design talent and sales capability. A strong, well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates commercial impact will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in a Room Planner software is beneficial. Candidates should be prepared to learn and utilize Haverty's proprietary or preferred design and rendering tools.

• 3D Rendering Software: Experience with software capable of creating photo-realistic renderings is essential.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Sales Systems: Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn systems like "My Sales Center" for customer tracking and follow-up.

• Sales Performance Dashboards: While not explicitly mentioned, expect to interact with reports or dashboards tracking individual sales performance and key metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software: Experience with CRM systems is preferred for managing customer interactions, leads, and sales pipelines. Haverty's may use a specific CRM that new hires will be trained on.

• Internal Communication Tools: Standard corporate communication platforms (e.g., email, internal messaging) will be used for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names aren't listed, the emphasis on "Room Planner software" and "3D renderings" indicates a need for graphical and spatial design tools. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is a baseline requirement. Candidates should highlight any experience with similar software and their ability to adapt to new systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized service and design solutions.

• Quality & Heritage: Pride in offering high-quality merchandise and upholding the company's long-standing reputation for excellence.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with sales colleagues and management to achieve collective store goals.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a polished, business-professional demeanor in all interactions, both in-store and during client visits.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Striving to optimize time and resources to maximize sales opportunities and customer engagement.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive Sales Environment: The Design Consultant acts as a key support for Sales Consultants, providing expertise to close deals.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of feedback between design and sales staff to refine strategies and improve customer experiences.

• Shared Goals: A collective focus on achieving store sales targets and maintaining a positive showroom atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history suggests a culture that values tradition, quality, and strong customer relationships. The collaborative style emphasizes how design and sales functions work in tandem to achieve business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively merging creative design passion with the practical demands of sales targets and commission-based earnings.

• Managing Multiple Clients: Juggling various client needs, design projects, and schedules simultaneously, including travel for in-home visits.

• Adapting to Retail Hours: Adjusting to a work schedule that includes evenings and weekends, common in the retail sector.

• Staying Current: Continuously updating knowledge of furniture trends, product lines, and design software to remain competitive.

• Driving Traffic & Consultations: Proactively engaging showroom visitors and converting them into design consultation clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Paid Comprehensive Training: In-depth training on Haverty's product lines, sales techniques, and design software.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced Sales Consultants and Branch Managers.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deep dive into furniture construction, materials, and styles, enhancing expertise.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Development of closing techniques, negotiation skills, and customer relationship management.

• Career Advancement: Potential pathways into senior design roles, sales leadership, or other areas within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for those who thrive in a dynamic, customer-centric environment and are motivated by both creative expression and sales achievement. The challenges are typical of high-performing retail design roles, with clear growth paths available for successful individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you successfully blended your design expertise with a sales objective."

  • Preparation: Prepare a STAR method answer highlighting a specific project where your design input directly led to a sale, increased the transaction value, or enhanced customer satisfaction to the point of repeat business. Quantify results if possible.

• "How do you approach understanding a client's needs and translating them into a design plan?"

  • Preparation: Describe your consultation process, emphasizing active listening, asking probing questions about lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Discuss how you use visual aids like mood boards or renderings.

• "Describe your experience with 3D rendering software and creating floor plans. Which programs are you most proficient in?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss your technical skills. If you haven't used Haverty's specific software, highlight your ability to learn quickly and transferable skills from other design programs.

• "How do you handle a situation where a client has a very limited budget but wants a high-end look?"

  • Preparation: Focus on creative problem-solving, prioritizing key pieces, suggesting alternative materials or finishes, and utilizing financing options. Demonstrate resourcefulness.

• "What are your thoughts on working retail hours, including nights and weekends?"

  • Preparation: Express enthusiasm for the retail environment and understanding that flexibility is key to serving customers effectively. Highlight any past experience in similar schedules. Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Haverty's, and why this Design Consultant role?"

  • Preparation: Research Haverty's history, values, and product lines. Connect your passion for interior design and sales with the company's brand and mission.

• "How do you stay updated on current furniture and design trends?"

  • Preparation: Mention industry publications, blogs, trade shows (if applicable), social media influencers, and competitive analysis.

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our store's sales goals?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize how your design skills will attract customers, create compelling solutions, and ultimately drive sales conversions and higher ticket averages. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, walk the interviewer through the client's initial needs, your design process, the solutions you proposed, and the final outcome (ideally, a successful sale and satisfied customer).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples of your floor planning, 3D rendering, and client communication skills within your presented work.

• Focus on Impact: If possible, use data (e.g., "This design led to a 20% increase in average ticket value for this client") to demonstrate tangible results.

• Be Concise and Professional: Aim for a clear, impactful presentation that respects the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design creativity, technical proficiency, sales aptitude, and a customer-centric approach. Be ready to articulate your value proposition in terms of both design excellence and revenue generation.

📌 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 highlights your best interior design projects, focusing on those that demonstrate a strong understanding of furniture styling, space planning, and 3D visualization. Include examples of how your design recommendations led to successful sales or increased customer satisfaction.

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

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those focusing on your design process, sales approach, and how you handle client interactions. Be prepared to present your portfolio effectively and discuss your understanding of the Haverty's brand.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc., understanding their history, product lines, target market, and company values. Familiarize yourself with their current showroom styles and any recent marketing initiatives.

⚠️ 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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