Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: North Fort Worth, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design / Sales Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by leveraging interior design expertise to consult with clients and recommend furniture and accessories.

• Enhance the customer experience through personalized in-home, in-store, and virtual design consultations.

• Utilize 3D rendering and floor planning tools to create compelling visual representations of design concepts.

• Collaborate effectively with sales consultants to support transaction closures and increase average ticket values.

• Maintain a deep understanding of furniture styles, product lines, and company sales processes to ensure customer satisfaction and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends creative design with direct sales support, focusing on consultative selling within a retail environment. Success will be measured by an individual's ability to not only design aesthetically pleasing spaces but also to directly influence sales outcomes and contribute to overall branch performance metrics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

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

• Partner closely with Sales Consultants to provide design expertise that assists in closing transactions and reinforcing customer selections.

• Assist Sales Consultants in scheduling and conducting qualified home visits, ensuring a seamless client engagement process.

• Present design proposals to customers, including selected items, pricing, and delivery schedules, providing constructive feedback to build sales and increase average ticket size.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of furniture styles, product lines, special sales, financing plans, delivery procedures, and warranty information.

• Track and achieve consistent sales levels and other key performance metrics as established by management.

• Participate actively in sales training sessions on the sales floor to continuously refine customer engagement techniques and product knowledge.

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

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Managers following home visits and design presentations to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a strong emphasis on client-facing interactions and direct contribution to sales targets. The role requires a proactive approach to sales support, design visualization, and customer relationship management, directly impacting the company's revenue streams and customer loyalty.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Interior Design or a related field from a four-year college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and 2-4 years of related experience and training. ASID certification is preferred.

Experience: 2-4 years of direct experience in interior design, space planning, or a related client-facing sales role within the furniture or home decor industry.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in interior design principles and space planning techniques.

• Expertise in creating compelling 3D renderings and detailed floor plans.

• Strong consultative selling and client relationship management skills.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

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

• Ability to manage multiple projects and client consultations simultaneously.

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable personal transportation for in-home client visits. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specialized Room Planner software.

• Knowledge of visual merchandising and home decor trends.

• Familiarity with retail sales environments and customer engagement processes.

• ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) certification.

• Experience with CRM systems for customer follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a valid driver's license and personal transportation for in-home visits is a critical logistical aspect of this role, underscoring the field-based nature of client consultations. Proficiency in 3D rendering and floor planning software is a core technical competency expected.

📊 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 floor plans, 3D renderings, and mood boards that illustrate design concepts and visualization capabilities.

• Highlight projects where design recommendations directly contributed to successful sales outcomes or increased average ticket values.

• Present case studies detailing the client consultation process, problem-solving approaches, and final design solutions implemented.

• Demonstrate the ability to tailor design proposals to specific client budgets and spatial constraints. Process Documentation:

• Articulate the end-to-end process for conducting client consultations, from initial contact to final design presentation.

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

• Outline methods for collaborating with sales consultants to integrate design recommendations into the sales process.

• Describe how client feedback is incorporated to refine designs and ensure customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's blend of design and sales, a portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic execution but also the commercial impact of design recommendations. Clearly illustrating how design expertise translates into tangible sales results and enhanced customer value will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $100,000+ per year. The average national earnings for an Interior Design Consultant in 2025 was approximately $84,000. This range is based on a commission-heavy structure with a guaranteed income feature.

Benefits:

• Paid comprehensive training program covering product lines and customer engagement.

• Daily Pay Program offering flexibility to draw pay between scheduled pay cycles.

• 401K retirement plan with a 4% company match.

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

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

• Substantial associate discount on Haverty's merchandise.

• Bonus program for successful team member referrals.

• Educational financial assistance options.

• Complimentary health and wellness program.

Working Hours: Required to work 5 days a week. Retail hours include nights and weekends, with store operating hours from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. Flexibility is also required for in-home client visits outside of standard store hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based, with a guaranteed income component during training and potentially for new consultants. The upper end of the range ($100,000+) is achievable for high-performing individuals who excel in both design consultation and sales closing. The average earnings provide a realistic benchmark for consistent performance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture & Home Furnishings Retail. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a long-standing, iconic brand with over 140 years of history, known for its commitment to quality, price, and customer service.

Company Size: Haverty Furniture Companies operates a significant number of retail locations across the United States. As a publicly traded company, it maintains a structured corporate environment with a focus on sales performance and customer satisfaction.

Founded: Over 140 years ago. This extensive history signifies stability, deep market understanding, and a proven track record in the furniture retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant works within a retail branch, collaborating closely with Sales Consultants and reporting to Branch Management.

• The team structure is sales-oriented, with designers acting as a specialized support function to drive higher-value sales and enhance customer engagement.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly between Design Consultants and Sales Consultants, to provide a cohesive customer experience from initial design concept to final purchase. Methodology:

• Data analysis is used to track sales performance, key metrics, and customer engagement effectiveness.

• Workflow optimization focuses on streamlining the client consultation and sales process to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Automation is leveraged through internal systems like "My Sales Center" for customer follow-up and management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history suggests a culture that values tradition, reliability, and customer loyalty. The retail environment implies a fast-paced, performance-driven atmosphere where collaboration and a strong work ethic are paramount for success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at an intermediate level within the retail sales and design spectrum. It requires specialized design skills applied in a commercial context, bridging creative expertise with direct sales responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant typically reports to the Branch Manager or a designated Sales Manager within their retail location. They work in close proximity with Sales Consultants, forming a collaborative unit focused on customer acquisition and sales conversion.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue by increasing average ticket sales through expert design recommendations and by facilitating the closure of complex sales that might otherwise be lost due to customer uncertainty. Their role enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to repeat business and positive brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in 3D visualization software, advanced space planning, and consultative sales techniques. Potential to become a senior design consultant or team lead.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into management roles, such as Assistant Branch Manager or Branch Manager, by demonstrating strong sales leadership, team collaboration, and operational efficiency.

• Sales Specialization: Development into a high-performing sales professional with a focus on luxury or custom design projects, potentially leading to specialized roles or higher commission tiers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within Haverty's for a Design Consultant likely involves progressing through sales performance tiers, taking on more complex design projects, or transitioning into sales management. The company's structure suggests a clear path for those who demonstrate strong client engagement and sales acumen.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a beautifully appointed Haverty's retail showroom. This setting is designed to be inspiring and customer-friendly, showcasing the company's product lines.

Office Location(s): North Fort Worth, TX. The specific address is: 76101. This location is a retail store environment.

Workspace Context:

• The showroom environment is fast-paced and customer-focused, requiring a professional and polished demeanor.

• Access to design tools, product samples, and potentially dedicated design spaces within the showroom.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with a diverse clientele and close collaboration with sales teams.

• The role also involves off-site work for in-home consultations, requiring adaptability to various residential settings.

Work Schedule: A structured retail schedule is required, involving 5 days per week, including nights and weekends. Store hours are typically 10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Saturday and 12 PM - 6 PM Sunday. Flexibility is essential to accommodate customer appointments, including potential evening or weekend home visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, blending a professional retail showroom setting with mobile client consultations. The requirement for weekend and evening availability is standard for retail roles and critical for client accessibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the job requirements, with a focus on design background and sales aptitude.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potential for a practical exercise evaluating design skills, such as creating a simple 3D rendering or space plan based on a hypothetical client brief. Portfolio review will be a key component.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your approach to client consultations, sales scenarios, problem-solving, and collaboration with sales teams. Expect questions about handling objections and closing sales.

• Meet the Team: An opportunity to interact with Branch Management and potentially Sales Consultants to gauge cultural fit and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager regarding overall fit, career aspirations, and confirmation of understanding of the role's sales and commission structure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your ability to blend design aesthetics with commercial success. Include examples of successful client collaborations and projects that led to increased sales or customer satisfaction.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your design process, from initial client brief to final installation. Emphasize how you understood and met client needs.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or anecdotal evidence of how your design recommendations influenced sales, increased average ticket value, or led to repeat business.

• Showcase Visualization: Ensure your portfolio includes high-quality examples of floor plans and 3D renderings, demonstrating proficiency with relevant software.

• Tailor to Retail: Frame your experience in a way that highlights your understanding of retail sales environments and customer engagement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle common sales objections, upselling techniques, and strategies for closing deals, particularly when complementing a Sales Consultant's efforts.

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you approach challenging design problems, such as limited space, budget constraints, or conflicting client preferences.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating design concepts clearly and persuasively to a non-design audience, focusing on benefits and value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative design talent and commercial acumen. A strong portfolio that demonstrates the tangible sales impact of your design work will be critical for advancing in the application process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Rendering Software: Proficiency with industry-standard 3D visualization and rendering tools for creating photo-realistic images of furniture layouts. Specific software is not listed, but common tools include SketchUp, 3ds Max, or specialized interior design software.

• Floor Planning Software: Ability to create accurate floor plans, potentially using CAD software or integrated design suites.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for creating presentations, reports, and managing client communications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Sales Systems (e.g., My Sales Center): Used for customer follow-up, tracking sales progress, and accessing client information.

• Performance Metrics Tracking: While not a specific tool, the role requires understanding and contributing to key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales volume, average ticket, and customer satisfaction.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Experience with CRM systems for managing client databases, tracking interactions, and nurturing leads is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: "My Sales Center" implies some level of workflow automation for follow-up tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names aren't provided, candidates should highlight experience with any 3D visualization, rendering, CAD, or interior design-specific software. Proficiency with Microsoft Office is a baseline requirement. Familiarity with retail-specific sales and CRM tools will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized design and service.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to providing high-quality design solutions and products that align with Haverty's established reputation.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork between design consultants and sales professionals to achieve shared goals and deliver a seamless customer experience.

• Efficiency & Results: Driving sales performance and operational efficiency through effective design consultation, clear communication, and a results-oriented approach.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn, adapt to new trends, and refine design and sales methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Sales Support: Design Consultants are expected to work seamlessly with Sales Consultants, acting as a valuable resource to enhance the sales process and close deals.

• Feedback Loop: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team effectiveness.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design insights, product knowledge, and successful client engagement strategies within the branch team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of traditional retail values like quality and customer service with a modern, collaborative approach to sales and design. Success hinges on being a team player who can effectively support sales goals while delivering exceptional design value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Targets: The primary challenge is leveraging design skills to drive sales without compromising creative integrity or client needs.

• Managing Diverse Client Expectations: Catering to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and project scopes requires adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

• Time Management in a Retail Environment: Juggling showroom duties, in-home consultations, design work, and administrative tasks demands excellent organizational skills.

• Staying Current with Trends: Continuously updating knowledge of furniture styles, interior design trends, and product offerings is crucial in a dynamic market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Ongoing training on Haverty's extensive product catalog, new collections, and material specifications.

• Design Software Advancement: Opportunities to hone skills in 3D rendering and visualization software, potentially through company-provided training or resources.

• Sales & Consultation Skills: Development through paid training programs focusing on consultative selling, objection handling, and closing techniques tailored to the furniture industry.

• Career Progression: Potential pathways into senior design roles, sales leadership positions, or management within Haverty's retail network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about interior design who also possess a strong commercial drive. The company's commitment to training and development suggests a supportive environment for growth, particularly for those who are proactive in skill enhancement and sales performance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting an in-home design consultation, from initial client interview to proposal presentation." (Focus on structured approach, active listening, and problem-solving.)

• "How would you use 3D renderings and floor plans to persuade a hesitant client to make a purchase, especially when working alongside a Sales Consultant?" (Highlight visualization benefits, ROI, and collaborative selling.)

• "Walk me through a challenging design project where you had to balance a client's specific aesthetic preferences with budgetary constraints. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and client satisfaction focus.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Haverty's brand and our commitment to quality and customer service?" (Research the company's history, values, and market position.)

• "How do you envision yourself collaborating with Sales Consultants to achieve branch sales targets?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and shared goals.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach to meet specific company guidelines or product limitations." (Show flexibility and ability to work within established frameworks.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story about the client, their needs, your design solution, and the positive outcome (e.g., successful sale, delighted customer).

• Visual Emphasis: Clearly present your best 3D renderings and floor plans, pointing out key design elements and how they address client requirements.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your design contributed to the sale or increased the average ticket value.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate not only your design skills but also your understanding of sales dynamics and your ability to function effectively within a retail sales team. Quantifiable results in your portfolio and interview responses will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Haverty's career portal via the provided job link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your strongest interior design projects. Prioritize examples that demonstrate your ability to create appealing visualizations (3D renderings, floor plans) and how your designs have directly contributed to sales or client satisfaction.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in interior design, consultative sales, customer consultation, space planning, and proficiency with relevant software (Microsoft Office, any 3D/rendering tools). Emphasize achievements with quantifiable results where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by practicing responses that showcase your problem-solving skills, client engagement strategies, and ability to collaborate within a sales team. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. Understand their brand, target customer, product lines, and company values to articulate your fit during the interview process. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to quality and customer service.

⚠️ 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.