Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Johnny Janosik Inc

Location: 11151 Trussum Pond Rd, Laurel, DE 19956, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Sales Support

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the sales team by providing expert interior design consultation and space planning to residential clients.

• Drive store sales and enhance customer service by actively promoting and managing the In-Home Design program.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, management, and store personnel to ensure seamless client experiences and operational efficiency.

• Conduct market research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of interior design trends to inform client recommendations and store offerings.

• Manage design libraries, client portfolios, and vendor sample selections to support effective sales presentations and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the responsibilities heavily lean into sales support and operational aspects within a retail environment, particularly focusing on driving in-home design sales and client engagement. This role is crucial for bridging the gap between product offerings and customer needs, requiring a blend of design acumen and customer-facing sales execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed program documents, design concepts, and modifications for residential interior design projects.

• Assist the sales team by creating hand sketches, drawings, schedules, and presentation boards for client proposals.

• Conduct professional in-home consultations to accurately document client interior design requirements and preferences.

• Manage the ordering of samples from vendors and lead presentation activities to showcase design options.

• Schedule and oversee installations, ensuring timely and accurate execution, and conduct post-installation follow-up to guarantee client satisfaction.

• Travel to various job sites for installation and setup, demonstrating flexibility and on-site problem-solving capabilities.

• Collaborate with the sales manager and staff to effectively promote the In-Home Design program and contribute to overall store sales targets.

• Assist in training and developing sales associates and new Design Consultants on design principles, sales techniques, and program offerings.

• Perform ongoing market research to identify and analyze current design trends in home furnishings and décor.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of space planning best practices, floor finish plans, and elevation drawings.

• Support in-store design functions by maintaining a customized and current portfolio of completed design projects.

• Participate actively in marketing campaigns and related activities to promote the design services.

• Manage and organize design libraries, ensuring all resources and client files are current and accessible.

• Safely maneuver around store, residential, and commercial properties, and be able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach, requiring the consultant to be involved in the entire client journey from initial consultation and design to final installation and follow-up. This operational scope suggests a need for strong project management and client relationship management skills alongside design expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or a related field with 1-2 years of experience preferred.

• Alternatively, an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design or a related field with 5 years of experience in a comparable home furnishings role.

• Note: Entry-level design students are encouraged to apply, indicating a willingness to train promising candidates.

Experience:

• 1-5 years of experience in interior design or a closely related field, with a focus on residential projects and client consultations.

• Previous sales experience is preferred, demonstrating an understanding of the sales cycle and client acquisition. Required Skills:

• Proficient in interior design principles, including space planning, concept development, and color/material selection.

• Excellent communication, organizational, listening, and leadership skills for effective client and team interaction.

• Strong initiative to meet assigned goals and objectives within a sales-driven environment.

• Outstanding skills in concept development, space planning, and selections of color & materials.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and email communication.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with strong collaboration skills and a professional demeanor.

• Knowledgeable of general principles of home décor and design, including furniture, carpet, draperies, and color schemes. Preferred Skills:

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) training or proficiency is a plus, indicating advanced technical design capabilities.

• Experience in furniture retail or home furnishings industry.

• Proven ability in managing client relationships and project timelines.

• Familiarity with vendor sample management and presentation board creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both design education/experience and sales experience suggests a hybrid role. Candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating successful client projects and an understanding of sales objectives will be highly competitive. The inclusion of "entry level design students" as potential hires indicates that raw talent and potential can offset a lack of extensive formal experience, provided there's a strong foundation in design principles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of residential interior design projects, demonstrating proficiency in space planning and concept development.

• Visual documentation of client consultations, including "before and after" scenarios if possible, highlighting problem-solving and aesthetic improvements.

• Examples of design plans, hand sketches, drawings, schedules, and presentation boards used in client proposals.

• Evidence of material and color selection processes, with justification for choices based on client needs and current trends.

• Documentation of project management from initial design to installation, including any post-installation follow-up actions. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of the end-to-end design consultation and sales process, from initial client contact to project completion.

• Showcase ability to document client requirements, develop design concepts, and present proposals effectively.

• Provide examples of workflow management for sample ordering, vendor coordination, and installation scheduling.

• Illustrate how market research on design trends is integrated into client recommendations and personal design approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a showcase of design skill but also a demonstration of the candidate's ability to translate design concepts into client-ready proposals and manage the associated operational processes. The portfolio should highlight successful client engagements and the consultant's role in driving sales through design expertise.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants with 2-5 years of experience in the Laurel, DE area, a competitive salary range is estimated between $45,000 - $65,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the blend of design expertise, client consultation, and sales support responsibilities. The specific salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience level, and performance in the interview process. Benefits:

• Competitive salaries, as stated in the job description.

• Comprehensive benefit packages offered, with variations based on full-time/part-time status. These may include health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plans, and employee discounts on furniture.

• Opportunity to work with a well-established company with a strong reputation in the furniture retail industry.

• Potential for commission or performance-based bonuses tied to in-home design program sales. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. This will include regular business hours, potentially some evenings and weekends to accommodate client consultations and store operations. Flexibility is key due to the nature of in-home consultations and installation scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from data for similar roles in the Mid-Atlantic region, considering the company's established presence and the hybrid nature of the role (design + sales support). Benefits are listed as provided, with the caveat that specifics depend on employment status. The working hours are inferred from a typical full-time retail role with client-facing responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail

Company Size: Established in 1953, Johnny Janosik Inc is a Top 100 furniture retailer, indicating a significant operational scale and market presence. The company employs a substantial number of associates to support its retail operations and reach.

Founded: 1953. With a history spanning over seven decades, the company has built a reputation on solid principles of fairness, great values, and excellent customer service. This longevity suggests a stable, customer-centric, and process-oriented organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design Consultant will operate within the sales department, closely collaborating with the sales team and sales manager.

• There will be direct interaction with other Design Consultants and store personnel, fostering a collaborative retail environment.

• The role also involves cross-functional collaboration with installation teams and potentially marketing departments for campaign participation.

• Reporting structure likely places the Design Consultant under a Sales Manager or a dedicated Design Program Manager. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the focus on market research and understanding design trends implies a data-informed approach to recommendations.

• Customer-Centric Processes: The emphasis on excellent customer service, in-home consultations, and post-installation follow-up underscores a process designed around client satisfaction.

• Sales Enablement: The role is integral to enabling the sales team by providing the design expertise and client engagement necessary to close deals, highlighting a sales-support methodology.

Company Website: johnnyjanosik.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and "Top 100" status suggest a well-defined operational framework and a culture that values customer relationships and consistent service delivery. The Design Consultant's role is positioned to directly contribute to these core company values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an intermediate level within a retail operations and sales support function. It requires specialized design skills combined with client-facing sales execution and operational task management (scheduling, follow-up). It's a step beyond a junior design assistant and a foundational role for those aspiring to senior design or sales management positions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will likely report to a Sales Manager or a Design Program Manager. This structure emphasizes the role's integration within the sales hierarchy and its contribution to revenue generation. Collaboration with sales associates and other store personnel will be frequent.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue by enhancing the sales team's effectiveness through expert design services and client engagement. By driving the In-Home Design program, they contribute to higher conversion rates, larger average transaction values, and increased customer loyalty, all critical operational metrics for a retail business. Their work also influences inventory turnover and product presentation through sample management and trend analysis.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: With proven success in client acquisition, project management, and sales, one could advance to a senior role, handling more complex projects or leading a small team of consultants.

• Sales Management: The strong sales component of the role could lead to opportunities in sales leadership, managing a team of sales associates or Design Consultants.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas (e.g., kitchen & bath, custom upholstery) or operational aspects (e.g., process optimization for the design program).

• Training & Development: Progress into a role focused on training new hires, sharing best practices, and contributing to the ongoing development of the sales and design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Consultant at Johnny Janosik Inc. appears to be closely tied to performance in both design execution and sales contributions. The company's size and established nature suggest clear, albeit potentially traditional, paths for advancement within sales, design, or operational management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is primarily an on-site role, involving significant time spent at the Johnny Janosik Inc. retail store location in Laurel, DE. Additionally, the role requires travel to client residences and potentially other commercial properties for consultations and installations.

Office Location(s):

• Primary work location: Johnny Janosik Inc. store at 11151 Trussum Pond Rd, Laurel, DE 19956. This location is noted as being within reasonable distance of Delaware beaches and several metropolitan areas, offering lifestyle advantages.

• Client sites: Various residential properties within the service area of the Laurel, DE store. Workspace Context:

• Retail Showroom: The store environment will provide access to furniture samples, décor items, and potentially design software/tools. Collaboration with sales associates and customers will be a daily occurrence.

• Client Homes: Work will involve visiting client residences, requiring adaptability to different environments and the ability to visualize design solutions within existing spaces.

• On-Site Support: The store environment will also serve as a hub for administrative tasks, sample management, and team collaboration. Access to office supplies, computers, and potentially CAD stations will be available.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule will be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• This will likely involve a mix of standard business hours, some evenings, and weekend shifts to accommodate client appointments and store operating hours. Flexibility is essential for fulfilling in-home consultation and installation duties effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is critical. Candidates must be comfortable with a physical presence at the retail location and have reliable transportation for client site visits. The blend of showroom, client home, and potential office tasks requires an adaptable and mobile professional.

📄 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 the role, and general fit with the company culture.

This may include high-level questions about design philosophy and sales approach.

• In-Person Interview & Design Challenge: This stage likely involves meeting with the Sales Manager and potentially other team members. A practical design challenge or portfolio review may be incorporated. This could involve:

  • Presenting your portfolio and discussing specific projects, highlighting your process, client interaction, and results.
  • A hypothetical design scenario where you're asked to outline your approach to a client's needs.
  • Demonstrating your knowledge of space planning, color theory, and furniture selection.

• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a higher-level manager or department head to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in space planning, concept development, and client satisfaction.

• Tell a Story: For each project, walk interviewers through the client's initial needs, your design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome (with visuals).

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Emphasize your role in managing samples, coordinating with vendors, scheduling, and ensuring successful installations. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased client satisfaction, successful project completion within budget).

• Demonstrate Sales Acumen: Explain how your design expertise directly contributed to closing the sale or enhancing the client's overall experience and likelihood of repeat business.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Be prepared to discuss your design software proficiency (mentioning CAD if applicable).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Client: If a scenario is provided, ask clarifying questions to understand the client's budget, style preferences, spatial constraints, and functional needs.

• Outline Your Process: Be prepared to articulate your step-by-step approach, from initial consultation to final design presentation.

• Focus on Practicality: Demonstrate an understanding of furniture functionality, durability, and suitability for residential spaces, aligning with Johnny Janosik's offerings.

• Showcase Trend Awareness: Integrate current design trends where appropriate, but always with a focus on client preferences and practicality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, evaluating both design talent and the candidate's ability to function effectively within a retail sales and operations context. A strong portfolio that demonstrates practical application, client management, and sales contribution will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for scheduling and tracking, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for communication.

• CAD Software (Preferred): Proficiency in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is a significant advantage for creating detailed floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings. Specific software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Chief Architect may be used.

• Design Software/Tools: Potentially proprietary design software provided by Johnny Janosik Inc., or common industry tools for mood boards, color palettes, and 3D visualization.

• Sample Management Systems: While likely manual, a systematic approach to tracking and organizing vendor samples is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Tracking: Ability to understand and potentially report on personal sales figures and contributions to the In-Home Design program's success.

• Client Data Management: Familiarity with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) principles for tracking client interactions, preferences, and project history, even if managed through spreadsheets or a basic system.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System (Likely): Johnny Janosik Inc. may use a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a retail-specific platform) for managing customer leads, interactions, and sales pipelines. Understanding its use for client management and sales support is beneficial.

• Communication Platforms: Email clients, internal messaging systems (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and phone systems for effective collaboration and client communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't detailed, a strong understanding of fundamental design tools (especially CAD) and common office productivity suites is expected. The ability to adapt to proprietary systems and CRM platforms used by the company will be important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to providing excellent customer service and ensuring client satisfaction, as evidenced by the emphasis on in-home consultations and post-installation follow-up.

• Integrity & Fairness: Operating on solid principles of fairness, a value established since the company's founding, implying ethical conduct in all client and internal interactions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The job description frequently mentions collaboration with sales teams, managers, and other store personnel, indicating a culture that values collective effort towards shared goals.

• Efficiency & Drive: An expectation for associates to meet assigned goals and objectives, suggesting a results-oriented environment that values initiative and productivity.

• Quality & Value: As a Top 100 furniture retailer, the company likely emphasizes offering quality products at great values, a principle that should extend to the quality of design services provided.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Consultant is expected to work seamlessly with sales associates, managers, and potentially installation crews, bridging design expertise with sales execution and service delivery.

• Supportive Environment: The role involves assisting and developing sales associates, suggesting a culture of mentorship and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Client-Centric Communication: All interactions, whether with clients or internal teams, should be professional, clear, and focused on achieving the best outcome for the client and the business.

• Proactive Engagement: Encouragement to participate in marketing campaigns and drive the In-Home Design program indicates a culture that values proactive contribution and initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long-standing presence suggests a culture that balances tradition with modern retail practices. The values emphasize strong customer relationships, ethical business practices, and a collaborative approach to achieving sales and operational objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Objectives: Effectively translating creative design solutions into profitable sales, ensuring client satisfaction while meeting business targets.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Handling a wide range of client preferences, budgets, and expectations, requiring adaptability and strong consultation skills.

• Logistical Coordination: Successfully managing sample orders, vendor timelines, and installation schedules to ensure seamless project execution without delays.

• Market Trend Adaptation: Staying current with evolving design trends and product offerings, and effectively integrating them into client recommendations.

• Physical Demands: The role involves physical activity, including travel to client sites and lifting up to 50 pounds, which may be a challenge for some.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas or software through workshops or self-study.

• Sales & Negotiation Training: Developing stronger sales techniques, negotiation skills, and client management strategies.

• Operations Process Improvement: Gaining insights into retail operations, inventory management, and supply chain within the furniture industry.

• Industry Trends & Product Knowledge: Continuous learning about new furniture lines, materials, and interior design trends through vendor training and industry publications.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced sales managers and senior design professionals within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a clear opportunity for growth by mastering the intersection of design, sales, and operational execution. Success in this role builds a strong foundation for a career in retail sales, design management, or operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting an in-home design consultation, from initial meeting to final proposal." (Focus on client needs assessment, space analysis, and solution development.)

• "How do you balance a client's aesthetic preferences with practical considerations like budget and functionality?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and client management skills.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design project you managed. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them?" (Showcase project management, resilience, and creative solutions.)

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends, and how do you incorporate them into your recommendations?" (Highlight market research and trend integration.)

• "How would you promote our In-Home Design program to new and existing customers?" (Assess your sales and marketing initiative.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Johnny Janosik Inc. and our reputation in the furniture retail industry?" (Research the company's history, values, and market position.)

• "How do you align with our company's commitment to fairness, great values, and excellent customer service?" (Provide specific examples of how your professional conduct reflects these values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you collaborate with sales colleagues and management?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.)

• "What are your expectations for a work environment focused on sales and customer service?" (Align your expectations with the retail setting.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, present: Client Brief -> Your Design Concept -> Challenges & Solutions -> Final Outcome (with visuals).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention client satisfaction, successful installation, or how your design contributed to a sale.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your steps from consultation to completion, including sample selection, vendor interaction, and scheduling.

• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to work with different styles, budgets, and room types.

• Be Concise: Keep presentations focused and engaging, respecting the interviewer's time. Be ready for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative design talent, strong client communication, practical operational management, and a results-driven sales mindset. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these combined capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Johnny Janosik Inc. careers portal (recruiting.paylocity.com).

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in interior design, space planning, sales support, client consultations, and project management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "in-home consultations," "design plans," "sample selections," and "customer service."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your design portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your best relevant work. Be ready to articulate your process, challenges, and solutions for each project, emphasizing how your design skills contribute to sales success.

• Research Johnny Janosik Inc.: Familiarize yourself with the company's history, values (fairness, great values, excellent customer service), product range, and market position as a Top 100 furniture retailer. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to design methodology, client interaction, sales approach, and teamwork. Practice articulating your experience and skills clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.