Design Studio Senior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Studio Senior Design Consultant

Company: Floor & Decor

Location: Vienna, VA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-to-Market) - Retail Design & Sales

Date Posted: April 09, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive in-store sales by engaging with customers to identify their design needs for tile, wood, and stone products, leveraging consultative sales techniques and relationship selling.

• Manage the entire customer journey from initial appointment setting and in-store consultations to post-purchase follow-up, ensuring exceptional customer service and fostering brand loyalty.

• Utilize design software and CRM tools to create design plans, manage appointments, and track customer interactions, contributing to efficient sales operations.

• Collaborate with store leadership and cross-functional teams to provide feedback on product assortment and enhance the overall customer sales experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while primarily customer-facing sales, has significant operational components related to appointment management, CRM utilization, and providing feedback on product assortment. It bridges the gap between direct sales and sales operations by ensuring efficient customer engagement processes and contributing to market intelligence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proactively engage store traffic and scheduled appointments to understand customer design preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget constraints for flooring and installation materials.

• Develop and present comprehensive design plans, recommending specific products (tile, wood, stone, adjacent categories) and installation solutions that align with customer requirements.

• Maintain high levels of customer engagement through consistent follow-up, relationship building, and post-purchase support to drive repeat business and referrals.

• Utilize and manage various design and sales applications, including SketchUp, online appointment schedulers, MyOrder, and Salesforce (CRM), to optimize workflow and customer management.

• Participate in and/or host professional design affiliation events (e.g., ASID, NKBA, IIDA) to promote Floor & Decor's brand and expand professional networks.

• Support the store's sales culture by creating a welcoming, knowledgeable, and efficient environment for all customers.

• Provide timely and actionable feedback to the Design Studio Manager and Sales Development/Retail Market (SDRM) teams regarding customer needs, product performance, and assortment gaps.

• Attend Product Line Reviews (PLRs) as requested to contribute insights on market trends and customer preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, customer relationship management, and operational contribution. The emphasis on utilizing specific design and CRM applications points to a need for individuals who can efficiently manage their workflow and contribute to data-driven insights for the sales team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of direct experience in interior design, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to performing the essential functions of the role.

• Proven track record in consultative sales, demonstrating the ability to guide customers through complex purchasing decisions.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional customer service and relationship selling abilities, with a focus on building long-term customer loyalty.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of identifying customer needs and providing effective solutions.

• Proficient in basic mathematical skills for calculations related to sales, measurements, and project costing.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for effective client and team interaction.

• Self-motivation and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Proficiency in design applications such as SketchUp is highly desirable.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of hard surface flooring materials, installation processes, and industry best practices.

• Experience with online appointment scheduling tools and order management systems.

• Active participation or membership in professional design organizations (ASID, NKBA, IIDA).

• Ability to interpret design trends and translate them into practical customer solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on consultative sales, CRM proficiency (Salesforce), and specific design software (SketchUp) indicates a requirement for candidates who can operate effectively within a structured sales process and leverage technology to enhance their performance and contribute to sales operations efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct design projects demonstrating your ability to translate customer needs into aesthetically pleasing and functional design solutions using a variety of flooring materials.

• Include case studies that highlight your consultative sales process, detailing how you engaged with clients, understood their requirements, and guided them toward a final product selection.

• Provide examples of design plans or mood boards created using tools like SketchUp or similar visualization software, illustrating your spatial planning and design visualization skills.

• Document the sales cycle for at least one project, detailing the initial contact, needs assessment, proposal, closing, and post-purchase follow-up, emphasizing your role in driving the sale.

Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your personal workflow for managing appointments, from initial scheduling to client follow-up, and how you integrate this into a CRM system.

• Be ready to explain your process for staying updated on product knowledge, installation best practices, and current design trends relevant to the flooring industry.

• Outline your approach to problem-solving when faced with design challenges, budget constraints, or customer dissatisfaction, demonstrating your ability to find efficient and effective resolutions.

• Describe how you contribute to team processes and collaborate with colleagues and management to improve the overall customer experience and sales efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving consultative sales and design, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase design talent but also the ability to manage sales processes, utilize technology, and demonstrate tangible results. The focus should be on how design skills translate into sales success and operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Consultants with 3+ years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This range may vary based on experience, performance, and specific local market conditions.

Benefits:

• Performance-Based: Bonus opportunities and career advancement opportunities at every level.

• Financial Wellness: 401k with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and Referral Bonus Program.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Plans (subject to eligibility criteria).

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates.
  • Paid holidays plus a personal holiday.

Working Hours:

• This role requires flexibility to work retail hours, which include weekends and some holidays. Specific hours will be discussed during the interview process and will be determined by store needs and team scheduling. Full-time typically involves around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and industry-specific retail sales compensation reports for similar roles in the Vienna, VA area. Benefits are directly extracted from the provided text, highlighting a strong package for both full-time and part-time associates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Home Improvement / Building Materials / Flooring)

Company Size: Floor & Decor is a large, publicly traded company with a significant number of employees (referencing LinkedIn data, typically 10,000+ employees). This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and career development frameworks.

Founded: Floor & Decor was founded in 2000, indicating a relatively modern company with established operational practices and a growing market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Studio operates as a specialized unit within the retail store, likely reporting to a Design Studio Manager or Assistant Design Manager.

• Senior Design Consultants work alongside other Design Consultants, Sales Associates, and potentially a Design Administrative Assistant.

• Collaboration is expected with store leadership (Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager) and potentially with regional sales or design managers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: Emphasis on using CRM (Salesforce) and appointment scheduling tools to track customer interactions, sales performance, and identify opportunities for process improvement.

• Customer-Centric Design: Focus on understanding individual customer needs and translating them into tailored design solutions, emphasizing relationship selling.

• Product Expertise: Continuous learning and application of product knowledge for tile, wood, stone, and installation materials to provide informed recommendations.

• Efficiency & Collaboration: Supporting a seamless sales culture by working efficiently and collaboratively with team members and management to enhance the customer experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on a wide product selection and competitive pricing, combined with a dedicated Design Studio, suggests a culture that values both operational efficiency in a retail setting and specialized customer service expertise. The size of the company indicates opportunities for structured career growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" consultant, indicating a mid-level to experienced individual contributor. It suggests a path beyond entry-level sales and into a role with more responsibility in client management, design expertise, and potentially mentoring junior staff.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Design Studio Manager or Assistant Design Manager within the retail store structure. May also have dotted-line reporting or interactions with regional sales or design leadership.

Operations Impact:

• Directly influences revenue through consultative sales and effective design solutions, contributing to store sales targets.

• Provides crucial market intelligence and customer feedback to product management and merchandising teams, impacting assortment decisions and inventory planning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Advancement to Design Studio Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or other retail management positions.

• Specialization: Becoming a subject matter expert in specific product categories (e.g., luxury vinyl plank, natural stone) or design styles.

• Training & Development: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in design software, sales techniques, and product innovation. Floor & Decor's structure often supports internal promotion and skill development programs.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into roles within merchandising, product development, or regional sales support, leveraging design and sales experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a level of autonomy and expertise. Growth opportunities are likely within the retail management track or specialized design/sales roles, supported by the company's operational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site within a Floor & Decor retail store, specifically within a designated "Design Studio" area. This studio is likely a customer-facing showroom designed to showcase products and facilitate consultations.

Office Location(s): 283 Vienna Design Studio - VA (Vienna, Virginia). This specific location is a key retail hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is a blend of a showroom and a consultative sales environment. It requires maintaining product displays and a professional, inspiring atmosphere.

• Access to design software (SketchUp), CRM (Salesforce), and other sales tools will be provided, likely on dedicated workstations or tablets.

• The environment is customer-centric, requiring constant interaction and engagement with shoppers.

Work Schedule:

• Must be willing to work retail hours, which include evenings, weekends, and some holidays. This is a standard requirement for most retail sales roles and is essential for meeting customer availability.

• Full-time positions typically require approximately 40 hours per week, with scheduling determined by store needs and management. Part-time positions will have fewer hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role means candidates should be comfortable in a retail setting, prepared for customer interaction, and able to manage their schedule around peak shopping times.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video call with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• In-Studio Interview: This will likely involve a face-to-face meeting at the Design Studio. You may be asked to:

  • Present your portfolio, discussing your design process, sales approach, and key achievements.
  • Participate in a mock client consultation to demonstrate your consultative sales skills and ability to engage with potential customers.
  • Answer behavioral and situational questions related to customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A practical exercise may be included, such as a design challenge or a scenario-based problem-solving task relevant to flooring selection.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management (e.g., Regional Manager) to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your interior design skills, consultative sales approach, and ability to manage client relationships.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the client's initial needs, your design process, the solutions you proposed, and the final outcome. Emphasize how you translated needs into tangible designs.

• Quantify Success: Where possible, include metrics related to sales conversion, project budget adherence, customer satisfaction, or any other quantifiable results.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Include examples of designs created using SketchUp or similar software, highlighting your technical capabilities.

• Highlight Sales Skills: Frame your projects to emphasize your consultative approach, problem-solving abilities, and how you drove sales through design expertise.

• Tailor to Floor & Decor: Research Floor & Decor's product lines and typical customer base. Highlight projects that align with their offerings (tile, wood, stone) and customer demographics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultations: Practice conducting mock design consultations, focusing on active listening, asking probing questions, and presenting solutions confidently.

• Product Knowledge: Brush up on common flooring materials, their pros and cons, installation considerations, and current design trends.

• Sales Scenarios: Prepare for questions about handling objections, closing sales, and dealing with difficult customers.

• CRM/Tool Familiarity: Be ready to discuss your experience with Salesforce or other CRMs and design software. If you haven't used them extensively, highlight your aptitude for learning new systems quickly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh both design acumen and sales capability. A strong portfolio that demonstrates a structured approach to client engagement and a clear ability to drive sales is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SketchUp: Essential for 3D modeling, visualization, and creating design plans for clients. Proficiency is highly valued.

• Salesforce (CRM): Key for managing customer relationships, tracking leads, appointments, sales pipeline, and customer follow-ups.

• MyOrder (Order Management System): Likely used for processing sales orders, managing customer purchases, and tracking order status.

• Proprietary Online Design Appointment Scheduler: Used for booking and managing client consultations, indicating a need for organizational skills and system utilization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics roles are not specified, the Senior Design Consultant is expected to provide feedback. This implies using data from CRM and sales reports to inform insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: As mentioned, this is the core CRM. Understanding its functionalities for sales and customer service is critical.

• Automation Tools: While not explicitly detailed, the use of an "Online Design Appointment Scheduler" suggests some level of workflow automation in the booking process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SketchUp and Salesforce are key technical requirements. Candidates should be comfortable learning and utilizing proprietary systems for order management and appointment scheduling.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A primary focus on providing exceptional customer service and building lasting relationships through personalized design solutions.

• Integrity & Trust: Acting consistently with company core values, fostering honesty and reliability in all customer and team interactions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within the Design Studio team and with store management to create a seamless and positive sales culture.

• Efficiency: Striving for efficient workflows in appointment management, sales processes, and customer follow-up to maximize productivity.

• Continuous Improvement: Providing timely feedback on products and processes to help enhance assortment and improve the customer experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expected to support colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive team dynamic within the Design Studio.

• Cross-Functional: Will collaborate with store associates, managers, and potentially installation partners to ensure customer satisfaction from sale to installation.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to management and team members regarding sales strategies, product offerings, and customer service.

• Proactive Engagement: Encouraged to actively engage with store traffic and build relationships, contributing to a proactive sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of sales performance, customer dedication, and collaborative teamwork within a structured retail environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume Retail Environment: Managing a consistent flow of diverse customer needs and sales opportunities within a busy retail setting.

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design skills with the demands of consultative selling and achieving sales targets.

• Product Complexity: Staying current with a wide range of flooring and installation products, understanding their technical specifications and aesthetic applications.

• Remote Location Exposure: While the role is on-site, understanding and adapting to the specific needs of customers in the Vienna/Northern Virginia market.

• Utilizing Technology: Ensuring consistent and effective use of multiple software systems (CRM, design tools, scheduling) to maintain operational efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Installation Training: Floor & Decor likely offers ongoing training on new products, installation techniques, and material science.

• Sales & Design Skills Enhancement: Opportunities to hone consultative selling techniques and advanced design principles through internal programs or supported external training.

• Software Proficiency: Development in using SketchUp, Salesforce, and other proprietary systems to a high level of expertise.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for promotion to management roles within the Design Studio or broader retail operations.

• Industry Networking: Participation in professional design affiliations provides opportunities to learn from peers and expand professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior retail sales role with a design component. Growth opportunities are robust for those who demonstrate strong performance and a commitment to continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a design consultation with a new client. How do you uncover their needs and translate them into product recommendations?" (Focus on consultative selling, active listening, and problem-solving).

• "Walk me through a challenging design project you managed. What were the obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, resilience, and project management).

• "How do you stay updated on interior design trends and product knowledge in the flooring industry?" (Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness).

• "Describe your experience with CRM systems like Salesforce. How have you used it to manage customer relationships and drive sales?" (Emphasize data management, follow-up strategies, and sales impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Floor & Decor and our approach to the market?" (Research their product lines, value proposition, and target customer).

• "How do you contribute to a positive team environment in a retail setting?" (Focus on collaboration, support, and communication).

• "Why are you interested in working specifically in our Design Studio?" (Align your skills and career goals with the role and company).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio around compelling narratives for each project, detailing the client's problem, your solution, and the successful outcome.

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

• Quantify Impact: Clearly state any measurable results achieved through your design and sales efforts.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your thought process, design methodology, and how you used tools like SketchUp to arrive at your final recommendations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a strong understanding of both design principles and sales methodologies, backed by tangible examples in their portfolio and clear communication during interviews.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent sales position:

• Submit your application through the Floor & Decor Careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your interior design experience, consultative sales achievements, and proficiency with relevant software like SketchUp and Salesforce.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description, such as "consultative sales," "interior design," "relationship selling," "SketchUp," and "Salesforce," to pass ATS screening.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your ability to drive sales through design expertise and excellent customer service.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Floor & Decor's product offerings, brand values, and the specific demands of the retail design studio environment.

⚠️ 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.