DESIGN_CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales / Retail / Interior Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-24

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultations and personalized sales strategies, focusing on building lasting customer relationships within a consultative sales environment.

• Leverage a deep understanding of furniture construction, current design trends, and color/texture coordination to create compelling and functional room designs for clients.

• Execute a comprehensive "relationship selling" approach, from initial customer engagement to final design implementation and post-sale follow-up, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.

• Actively participate in a commissioned sales environment, consistently striving to meet and exceed sales targets through proactive clienteling and effective cross-selling of Bassett's custom furniture offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "DESIGN_CONSULTANT," the description clearly positions this as a sales-focused role within the interior design and furniture retail sector, emphasizing sales goals and commissioned compensation. The category has been broadened to encompass Sales, Retail, and Interior Design to reflect this multifaceted nature.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, actively listening to understand their tastes, lifestyles, and budgetary requirements to translate their vision into tangible design solutions.

• Develop and present comprehensive product and design solutions, effectively communicating the value proposition of Bassett's custom furniture and design services.

• Utilize advanced design principles, including color theory and texture coordination, to create aesthetically pleasing and functional room layouts that align with customer preferences.

• Build and nurture a robust client base through proactive outreach, personalized follow-up, and exceptional customer service, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

• Manage the entire sales cycle, from initial customer engagement and needs assessment to presenting design proposals, closing sales, and ensuring seamless order fulfillment and project completion.

• Conduct on-site "makeovers" at customer residences and businesses, providing expert design advice and product recommendations within their existing environments.

• Effectively engage with customers through various channels, including in-person, virtual appointments, and live chats, adapting communication style to suit client needs and preferences.

• Maintain a high level of product knowledge, staying current with Bassett's extensive product lines, customization options, and emerging design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been detailed to highlight the blend of sales acumen and design expertise required. Emphasis is placed on the consultative approach, clienteling, and the full lifecycle of a design sales project, reflecting the "relationship selling" methodology described.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly beneficial.

Experience: Proven track record in sales, preferably in a commissioned retail or design-centric environment. Experience in consultative selling and building long-term customer relationships is essential.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for home furnishings, interior design principles, and creating beautiful living spaces.

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed sales goals, with a strong understanding of consultative and relationship selling techniques.

• Color & Texture Coordination: Proficient in discerning and harmonizing colors and textures to create appealing and cohesive design schemes.

• Exceptional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively.

• Interpersonal Skills: Friendly, outgoing, and approachable demeanor with a strong ability to connect with diverse clientele.

• Clienteling Proficiency: Self-motivated to build and manage a loyal customer base through proactive engagement and personalized service.

• Computer Proficiency: Competent in using computer systems for sales, design tools (if applicable), and communication.

• Adaptability & Eagerness to Learn: Willingness to embrace new design concepts, sales strategies, and company training programs.

• Professionalism: Polished image and career-minded professionalism, reflecting positively on the Bassett brand.

• Listening Skills: Ability to actively listen and accurately translate customer wants and needs into effective design choices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with virtual design consultations and digital communication tools.

• Familiarity with furniture construction and materials.

• Previous experience in a commissioned sales environment with demonstrated success.

• Ability to interpret and work with design software or visualization tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills have been expanded to reflect the nuanced demands of a Design Consultant role, emphasizing both the creative design aspects and the essential sales and client-relationship management competencies. The "proven track record of success in sales" is interpreted as mid-level experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 examples of successful interior design projects, detailing the client's initial needs, your design approach, the products selected, and the final outcome.

• Sales Achievement Documentation: Quantify sales performance with specific metrics, such as average transaction value, conversion rates, or attainment of sales targets, demonstrating your ability to drive revenue.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Illustrate how you build and maintain long-term customer relationships, perhaps through examples of repeat business or client testimonials.

• Visual Presentation Examples: Include visual representations of your design work, such as mood boards, sketches, or rendered concepts, to demonstrate your aesthetic capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Assessment Workflow: Outline your systematic approach to understanding client requirements, from initial inquiry to detailed design brief.

• Design Solution Presentation Process: Detail how you present design proposals, including product selection, justification of choices, and handling client feedback.

• Sales Cycle Management: Illustrate your process for managing a sale from lead generation through to closing and post-sale follow-up, including any relevant CRM usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the sales and design nature of the role, a portfolio demonstrating both creative design output and quantifiable sales success is crucial. The requirements focus on showcasing the candidate's ability to execute the full design and sales process effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The potential income for experienced Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000 annually. Top performers can earn up to $135,000 annually. This range is based on a commission-based compensation structure with additional bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive initial training program covering product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Health & Wellness: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.

• Income Protection: Disability and Life Insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company matching.

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance for continued learning.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Employee Perks: Generous Employee Discounts on Bassett furniture.

• Work Environment: Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom.

• Career Advancement: Clear opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays as dictated by retail operations and customer demand. While specific daily hours aren't listed, expect a standard retail work schedule that may include evenings and weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary information is directly extracted from the job description, clearly indicating a commission-heavy structure with significant earning potential based on performance. The benefits are itemized as provided, with added context for their relevance to a sales professional. The working hours are inferred to be standard retail, with an emphasis on flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture has been a recognized name in the American furniture market since 1902, known for quality custom furniture, style, comfort, and value.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a well-established company with a significant presence, suggesting a structured but potentially dynamic retail environment. The exact employee count isn't specified, but its long history and brand recognition imply a medium to large organization.

Founded: 1902. This long heritage signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in furniture retailing.

Team Structure:

• Sales-Focused Teams: Design Consultants likely work within showroom teams, collaborating with sales managers, fellow designers, and support staff.

• Reporting: Typically, Design Consultants report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager who oversees sales performance and team development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interaction is expected with showroom operations, design support, customer service, and potentially manufacturing/logistics teams for custom orders.

Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: A core philosophy focused on building trust and long-term connections with clients rather than transactional sales.

• Consultative Design Process: Emphasizes understanding client needs deeply to provide tailored design solutions and product recommendations.

• Data-Driven Sales: While not explicitly stated, success in a commissioned role implies tracking sales metrics, customer interactions, and performance data to optimize strategies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is inferred to be rooted in its long-standing heritage of quality and customer service, combined with a forward-looking approach to innovation in furniture retailing. The team structure is typical for a retail showroom environment, emphasizing sales performance and client engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-career opportunity within the sales and design field. It's suitable for individuals with established sales experience looking to specialize in interior design and furniture sales, or for design professionals seeking to enhance their sales and clienteling skills in a supportive, commissioned environment. The focus is on individual sales performance and client relationship building.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager. This structure provides guidance, performance feedback, and support for achieving sales targets and developing client relationships.

Operations Impact: Design Consultants directly impact revenue through their sales performance. Their ability to understand market trends, client needs, and effectively present solutions contributes to the company's overall sales volume and brand reputation for quality and personalized service. Their work also influences customer satisfaction and loyalty, driving repeat business and referrals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Progress to roles with higher earning potential, potentially focusing on niche design areas or handling more complex client projects.

• Sales Management: Advance into leadership positions such as Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, overseeing sales teams and driving overall showroom performance.

• Design Certification & Advanced Training: Bassett offers Interior Design certification and continuing education, allowing for skill enhancement and specialization.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential opportunities in areas like visual merchandising, client services management, or even product development liaison roles, leveraging design and sales expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the "Design Consultant" role as a key revenue-generating position within Bassett's sales structure, offering clear paths for sales-focused career progression and skill development within the furniture retail industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. The workspace will be a professionally designed, state-of-the-art furniture showroom where clients can experience products firsthand.

Office Location(s): San Antonio, Texas. The specific showroom location will be provided upon application or offer.

Workspace Context:

• Client-Facing: The primary workspace involves interacting directly with customers in a retail setting, offering a dynamic and engaging environment.

• Design-Oriented: The showroom itself serves as a tool, showcasing design possibilities and product quality. Access to samples, design resources, and potentially design software will be available.

• Collaborative Team Setting: While individual sales are key, working alongside other design consultants and management fosters a team atmosphere for shared learning and support.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position that requires flexibility, including working weekends and holidays, which are typical for retail operations. The role involves direct client interaction, potentially including home visits or virtual appointments, requiring availability to meet client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by direct customer interaction within a high-end retail showroom setting. The emphasis is on creating an inspiring atmosphere for clients and providing the necessary tools and support for sales professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your design passion and sales experience.

• In-Person Interview/Showroom Visit: A more in-depth interview, potentially including a tour of the showroom. You may be asked to walk through a design concept or discuss how you'd handle specific client scenarios.

• Sales Simulation/Case Study: You might be presented with a client profile or design challenge to assess your problem-solving skills, design approach, and sales strategy.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior manager or regional director to discuss career aspirations and finalize any offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest design projects that best represent your skills and align with Bassett's style.

• Quantify Sales Success: For each project, highlight the sales outcomes, such as revenue generated, average order value, or client retention.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial consultation to final implementation, emphasizing how you translated client needs into solutions.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is visually engaging, well-organized, and professionally presented, whether digital or physical.

• Tailor to Bassett: Research Bassett's product lines and design aesthetic to make informed selections and highlight relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Practice responding to common retail sales scenarios, such as handling objections, upselling, or dealing with difficult customers.

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready to "design on the spot" or discuss how you would approach a specific design challenge presented by a client.

• Understanding Commission: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of and motivation for working in a commissioned sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate both design expertise and sales capability. The portfolio review is critical for showcasing practical application of skills and quantifiable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a customer relationship management system (e.g., Salesforce, or a proprietary system) for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and monitoring sales pipelines.

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: Used for processing transactions, managing inventory, and generating sales reports.

• Design Software/Tools: While not explicitly stated, proficiency with design visualization tools, mood board creation software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite), or even 3D rendering software would be advantageous. Bassett may provide proprietary design tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Dashboards: Tools to track individual and showroom sales performance, commission earnings, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Client Data Analysis: Ability to analyze customer data within the CRM to identify trends, preferences, and opportunities for targeted outreach.

CRM & Automation:

• Email & Communication Platforms: For client follow-up, marketing communications, and internal team collaboration.

• Virtual Appointment Platforms: Tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or specialized virtual showroom platforms for conducting remote consultations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred to include standard retail sales tools, CRM for client management, and potentially design-specific software. Emphasis is placed on tools that support sales performance and client engagement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and satisfying customer needs through personalized design and exceptional service.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Bassett's long-standing reputation for well-made, custom furniture.

• Passion for Design: Encouraging creativity, aesthetic sensibility, and a love for interior design among team members.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards in sales practices and client interactions.

• Teamwork & Support: Fostering a collaborative environment where team members support each other's success, especially in a commission-based setting.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging learning and development in design, sales techniques, and product knowledge.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultative & Supportive: Team members are encouraged to share insights and best practices, particularly regarding design challenges and sales strategies.

• Performance-Oriented: While collaborative, there's an underlying drive for individual sales success, with management providing coaching and accountability.

• Client-Focused: Collaboration often revolves around ensuring the best possible outcome for the client, from initial design to final delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's culture is likely built on its heritage of quality and customer focus, blended with the dynamic nature of a sales-driven retail environment. The values emphasize both creative passion and professional integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Fluctuation: Adapting to potential variability in income based on sales performance and market cycles.

• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving ambitious sales goals in a competitive retail landscape.

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively integrating creative design solutions with the practicalities of sales targets and client budgets.

• Client Management: Handling diverse client needs, expectations, and potential objections while maintaining positive relationships.

• Staying Current: Continuously updating knowledge of design trends, product offerings, and sales techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Access to Bassett's proprietary certification program to formalize and enhance design skills.

• Sales Training: Ongoing training in consultative selling, clienteling, negotiation, and closing techniques.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deep dives into Bassett's extensive product lines, customization options, and materials.

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

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways to senior roles, management positions, or specialized design functions within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the inherent demands of a commission sales role in a creative industry, while growth opportunities highlight Bassett's commitment to developing its employees through training and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a client's unique design needs and translating them into a cohesive furniture plan." (Focus on active listening, discovery questions, and your process.)

• "How do you handle a situation where a client's desired aesthetic conflicts with their budget or the practical limitations of a space?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and alternative solution offering.)

• "Walk me through a successful sales project from start to finish. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them to achieve a positive outcome for both the client and Bassett?" (Use the STAR method, highlighting your sales process and results.)

• "What motivates you to succeed in a commissioned sales environment, and how do you stay motivated during slower periods?" (Show enthusiasm for sales, goal-orientation, and resilience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Bassett Furniture's history and brand positioning, and how do you see yourself fitting into that?" (Research their heritage, custom offerings, and value proposition.)

• "How do you approach building long-term relationships with clients beyond the initial sale?" (Discuss follow-up strategies, personalized service, and nurturing loyalty.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic." (Emphasize collaboration, professionalism, and a shared commitment to client success.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, narrate the client's journey, your role, the design decisions, and the ultimate success achieved.

• Quantify Impact: Clearly state the sales figures, client satisfaction metrics, or any quantifiable results associated with your projects.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to explain your step-by-step approach to design and sales, demonstrating a systematic and effective method.

• Highlight Customization: If possible, showcase projects where you utilized custom options to meet unique client needs, aligning with Bassett's core offering.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on demonstrating a blend of design sensibility, strong sales skills, client relationship management, and a cultural fit with Bassett's values and operational model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful design and sales projects. Ensure each includes visual elements, a clear description of the client's needs, your design solution, and quantifiable sales results.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in interior design, consultative sales, clienteling, and any achievements in meeting sales targets. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your passion for design, your sales process, and how you build client relationships. Be ready to discuss your motivations for working in a commissioned sales environment.

• Research Bassett: Thoroughly understand Bassett Furniture's brand, history, product offerings, and design philosophy. Prepare to discuss why you are a good fit for their specific company culture and approach to furniture retail.

⚠️ 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.