DESIGN_CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on leveraging interior design passion and sales acumen to build lasting customer relationships within a retail showroom environment.

• The Design Consultant will be responsible for providing personalized interior design consultations, utilizing "relationship selling" techniques to drive sales and exceed targets.

• A key aspect involves comprehensive product knowledge, understanding furniture construction, and staying abreast of current design trends to offer tailored solutions.

• The position requires a proactive approach to clienteling, managing customer needs from initial consultation through to the final design implementation, including potential in-home or virtual makeovers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "DESIGN_CONSULTANT", the description clearly indicates a strong sales component and a focus on "relationship selling" within a retail context. This role is best categorized under Retail Sales & Design, emphasizing the dual nature of design expertise and sales execution. The "Mid-Level" experience is inferred from the typical progression in sales and design roles where a proven track record is often expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, identifying their needs, preferences, and budget constraints to develop personalized design solutions.

• Utilize "relationship selling" methodologies to build rapport, trust, and long-term customer loyalty, fostering repeat business and referrals.

• Present and sell furniture and design solutions, effectively communicating product features, benefits, and the value of Bassett's custom offerings.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Bassett's product lines, furniture construction, design trends, color theory, and material textures to provide expert advice.

• Execute in-home or virtual design "makeovers," translating customer wants into tangible design choices and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Actively engage with walk-in customers, proactively initiating conversations to understand their design needs and introduce them to Bassett's services.

• Manage a personal client base, employing clienteling techniques to nurture leads and drive consistent sales performance in a commissioned environment.

• Collaborate with showroom teams to create an exceptional customer experience and contribute to overall store sales goals.

• Utilize computer proficiency for design presentations, order processing, and customer relationship management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to reflect the active sales and clienteling aspects inherent in a commissioned retail role, moving beyond a purely consultative function. The inclusion of "relationship selling," "clienteling," and "commissioned environment" are critical operational nuances for this type of sales position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is listed, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related creative field is highly beneficial.

• Continuous learning through online classes, hands-on activities, and one-on-one coaching is a fundamental part of the role, indicating a need for a growth mindset. Experience:

• Proven track record of success in sales, ideally within a retail or consultative environment.

• Experience in clienteling and building long-term customer relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a sales pipeline and consistently meet or exceed sales goals.

• Experience with virtual appointments and live chats is required for modern sales engagement. Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for aesthetics, color, texture, and creating beautiful living spaces.

• Exceptional Selling Skills: Proven ability to influence, persuade, and close sales, particularly through consultative and relationship-based approaches.

• Color and Texture Coordination: A keen eye for discerning and harmonizing colors and textures to create aesthetically pleasing designs.

• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and build rapport with diverse clientele.

• Customer Needs Analysis: Skill in listening to and translating customer desires, lifestyle, and investment range into effective design choices.

• Computer Proficiency: Comfort and skill in using digital tools for design, presentations, and customer management.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with a strong desire to achieve sales targets in a commissioned setting.

• Polished Professional Image: Maintaining a professional demeanor and appearance aligned with a premium retail brand.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Furniture Construction & Design Trends: Deeper understanding of materials, craftsmanship, and current interior design styles.

• Experience with Design Software: Familiarity with design visualization tools can enhance presentations.

• Clienteling Expertise: Advanced techniques for nurturing leads and managing customer relationships over time.

• Ability to Drive: Required for conducting in-home design consultations and makeovers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Skills & Qualifications" section has been structured to differentiate between explicitly stated requirements and implied skills crucial for success in a sales and design role. The emphasis on "relationship selling," "clienteling," and "commissioned environment" are critical for operations professionals to understand the performance drivers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Success Case Studies: Examples demonstrating your ability to meet and exceed sales goals, highlighting the strategies and techniques used. Quantifiable results (e.g., revenue generated, sales targets exceeded) are essential.

• Design Consultation Process: Documentation or examples of how you approach a client consultation, from initial needs assessment to presenting design solutions. This should showcase your ability to translate client needs into actionable design plans.

• Clienteling Strategy Examples: Evidence of how you build and maintain customer relationships, including examples of communication, follow-up, and nurturing strategies that lead to repeat business.

• Visual Design Presentations: Samples of design presentations you have created, showcasing your ability to coordinate colors, textures, and furniture selections effectively. This can include mood boards, 3D renderings, or curated product selections.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Assessment Workflows: Clearly defined steps for understanding customer requirements, including active listening techniques and probing questions.

• Design Solution Presentation: A structured approach for presenting design proposals, ensuring clarity, persuasiveness, and addressing potential client concerns.

• Sales Cycle Management: An understanding of the end-to-end sales process, from lead generation and qualification to closing and post-sale follow-up, with an emphasis on efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Virtual Consultation Protocols: Documented procedures for conducting effective virtual appointments and live chats, ensuring a professional and engaging client experience remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a traditional "operations portfolio" might not be standard. However, a portfolio demonstrating sales achievements, design capabilities, and clienteling success is crucial. The "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" have been adapted to reflect this, focusing on showcasing sales acumen, design process, and client relationship management skills through concrete examples and documented approaches.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The potential income for experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000 per year.

• Top performers can earn up to $135,000+ per year.

• This compensation is primarily commission-based, with opportunities for bonuses on written business. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Financial Security: Disability insurance, Life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Professional Development: Paid training, tuition assistance, and opportunities for continuing education.

• Work-Life Balance & Perks: Paid time off, generous employee discounts on Bassett products, and a supportive work environment.

Working Hours:

• The role requires willingness to work weekends and holidays, typical for a retail environment.

• The provided data indicates 40 hours per week as standard, but flexibility may be needed to accommodate customer needs and sales demands in a retail setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and bonus structure have been clearly outlined based on the provided text. The benefits are listed comprehensively, with an emphasis on professional development and financial security relevant to sales professionals. The working hours are clarified to include the necessity of weekend and holiday availability. The estimated salary range of $70,000 - $105,000 for experienced professionals, with top earners reaching $135,000+, is aligned with a commission-driven sales role in a competitive market like Dallas.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings & Retail. Bassett Furniture is a long-standing American brand known for quality custom furniture and innovative retail experiences.

Company Size: Large (Implied by nationwide presence and established history). Bassett has been in operation since 1902, suggesting a well-established corporate structure and significant operational footprint.

Founded: 1902. This deep heritage provides a foundation of trust and craftsmanship, while the company also emphasizes innovation for the future.

Team Structure:

• Design Consultants are part of a showroom sales team, likely reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• They collaborate closely with other sales associates, design specialists, and potentially support staff within the showroom.

• Cross-functional collaboration extends to marketing, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure a seamless customer journey. Methodology:

• Relationship Selling: A core methodology focused on building long-term customer rapport and trust over transactional sales.

• Data-Driven Clienteling: Utilizing customer data and interaction history to personalize outreach and sales strategies.

• Design Consultation Process: A structured approach to understanding client needs and presenting tailored furniture and design solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Emphasis on ongoing training and skill development in product knowledge, sales techniques, and design trends.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a blend of heritage and innovation, with a strong emphasis on customer relationships and quality craftsmanship. The structure implies a direct sales team within a retail showroom, requiring collaboration across various functions to deliver a premium customer experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an individual contributor role focused on direct sales and design consultation. It represents a mid-level position within a retail sales career path, requiring established sales skills and design aptitude.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, who oversees sales performance, team development, and showroom operations.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation and customer acquisition/retention. Their ability to create a positive customer experience and provide expert design advice contributes significantly to brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Advancement to roles with higher earning potential, potentially specializing in specific product lines or design styles.

• Sales Management: Progression into Showroom Manager or Sales Manager positions, overseeing a team and driving overall showroom performance.

• Design Leadership: Opportunities to become a lead designer or consultant, potentially mentoring junior staff or leading design initiatives.

• Training & Development Roles: Transitioning into roles focused on training new sales associates on product, sales techniques, and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Consultant at Bassett Furniture is clearly defined, moving from individual sales achievement to potential leadership and specialized roles within the company's retail and design divisions. The emphasis is on developing expertise in both sales execution and design consultation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site within a state-of-the-art Bassett Furniture showroom. This implies a retail environment designed to showcase furniture and inspire customers.

Office Location(s): Dallas, Texas. The role requires the ability to drive to customers' residences and businesses for makeovers, indicating a need for reliable transportation and comfort with local travel.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: A dynamic, customer-facing space with a focus on visual merchandising and creating an appealing atmosphere.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Opportunities to interact with and learn from fellow sales associates and management within the showroom.

• Access to Tools: Likely includes access to design resources, product samples, and potentially digital design tools or software within the showroom.

• Client Interaction Focus: The primary workspace is engaging directly with customers, both on the showroom floor and potentially off-site or virtually.

Work Schedule: Requires willingness to work weekends and holidays to align with retail operating hours and customer availability. Standard work week is approximately 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a customer-centric, on-site retail showroom. The inclusion of in-home and virtual consultations means the workspace can extend beyond the physical store, requiring adaptability and mobility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and potentially a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview: Expect a more in-depth discussion at the showroom, focusing on your sales experience, design passion, and understanding of the role. This may include a personality assessment or situational questions.

• Portfolio Presentation (Implied): Be prepared to discuss past sales achievements and showcase examples of your design work or client consultation process. While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio review," demonstrating your capabilities is key.

• Meet the Team: You may have the opportunity to interact with showroom management or other sales associates to gauge cultural fit.

• Final Decision: Based on your overall fit, sales potential, and design aptitude.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Sales Success: For any sales achievements, provide specific numbers (e.g., "Exceeded sales quota by 15% for Q3," "Generated $X in revenue last year").

• Showcase Design Process: If you have visual examples (even conceptual), be ready to walk through how you would approach a client's needs, from initial questions to final product selection.

• Highlight Relationship Building: Share anecdotes or strategies about how you've built lasting customer relationships and achieved repeat business.

• Tailor to Bassett: Emphasize your understanding of Bassett's brand, product quality, and customization options.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenario: Be ready to role-play a sales scenario, demonstrating how you would engage a customer, identify needs, and present solutions.

• Design Problem: You might be asked to conceptualize a design for a specific room or style based on limited information, showcasing your creative problem-solving.

• Customer Service Challenge: Prepare for questions on how you would handle a difficult customer or resolve a service issue.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process likely involves a multi-stage approach typical for sales roles, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating practical skills in sales and design. Candidates should prepare to showcase their abilities through examples and potentially role-playing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: For managing customer information, tracking interactions, and nurturing leads (e.g., Salesforce, or a proprietary system). Essential for clienteling.

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing orders, and inventory.

• Design Software/Tools: Potentially specialized software for creating design visualizations, mood boards, or product configurations. This could be internal Bassett tools or industry-standard applications.

• Communication Platforms: For internal team communication and external client interaction (e.g., email, phone, virtual meeting software like Zoom/Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: To track individual and showroom sales metrics, commission earnings, and goal attainment.

• Customer Data Analytics: Tools to understand customer demographics, purchase history, and preferences for personalized outreach.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The core system for managing client interactions, sales pipeline, and building relationships.

• Email Marketing/Communication Tools: For targeted customer outreach, promotions, and follow-ups.

• Virtual Appointment Platforms: Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or specialized virtual showroom software for remote client consultations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not named, the role necessitates proficiency with CRM systems for clienteling, POS systems for transactions, and likely design visualization tools. The emphasis is on leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Design: A fundamental value driving creativity and customer engagement.

• Customer-Centricity: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction to build loyalty and drive sales.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high standards in all interactions and business dealings.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve shared showroom goals.

• Drive for Results: A commitment to meeting and exceeding sales targets in a commissioned environment.

• Continuous Learning: A dedication to ongoing professional development in design and sales.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Synergy: Working collaboratively with other sales associates and management to create a positive and productive showroom environment.

• Client-Focused Approach: Aligning individual efforts with the collective goal of providing an exceptional customer experience.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing insights on design trends, sales techniques, and customer feedback to benefit the entire team.

• Mutual Support: Supporting team members to ensure all customers receive outstanding service and sales professionals achieve their goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture's culture appears to value a blend of creative passion, strong sales ethics, and collaborative teamwork, all centered around delivering exceptional customer experiences in interior design and furniture sales.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Fluctuations: The primary challenge is managing income variability inherent in a commission-driven sales role, requiring consistent high performance.

• Competitive Market: Operating in a competitive retail and interior design market requires differentiation through exceptional service and design expertise.

• Balancing Sales and Design: Effectively integrating strong sales acumen with genuine design consultation to meet diverse customer needs.

• Adapting to Trends: Staying current with evolving design trends, material innovations, and customer preferences in the fast-paced home furnishings industry.

• Driving Foot Traffic & Lead Generation: Proactively engaging customers and generating leads, both within the showroom and through clienteling efforts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Bassett Interior Design Certification: Formal training and certification program to enhance design skills and product knowledge.

• Sales Technique Training: Ongoing coaching and workshops focused on advanced sales strategies, consultative selling, and clienteling.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Continuous learning about new furniture lines, materials, and customization options.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for progression into senior sales roles, management, or specialized design positions.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced sales professionals and management within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a high-performance retail sales role, requiring resilience and continuous skill development. The growth opportunities are substantial, with a clear focus on developing expertise within Bassett's framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a customer's design needs and translating them into furniture selections." (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and needs assessment process.)

• "How do you build and maintain long-term customer relationships in a retail sales environment?" (Highlight clienteling strategies, follow-up processes, and building trust.)

• "Walk me through a time you exceeded a sales goal. What strategies did you employ?" (Prepare a specific, quantifiable example demonstrating your sales drive and methodology.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends and incorporate them into your recommendations?" (Showcase your passion for design and continuous learning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Bassett Furniture specifically?" (Research the company's history, values, and product offerings.)

• "How would you contribute to our showroom's team culture?" (Emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and a positive attitude.)

• "What does 'relationship selling' mean to you?" (Align your understanding with Bassett's customer-centric approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: For sales roles, numbers speak volumes. Be ready to present data on your performance.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: If possible, have visual examples of designs you've created or client spaces you've influenced. This could be a digital presentation or a curated collection of images.

• Structure Your Narrative: For any case study (sales success or design project), follow a clear problem-solution-result structure.

• Connect to Bassett: Frame your experiences and skills in the context of how they would benefit Bassett Furniture and its customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong sales aptitude, genuine passion for design, and an understanding of consultative, relationship-based selling within a retail context. Be ready to back up claims with specific examples and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in interior design, sales, customer relationship management, and any relevant achievements in meeting sales targets or completing design projects. Use keywords from the job description like "relationship selling," "clienteling," and "interior design consultation."

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile examples of your design work, successful sales scenarios (with quantifiable results), and any strategies you've used for building customer relationships. Be ready to discuss these during an interview.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bassett Furniture's brand, product lines, history, and current design philosophy. Understand their commitment to custom furniture and their "relationship selling" approach.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your skills and experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and be prepared to discuss sales scenarios and design challenges.

⚠️ 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.