Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: Kissimmee, FL 34741, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail / Sales / Interior Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive sales and enhance customer experience by providing expert interior design consultation and personalized furniture recommendations.

• Develop comprehensive interior design solutions, including floor plans and 3D renderings, to meet diverse customer needs and aesthetic preferences.

• Collaborate effectively with sales consultants to support transaction closures and achieve collective sales targets.

• Conduct in-home, in-store, and virtual consultations, building strong rapport with clients to understand their style, budget, and spatial requirements.

• Maintain a deep understanding of Haverty's product catalog, sales promotions, financing options, and delivery procedures to effectively advise customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid sales and design function, emphasizing the consultant's ability to translate design expertise into tangible sales outcomes. The "furnish happiness" tagline suggests a customer-centric approach focused on creating aspirational living spaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct personalized interior design consultations, both in-store and in-home, to understand customer needs, style preferences, and budget constraints.

• Create detailed floor plans and photorealistic 3D renderings of furniture and accessory placements within customer spaces using specialized design software.

• Recommend and present furniture selections and complementary accessories, ensuring cohesive and aesthetically pleasing room designs.

• Partner with Sales Consultants to assist in closing transactions, leveraging design knowledge to reinforce customer selections and build confidence.

• Schedule and attend qualified home visits to assess client spaces, gather measurements, and inform design recommendations.

• Coordinate with customers regarding selected items, pricing, and delivery schedules, ensuring a smooth post-sale process.

• Provide constructive feedback to Sales Consultants and Branch Managers on client interactions and design presentations.

• Assist Sales Consultants in the creation of special-order SKUs and contribute to increasing sales reserves and average ticket values.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of furniture styles, product lines, current trends, and company promotions.

• Participate in sales training sessions to continuously enhance product knowledge and customer engagement techniques.

• Track and maintain consistent sales levels and key performance metrics as required by management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to sales support, where design expertise directly influences sales outcomes. Emphasis on "closing transactions," "increasing average tickets," and "special-order SKUs" indicates a performance-driven role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Interior Design or a related field from a four-year university, OR a combination of 2 to 4 years of related experience and/or training. ASID certification is preferred.

Experience: 2 to 4 years of experience in interior design, furniture sales, or a related client-facing role, with a demonstrated ability to manage client relationships and drive sales.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Proficient in space planning, color theory, furniture selection, and creating aesthetically pleasing room designs.

• 3D Rendering & Visualization: Ability to create photorealistic 3D renderings and floor plans using design software.

• Consultative Selling: Skill in understanding customer needs, building rapport, and guiding them towards purchase decisions.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to deliver exceptional service, address client concerns, and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Product Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of furniture styles, materials, and home décor trends.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reporting, presentations, and communication.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Articulate and persuasive in presenting design concepts and product recommendations to clients.

• Valid Driver's License & Reliable Transportation: Required for in-home consultations, with a clean driving record and proof of minimum state-required car insurance.

Preferred Skills:

• ASID Certification: Professional accreditation demonstrating advanced knowledge and ethical standards in interior design.

• Room Planner Software Proficiency: Experience with specialized software beyond basic rendering tools for detailed space planning.

• Full-Shot Image Software: Familiarity with software used for creating or manipulating visual representations of spaces.

• Sales CRM Experience: Familiarity with systems like My Sales Center for customer follow-up and sales tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a valid driver's license and personal transportation for in-home consultations is a critical logistical aspect of this role, underscoring its field-based nature. The preference for ASID certification suggests a desire for candidates with formal design credentials.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse interior design projects, detailing the client's brief, design challenges, proposed solutions, and final outcomes.

• Visual Documentation: Include high-quality photographs of completed projects, alongside floor plans and 3D renderings used during the design process.

• Process Walkthroughs: Clearly outline your design methodology from initial client consultation through to final installation or delivery, highlighting key decision points and client interactions.

• Sales Impact Metrics: Where possible, quantify the success of your designs in terms of increased sales, higher average ticket values, or positive customer feedback related to the design solution.

• Software Proficiency Examples: Demonstrate your ability to use design and rendering software through visual examples of your work.

Process Documentation:

• Client Needs Assessment: Document the process of gathering client requirements, including questionnaires, interview techniques, and site visit protocols.

• Design Development Workflow: Illustrate the steps involved in creating design concepts, from mood boards and material selection to space planning and rendering.

• Presentation and Sales Integration: Detail the process of presenting design proposals to clients and how this integrates with the sales cycle to drive conversions.

• Project Management & Follow-up: Outline procedures for managing projects, coordinating with vendors or delivery teams, and ensuring post-completion client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating both design acumen and tangible sales impact is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and how it directly contributes to revenue generation and customer satisfaction, aligning with the hybrid nature of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $100,000+ per year. The average national earnings for an Interior Design Consultant in 2025 was $84,000.

Benefits:

• Paid Comprehensive Training: Extensive training program covering sales techniques, product knowledge, and design consultation best practices.

• Daily Pay Program: Flexibility to draw earned pay between regular pay cycles.

• 401K Program: Company match of 4% on retirement contributions.

• Generous Health Benefits: Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time-Off (PTO): Includes vacation days, sick time, personal days, and company holidays.

• Associate Discount: Substantial discount on Haverty's merchandise.

• Referral Bonus Program: Bonuses for successfully referring new team members.

• Educational Financial Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Health and Wellness Program: Complimentary resources and programs focused on employee well-being.

• Advancement Opportunities: Potential for career growth within the company.

• Community Involvement: Opportunities to participate in community outreach initiatives.

Working Hours: 5 days a week, including retail hours (10 am – 7 pm Monday – Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday). Flexibility is required to meet customer schedules for home visits. Standard work week is approximately 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is performance-based, heavily influenced by commission. The average salary of $84,000 indicates strong earning potential for high performers. The inclusion of a "Daily Pay Program" is a significant perk for immediate cash flow needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Home Furnishings. Haverty's operates within a competitive retail landscape, focusing on providing quality furniture and interior design services to a broad customer base.

Company Size: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a large, established retail organization with a significant presence. This size implies structured training programs, established operational processes, and potential for internal mobility.

Founded: Over 140 years ago, Haverty's has a long-standing heritage, emphasizing stability, brand trust, and a commitment to quality and customer service. This historical context suggests a culture that values tradition alongside modern retail practices.

Team Structure:

• Design-Focused Sales Team: The Interior Design Consultant works within a retail showroom environment, likely reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with Sales Consultants is paramount, where the designer acts as a specialized resource to support sales objectives. Interaction with delivery teams and customer service departments is also expected.

• Supportive Environment: The company offers paid training and mentorship, indicating a culture that supports employee development and aims to equip individuals for success in their roles.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Design: Emphasis on understanding individual customer needs, preferences, and lifestyles to create personalized design solutions.

• Sales-Driven Design: Design expertise is leveraged as a tool to enhance the sales process, increase transaction values, and drive revenue.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, performance metrics and sales data likely inform individual and team strategies.

• Continuous Learning: Participation in sales training and product knowledge sessions reinforces a commitment to ongoing professional development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's long history suggests a stable work environment with a strong brand reputation. The culture likely balances a traditional retail approach with modern design and sales strategies, emphasizing customer satisfaction and sales performance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry to mid-level position within the retail sales and design career path. It requires a blend of creative design skills and a strong sales orientation, serving as a specialized consultant who directly impacts revenue.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, who oversees the sales team and showroom operations. The role involves close collaboration with individual Sales Consultants.

Operations Impact: The Interior Design Consultant's primary impact is on revenue generation through increased sales conversion rates, higher average transaction values, and the sale of specialized or custom orders. They also contribute to customer loyalty and brand perception by delivering exceptional design experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant: With proven success and expanded client portfolios, progression to a senior role with more complex projects or client management responsibilities.

• Sales Management: Potential to move into sales leadership roles, managing teams of Sales Consultants and Design Consultants, overseeing showroom performance.

• Specialization: Development of expertise in specific design niches or product categories.

• Branch Management: Opportunities to manage entire showroom operations, encompassing sales, design, and operational efficiency.

• Corporate Roles: Potential for roles in visual merchandising, product development, or training at a corporate level for individuals with strong performance and broader skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is clearly defined within a retail sales framework, with opportunities to specialize in design or advance into management. Success in this role hinges on the ability to merge creative talent with commercial acumen.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a retail showroom environment, featuring beautifully appointed displays of furniture and home décor. The role also involves significant time spent outside the showroom conducting in-home consultations.

Office Location(s): The specific showroom is located in Kissimmee, Florida. Haverty's operates numerous showrooms across the United States, offering potential for relocation or broader career opportunities within the company network.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: A dynamic, customer-facing space requiring professional presentation and the ability to engage with a diverse clientele. Access to design tools, product samples, and visual merchandising aids.

• Client Homes: Requires adaptability and professionalism when working in private residences, assessing space, and understanding client lifestyles.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Close interaction with Sales Consultants and showroom management fosters a team-oriented sales environment.

• Technology Integration: Use of design software, potentially CRM systems, and standard office productivity tools.

Work Schedule: A consistent 5-day work week is mandated, with hours aligned with retail operations, including evenings and weekends. Flexibility is essential to accommodate customer availability for in-home appointments, which may extend beyond standard showroom hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a flexible schedule and the ability to transition seamlessly between a polished retail showroom and diverse residential settings. Professionalism and adaptability are key in both environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, design experience, and sales aptitude.

• Phone/Video Interview: A discussion with a hiring manager to explore your background, motivation for the role, and initial understanding of Haverty's brand and customer base.

• In-Person Interview & Design Challenge: This stage typically involves an interview at the showroom, potentially including a practical design exercise. You may be asked to present a portfolio piece or a hypothetical design solution for a given scenario.

• Sales Simulation/Role-Play: You might be asked to demonstrate your sales and consultation approach, potentially role-playing with a hiring manager or team member.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior management or the branch manager to discuss fit, compensation, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Sales Impact: For each project, clearly articulate how your design contributed to sales goals, increased average ticket, or resolved a client's problem that led to a purchase.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your workflow, from initial client brief and mood boards to space planning and final renderings. This demonstrates your systematic approach.

• Variety is Key: Present a range of projects showcasing different styles, room types, and client needs to demonstrate versatility.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics where possible (e.g., "increased average ticket by X%," "secured Y special orders").

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Haverty's Style: Research Haverty's product lines, current collections, and typical customer aesthetic. Be prepared to design within their brand parameters.

• Practice 3D Rendering: If the challenge involves creating renderings, ensure your software skills are sharp and you can produce professional-quality visuals efficiently.

• Develop a Sales Pitch: Practice articulating the value of your design recommendations, focusing on benefits to the customer and how they align with their stated needs and budget.

• Prepare for Client Objections: Think about common customer concerns regarding price, style, or functionality and how you would address them persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both design capability and sales effectiveness. A well-curated portfolio that bridges these two aspects is critical for success. Be ready to demonstrate how your design skills directly contribute to revenue.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Interior Design Software: Proficiency in creating floor plans and 3D renderings is essential. Specific software may include Room Planner tools (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, specialized retail design software like those integrated with manufacturer catalogs).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for documentation, communication, and reporting (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Image Software: Familiarity with software for editing or manipulating visual assets (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Canva) for presentations or mood boards.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales CRM/Customer Management: Likely use of a system like My Sales Center for customer follow-up, tracking leads, and managing sales pipelines.

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Understanding and reporting on key sales metrics such as average ticket value, conversion rates, and sales volume.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Systems used to manage customer interactions, track preferences, and facilitate personalized follow-ups.

• Special Order Systems: Processes and potentially software for managing custom furniture orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names are not always listed, the job description points to a need for proficiency in design visualization tools and standard business software. Familiarity with retail CRM systems is highly beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs to deliver exceptional design and service experiences.

• Sales Excellence: A drive to achieve and exceed sales targets through expert consultation and persuasive recommendations.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding Haverty's long-standing reputation for quality furniture and well-crafted designs.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with sales consultants and showroom staff to achieve collective showroom goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to ongoing learning in design trends, product knowledge, and sales techniques.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Sales & Design: The role embodies a collaborative partnership between design expertise and sales execution. Designers are expected to be team players who support the sales team's objectives.

• Client-Centric Approach: Collaboration is focused on delivering the best possible outcome for the customer, combining design vision with practical purchasing guidance.

• Feedback Loop: Regular communication and feedback exchange with Sales Consultants and management are encouraged to refine strategies and improve client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative flair and commercial drive. Success depends on integrating seamlessly into a sales-driven team while maintaining a high standard of design professionalism.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design aspirations with the practicalities of sales targets and customer budgets.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Catering to a wide spectrum of tastes, budgets, and project complexities within a retail setting.

• In-Home Consultation Logistics: Efficiently managing travel, scheduling, and professional presentation during off-site client visits.

• Staying Current: Continuously updating knowledge of furniture trends, materials, and design software in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Performance Pressure: Meeting and exceeding sales quotas in a commission-driven structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design styles or software.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Training in consultative selling, negotiation, and closing techniques.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: In-depth learning about Haverty's extensive product lines, materials, and craftsmanship.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways to senior design roles, sales management, or showroom leadership positions.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend trade shows or design events to stay abreast of industry innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities for continuous skill development in both design and sales. Overcoming the challenge of balancing creative execution with commercial objectives is key to long-term success and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's ambitious design vision with their budget constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and client management.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends and new furniture products? How do you incorporate this knowledge into your sales approach?" (Assess continuous learning and application of knowledge.)

• "Walk me through your process for creating a 3D rendering or floor plan for a client. What software do you use, and what are the key elements you include?" (Evaluate technical skills and process understanding.)

• "How do you collaborate with sales teams to achieve collective goals? Provide an example of a successful partnership." (Assess teamwork and understanding of the hybrid role.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Haverty's brand and our typical customer? How do you see your design style aligning with our offerings?" (Demonstrate research and brand fit.)

• "How do you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with a design recommendation or a product selection?" (Assess customer service and conflict resolution skills.)

• "What are your long-term career aspirations within the interior design and retail sales field?" (Understand career goals and potential for growth within Haverty's.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, explain the client's initial challenge, your design journey, and the successful resolution, linking it to sales outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to highlight the success of your designs (e.g., increased sales, customer satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Software Skills: Be ready to briefly explain or demonstrate your proficiency with design software, perhaps by showing a rendering or floor plan.

• Highlight Collaboration: If applicable, mention how you worked with sales teams or other stakeholders to achieve project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate how your design skills directly translate into sales performance. The interview process will likely assess your ability to function effectively in a commission-based, customer-facing retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Haverty's careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your interior design education, relevant experience (especially in sales or client consultation), and proficiency with design software. Quantify achievements with numbers where possible (e.g., "Increased average ticket value by 15%").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest design projects that demonstrate versatility, client-focused solutions, and, ideally, a link to sales success or increased order value. Ensure it's professional, well-organized, and easy to navigate.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, sales approach, and understanding of the Haverty's brand. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and how you contribute to both design excellence and revenue generation.

• Research Haverty's: Familiarize yourself with their product catalog, current marketing campaigns, and brand positioning to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

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