Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant

Company: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc

Location: Fort Myers, FL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales / Interior Design

Date Posted: September 08, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on leveraging interior design expertise to drive furniture sales and enhance customer home décor solutions within a retail environment.

• Responsibilities include conducting client consultations, developing detailed floor plans, and creating photorealistic 3D renderings to visualize design concepts.

• The position requires close collaboration with sales consultants to support transaction closures and provide expert design recommendations.

• Success in this role hinges on building strong customer relationships, understanding client needs, and contributing to increased average ticket sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Interior Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and emphasis on sales, commissions, and closing transactions clearly place this role within a sales-oriented framework, supported by design expertise. The target audience for enhancement should understand this blend of design and sales.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home, in-store, and virtual consultations with clients to understand their design preferences, budget, and spatial requirements.

• Create detailed floor plans and photorealistic 3D renderings of Haverty's furniture and accessories within the client's intended space.

• Collaborate with sales consultants to recommend furniture and accessories, assisting in closing transactions by providing expert design knowledge.

• Assist sales consultants in scheduling and conducting qualified home visits to assess client needs and present design solutions.

• Coordinate with customers throughout the design process, from initial selection to final presentation, including discussing pricing and delivery schedules.

• Provide constructive feedback to customers and sales consultants to help build sales and increase average ticket values.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of a broad range of furniture styles, product lines, special sales, financing plans, delivery procedures, and warranties.

• Reinforce customer selections and actively contribute to bringing sales to closure.

• Utilize internal systems, such as My Sales Center, to access customer information and manage follow-ups.

• Participate in sales training on the sales floor to gain a deep understanding of the Haverty's customer engagement process.

• Maintain consistent sales levels and meet other key performance metrics as required by management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on consultative selling, where design expertise is a tool to drive sales. Emphasis should be placed on the candidate's ability to translate design vision into tangible sales outcomes and customer satisfaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in Interior Design or a related field.

Experience: 2 to 4 years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Interior Design principles and application for residential spaces.

• Ability to create detailed floor plans and 3D renderings using specialized software.

• Strong consultative selling skills with a focus on understanding client needs and offering tailored solutions.

• Excellent customer service and relationship-building capabilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable personal transportation for in-home appointments.

• Ability to meet minimum state-required car insurance verification.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.

• Knowledge of furniture styles, materials, and home décor trends. Preferred Skills:

• ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) certification.

• Prior experience with Room Planner software or similar design visualization tools.

• Experience in a retail sales environment, particularly in furniture or home goods.

• Familiarity with special-order processes, financing options, and delivery logistics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a blend of creative design talent and sales acumen. Candidates should emphasize their ability to not only design beautiful spaces but also to effectively communicate the value proposition of Haverty's products and services to drive sales.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse interior design projects, clearly illustrating the client's initial challenge, your design approach, and the final outcome.

• Projects should demonstrate the ability to create compelling floor plans and photorealistic 3D renderings, highlighting spatial planning and furniture placement.

• Include examples of how design recommendations translated into successful sales or increased average ticket values, if possible, through client testimonials or sales data.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using design software by including screenshots or examples of renderings and floor plans.

• Highlight projects where consultative selling and client needs assessment were critical to the design's success. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed client consultations from initial contact to final presentation, detailing your process for needs assessment and solution development.

• Documentation of your workflow for creating floor plans and 3D renderings, including time management strategies and quality control measures.

• Case studies illustrating how you collaborated with sales teams or other stakeholders to achieve sales objectives through design expertise.

• Evidence of your ability to articulate design concepts and product benefits to diverse client profiles.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also their impact on sales outcomes and customer satisfaction. Quantifiable results are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $100,000+ per year. The national average for an Interior Design Consultant at Haverty's in 2025 was approximately $84,000. This is an uncapped commission structure with a guaranteed income feature.

Benefits:

• Paid comprehensive training program.

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

• 401K program with a company match of 4%.

• Generous benefits package including premier medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time-off (PTO) including vacation, sick time, personal days, and company holidays.

• Substantial associate discount on Haverty's merchandise.

• Bonus program for team member referrals.

• Educational financial assistance.

• Complimentary health and wellness program.

• Opportunities for advancement within the company.

• Opportunities to give back to the community.

Working Hours: Required to work 5 days a week, including retail hours, nights, and weekends. Store hours are 10 am – 7 pm Monday – Saturday and 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday. Flexibility is also required to meet customer schedules for home visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based with a guaranteed income feature, indicating a performance-driven sales environment. The salary range reflects significant earning potential for successful consultants. The inclusion of Daily Pay is a notable perk for immediate cash flow needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail / Home Furnishings. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a long-standing, iconic brand with over 140 years of history, known for quality, price, and customer service.

Company Size: Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. is a publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint across the United States. Specific store employee numbers vary, but it operates as a large-scale retail organization.

Founded: Over 140 years ago, establishing a legacy of trust and quality in the furniture industry.

Team Structure:

• The Interior Design Consultant typically works within a retail store branch, collaborating closely with Sales Consultants and reporting to a Branch Manager or Showroom Manager.

• The team structure is sales-focused, with designers acting as key enablers of higher sales volumes and average ticket prices.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly between design consultants and the sales team to ensure a cohesive customer experience and maximize sales opportunities. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: Leveraging customer data and sales metrics to identify opportunities and drive performance.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing understanding and meeting customer needs through personalized design solutions and service.

• Continuous Improvement: Participating in ongoing sales training and feedback loops to refine sales and design techniques.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Haverty's emphasizes a blend of traditional retail values (quality, service, legacy) with modern sales and design practices. The culture is performance-oriented, driven by sales targets and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the retail sales and design spectrum. It's a specialized sales role where design expertise is leveraged as a primary selling tool, rather than a purely administrative or analytical operations function.

Reporting Structure: Interior Design Consultants typically report to a Branch Manager or Showroom Manager. They work closely with a team of Sales Consultants, providing design support and collaborative selling efforts.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of back-end process optimization, this position significantly impacts the company's revenue operations by:

• Directly driving sales through design expertise and consultative selling.

• Increasing average ticket prices by recommending complementary furniture and accessories.

• Enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to repeat business and referrals.

• Contributing to showroom visual merchandising and presentation standards. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: With proven success, opportunities may arise to become a senior designer, mentoring junior staff or specializing in specific design areas.

• Sales Management: The consultative sales and client management skills developed can be a pathway to sales management roles within Haverty's retail network.

• Showroom Management: Experience in managing client interactions and sales targets can lead to opportunities in showroom leadership.

• Training and Development: Potential to move into roles focused on training new design consultants on sales techniques and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a sales-focused role that utilizes design skills. Career growth will likely follow a path within retail sales leadership or specialized design roles that contribute directly to revenue generation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a Haverty's furniture showroom. This is a customer-facing retail space designed to showcase furniture and home décor.

Office Location(s): Fort Myers, FL. The role requires presence at the specific Haverty's retail location.

Workspace Context:

• The showroom provides a beautifully appointed and inspiring environment with a wide array of furniture and accessories.

• The environment is fast-paced, customer-focused, and requires a professional business attire dress code.

• Access to design tools, product catalogs, and potentially dedicated design spaces or workstations within the showroom.

• Opportunities for interaction with sales teams, management, and a diverse customer base.

Work Schedule: Retail hours are required, including nights and weekends (Monday-Saturday 10 am – 7 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm). The role demands flexibility to accommodate customer schedules for home visits, which may occur outside standard showroom hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable with a dynamic, customer-facing retail environment that demands flexibility in scheduling and a professional presentation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• In-Person Interview: Typically with a Branch Manager or Hiring Manager to discuss your background, design philosophy, sales approach, and cultural fit. Expect behavioral questions.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio of your work, discuss specific design projects, or even complete a design exercise related to a hypothetical client scenario.

• Sales Aptitude Assessment: Questions will likely probe your sales skills, commission motivation, and ability to close deals.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a regional manager or senior leader for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your design versatility and sales impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's problem, your design solution, the process, and the positive outcome (e.g., client satisfaction, sales conversion, increased order value).

• Highlight Renderings: Ensure your 3D renderings and floor plans are high-quality and clearly demonstrate your spatial planning abilities.

• Quantify Results: If possible, include metrics or testimonials that show how your design work contributed to sales success.

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

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Haverty's Brand: Familiarize yourself with Haverty's product lines, typical customer base, and brand aesthetic.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process and how you would approach a typical Haverty's client.

• Prepare for Sales Questions: Think about how you handle objections, close sales, and motivate yourself in a commission-based environment.

• Know Your Numbers: Be prepared to discuss your past sales performance or potential earning capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh both design capability and sales aptitude. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate how their design skills directly translate into revenue generation and positive customer experiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for communication, documentation, and basic data management (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Room Planner Software: Proficiency in design visualization tools for creating floor plans and 3D renderings is highly beneficial. Specific software may vary, but familiarity with industry-standard tools is expected.

• My Sales Center: Internal Haverty's system for customer relationship management (CRM), lead tracking, and sales process management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managing complex analytics, an understanding of sales metrics, conversion rates, and average ticket values will be crucial for performance tracking and reporting to management. CRM & Automation:

• Internal CRM (My Sales Center): Used for managing customer interactions, tracking leads, and monitoring sales progress.

• Design Software: Tools for generating floor plans and 3D renderings can automate the visualization process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should highlight their proficiency with standard office software and any specific design visualization tools. Familiarity with CRM systems, even if not Haverty's specific one, demonstrates an understanding of sales process management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized design and service.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Valuing the quality of Haverty's products and ensuring designs highlight these attributes.

• Sales Achievement: A drive to meet and exceed sales targets, contributing to the company's financial success.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with sales consultants and management to create a cohesive and supportive work environment.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of appearance, communication, and conduct in the showroom and during client interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultative Partnership: Working hand-in-hand with Sales Consultants, providing design expertise to support their sales efforts and close deals.

• Client-Centric Approach: All interactions, whether with clients or internal teams, are geared towards achieving the best possible outcome for the customer and the business.

• Feedback Loop: Openness to providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve sales strategies and design recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values individuals who are both creative designers and motivated salespeople, capable of working collaboratively within a retail sales team framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Creativity with Sales Targets: Successfully integrating artistic vision with the need to meet and exceed sales quotas and commission goals.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs and Budgets: Catering to a wide range of customer preferences, styles, and financial constraints.

• Navigating a Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Thriving in a dynamic setting with constant customer interaction and fluctuating demands.

• Maintaining Comprehensive Product Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date with an extensive and evolving furniture catalog, including styles, materials, and custom options.

• In-Home Visit Logistics: Effectively scheduling and conducting home visits, requiring personal transportation and flexibility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sales Training Programs: Haverty's offers paid training to equip new consultants with product knowledge and sales techniques.

• Design Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn about new design trends, software updates, and product lines.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced sales consultants and design leaders within the company.

• Career Advancement: Pathways to senior design roles, sales management, or showroom leadership positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for the inherent challenges of a commission-based sales role while recognizing the significant growth and learning opportunities provided by a well-established company like Haverty's.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

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

• "How would you approach a client who is unsure about their design style or needs? Walk me through your consultation process." (Focus on consultative selling, needs assessment, and building rapport).

• "Imagine a client loves a particular sofa but it doesn't quite fit their room's scale. How would you address this and propose an alternative or solution?" (Focus on design expertise, problem-solving, and upselling/cross-selling). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Haverty Furniture and this Interior Design Consultant role specifically?" (Research the company's history, values, and product lines).

• "How do you stay motivated in a commission-based sales environment?" (Highlight your drive, goal-setting, and resilience).

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you collaborate with sales colleagues?" (Emphasize teamwork and supporting sales objectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the client's problem, your design strategy, the tools/software you used, and the successful outcome (sales impact, client satisfaction).

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Increased average ticket by 15%," "Secured project sale within 2 weeks").

• Highlight Renderings: Showcase your 3D renderings and floor plans effectively, explaining your design choices and how they meet client needs.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design process, software proficiency, and how you handle challenging client situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate how your design skills directly contribute to sales success and customer satisfaction. Be ready to discuss your commission-based earning potential and your motivation for succeeding in such an environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Consultant position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight interior design experience, sales achievements, customer service skills, and proficiency with relevant software.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your degree in Interior Design or related field, years of experience, and any relevant certifications (like ASID). Explicitly mention your valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions focusing on design challenges, client interactions, and sales scenarios. Prepare a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Haverty's brand, product offerings, and customer base. Understand their commitment to quality and service, and be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and sales-driven environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. before making application decisions.