Design Consultant (Ballard) at QVC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant (Ballard)

Company: QVC (Ballard Designs)

Location: Columbus, OH (Ballard - Columbus Retail Store)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design / Retail Design Consultation

Date Posted: 2025-06-13T00:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Elevate the guest experience through personalized interior design consultation and space planning services.
Drive growth of the complimentary design service through scheduled Studio, Home, and virtual appointments.
Expand market reach by networking with local organizations and businesses to promote Design Solutions services.
Support the retail store team with operational tasks including order entry, visual merchandising, and product training.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends design expertise with retail operations and business development, requiring a candidate who is not only skilled in interior design but also comfortable with customer engagement, sales, and community outreach within a retail environment. The "Design Consultant" title at Ballard Designs specifically focuses on providing personalized design services within their retail context.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Provide expert interior design consultation for guests through scheduled appointments (in-studio, virtual, and in-home visits).
Deliver "on-demand" design assistance to retail store guests, helping them make product selections and understand space planning.
Utilize space planning skills to create functional and aesthetically pleasing layouts for clients.
Employ basic drafting skills to interpret architectural and floor plans for design projects.
Conduct in-home design consultations for established guests, requiring a valid driver's license.
Identify and build relationships with local businesses and organizations for networking and promotion of design services.
Distribute Design Solutions marketing materials within the community to generate leads and expand clientele.
Assist the retail store team with order entry and processing for design service clients and retail customers.
Support visual floorsets and maintain merchandising standards within the retail store.
Participate in and reinforce product training activities to stay knowledgeable about Ballard Designs offerings.
Contribute to overall store maintenance and operational standards to ensure a positive guest experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a dual focus: providing in-depth design services and actively participating in the retail store's operations and sales efforts. This means the role requires strong customer service skills in addition to design expertise. The emphasis on external outreach highlights a proactive approach to building the design service's clientele.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree or certification in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field is highly beneficial and often preferred for roles requiring design consultation and space planning skills.

Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of experience in interior design, design consultation, or a related field. Experience in a retail design setting or with direct client interaction is particularly valuable. A portfolio demonstrating space planning and design project experience is likely required or strongly recommended during the application process.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in interior design principles and practices.
Strong skills in design consultation and client relationship management.
Expertise in space planning and furniture layout.
Proficiency in basic drafting and the ability to read architectural/floor plans.
Experience in event planning or community engagement for business development.
Excellent customer engagement and interpersonal communication skills.
Valid driver's license for conducting home visits.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with design software for space planning and visualizations (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Room Planner tools).
Previous experience in a retail environment, particularly home furnishings or design-related retail.
Experience in visual merchandising and retail display.
Familiarity with order entry systems and retail point-of-sale software.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a specific degree wasn't listed, the required skills in drafting and space planning strongly suggest that formal training or extensive practical experience in interior design is necessary. The blend of design and retail skills is crucial for success in this role, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded skillset.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include a curated selection of interior design projects showcasing your ability to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Feature examples of space planning solutions, demonstrating your understanding of furniture placement and flow.
Present case studies that walk through your design process, from initial client consultation to final installation (if applicable).
Showcase visual presentation skills through renderings, mood boards, or design boards used in client presentations.

Process Documentation:

Document your design process, including how you approach client consultations, gather requirements, and develop design concepts.
Explain your methodology for space planning and how you address client needs and constraints.
Detail your approach to selecting furniture, decor, and finishes, demonstrating knowledge of style, scale, and color theory.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role, especially in a retail context, the portfolio should emphasize practical, client-focused projects. Demonstrating the ability to translate client needs into functional and beautiful spaces using available products is key. Highlighting the consultation process and space planning skills will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While the specific salary range is not provided in the listing, based on industry data for Design Consultant roles in the Columbus, OH area with 2+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $45,000 and $65,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, skills, performance, and commission structures which are common in retail design consultation roles.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Health Care Benefits starting on Day 1, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and potentially dependents.
401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.
Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick days, and personal time.
Tuition Reimbursement program to support continued education and professional development in design or related fields.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support and resources for personal and work-related issues.
Parental Leave benefits for new parents.
Paid Volunteer Hours to encourage community involvement.
Company Discounts on Ballard Designs and other QVC Group products.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. Given the retail environment and the need for client appointments, expect a flexible schedule that will include evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate customer availability. The standard work week is likely around 40 hours, but may vary based on store needs and appointment schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the Columbus, OH area with comparable experience levels. Actual compensation may include a base salary plus commission or bonuses based on design service sales and retail performance. The benefits package appears comprehensive and competitive for a full-time retail position.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail / Home Furnishings / E-commerce / Broadcasting

Company Size: QVC Group has over 10,000 employees globally, with Ballard Designs being one of its distinct brands. This size suggests a well-established company with structured processes and resources, but also potential for cross-brand collaboration and larger company initiatives.

Founded: Ballard Designs was founded in 1982. QVC Group was founded earlier. The long history suggests stability and established brand recognition within the home furnishings market.

Team Structure:

The Design Consultant reports directly to the Store Leader, indicating that the design service is closely integrated with the retail store operations.
Collaboration with other Design Consultants within the store is expected, suggesting a team-oriented approach to delivering design services and potentially sharing best practices.
Interaction with the broader retail store team (sales associates, visual merchandisers, etc.) is implied through the support responsibilities.

Methodology:

The core design methodology revolves around providing personalized consultation and space planning services using Ballard Designs' product catalog.
Emphasis on customer engagement suggests a user-centered approach focused on understanding client needs and preferences.
The requirement for external outreach indicates a proactive business development and sales component to the design process.

Company Website: https://www.qvc.com (for QVC Group) and https://www.ballarddesigns.com (for Ballard Designs)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding that Ballard Designs is part of the larger QVC Group provides context on the company's scale and potential resources. The direct reporting structure to the Store Leader highlights the retail-centric nature of the Design Consultant role within this organization. The design methodology is inherently tied to the company's product offerings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Design Consultant, requiring prior experience in interior design or consultation. It involves significant direct client interaction and responsibility for driving design service growth.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant reports to the Store Leader. This indicates a focus on achieving design service goals that align with overall store performance and objectives. Collaboration with other Design Consultants and retail staff is key.

Design Impact: Design Consultants directly impact customer satisfaction, design service revenue, and the overall brand perception of Ballard Designs within the local community. Their ability to translate client needs into successful design solutions using Ballard products is crucial.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential for advancement into senior Design Consultant roles with increased responsibility or mentorship opportunities.
Opportunities to specialize in specific design areas or client segments.
Potential for leadership roles within the design service team or broader retail management within Ballard Designs or QVC Group.
Skill development through product training, design trend education, and client management experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Consultant in a retail setting often involves honing client relationship skills, increasing sales performance, and potentially moving into management or specialized design roles within the company or brand. Success in this role could open doors to opportunities within the larger QVC Group organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: This role is primarily on-site at the Ballard Designs retail store in Columbus, OH. The work environment is a retail showroom that also serves as a design studio space for consultations.

Office Location(s): The specific hiring location is the Ballard - Columbus Retail Store in Columbus, OH. The role requires being present at this physical location for consultations and retail support.

Design Workspace Context:

The workspace is the retail store floor and potentially a dedicated design consultation area within the store.
Access to Ballard Designs' full product range for client presentations and inspiration.
Opportunities for direct interaction with customers browsing the store and potential design clients.
Collaboration with the retail team in a dynamic, customer-facing environment.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position requiring a flexible schedule that includes working during retail hours, which typically encompass evenings, weekends, and holidays. Availability for scheduled client appointments, both in-store and off-site (home visits), is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is distinctly retail-focused. Candidates should be comfortable working in a busy showroom, balancing design consultations with supporting retail operations, and adapting to a schedule that aligns with customer shopping habits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial application review focusing on relevant interior design experience, space planning skills, and retail/consultation background.
Potential phone or video screen with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss experience and fit.
Interview(s) with the Store Leader and potentially other members of the retail or design team, focusing on design process, client interaction, and teamwork.
Possible portfolio review or presentation where you walk through case studies of your design projects and explain your approach.
Discussion of your ability to support retail operations and engage with customers on the sales floor.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate residential interior design skills and space planning capabilities.
Include case studies that clearly articulate the client's needs, your design solution using relevant products (ideally in a similar style to Ballard Designs), and the project outcome.
Showcase your ability to work within budget and style constraints, common in retail design consultations.
Present your design process clearly, from initial concept to final result, emphasizing client collaboration and problem-solving.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared to discuss your approach to common design challenges, such as working with small spaces, challenging layouts, or differing client preferences.
Practice articulating your design rationale and explaining your choices clearly and concisely.
Consider how you would approach a design consultation using only Ballard Designs products, demonstrating your familiarity with the brand's aesthetic and offerings.

ATS Keywords: Interior Design, Design Consultation, Space Planning, Retail Design, Home Furnishings, Clienteling, Customer Service, Visual Merchandising, Drafting, Architectural Plans, Floor Plans, Sales Support, Community Outreach, Networking, Residential Design, Furniture Layout, Design Process, Case Study, Portfolio, Client Management, Retail Operations, Product Knowledge, Merchandising, Columbus OH.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely assess both design competency and suitability for a retail environment. Highlighting experience in client-facing roles, sales support, and comfort working with a specific product catalog will be beneficial. A portfolio demonstrating practical, residential design solutions is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Space planning software or tools (potentially proprietary to Ballard Designs or commonly used in residential design).
Basic drafting tools or software for interpreting floor plans.
Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote) for creating design boards or client presentations.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Internal communication platforms for collaborating with other Design Consultants and retail staff.
Order entry systems used within the retail store for processing client purchases.

Research & Testing:

Access to Ballard Designs' product catalog and inventory information.
Potential use of customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track client interactions and preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific high-end design software might not be explicitly required, proficiency in tools for space planning, basic drafting, and creating client presentations is expected. Familiarity with retail-specific systems for order processing and inventory would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Emphasis on elevating the guest experience through personalized and inspiring design solutions using Ballard Designs products.
Value placed on nurturing the growth of the complimentary design service as a key offering.
Commitment to external outreach and community engagement to expand market reach and build clientele.
Focus on teamwork and collaboration between Design Consultants and the broader retail staff to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

Collaborative environment within the design team, potentially involving sharing leads, best practices, and supporting each other's efforts.
Close collaboration with the retail sales team to identify potential design clients and support the overall store experience.
Interaction with clients requires strong communication, active listening, and the ability to build rapport.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be customer-centric and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on growing the design service through both in-store interactions and external efforts. Collaboration with retail staff is a significant aspect of this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing design creativity with the need to utilize a specific product catalog (Ballard Designs) for client solutions.
Managing multiple client projects and consultations simultaneously while also supporting retail operations.
Adapting design solutions to fit various client budgets, styles, and home layouts.
Proactively engaging in external outreach and networking to build a design clientele.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Continuous learning about new Ballard Designs products, collections, and design trends.
Developing stronger client relationship management and sales skills within a design context.
Opportunities to refine space planning and design visualization skills through practical application.
Potential for training and development in business development and community networking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a candidate who is adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable with both the creative and business aspects of design consultation within a retail setting. The growth opportunities align with developing both design expertise and professional skills relevant to retail and sales.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe your typical process when working with a new interior design client, from initial contact to project completion. Be prepared to discuss adaptability based on client needs.
How do you approach space planning for challenging room layouts or small spaces? Provide examples from your portfolio.
Discuss a time you had to balance a client's design preferences with practical constraints (e.g., budget, existing furniture). How did you navigate this?

Company Culture Questions:

What interests you about working as a Design Consultant for Ballard Designs specifically? (Research the brand's style and target audience.)
How do you envision collaborating with the retail store team to enhance the overall customer experience?
Discuss your experience with customer engagement and building relationships in a retail or service-oriented environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 3-5 diverse projects that best showcase your interior design and space planning skills relevant to residential spaces.
For each project, clearly explain the client's problem or goal, your design solution using products (you can reference similar styles to Ballard Designs if your portfolio doesn't include their products), and the outcome.
Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Practice walking through your portfolio smoothly, focusing on storytelling and highlighting key design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both design expertise and the ability to thrive in a retail, client-facing environment. Highlighting adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative spirit will be key. Researching Ballard Designs' aesthetic and product lines is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Customize your design portfolio to showcase relevant residential interior design projects and space planning examples, ideally with case studies detailing your process.
Optimize your resume to highlight experience in interior design, design consultation, space planning, clienteling, and any relevant retail or sales support roles, using keywords found in the job description.
Prepare for the interview by practicing articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects, and demonstrating how your skills align with the requirements of a Design Consultant in a retail setting.
Research Ballard Designs and the QVC Group to understand their brand, products, and company culture, and be prepared to discuss your interest in working for them.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Design Consultant (Ballard)