Design Consultant Full Time at QVC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant Full Time

Company: QVC

Location: Ballard - Greenville Retail Store (Greenville, SC)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design / Retail Design

Date Posted: June 10, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Elevate the in-store and virtual guest experience through expert interior design consultation and personalized design solutions.
Drive the growth of the complimentary design service by nurturing client relationships and providing tailored space planning and design advice.
Actively engage with the local community to promote Ballard Designs' services and expand market reach through networking and outreach initiatives.
Collaborate with the retail team to support overall store operations, including visual merchandising, product knowledge training, and maintaining store standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the "Design Consultant" title and responsibilities like "elevating guest experience," "nurturing growth of complimentary design service," and "space planning," this role is primarily focused on providing interior design expertise within a retail environment, blending design consultation with sales support and community engagement. The category has been refined to reflect this blend of Interior Design and Retail Design.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Provide expert interior design consultation for scheduled appointments (in-studio and home visits), virtual consultations, and impromptu "on-demand" design support for retail guests.
Develop comprehensive space plans and design layouts, utilizing basic drafting skills and the ability to interpret architectural and floor plans to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Proactively identify, network with, and engage local organizations, businesses, and community groups to promote the complimentary design service and distribute marketing materials.
Support the retail store team by assisting with order entry, contributing to visual floorsets and merchandising execution, reinforcing store maintenance standards, and participating in product training activities.
Conduct in-home design consultations with established guests, requiring a valid driver's license and the ability to travel to client locations.
Maintain a strong understanding of Ballard Designs' product catalog, materials, and customization options to effectively guide client selections and create cohesive design plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to include more specific design-related tasks such as developing space plans, utilizing drafting skills, and understanding product catalogs, aligning with the core function of an interior design consultant role within a retail context. The community outreach aspect has also been highlighted as a key responsibility for market expansion.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree or certification in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related creative field is highly preferred and often foundational for developing the required design expertise and technical skills like space planning and drafting. Equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong portfolio and theoretical knowledge may be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience directly in interior design, design consultation, or a closely related field. Experience should include a track record of successfully working with clients on design projects, developing design concepts, and demonstrating proficiency in space planning and reading architectural plans. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant design projects and client work is essential for demonstrating practical experience.

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in Interior Design principles, including color theory, spatial relationships, furniture arrangement, and material selection.
Strong Design Consultation skills with the ability to understand client needs, articulate design concepts effectively, and build rapport.
Proficiency in Space Planning and creating functional and aesthetically pleasing layouts for various residential spaces.
Basic Drafting skills and the ability to read and interpret architectural plans and floor plans accurately.
Excellent Customer Service and guest engagement skills, with a focus on creating a positive and inspiring experience.
Ability to manage scheduled appointments and "on-demand" design requests efficiently.
Strong Team Collaboration skills to effectively support and integrate with the retail store team.
Event Planning or coordination experience relevant to organizing design-focused community outreach events.

Preferred Skills:

Experience utilizing design software or tools for space planning and visualization (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, 3D rendering software).
Familiarity with retail operations, visual merchandising principles, and inventory management systems.
Proven Networking abilities within local communities and professional organizations.
Experience in developing and delivering product training or design workshops.
Knowledge of current interior design trends, styles, and market offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Education requirements are inferred based on industry standards for design consultant roles requiring technical skills like drafting and space planning. Preferred skills related to design software and retail operations are added to provide a more comprehensive view of desirable qualifications for this specific role within a retail design context.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include case studies of interior design projects showcasing your design process from initial concept to completion.
Demonstrate your ability to develop comprehensive space plans and furniture layouts.
Present examples of mood boards, material palettes, and furniture selections that reflect your design aesthetic and understanding of different styles.
Showcase your ability to work within client constraints and deliver functional and beautiful designs.

Process Documentation:

Document your approach to client consultations, including how you gather requirements and understand their design preferences.
Illustrate your ideation process, showing initial sketches, digital renderings, or other methods used to develop design concepts.
Explain how you incorporate client feedback and iterate on designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to highlight the specific skills mentioned in the job description, such as space planning and consultation. Emphasis is placed on showcasing the design process and client interaction aspects relevant to a design consultant role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While the specific salary is not provided, based on the location (Greenville, SC), the experience level (Mid-Level, 2+ years), and the nature of the role (Design Consultant in a retail environment), a competitive salary range for a full-time Design Consultant in this region is estimated to be between $45,000 and $65,000 annually. This estimate is based on regional salary data for interior design and retail design roles, taking into account the cost of living in Greenville, SC, and typical compensation structures for similar positions within the retail design sector. Exact compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and performance.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Health Care Benefits package available starting on the first day of employment, including medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.
Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal time, providing work-life balance.
Tuition Reimbursement program to support continuous learning and professional development in relevant fields like design or business.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.
Parental Leave benefits to support new parents.
Paid Volunteer Hours to encourage community involvement and social responsibility.
Company Discounts on Ballard Designs and other Cornerstone brands' products.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position requiring availability for a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate retail store operating hours and client appointment availability. The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, but may vary based on business needs and appointment schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range estimate is provided based on regional market data for design consultant roles in retail. The methodology involves researching average salaries for similar positions in Greenville, SC, considering the listed experience level and the specific responsibilities of the role, and cross-referencing with industry benchmarks for retail design consultants. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are presented clearly for design candidates.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail / Home Furnishings. Ballard Designs is part of the Cornerstone brands under QVC Group, focusing on curated home furnishings and decor. This positions the design role within a large retail and media organization, influencing product selection and customer experience in the home goods market.

Company Size: QVC Group is a large public company with over 10,001 employees globally. Ballard Designs, as part of this group, benefits from the resources and infrastructure of a large corporation while maintaining its distinct brand identity. For a Design Consultant, this means potential for structured career paths and access to extensive company resources.

Founded: Ballard Designs was founded in 1982. This history suggests a mature brand with established design aesthetics and a significant presence in the home furnishings market.

Team Structure:

The Design Consultant reports directly to the Store Leader, indicating a close integration with the retail store operations and management team.
Collaboration with other Design Consultants is expected to promote services and support community outreach, suggesting a team-oriented design environment within the store.
The role also involves supporting the broader retail store team in various capacities, highlighting a cross-functional collaborative structure.

Methodology:

The design methodology is likely focused on providing personalized interior design solutions for retail customers, emphasizing space planning and product selection from the Ballard Designs catalog.
Consultations may involve both in-store (Studio) and in-home visits, suggesting a flexible approach to understanding client needs and applying design principles.
Community outreach implies a focus on proactive engagement and building relationships to generate design service business.

Company Website: http://www.qvcgrp.com (for QVC Group) and presumably a separate site for Ballard Designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Company and design culture details are inferred from the provided company description and the context of the retail environment. The team structure and design methodology are interpreted based on the reporting lines and key responsibilities outlined in the job description, emphasizing the integration of design services within the retail store operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This position is categorized as Mid-Level, requiring a minimum of 2 years of prior experience in interior design or a related field. The role involves significant responsibility for client interaction, design execution, and contributing to the growth of the design service, placing it beyond an entry-level position.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant reports to the Store Leader, indicating a direct link to the retail store management and operations. This structure suggests that performance will be evaluated not only on design expertise but also on contributions to store goals and design service revenue.

Design Impact: Design Consultants have a direct impact on the guest experience and the success of the complimentary design service. Their ability to provide effective design solutions directly influences customer satisfaction, sales conversion, and repeat business for the design service and the store. Community outreach efforts also contribute to brand visibility and market penetration for the design services.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunity for advancement within the Design Consultant track, potentially leading to senior consultant roles or leadership positions within the design service as it grows.
Potential for cross-functional growth within the broader QVC Group organization, exploring roles in merchandising, product development, or retail management.
Skill development in areas like advanced design software, project management, and business development through experience and company-provided training or tuition reimbursement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career level is assessed based on the stated experience requirement. The reporting structure and design impact are analyzed based on the job description's details. Growth opportunities are inferred based on the company's size and the nature of the role within a large retail organization, suggesting both vertical and horizontal career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Retail Store Environment. The primary work location is the Ballard Designs retail store in Greenville, SC. This implies a dynamic, customer-facing environment that combines design consultation spaces (likely a design studio area within the store) with the broader retail floor.

Office Location(s): The specific hiring location is the Ballard - Greenville Retail Store. A valid driver's license is required for conducting off-site home visits to clients, extending the work environment beyond the physical store location.

Design Workspace Context:

The work environment likely includes a dedicated design studio area within the retail store where consultations take place, with access to product samples, fabric swatches, and design tools.
Collaboration spaces are integrated within the retail environment, facilitating interaction with the retail team and other Design Consultants.
The workspace is designed to inspire creativity and provide a comfortable setting for client consultations.

Work Schedule: The role requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to align with retail store hours and accommodate client availability for consultations and home visits. This is typical for retail-based design roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Assumptions about the work environment are made based on the role being located within a retail store and the requirement for home visits. The description of the workspace context is a reasonable inference for a design consultant operating within a retail setting, emphasizing areas for consultation and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening interview (likely HR or Talent Acquisition) to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit within the retail environment.
Interview(s) with the Store Leader and potentially a Regional Design Manager or peer Design Consultant to discuss design experience, client consultation skills, and fit within the team.
A portfolio review and presentation will be a critical part of the process, where candidates will walk through selected case studies demonstrating their design process, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.
Potential for a practical exercise or discussion related to space planning or a design challenge relevant to Ballard Designs' product offerings.
Final interview focusing on behavioral questions, team collaboration, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights interior design projects, focusing on residential spaces if possible.
Include case studies that clearly outline your design process, from initial client brief and concept development to final execution and results.
Emphasize projects that demonstrate your space planning skills and ability to work with furniture and decor selections.
Be prepared to discuss your approach to client consultations, how you manage client expectations, and how you incorporate feedback.
Showcase your ability to create mood boards, material palettes, and present design concepts effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

If a design challenge is part of the process, it may involve a scenario related to space planning for a typical residential room using Ballard Designs products.
Be prepared to articulate your design rationale, explain your choices of furniture and decor, and justify your layout decisions.
Practice presenting your design concepts clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to a client.

ATS Keywords: Interior Design, Design Consultant, Space Planning, Drafting, Architectural Plans, Floor Plans, Client Consultation, Retail Design, Visual Merchandising, Customer Service, Community Outreach, Networking, Event Planning, Home Furnishings, Decor, Residential Design, Design Process, Portfolio, Case Study, Collaboration, Sales Support, Product Knowledge, Greenville SC, Full-Time, Ballard Designs, QVC.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is inferred based on typical hiring practices for design roles in a retail environment, emphasizing portfolio review, assessment of consultation skills, and cultural fit. Specific preparation tips for portfolio review and potential design challenges are provided based on the role's requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

While specific software is not mentioned, proficiency in tools for space planning and basic drafting is required. This could include traditional drafting tools or digital software.
Familiarity with presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides) for presenting design concepts and portfolio case studies.
Potential use of digital tools for creating mood boards and material palettes.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Communication tools for collaborating with the retail team and other Design Consultants (e.g., email, internal messaging systems).
Systems for order entry and potentially client management within the retail operational framework.

Research & Testing:

Tools for gathering client requirements during consultations.
Access to the Ballard Designs product catalog and potentially internal resources for product information and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are inferred based on the required skills (drafting, space planning) and the retail environment. Emphasis is placed on tools relevant to design consultation and retail operations, acknowledging that specific software may not be explicitly listed but are necessary for the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Focus on elevating the guest experience through personalized and inspiring design solutions, aligning with Ballard Designs' brand promise.
Emphasis on nurturing client relationships and providing complimentary design services that add value and drive business.
Value placed on community engagement and outreach to expand the reach of the design service.
Collaboration and support within the retail team, contributing to a positive and efficient store environment.

Collaboration Style:

Collaborative approach within the design consultant team to share best practices and support community outreach efforts.
Close collaboration with the retail store team for operational support, visual merchandising, and product training.
Client-focused collaboration during consultations, working closely with guests to understand their needs and develop tailored design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Design culture and values are inferred from the job description's emphasis on guest experience, design service growth, community outreach, and team collaboration within the retail setting. The collaboration style is interpreted based on the different teams the Design Consultant will interact with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing scheduled design appointments with "on-demand" design support for walk-in retail guests.
Effectively managing time and resources to conduct both in-store and off-site home visits.
Continuously staying updated on Ballard Designs' product inventory, new arrivals, and customization options.
Developing and executing successful community outreach strategies to generate new design service clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunity to refine and expand interior design skills through practical application and client work.
Development of business development and networking skills through community outreach initiatives.
Potential for training and development in retail operations, visual merchandising, and sales techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Design challenges are identified based on the logistical and operational aspects of a design consultant role in a retail environment with off-site responsibilities. Learning and development opportunities are linked to the challenges and the multifaceted nature of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

"Describe your typical interior design process from initial client contact to project completion, specifically how you would adapt this for a retail consultation setting." Be prepared to walk through a case study from your portfolio.
"How do you approach space planning for a challenging room layout? Provide an example from your experience."
"Explain your method for selecting furniture and decor for a client based on their style preferences and the available product catalog."

Company Culture Questions:

"How do you envision contributing to the growth of our complimentary design service within the local community?"
"Describe your experience collaborating with a retail or sales team to achieve shared goals."
"How do you approach providing excellent customer service in a design consultation setting?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 3-4 diverse case studies that showcase your interior design skills, space planning abilities, and client interaction experience.
For each case study, clearly articulate the client's needs, your design process, the solutions you developed, and the final outcome.
Be prepared to discuss how you would apply similar design principles and processes using Ballard Designs' products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess design process knowledge, client interaction skills, and alignment with the retail and community-focused aspects of the role. Portfolio presentation strategy focuses on demonstrating relevant experience through case studies and connecting it to the context of Ballard Designs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link.
Prepare a tailored resume highlighting your interior design experience, space planning skills, client consultation abilities, and any relevant retail or community engagement experience. Optimize your resume with keywords from the ATS Keywords list provided above.
Curate a design portfolio (digital format is recommended) showcasing your best interior design projects, particularly those demonstrating your process, space planning, and client interaction. Ensure case studies are clear and concise.
Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your design decisions and process effectively. Be prepared to discuss your approach to client consultations and problem-solving.
Research Ballard Designs' style, product offerings, and target audience to understand how your design expertise aligns with their brand.

⚠️ 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 Full Time