Associate Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Consultant Company: Ethan Allen Global Inc Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Sales & Design Operations Date Posted: October 14, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is an entry-level role designed to develop skills in interior design, sales, and client relationship management within a premium furniture retail environment.
• Focuses on learning and mastering Ethan Allen's proprietary technology and extensive product catalog to support senior Design Consultants and drive sales.
• Involves direct customer interaction, providing initial design consultations, processing sales transactions, and ensuring exceptional client service throughout the sales cycle.
• Operates as a foundational role with a clear path for advancement to a Design Consultant position within a defined training period.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an "Associate" level, indicating a strong emphasis on training and development. The "Design Consultant" title implies a blend of sales and creative operations, requiring proficiency in both client management and spatial planning. The company's emphasis on "75% of our custom-crafted products in our North American workshops" suggests a need for understanding manufacturing lead times and custom order processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Greet and engage customers entering the Design Center, establishing rapport and offering initial design assistance or sales support.
• Conduct limited design-related consultations and execute sales transactions for take-with items, direct-ship accents, and potentially furniture sales under management direction.
• Assist Design Consultants with project development, including attending client consultations (home calls), preparing space plans, selecting products, generating quotes, and creating sketches or renderings.
• Set up and dismantle client presentations, prepare custom soft goods quotes, and provide hospitality and support during client meetings.
• Educate customers on Ethan Allen's complimentary interior design services and available financing options to facilitate sales.
• Introduce qualified prospects to Design Consultants, effectively communicating their expertise and referring clients to online bios/portfolios, or scheduling appointments.
• Enter orders and quotes accurately into the retail point-of-sale (POS) system.
• Communicate with clients regarding appointments, order status, and any potential delays, via telephone and email.
• Participate actively in all corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs to stay current on trends and company initiatives.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of design and color trends to propose fashionable and relevant design solutions.
• Utilize corporate systems and technology efficiently for project design, presentation creation, and overall professional client service.
• Operate the information desk, manage incoming calls, provide customer service, and administer the client rotation system.
• Support visual merchandising efforts by replenishing stock on the showroom floor and assisting with inventory receiving and bar-coding.
• Maintain the neatness and orderliness of the Design Center, including daily maintenance of floor displays.
• Provide clerical support to Design Consultants, including filing, updating price pages, and managing follow-up correspondence.
• Offer exceptional post-sale service by keeping clients informed of order status and promptly addressing any issues.
• Update master and design center price pages, product books, and fabric sample inventory.
• Order and distribute memo fabric swatches for Design Consultants' clients.
• Perform other duties as required, including working overtime as needed.
• Additional Location-Specific Responsibilities: Reconcile cash and credit card transactions, manage petty cash, and perform clerical duties for daily business operations. Review and control open order reports and workroom logs, communicating updates to design teams. Manage incoming customer communications, research, and resolve inquiries, identifying recurring issues. Handle customer service requests and follow up on clerical orders and delayed shipments. Process cancellations and merchandise returns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Additional Responsibilities" section highlights a potential for the Associate Design Consultant to be involved in back-office operations, including financial reconciliation and detailed order tracking. This suggests a need for strong organizational and administrative skills beyond core design and sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Interior Design or a related field from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• Previous internship or experience with a professional design firm or design-retail organization is required.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in retail sales is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, space planning, and current design trends.
• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to engage customers, identify needs, present solutions, and close sales, with a focus on consultative selling.
• Customer Service Excellence: Skill in building rapport, providing exceptional client experiences, and managing customer inquiries and issues with professionalism.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, maintain detailed records, and ensure accuracy in order entry and client communication.
• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions, internal team collaboration, and maintaining client records.
• Technology Utilization: Aptitude for learning and effectively using proprietary design software, POS systems, and other digital tools for presentations and order management.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with Design Consultants, management, and other team members to achieve collective goals.
• Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify and resolve customer issues, address order discrepancies, and find creative solutions within design and operational constraints.
• Positive Attitude & Professionalism: A proactive, energetic demeanor, stylish professional appearance, and a genuine desire to learn and grow within the company.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Sales Experience: Demonstrated success in a retail sales environment, particularly in furniture or home furnishings.
• Presentation Skills: Ability to create compelling visual presentations and articulate design concepts clearly to clients.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage time to balance client consultations, project development, administrative tasks, and showroom support.
• Relationship Building: Skill in cultivating long-term client relationships based on trust and exceptional service.
• Clerical Proficiency: Experience with administrative tasks, data entry, and record-keeping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or a related field, combined with preferred retail sales experience, positions this as a role that values both creative talent and commercial aptitude. The emphasis on learning proprietary technology suggests that adaptability and a willingness to be trained on specific systems are crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: Examples of interior design projects, demonstrating spatial planning, product selection, and aesthetic vision. Visualizations (sketches, renderings, mood boards) are highly valued.
• Client Engagement Case Studies: Brief descriptions of how you approached client needs, presented solutions, and managed the design process from initial consultation to project completion.
• Sales Transaction Experience: While not a formal portfolio item, be prepared to discuss your experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems and handling sales transactions, emphasizing accuracy and customer satisfaction.
• Process Improvement Contributions: If applicable, highlight any instances where you identified inefficiencies in previous roles and proposed or implemented process improvements, particularly in client management or workflow.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design Understanding: Demonstrate an understanding of typical design and sales workflows, from client onboarding and needs assessment to proposal generation, order processing, and post-sale follow-up.
• System Implementation Familiarity: While this is a learning role, familiarity with how CRM systems, POS systems, and design software integrate to support these workflows is beneficial.
• Metrics and Performance Analysis: Be prepared to discuss how the success of design and sales efforts can be measured, such as client satisfaction scores, sales conversion rates, average transaction value, and project completion timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate Design Consultant, a formal portfolio might be less critical than demonstrating potential and foundational skills. The emphasis should be on showcasing design thinking, client interaction examples, and a willingness to learn and adapt to Ethan Allen's established processes and systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The hourly rate for this position ranges from $20.00 to $24.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Incentive: In addition to the hourly rate, the Associate Design Consultant is eligible to earn a monthly incentive, suggesting a performance-based component tied to sales targets or client engagement metrics.

Benefits: Ethan Allen offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of its associates. Key benefits include:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Health & Wellness: Multiple Medical Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage, Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions, Dental Plan, and Vision Plan.
• Insurance: Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D Insurance, Dependent Group Term Life Insurance, and Business Travel Accident Life Insurance.
• Income Protection: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Financial Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Health Care and Dependent Care, and Commuter Saving Plans for Public Transit & Parking.
• Voluntary Benefits: Voluntary Whole Life Insurance, Voluntary Critical Care Insurance, and Voluntary Accident Insurance.
• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours: Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as outlined in the incentive plan. This role typically requires a 40-hour work week, with potential for overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The $20-$24/hour range for an entry-level Associate Design Consultant role in Fort Wayne, Indiana, aligns with industry standards for positions requiring specialized education and client-facing responsibilities. The inclusion of a monthly incentive indicates a performance-driven compensation structure. The extensive benefits package reflects Ethan Allen's commitment to employee welfare.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings & Interior Design Retail. Ethan Allen operates as a leading interior design destination, blending technology with personalized service in the premium furniture market. Company Size: Ethan Allen Global Inc. is a significant player in the furniture industry, with a global network of Design Centers. While specific employee numbers fluctuate, it indicates a well-established, large-scale retail and manufacturing enterprise. Founded: Over 90 years ago. This long history signifies stability, a deep-rooted reputation for quality and craftsmanship, and a strong understanding of the market.

Team Structure:

• Design Center Focus: The role is embedded within a Design Center, a retail environment that serves as both a showroom and a client consultation hub.
• Reporting Hierarchy: The Associate Design Consultant works under the direction of Retail Management and closely collaborates with experienced Design Consultants.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect collaboration with other Design Consultants, potentially visual merchandisers, and back-office support staff (as indicated by additional responsibilities). The company's emphasis on "personal service" suggests a strong client-centric approach across all teams.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: The core methodology revolves around providing complimentary interior design services tailored to individual client needs and preferences.
• Technology Integration: Utilizes state-of-the-art technology alongside personal service to enhance the client experience, from design visualization to order management.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on the quality and custom craftsmanship of products, with a significant portion manufactured in-house.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as "America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer" by Newsweek highlights a commitment to high standards and customer satisfaction. The blend of "state-of-the-art technology with personal service" indicates an environment where operational efficiency meets a high-touch client experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, developmental role. The "Associate" title signifies a focus on learning foundational sales, design, and client management skills within the retail operations framework. The explicit 6-month training period with a clear promotion path to "Design Consultant" is a key indicator of its developmental nature.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Consultant reports to Retail Management and works under the mentorship of experienced Design Consultants. This structure provides direct guidance and opportunities for hands-on learning from seasoned professionals.

Operations Impact: While an associate role, the impact is significant in supporting the overall sales pipeline and client experience. By effectively engaging walk-in clients, assisting senior consultants, and ensuring smooth operational processes (like order entry and client communication), they contribute directly to revenue generation and customer satisfaction, which are critical GTM (Go-To-Market) metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Direct Advancement: The primary growth path is promotion to Design Consultant within 6 months, involving increased responsibility, client ownership, and sales targets.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in interior design principles, product knowledge, sales techniques, and the use of advanced design software and CRM tools.
• Client Relationship Management: Building a client base and developing long-term relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals.
• Potential for Specialization: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to specialize in specific design styles, product categories, or client segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The structured training period and clear promotion criteria to Design Consultant are significant growth indicators. This role is designed not just for immediate contribution but as a pipeline for developing future sales and design leaders within Ethan Allen's GTM strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Design Center. This is a customer-facing showroom environment that also serves as a workspace for design consultants and support staff. It combines product display areas with consultation spaces and administrative workstations.

Office Location(s): Fort Wayne, Indiana. Being on-site means direct engagement with the physical showroom and its clientele.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: A dynamic environment where interaction with clients and colleagues is frequent. The open layout of a design center encourages collaboration and shared learning.
• Technology Integration: Access to Ethan Allen's proprietary design software, POS systems, and other digital tools is essential for daily tasks and client presentations.
• Client Interaction Hub: The primary workspace is centered around customer engagement, whether through direct consultation, assisting other consultants, or managing showroom flow.

Work Schedule: Requires flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as per the incentive plan. This is typical for retail environments focused on maximizing customer accessibility. A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and customer-facing nature of the role mean that adaptability to a retail schedule and a professional, client-ready demeanor are paramount. The workspace supports a blend of individual project work and team-based client interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and application for alignment with education, experience, and core skills.
• In-Person Interview(s): Expect interviews with hiring managers and potentially senior Design Consultants. These will assess your personality, communication style, design aptitude, and sales potential.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a design concept, discuss a past project, or respond to a customer scenario to evaluate your problem-solving and design thinking.
• Portfolio Review (if applicable): If you have a formal portfolio, be prepared to walk through key projects, explaining your design process, client considerations, and outcomes. For an Associate role, demonstrating potential through examples of design thinking and client interaction is key.
• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluating your alignment with Ethan Allen's values, emphasis on quality, customer service, and teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: For an Associate role, showcase your thought process, not just the final product. Explain how you approach a design challenge, consider client needs, and select products.
• Demonstrate Learning Aptitude: Highlight projects where you learned new skills or overcame challenges. This shows your potential to grow into the Design Consultant role.
• Visual Appeal: Ensure any visual elements are well-organized, clear, and professionally presented.
• Client-Centric Examples: If possible, include examples that show how you tailored designs to specific client requirements or preferences.
• Sales Integration: If you have sales experience, subtly weave in how design skills support sales objectives and vice-versa.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical client request, considering budget, style preferences, and space constraints.
• Product Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Ethan Allen's product lines, customization options, and quality standards. Anticipate questions about how you would present these to clients.
• Sales Approach: Practice articulating the value of Ethan Allen's complimentary design services and financing options.
• Problem-Solving: Prepare for scenarios where you might need to handle a difficult customer request or a design challenge, focusing on solutions and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is an Associate role, the interview process will likely focus heavily on potential, trainability, and foundational skills rather than extensive prior experience. Demonstrating enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the company's mission is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Ethan Allen Proprietary Design Software: This is a critical tool for creating space plans, renderings, and product selections. Proficiency in learning and utilizing this system is paramount.
• Retail Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for entering orders, quotes, processing payments, and managing transactions. Accuracy and efficiency are key.
• CRM System: Likely used for client management, tracking interactions, scheduling appointments, and managing the client rotation system. Familiarity with CRM principles is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: Internal systems for tracking individual and Design Center sales performance, conversion rates, and incentive earnings.
• Inventory Management Systems: Used for tracking stock levels, replenishing showroom displays, and assisting with receiving inventory.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Communication Platforms: Standard business tools like email and phone systems are used extensively for client outreach and follow-up.
• Internal Communication Tools: Potentially platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or other internal messaging systems for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific names of proprietary software are not provided, the emphasis on "utilizing corporate systems and technology to maximize efficiency" highlights the need for candidates to be tech-savvy and quick learners of new platforms. Familiarity with CRM concepts and POS operations will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A paramount value, focusing on providing exceptional, personalized service throughout the design and sales process.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: A deep-seated respect for the quality and custom nature of Ethan Allen products, influencing design recommendations and client education.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: The success of the Design Center relies on the collective effort of consultants and support staff, emphasizing mutual support and shared goals.
• Continuous Learning & Development: A commitment to staying current with design trends, product knowledge, and technological advancements, as evidenced by the structured training program.
• Professionalism & Style: Maintaining a stylish, professional appearance and demeanor that reflects the premium nature of the brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Mentorship-Driven: An environment where senior Design Consultants mentor and guide Associate Design Consultants, fostering knowledge transfer.
• Cross-Functional Support: Expectation to support colleagues, whether assisting with presentations, managing showroom flow, or handling administrative tasks.
• Client-Focused Teamwork: All team efforts are ultimately directed towards delivering outstanding client experiences and driving sales.
• Process Adherence: Working collaboratively to maintain efficient operational processes, from initial client contact to order fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "entrepreneurial drive" and "building long-lasting relationships" suggests a culture that values initiative, client loyalty, and personal investment in customer success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sales & Design: Effectively merging the consultative aspects of interior design with the direct responsibilities of sales and transaction processing.
• Learning Curve: Mastering Ethan Allen's extensive product catalog, customization options, proprietary design software, and sales processes within a short timeframe.
• Client Management: Handling diverse client needs, expectations, and potential objections while representing a premium brand.
• Pace of Retail: Adapting to the dynamic environment of a retail showroom, including managing walk-in traffic, supporting multiple consultants, and working varied hours.
• Performance Metrics: Meeting sales targets and performance goals to secure promotion to Design Consultant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training Programs: Participation in corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs designed to enhance design, sales, and product knowledge.
• On-the-Job Mentorship: Direct guidance and learning from experienced Design Consultants and Retail Management.
• Product Immersion: Gaining in-depth knowledge of Ethan Allen's furniture, accent pieces, fabrics, and custom options.
• System Proficiency: Developing expertise in using specialized design software and CRM/POS systems.
• Career Progression: A clear pathway to advance into a full Design Consultant role, with increased autonomy and earning potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the rapid development required to transition from Associate to Design Consultant. Overcoming this requires proactive learning, strong work ethic, and effective utilization of training resources.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Approach: "Describe your process for approaching a new interior design project, from initial client contact to final presentation." (Focus on client needs assessment, space planning, and product selection.)
• Sales & Service Integration: "How would you balance providing excellent design consultation with the need to close sales and meet performance targets?" (Highlight consultative selling and value proposition.)
• Problem-Solving Scenario: "Imagine a client is unhappy with a fabric selection for custom upholstery. How would you handle this situation?" (Emphasize empathy, problem-solving, and company policy adherence.)
• Technology Aptitude: "Describe your experience with design software or CRM systems. How quickly do you typically adapt to new technology?" (Showcase learning ability and relevant past tool usage.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "Why are you interested in Ethan Allen specifically, and how do you see yourself contributing to our brand reputation for quality and design excellence?" (Research company values, history, and market position.)
• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal. How do you handle collaboration in a busy retail environment?" (Provide examples of supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive team dynamic.)
• Motivation: "What motivates you in a retail sales and design role, and what are your career aspirations within this field?" (Connect personal drivers to the role's opportunities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Potential: For an Associate role, highlight projects that demonstrate your design eye, problem-solving skills, and understanding of client needs, even if they are academic or personal projects.
• Explain Your "Why": For each project, articulate the design challenges, your approach, and the rationale behind your choices.
• Showcase Process: Include mood boards, sketches, or space plans to illustrate your design thinking.
• Discuss Client Interaction: If you have client experience, describe how you managed their expectations and incorporated their feedback.
• Enthusiasm for Learning: Clearly express your eagerness to learn Ethan Allen's specific systems, products, and design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess your ability to translate creative talent into commercial success. Demonstrating a customer-first mindset and a proactive approach to learning will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.dayforcehcm.com.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or a related field, any relevant internships or design firm experience, and specific retail sales achievements. Quantify your accomplishments where possible (e.g., sales targets met, client satisfaction improvements).
• Prepare Design Examples: If you have a portfolio, ensure it's well-organized and ready to present. If not, be prepared to discuss design projects from your education or personal experience, focusing on your process and rationale.
• Research Ethan Allen: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, design philosophy, current trends they feature, and their emphasis on complimentary design services. Understand their market position as a premium retailer.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions related to customer service, sales, design challenges, and teamwork, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable.

⚠️ 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.

---