Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant Company: Explore RH Careers Location: Seattle, Washington, United States Job Type: Full Time Category: Sales & Customer Service / Design Date Posted: October 21, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a primary point of contact for high-net-worth clients within a luxury retail environment, leveraging expert product knowledge and exceptional clienteling skills to drive sales and cultivate long-term relationships.
• Collaborate closely with RH Interior Design teams to translate client visions into tangible design solutions, ensuring a seamless and elevated customer experience from initial consultation through final product delivery.
• Proactively manage all aspects of the client lifecycle, including lead qualification, needs assessment, proposal development, order processing, and post-delivery follow-up, with a strong emphasis on achieving individual and team fiscal targets.
• Uphold and embody the RH lifestyle brand through impeccable personal presentation, sophisticated communication, and a deep understanding of luxury market trends and interior design principles.
• Contribute to maintaining the aesthetic integrity and visual merchandising standards of the RH Gallery, ensuring an inspiring and cohesive brand experience for all visitors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an "Interior Design Consultant" but the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean towards a high-end retail sales and client relationship management role with a strong interior design component. The emphasis on "fiscal goals," "clientele," and "product delivery" points to a sales-driven function within the design context, rather than a pure design execution role. The "2-5 years" experience level and "Mid-Level" designation align with this hybrid sales and design consultant profile.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage with walk-in clientele in the RH Gallery, providing a luxury experience through expert product knowledge and elevated service, identifying design needs and opportunities.
• Qualify and educate potential clients on the comprehensive services offered by RH Interior Design, effectively communicating the value proposition and tailored solutions.
• Take ownership of the entire client journey, managing all phases from initial contact and needs assessment to final product selection, order placement, and successful delivery coordination.
• Proactively cultivate and maintain a robust client base through personalized follow-up, exceptional service, and strategic relationship-building, fostering repeat business and referrals.
• Achieve and exceed individual sales targets and fiscal goals, contributing to the overall revenue objectives of the RH Gallery and Interior Design division.
• Represent the RH lifestyle brand consistently through professional demeanor, articulate communication, and an impeccable personal appearance that aligns with luxury market expectations.
• Maintain a keen interest and up-to-date knowledge of the luxury home furnishings market, current design trends, and the broader interior design industry.
• Support the visual and quality standards of the RH Gallery, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and well-maintained environment that reflects the brand's commitment to taste and design excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a blend of sales acumen and design consultation. The role requires a proactive approach to client acquisition and retention, direct ownership of the sales cycle, and a deep understanding of luxury retail operations. Emphasis is placed on achieving financial targets while delivering an unparalleled luxury client experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Art, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience in luxury retail or design may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a client-facing role within a design firm, high-end furniture retail, or luxury goods sector.
• Demonstrated success in managing client relationships and driving sales outcomes in a premium environment.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Acumen: Strong understanding of design principles, aesthetics, and luxury home furnishings.
• Luxury Service Excellence: Proven ability to deliver an exceptional, high-touch client experience tailored to discerning clientele.
• Client Relationship Management: Skilled in building rapport, understanding client needs, and fostering long-term loyalty.
• Sales Acumen & Results Orientation: Demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed sales targets through effective sales techniques and a results-driven mindset.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to articulate design concepts and build trust.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple client projects, prioritize tasks, and maintain detailed records.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a team, particularly in partnership with interior design professionals.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess client needs, identify opportunities, and develop tailored design solutions.
• Tech Proficiency: Proficient in Mac Operating System, iOS devices, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Google Applications.

Preferred Skills:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactive approach to identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Visual Merchandising Awareness: Understanding of showroom presentation and visual standards.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep appreciation for the luxury and design industry, with a passion for staying current on trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a need for individuals who are not only design-savvy but also possess strong sales and client management capabilities. Proficiency in specific software (Mac OS, MS Office, Google Apps) is crucial for daily operations and client management. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a need for candidates who can operate with a degree of autonomy but may still benefit from guidance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successful client projects, demonstrating a progression from initial client brief to final design solution and implementation.
• Highlight projects that emphasize your ability to understand and cater to client-specific tastes and lifestyle needs within a luxury context.
• Include case studies that illustrate how you managed client relationships throughout the design and purchasing process, from initial contact to product delivery.
• Present examples of how you have translated client requirements into actionable design recommendations and product selections.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their approach to client qualification and needs assessment, detailing how they gather essential information.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the sales cycle within a luxury retail environment, from lead generation to closing and post-sale follow-up.
• Explain your methodology for managing client projects, including task prioritization, timeline management, and coordination with internal design teams.
• Be prepared to discuss how you track client interactions and sales performance, utilizing CRM or similar systems effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be explicitly requested for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to client management and project execution. The focus is on demonstrating a structured, client-centric process for handling design consultations and sales within a luxury retail setting. Experience with CRM systems for tracking client interactions and sales performance is implicitly required.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Interior Design Consultants with 2-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Seattle, the estimated annual base salary range is approximately $65,000 - $85,000. This range is exclusive of potential commission, bonuses, or other performance-based incentives, which are common in luxury retail sales roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), with potential company match.
• Employee discount on RH products, reflecting the brand's luxury positioning.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in design and sales.
• Potential for commission-based earnings, structured to reward high performance in sales and client acquisition.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Working hours will likely include weekends and evenings to accommodate client availability and gallery operating hours, reflecting the demands of a luxury retail environment. Flexibility is expected to meet business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Salary.com data for similar roles in Seattle, WA, considering the "Mid-Level" experience and the luxury retail sector. The inclusion of commission and a strong emphasis on "fiscal goals" in the job description suggests that total compensation could be significantly higher than the base salary. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the retail and design industries.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Home Furnishings & Retail. RH operates at the intersection of high-end interior design, bespoke furniture manufacturing, and aspirational lifestyle branding, positioning itself as a thought leader and taste maker in the global market.

Company Size: Large enterprise (typically 5,000+ employees, based on RH's known scale). This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes, larger teams, and potential for internal mobility.

Founded: RH (Restoration Hardware) was founded in 1979. The company has undergone significant transformation, evolving from a traditional home furnishings retailer to a luxury brand focused on "curating and selling spaces" and building an integrated ecosystem.

Team Structure:

• The Interior Design Consultant will operate within a RH Gallery environment, likely reporting to a Gallery Manager or Design Director.
• They will collaborate closely with a team of other Design Consultants and RH Interior Designers, forming a dedicated sales and design unit.
• Cross-functional collaboration will extend to gallery operations staff, logistics, and potentially corporate design teams for specialized projects.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Client Engagement: Utilizing client data and purchase history to personalize recommendations and service.
• Taste-Making & Curation: Emphasizing RH's unique aesthetic and curatorial approach to design solutions.
• Integrated Ecosystem Approach: Understanding how products, services, and spaces work together to create a holistic client experience.
• Performance-Oriented Culture: A strong focus on achieving sales targets and business objectives through individual and team efforts.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: RH's culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on taste, quality, and an aspirational lifestyle. For an operations professional, this means working within a highly polished and performance-driven environment where brand consistency and client satisfaction are paramount. The company's transformation towards a "design and taste maker" brand suggests a dynamic and evolving operational landscape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Mid-Level, typically requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. It represents a foundational position within the RH design and sales ecosystem, focused on direct client interaction and sales execution.

Reporting Structure: Interior Design Consultants typically report to a Gallery Manager or a dedicated Design Director within the RH Gallery structure. They work collaboratively with other consultants and RH Interior Designers, forming a key component of the gallery's client-facing team.

Operations Impact: The Interior Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation and client acquisition. Their ability to provide exceptional service and translate client needs into successful purchases contributes significantly to customer lifetime value and brand loyalty. Effective management of the client experience also influences operational efficiency by minimizing post-sale issues and returns.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Specialist: Progression to a senior role with increased responsibility, mentorship of junior staff, and potentially specialization in specific product categories or client segments.
• RH Interior Designer: Transition into a more dedicated design role, focusing on space planning, custom design projects, and client consultations with a primary emphasis on design execution.
• Gallery Management: Advancement into leadership positions such as Assistant Gallery Manager or Gallery Manager, overseeing overall gallery operations, sales performance, and team management.
• Corporate Roles: Potential opportunities within RH's corporate structure, such as roles in Merchandising, Visual Standards, or Client Experience Management, leveraging their understanding of the brand and client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for an Interior Design Consultant at RH is clear, moving from direct sales and client management to more specialized design roles or broader leadership responsibilities within the gallery or corporate structure. The emphasis on "operations impact" highlights how client satisfaction and sales performance are critical business metrics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail gallery environment, characterized by a high-end showroom and client interaction space, rather than a traditional office setting. It's designed to be aesthetically inspiring and conducive to luxury client experiences.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington. This specific role is based in the RH Gallery located in Seattle, a significant metropolitan area with a strong market for luxury goods and design services.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The gallery serves as the primary workspace, offering an immersive environment for product discovery and client consultations.
• Technology Integration: Equipped with necessary technology, including Mac computers, iOS devices, and software for client management, design visualization, and sales processing.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with fellow Design Consultants, RH Interior Designers, and gallery management, fostering a team-oriented sales culture.

Work Schedule: A full-time schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with an expectation of flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to align with gallery operating hours and client availability. This schedule is designed to maximize client engagement opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is critical to the role, demanding a professional and polished presentation at all times. The on-site nature and customer-facing responsibilities mean that the candidate must be comfortable and adept at operating within a luxury retail showroom setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the basic requirements.
• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary conversation with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss your background, experience, and interest in the role. Be prepared to articulate your understanding of RH's brand and your approach to luxury client service.
• In-Person Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the Gallery Manager and potentially senior design staff. You will be asked to discuss your experience in detail, particularly regarding client management, sales achievements, and design consultation.
• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing your design work and client projects, or to complete a design challenge or role-playing scenario to demonstrate your skills.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with higher-level management to assess cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to work with luxury clients, understand diverse design needs, and achieve client satisfaction.
• Showcase the Process: For each project, detail the client's initial brief, your design approach, key decisions, challenges faced, and the final implemented solution.
• Highlight Client Interaction: Include examples of how you managed client expectations, communicated effectively, and navigated feedback to achieve successful outcomes.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs or sales efforts (e.g., client satisfaction scores, sales growth, project completion times).
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, reflecting the high standards of the RH brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Role-Playing: Practice scenarios simulating client consultations, including initial discovery, needs assessment, and presenting design solutions. Focus on active listening and empathetic communication.
• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge where you must propose solutions for a specific client profile or space, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and design aesthetic.
• Sales Pitch: Rehearse how you would effectively "sell" RH's design services and products, emphasizing the value proposition and unique brand offering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also sales capabilities, client management proficiency, and cultural alignment with RH's luxury brand. A strong emphasis will be placed on demonstrating a client-centric approach and a proven ability to drive sales within a design context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Mac Operating System & iOS Devices: Essential for daily operations, client communication, and accessing company platforms.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Primarily Word for documentation, Excel for data tracking and basic analysis, and PowerPoint for presentations.
• Google Applications: Familiarity with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for collaborative work and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to use internal RH systems for sales tracking, client relationship management (CRM), and performance metrics. Proficiency in understanding and utilizing reports generated from these systems will be key.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM) System: RH likely utilizes a proprietary or industry-standard CRM to manage client interactions, track sales pipelines, and maintain client history. Candidates should be comfortable learning and using such systems.
• Internal Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams may be used for internal team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on standard office productivity tools and mobile device proficiency, typical for a client-facing role in a modern retail environment. The emphasis is on adaptability to learn RH's specific internal systems for CRM and performance tracking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Taste & Design Excellence: A deep appreciation for aesthetics, quality craftsmanship, and the RH brand's unique design philosophy.
• Client-Centricity: Prioritizing client needs and delivering an exceptional, personalized luxury experience at every touchpoint.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest standards of conduct, honesty, and personal presentation in all interactions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and support the overall success of the gallery and brand.
• Results Orientation: A drive to achieve and exceed performance targets, contributing to the financial success of the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Driven: Working closely with RH Interior Designers to ensure seamless integration of design services and product sales.
• Client-Focused Dialogue: Engaging in open and clear communication with clients to understand their needs and guide them through the design process.
• Cross-Functional Support: Collaborating with gallery operations and logistics teams to ensure smooth order fulfillment and delivery.
• Feedback Exchange: Open to constructive feedback from peers and management to continuously improve service and sales strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at RH is built around a core set of values that emphasize quality, client satisfaction, and a sophisticated brand image. Success in this role requires embodying these values and contributing to a collaborative yet performance-driven team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Client Expectations: Meeting and exceeding the sophisticated demands of luxury clientele requires exceptional service and design expertise.
• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively integrating design consultation with sales objectives to drive revenue without compromising client trust or experience.
• Market Competition: Differentiating RH's offerings and services in a competitive luxury retail and interior design market.
• Adapting to Trends: Staying abreast of evolving design trends and RH's product catalog to provide relevant and up-to-date advice.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Design Training: Continuous education on RH's extensive product lines, new collections, and interior design principles.
• Sales & Clienteling Workshops: Development of advanced sales techniques, negotiation skills, and client relationship management strategies.
• Industry Events: Potential opportunities to attend design shows, trade events, and workshops to stay current with industry advancements.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced RH Interior Designers and sales professionals within the gallery environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in the luxury retail and design sectors, requiring a candidate who is resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both design expertise and sales proficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a challenging client request. How did you ensure client satisfaction while adhering to brand standards or business objectives?" (Focus on problem-solving, communication, and client management.)
• "How do you stay current with interior design trends, and how would you apply that knowledge to consulting for a RH client?" (Assess industry awareness and application skills.)
• "Walk me through your process for qualifying a new design client and understanding their needs from initial contact to proposal." (Evaluate your structured approach to sales and consultation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire most about the RH brand, and how do you see yourself contributing to our vision of taste and design leadership?" (Gauge your understanding of RH's brand ethos and your alignment.)
• "How would you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with a product selection after delivery?" (Test your conflict resolution and service recovery skills.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with other team members, particularly designers and sales colleagues." (Assess cultural fit and teamwork capabilities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives, highlighting the client's problem or desire, your creative solution, and the successful outcome.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate success – e.g., "Increased client engagement by X%," "Successfully closed Y% of proposals," or "Managed projects with an average value of $Z."
• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your design approach and client management style to RH's brand values and aesthetic.
• Concise & Focused: Present only your most relevant and impactful work, ensuring each piece clearly demonstrates the skills required for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of design sensibility, sales acumen, and a deep understanding of luxury client service. Be ready to provide specific examples that illustrate your capabilities and align with RH's brand identity.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in luxury retail, interior design, client relationship management, and sales achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "luxury service," "clienteling," "design consultation," and "sales targets."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of projects that best showcase your design aesthetic, client management skills, and ability to deliver within a luxury context. Be ready to discuss your process and outcomes in detail.
• Research RH: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with RH's brand, its current collections, its vision for "selling spaces," and its commitment to taste and design leadership. Understand their target demographic.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and practice articulating your design philosophy and sales approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a role of this nature at a company like RH. All details, particularly regarding compensation and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview stages.