Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant Company: Explore RH Careers Location: Oak Brook, Illinois, United States Job Type: Full time Category: Sales & Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-24T09:09:09 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as a primary point of contact for high-net-worth clientele within a luxury retail environment, focusing on interior design solutions and client relationship management.
• Facilitate seamless collaboration between clients and the internal RH Interior Design team, ensuring project objectives and client expectations are met and exceeded through effective communication and project oversight.
• Drive revenue growth by cultivating and managing a robust client base, achieving fiscal goals, and identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling within the RH ecosystem.
• Uphold the RH brand's esteemed reputation by embodying its vision, values, and aesthetic through exceptional service, personal presentation, and a deep understanding of the luxury design industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Interior Design Consultant," functions significantly within a sales and client management capacity, requiring strong operational execution of the client journey from initial contact to the final delivery of design solutions. The focus is on bridging the gap between client needs and the company's design services, demanding both interpersonal and operational proficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage with walk-in clientele to assess their interior design needs, providing expert product knowledge and a personalized, luxury service experience.
• Educate potential clients on the comprehensive services offered by RH Interior Design, including in-home consultations, space planning, and custom design solutions.
• Manage the end-to-end client lifecycle, from initial consultation and needs assessment through product selection, order placement, and final delivery, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.
• Develop and nurture long-term client relationships to foster repeat business and generate referrals, actively growing and maintaining a dedicated client portfolio.
• Achieve and surpass individual sales targets and contribute to the overall fiscal performance of the gallery and the interior design division.
• Represent the RH brand with impeccable professionalism, communicating the brand's lifestyle, quality, and design philosophy effectively.
• Maintain a keen awareness of emerging trends in the luxury and design industries, translating this knowledge into client recommendations and service enhancements.
• Support the visual merchandising and quality standards of the RH Gallery, ensuring a cohesive and inspiring environment for clients and team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct sales, client relationship management, and operational project oversight. Candidates are expected to manage multiple client engagements concurrently, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively to ensure smooth project execution and client satisfaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field is preferred, providing a foundational understanding of design principles and aesthetics.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a high-end furniture retail, luxury goods sales, or a design firm environment is required, demonstrating a proven ability to operate within a premium market.
• Experience in client relationship management and a track record of exceeding sales targets in a commission-based or performance-driven role is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build, nurture, and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with a discerning clientele.
• Product Expertise: Deep understanding of luxury home furnishings, materials, and design styles to effectively advise clients.
• Luxury Service Delivery: Commitment to providing an exceptional, white-glove service experience that exceeds client expectations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a talent for active listening and persuasive articulation of design concepts and service benefits.
• Organization & Time Management: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple client projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with internal teams, particularly the RH Interior Design department, to ensure seamless client project execution.
• Results Orientation: A strong drive to achieve and exceed sales goals and key performance indicators.
• Strategic & Mental Agility: Capacity for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adapting to evolving client needs and market dynamics.
• Proficiency in Mac OS, iOS, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Applications: Essential for daily operations, client communication, and internal reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM systems for client management and sales tracking.
• Familiarity with design software or visualization tools.
• Aesthetic sensibility and a passion for interior design and home furnishings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Mac OS, iOS, Microsoft Office, and Google Applications suggests a tech-forward environment where efficiency and digital communication are paramount. Candidates should be comfortable leveraging these tools for sales, client management, and internal collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Client Success Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 examples of successful client engagements, detailing the client's initial needs, your proposed solutions, the products selected, and the ultimate outcome, emphasizing client satisfaction and project completion.
• Sales Performance Metrics: Quantifiable data demonstrating sales achievements, such as average deal size, conversion rates, client retention rates, and revenue generated over specific periods.
• Relationship Building Examples: Evidence of proactive client outreach, personalized service initiatives, and strategies employed to foster long-term client loyalty.
• Process Documentation Samples (Optional but Recommended): If available, provide documentation illustrating your approach to client onboarding, needs assessment, or project management.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the client journey from initial contact through post-delivery follow-up, highlighting key touchpoints and service standards.
• Illustrate methods for qualifying potential clients and effectively communicating the value proposition of RH Interior Design services.
• Showcase how you track client interactions, manage sales pipelines, and report on performance metrics to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be explicitly requested for this role, candidates are strongly advised to prepare "portfolio-like" examples of their work, focusing on quantifiable results and client-centric successes. This preparation is crucial for demonstrating the skills and impact expected in a sales and design consultation role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the "Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)" experience and the luxury retail environment in Oak Brook, IL, a competitive base salary is expected, likely ranging from $55,000 to $75,000 annually. This is typically supplemented by a commission structure, potentially allowing total compensation to reach $80,000 - $120,000+ based on performance.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match.
• Employee Discount: Significant discounts on RH products and services, a key perk for design-focused roles.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and growth within the RH brand.
• Commission & Performance Incentives: Performance-based bonuses and commission structures designed to reward high achievement.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Flexibility will be necessary, as this role often requires working evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate client availability and peak retail periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for luxury retail sales and design consultants in the Chicago metropolitan area, factoring in the specified experience level and the high-end nature of the RH brand. The commission structure is a critical component of total earnings and should be thoroughly understood during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Luxury Home Furnishings & Design) Company Size: Large (1,000-10,000+ employees) Founded: 1979 Company Description: RH (Restoration Hardware) is a luxury lifestyle brand that designs, markets, and retails home furnishings, lighting, and décor. The company has evolved into a design-driven entity, moving beyond traditional retail to conceptualize and sell spaces through an integrated ecosystem of products, places, services, and experiences. RH aims to be a global thought leader and taste maker in the design industry.

Team Structure:

• Sales & Design Team: Design Consultants operate within a gallery setting, likely reporting to a Gallery Manager or Design Director. They collaborate closely with a dedicated RH Interior Design team, as well as other gallery associates.
• Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Gallery Manager or a Lead Designer, who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and team development.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close partnership is expected with the internal RH Interior Design team to ensure client projects are executed seamlessly from concept to completion. Collaboration with gallery operations and visual merchandising teams is also integral.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: All processes are designed around providing a superior client experience, from initial engagement to post-delivery follow-up.
• Data-Driven Insights: While not explicitly stated for this role, RH generally leverages data to understand client behavior, market trends, and sales performance to inform strategies.
• Quality & Aesthetics Focus: A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining the highest standards of product quality, design integrity, and visual presentation across all touchpoints.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: RH's culture is deeply rooted in "taste" and elevates the concept of scaling this taste across a broad product and service offering. For a Design Consultant, this translates to a responsibility for embodying and communicating this refined aesthetic and commitment to quality in every client interaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the sales and client management track of a high-end retail and design organization. It requires a blend of sales acumen, design sensibility, and operational execution of the client journey.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Gallery Manager or a Senior Design Lead within a specific RH Gallery location. This structure allows for direct mentorship and performance management within a localized team environment.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly influences revenue generation through client sales and the successful execution of design projects. Their effectiveness in managing client relationships and project lifecycles contributes to customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and the overall profitability of the gallery. They are key operational conduits translating brand promise into tangible client value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: Advancement to roles with greater client portfolio responsibility, potentially leading a team or specializing in complex design projects.
• Gallery Management: Progression into leadership roles such as Assistant Gallery Manager or Gallery Manager, overseeing broader gallery operations and team performance.
• Specialized Design Roles: Opportunities to move into more focused interior design roles within RH, potentially in project management, client services, or specific product categories.
• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Potential to transition into roles within RH's corporate structure, such as merchandising, marketing, or operations, leveraging acquired client and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path emphasizes growth within client-facing roles and gallery management, with potential for broader impact within the RH organization. Success in this role is a strong foundation for leadership opportunities in a company that deeply values its design and client experience expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail gallery environment, not a traditional office. It is a high-end showroom designed to showcase RH's collections and inspire clients.

Office Location(s): Oak Brook, Illinois. Specific gallery address will be provided upon advancement in the application process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The workspace is a dynamic, customer-facing showroom environment. Design Consultants will spend their time on the gallery floor, interacting with clients and colleagues.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary technology, including computers, tablets (likely iPads for client presentations and product lookups), and communication systems, will be provided.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with fellow Design Consultants, Gallery Managers, and the RH Interior Design team, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere focused on client success and sales targets.

Work Schedule: Full-time, requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to align with retail operational hours and client availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role means the candidate must thrive in a customer-facing, visually rich, and often fast-paced retail showroom setting. Professionalism and an ability to maintain composure and provide exceptional service in a public environment are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct a phone or video screening to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the Gallery Manager or Design Lead, focusing on sales experience, client management skills, design knowledge, and understanding of the RH brand. Expect behavioral questions related to past experiences.
• "Portfolio" Presentation/Case Study: While not a formal portfolio, candidates may be asked to walk through examples of past successful client engagements, present their approach to a hypothetical design challenge, or discuss how they would handle specific client scenarios. This assesses problem-solving, client communication, and design thinking.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Potentially an interview with other team members or a representative from the RH Interior Design team to evaluate collaboration skills and team fit.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a final assessment of overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Prepare specific examples of how you've driven sales, increased client retention, or successfully managed complex design projects. Use numbers and data wherever possible (e.g., "increased client retention by 15%," "managed projects averaging $X in value").
• Showcase Client-Centricity: Highlight instances where you went above and beyond for a client, demonstrated exceptional problem-solving, or built a strong, lasting relationship.
• Demonstrate Brand Alignment: Be ready to articulate your understanding of the RH brand, its aesthetic, and its customer base. Explain how your personal style and approach align with the brand's values.
• Prepare for Hypotheticals: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common client objections, difficult customers, or specific design challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a new client walking into the gallery, how you would manage a client who is indecisive, or how you would handle a late delivery impacting a client's project.
• Sales Strategy: Understand how to identify client needs, present solutions, overcome objections, and close sales in a luxury retail context.
• Brand Storytelling: Practice articulating the RH brand story, its design philosophy, and the unique value proposition of RH Interior Design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of skills. Candidates should focus on preparing specific, outcome-driven examples that showcase their ability to deliver luxury service, drive sales, and manage client relationships effectively in a design context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: For processing transactions and managing sales data.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Likely a proprietary or industry-standard CRM for tracking client interactions, managing leads, and maintaining client history.
• Inventory Management Systems: To check product availability, specifications, and lead times.
• Communication Platforms: Email, internal messaging systems, and potentially video conferencing tools for collaborating with the Interior Design team.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Reporting Tools: To track individual and team performance against targets.
• Client Data Analytics: Utilizing CRM data to understand client behavior, preferences, and purchase patterns.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software: Essential for managing client pipelines, tracking communication, and nurturing leads.
• Email Marketing/Client Outreach Tools: For personalized client communications, updates, and promotions.
• Internal Collaboration Tools: Such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, for seamless communication within the gallery and with remote teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Mac OS, iOS, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and Google Applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) is explicitly required. Familiarity with industry-specific retail POS and CRM systems would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Taste & Design Excellence: A core value is maintaining a high standard of aesthetic, quality, and design sophistication in all aspects of the business.
• Client-Centricity: Prioritizing the client experience and building strong, lasting relationships is paramount.
• Innovation & Vision: RH values forward-thinking individuals who can contribute to its evolution as a taste and place maker.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across different departments to achieve shared goals.
• Results Orientation: A focus on achieving and exceeding performance targets, particularly in sales and client satisfaction.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the brand's reputation through honest dealings and a high level of personal and professional conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with the internal RH Interior Design team is crucial for delivering comprehensive client solutions.
• Service-Oriented Teamwork: Supporting colleagues to ensure a cohesive and exceptional client experience across the entire gallery.
• Feedback & Continuous Improvement: An environment that encourages sharing insights and feedback to refine processes and enhance service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: RH's culture is built around a shared appreciation for design and a commitment to delivering a luxury experience. Team members are expected to be passionate about the brand and dedicated to contributing to its unique positioning in the market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Client Expectations: Balancing client desires with practical design constraints, budget, and product availability in a luxury context.
• High-Volume Client Interaction: Effectively managing a steady flow of diverse clientele, each with unique needs and expectations, within a busy showroom.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that the luxury experience and design aesthetic are consistently delivered across all client interactions and projects.
• Navigating a Competitive Market: Differentiating RH's services and products in a crowded luxury home furnishings and design market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Design Training: Continuous learning about RH's extensive product lines, design trends, and industry best practices.
• Sales & Client Management Skills: Development of advanced negotiation, closing, and client retention techniques.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the luxury retail and interior design sectors, potentially through industry events or internal workshops.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for progression into more senior sales, design, or management roles within RH.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities to hone skills in luxury sales, client management, and design consultation, providing a strong foundation for a career in high-end retail and interior design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Client Scenario: "A client walks in expressing interest in redecorating their living room but is unsure of their style. How would you approach this consultation to understand their needs and present RH solutions?" (Focus on active listening, probing questions, and showcasing product versatility).
• Sales Process: "Describe your process for managing a client from initial contact through to a successful sale and post-sale follow-up in a luxury retail environment." (Emphasize relationship building, problem-solving, and end-to-end ownership).
• Design Alignment: "How do you stay current with interior design trends, and how would you translate that knowledge to advise a client looking for a modern yet timeless aesthetic?" (Showcase industry awareness and ability to apply knowledge to client needs).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What excites you about the RH brand and its philosophy of 'scaling taste'?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest in RH's unique market position).
• Teamwork: "Describe a time you collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight collaborative spirit and contribution to team success).
• Performance Metrics: "How do you track your sales performance, and what strategies do you employ to consistently meet or exceed targets?" (Showcase a results-oriented mindset and data-driven approach to sales).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: For behavioral questions, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to provide clear, concise, and impactful examples of your experience.
• Quantifiable Results: Prepare specific metrics related to sales volume, client acquisition, retention rates, or project value to support your achievements.
• Client-Centric Storytelling: Structure your examples around how you solved client problems, met their needs, and delivered exceptional experiences.
• Brand Resonance: Ensure your examples and language align with the values and aesthetic of the RH brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive sales, build client relationships, and embody the luxury service standards expected at RH.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in luxury retail, interior design consultation, and client relationship management. Quantify achievements with specific metrics related to sales performance and client satisfaction.
• Portfolio Preparation: Mentally prepare "case studies" of your most successful client engagements, focusing on how you identified needs, proposed solutions, managed the process, and achieved positive outcomes. Be ready to discuss these using the STAR method.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review the RH website, focusing on their brand philosophy, design aesthetic, and commitment to creating an integrated lifestyle experience. Understand their unique positioning in the market.
• Interview Practice: Practice answering common interview questions related to sales, client service, problem-solving, and brand alignment. Rehearse articulating your experience and passion for design and luxury.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details should be verified directly with Explore RH Careers during the application and interview process.