Interior Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Consultant Company: Explore RH Careers Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Job Type: Full time Category: Sales & Client Relations / Interior Design Date Posted: September 16, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Client-facing role focused on providing a luxury experience and assessing the needs of walk-in clientele within an RH Gallery.
• Collaborates closely with RH Interior Design teams to ensure client design needs are met and exceeded, driving client satisfaction and retention.
• Responsible for managing the entire client lifecycle, from initial engagement and qualification to product delivery, fostering strong, long-term client relationships.
• Drives fiscal goals for the design consultation segment through expert product knowledge and elevated service standards.
• Acts as a brand ambassador, representing the RH lifestyle through exceptional communication, personal presentation, and professionalism within the luxury design industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Interior Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements lean heavily into a high-end sales and client relationship management role within the interior design and luxury retail space. The focus is on leveraging design knowledge to facilitate sales and provide an exceptional client experience, rather than direct, hands-on interior design project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver a consistently high-touch, luxury client experience by showcasing in-depth product knowledge and providing expert design consultation.
• Proactively engage with walk-in clientele, assess their unique design requirements, and educate them on RH's comprehensive interior design services and offerings.
• Manage and nurture client relationships throughout all stages of the design and purchasing process, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience from initial contact to final product delivery.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow and maintain a robust client base, fostering loyalty and repeat business through exceptional service and personalized attention.
• Achieve and exceed established fiscal sales goals and performance targets for the design consultation function within the gallery.
• Uphold and embody the RH lifestyle brand through professional communication, impeccable personal appearance, and a sophisticated demeanor.
• Maintain a keen awareness and continuous learning approach to trends in the luxury, design, and home furnishings industries.
• Support and contribute to the visual merchandising and overall quality standards maintained within the RH Gallery environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of sales acumen, client relationship management, and brand ambassadorship within a luxury retail context. Success in this role hinges on the ability to translate client needs into actionable design solutions that drive sales and foster long-term loyalty.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in Art, Architecture, or Interior Design is preferred, providing a strong foundational understanding of design principles and aesthetics.
• Relevant professional experience in lieu of a specific degree may be considered, particularly within high-end retail or design-focused environments.

Experience:

• Prior experience within a professional Interior Design firm or in high-end furniture and luxury retail sales is highly preferred, demonstrating familiarity with the market and client expectations.
• Proven track record in clienteling, sales, and relationship management, with a focus on building and maintaining a loyal customer base.
• Experience in managing sales cycles and achieving revenue targets in a client-focused environment.

Required Skills:

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build, nurture, and maintain strong relationships with discerning clientele, understanding their needs and exceeding expectations.
• Product Expertise: Deep knowledge of home furnishings, design styles, materials, and the RH product catalog to effectively advise clients.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, essential for clear, persuasive, and sophisticated client interaction.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple client projects, schedules, and deliverables simultaneously.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with internal design teams, sales associates, and support staff to ensure a cohesive client experience.
• Results Orientation: A strong drive to achieve and exceed sales targets and performance metrics in a competitive luxury sales environment.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand client needs, market trends, and RH's offerings to develop effective sales and design strategies.
• Mac Operating System Proficiency: Familiarity and comfort using Apple's macOS for daily tasks and client management.
• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Competency in core Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for communication and basic data management.
• Google Applications Proficiency: Familiarity with Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Calendar, Drive) for collaboration and productivity.

Preferred Skills:

• Luxury Retail Experience: Direct experience selling luxury goods or services, understanding the nuances of high-net-worth clientele.
• Design Software Familiarity: Exposure to design software or visualization tools, though not explicitly required, can be beneficial.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, self-starting attitude with the initiative to identify and pursue new client opportunities.
• Visual Standards Maintenance: An eye for detail and a commitment to upholding high visual and aesthetic standards within the gallery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "people and relationship driven" and "strategic and mental agility" suggests a need for candidates who can not only sell but also understand and adapt to client needs and market dynamics, demonstrating a consultative sales approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal "operations" portfolio isn't typically required for this client-facing role, candidates may be asked to present examples of past client work or design concepts that demonstrate their aesthetic sensibility and ability to translate client briefs into tangible design outcomes.
• Showcase a history of successful client engagement, highlighting how you've understood client needs and delivered solutions that led to satisfaction and sales.
• Provide evidence of strong organizational skills, perhaps through a well-structured client engagement process example or a personal client management system.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sales process flow, from initial contact and qualification to closing and post-sale follow-up.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal approach to managing client interactions and sales cycles, outlining steps for qualification, needs assessment, proposal presentation, and follow-through.
• The ability to articulate a clear process for managing client inquiries, appointments, and project details will be important, reflecting the "highly organized" requirement.
• While not a direct process documentation role, an understanding of how to document client preferences and sales activities within CRM or similar systems is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "portfolio" aspect for this role is less about operational process documentation and more about demonstrating client engagement, sales success, and design sensibility. Candidates should be ready to speak to their consultative sales process and showcase how they've driven results through client relationships.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for mid-level Interior Design Consultants or Luxury Sales Specialists in Indianapolis, IN, a competitive salary range would typically be between $50,000 - $75,000 annually, with potential for commission or bonuses tied to sales performance.
• 📈 Enhancement Note: This estimate is derived from research on similar roles in the Indianapolis market, considering the experience level (2-5 years) and the luxury retail/design sector. Actual compensation will likely include a base salary component and a variable component linked to achieving sales targets, which can significantly increase total earnings.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous employee discount on RH products, reflecting the brand's luxury positioning.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning within the design and luxury retail space.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or commission structures, aligning rewards with sales achievements.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.
• Work hours will likely include weekends and potentially some evenings, aligning with typical retail operating hours and client availability for consultations.
• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence within the RH Gallery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits in luxury retail often extend beyond standard offerings to include significant product discounts, which are a key perk for employees passionate about the brand and its aesthetic.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Home Furnishings & Design, Retail Company Size: Large (typically 1,000-10,000+ employees, though specific RH company size varies by division) Founded: 1979 (RH, formerly Restoration Hardware)

Team Structure:

• Design Consultants likely operate within a gallery-based sales team, reporting to a Gallery Manager or Design Director.
• They collaborate closely with other sales associates, design specialists, and potentially studio or support staff within the gallery.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving partnerships with RH Interior Design services, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure a seamless client experience from sale to delivery.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: The core methodology revolves around understanding and exceeding client expectations, providing a personalized and luxurious service experience.
• Product and Design Expertise: Emphasis is placed on deep product knowledge and an understanding of design trends to effectively guide clients.
• Relationship Building: A significant focus is placed on cultivating long-term client relationships, moving beyond transactional sales to advisory partnerships.
• Brand Representation: Every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce the RH brand's identity as a taste and place maker in the luxury market.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: RH positions itself as a thought leader in taste and design, not just a retailer. This culture values innovation, a strong point of view, and individuals who are driven to elevate the brand and client experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned within the client-facing sales and design advisory segment, which is crucial for driving revenue and brand perception. It's a mid-level role focused on client acquisition and relationship management.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Gallery Manager or a designated Design Director within the RH Gallery structure. May receive guidance and collaboration support from RH Interior Design leadership.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense (e.g., supply chain, process optimization), the Interior Design Consultant's impact is significant on the revenue operations and customer success aspects of the business. Their ability to drive sales, build client loyalty, and represent the brand directly influences revenue generation and customer lifetime value. They are the frontline for translating the company's design vision into tangible sales and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Lead Designer: Progress to roles with greater client portfolio responsibility, potentially mentoring junior consultants.
• Interior Design Manager/Director: Move into leadership positions overseeing gallery design teams and sales performance.
• Specialized Design Roles: Opportunities within RH's broader Interior Design services, focusing on specific project types or client segments.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into merchandising, visual display, or client relations management roles within RH's expanding ecosystem of products, places, and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within RH is often tied to demonstrating a strong understanding of the brand's aesthetic, exceptional client service skills, and a proven ability to drive sales. The company's expansion into hospitality and other services creates diverse avenues for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Luxury Retail Gallery environment. This is not a traditional office setting but a high-end showroom designed to showcase RH's product collections and lifestyle concepts.

Office Location(s): The specific location for this role is an RH Gallery in Indianapolis, Indiana. RH operates numerous galleries across major metropolitan areas, often in prestigious locations that reflect the brand's luxury status.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is the gallery floor itself, requiring constant engagement with clients and products.
• It's a visually stimulating environment, filled with high-quality furnishings, art, and curated displays.
• Opportunities for interaction with a professional sales and design team are frequent, fostering a collaborative and aesthetically driven atmosphere.
• Access to company resources, product samples, and potentially design software or tools to assist clients.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, expected to align with gallery operating hours.
• This will include weekends and potentially some evenings.
• Flexibility to accommodate client appointments and peak retail periods is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is designed to immerse both employees and clients in the RH brand experience, requiring individuals who are comfortable and energized by a sophisticated, client-focused, and visually rich setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth interview at the RH Gallery, potentially involving a panel or multiple interviewers, including gallery management. This is where your client approach and brand understanding will be evaluated.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions designed to gauge how you would handle specific client interactions, design challenges, and sales scenarios.
• Portfolio/Case Study Discussion (Informal): While not a formal "operations" portfolio, you may be asked to discuss past client projects, design philosophies, or demonstrate your approach to client relationship management. Be prepared to speak to your passion for design and luxury.
• Final Interview: May involve senior management or regional leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Acumen: If you have a portfolio of past interior design projects, highlight your aesthetic range, ability to interpret client needs, and the successful execution of design concepts. Focus on visual appeal and how you solved design problems.
• Client Success Stories: Prepare examples of how you've built strong client relationships, managed client expectations, and driven sales through excellent service. Quantify success where possible (e.g., repeat business, average sale value).
• Process Articulation: Be ready to clearly explain your personal process for engaging with a client, understanding their needs, presenting solutions, and managing the sales cycle. This demonstrates organization and a consultative approach.
• Brand Alignment: Show your understanding of the RH brand, its aesthetic, and its position in the luxury market. Connect your personal style and passion to the RH ethos.

Challenge Preparation:

• Client Scenario Role-Playing: Practice how you would greet and engage a potential client who walks into the gallery. How would you uncover their needs? What questions would you ask?
• Handling Objections: Prepare for questions about how you would handle common client objections related to price, style, or delivery timelines.
• Product Knowledge Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your approach to learning and retaining product knowledge for a high-end brand like RH.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes assessing a candidate's ability to perform in a luxury sales and client advisory role. Strong interpersonal skills, a polished presentation, and a genuine passion for design and client service are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Proficiency in a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system for managing client interactions, tracking sales pipelines, and nurturing leads is essential, though the specific CRM used by RH isn't listed.
• Point of Sale (POS) System: Familiarity with POS systems for processing transactions.
• Product Information Management (PIM) Systems: While not directly operated, understanding how to access and utilize product information from such systems is key for clients.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While the consultant isn't primary responsible for creating reports, they will likely use dashboards or reporting tools to track personal sales performance, client conversion rates, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Proficiency with basic spreadsheet software (like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) might be needed for personal tracking or analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Mac Operating System: As stated, proficiency with Mac OS is required.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for communications, presentations, and potentially data organization.
• Google Applications: For collaboration and productivity tools.
• IOS Devices: Familiarity with Apple's mobile operating system for potential on-the-go client interaction or information access.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on technology is on tools that facilitate client communication, sales tracking, and productivity within a Mac-centric environment, rather than complex operations or data analysis software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Taste & Vision: A deep appreciation for design, aesthetics, and the ability to articulate and sell RH's unique taste and vision.
• Client-Centricity: Placing the client's needs and satisfaction at the forefront of all interactions and decisions.
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to upholding the highest standards in product quality, service delivery, and brand representation.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues to create a seamless and positive experience for clients and the team.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Embracing new ideas, taking initiative, and contributing to the company's evolution as a taste and place maker.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining the highest ethical standards and presenting a polished, professional image at all times.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with gallery staff, design teams, and support functions to ensure client needs are met from inquiry to delivery.
• Shared Knowledge: A culture that encourages sharing insights on design trends, client preferences, and best practices for service delivery.
• Feedback Loop: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance individual and team performance.
• Client Focus: All collaborative efforts are directed towards enhancing the client's experience and driving successful outcomes for both the client and the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: RH's culture is built around a strong, unified vision of taste and luxury. Team members are expected to be passionate about design and dedicated to delivering an exceptional client experience, reflecting the company's ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Client Expectations: Consistently meeting the elevated service and design expectations of a luxury clientele.
• Sales Target Achievement: The pressure to meet and exceed ambitious sales goals in a competitive market.
• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Effectively understanding and catering to a wide range of design preferences, budgets, and project scopes.
• Staying Current with Trends: Continuously updating knowledge of design trends, materials, and RH's evolving product offerings.
• Balancing Client Service and Sales: The need to provide authentic design advice while also driving sales conversions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product & Design Training: Ongoing training on RH's extensive product lines, design principles, and new collections.
• Sales & Clienteling Skills: Development programs focused on advanced sales techniques, luxury client management, and building lasting relationships.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about the broader luxury and design industries through company initiatives and potentially industry events.
• Career Pathing: Clear pathways for advancement into more senior sales, design leadership, or specialized roles within the expanding RH ecosystem.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced design professionals and sales leaders within RH.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a high-end sales and client advisory role. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering these challenges and demonstrating a commitment to the RH brand and its clients.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach building rapport and trust with a new client in a luxury retail setting?" (Focus on active listening, genuine interest, and consultative questioning.)
• "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult client or a challenging design request. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight problem-solving, empathy, and a commitment to client satisfaction.)
• "What is your process for staying updated on interior design trends and how would you apply that knowledge to advise RH clients?" (Showcase passion for design and a proactive learning approach.)
• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working with multiple clients simultaneously?" (Emphasize organization, time management, and attention to detail.)
• "What attracts you to the RH brand and its design philosophy?" (Research RH's collections, history, and positioning as a taste maker.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody a luxury lifestyle brand through your personal presentation and client interactions?" (Discuss professionalism, attention to detail, and brand alignment.)
• "What role do you believe collaboration plays in a design-focused sales environment?" (Highlight teamwork, communication with design teams, and shared client success.)
• "How do you measure your own success in a client advisory and sales role?" (Focus on client satisfaction, sales targets, and relationship longevity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 2-3 key projects or client interactions that best showcase your skills in client engagement, design consultation, and sales success.
• Tell a Story: For each example, describe the client's initial needs, your proposed solution (including design rationale), the execution, and the positive outcome (e.g., client satisfaction, repeat business, successful sale).
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your success (e.g., "Increased repeat client business by X%", "Achieved Y% of sales target").
• Showcase Brand Fit: Explain how your personal aesthetic and approach align with RH's brand identity and luxury positioning.
• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices, client management process, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only your design knowledge but also your sales aptitude, client relationship skills, and alignment with the sophisticated culture and brand values of RH.

📌 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, clienteling, sales, and any direct interior design or art/architecture background. Use keywords from the job description like "luxury service," "clientele," "design needs," "relationship building," and "fiscal goals."
• Prepare your "portfolio" narrative: Think of specific examples and stories that demonstrate your client engagement skills, design sensibility, and ability to drive sales. Be ready to articulate your personal sales process.
• Research RH: Familiarize yourself deeply with the RH brand, its aesthetic, current collections, and its positioning as a taste and place maker. Understand their values and mission.
• Practice your interview responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and preparing specific examples of your client interactions and sales successes.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive view. While efforts have been made to align with operations and sales roles, the primary focus of this position is client-facing luxury sales and design consultation. All details, particularly regarding specific responsibilities and expectations, should be verified directly with RH Careers during the application process.