Interior Design Consultant

About the Role

As a Design Consultant, you will work closely with customers to create individualized design solutions, including space planning, fabric coordination, product selection, and overall project design. This role operates in a flexible, relationship-based selling environment, with some projects requiring a team approach. You will be measured on performance categories such as teamwork, customer service, communication, and technical skills, as well as benchmarks like sales goals, home calls, and close ratios. Additionally, you will use social media and digital channels to promote the Ethan Allen brand.

Design Consultants are compensated through an incentive-based plan, with total earnings determined by commissions. This is a full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Create design solutions tailored to the customer’s preferences and budget.
• Sell Ethan Allen products and services while representing the brand in all customer interactions.
• Greet customers professionally in the design center to establish rapport and secure appointments or in-home consultations.
• Conduct home calls to assess customer needs and provide complete, individualized design solutions that close sales.
• Utilize grassroots marketing and social media platforms to grow the business.
• Educate customers about Ethan Allen’s complimentary design services, offering as much or as little assistance as desired.
• Stay current on design and color trends to deliver fashionable solutions.
• Coordinate with the team to provide exceptional pre- and post-sale service, keeping customers informed about order status, including delays.
• Participate in corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs.
• Educate customers on Ethan Allen’s financing options.
• Contribute to the development and upkeep of the design center’s portfolio.
• Use corporate systems and technology to maximize efficiency in designing projects, creating presentations, and serving customers.
• Enter orders using the retail point-of-sale system.
• Maintain a neat and orderly design center.
• Collaborate with the Design Center Leader and other consultants to develop and monitor business and marketing plans.
• Leverage technology such as 3-D Room Planner, CRM, and Live Chat to build client relationships and project volume.
• Use social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) to enhance personal and brand presence, and build networks via platforms like LinkedIn.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Requirements

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent, with relevant work experience.
• At least one year of practical interior design experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution (desirable).
• Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques.
• Working knowledge of online sales and design tools.
• Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills.
• Understanding of social media and grassroots marketing to develop a client base (proven experience preferred).
• Valid driver’s license, except in limited circumstances where alternate transportation is available.
• Intermediate competency in digital floor planning technology; 3D applications are a plus.
• Experience with interactive design tools such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or other visualization technologies.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies.

Pay

Design Consultants receive a recoverable draw typically ranging from $43,000 to $70,000 annually based on written sales. Experienced consultants average $70,000–$115,000 per year, with top performers earning $200,000 or more.

Benefits

Ethan Allen offers a comprehensive benefits package, allowing associates to choose options based on personal and family needs. Available benefits include:

• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Multiple medical plans with prescription drug coverage, including a Health Savings Account with employer contributions.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Basic and supplemental group term life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Dependent group term life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Business travel accident life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care.
• Commuter savings plans for public transit and parking.
• Voluntary whole life, critical care, and accident insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Benefit availability varies based on full-time or part-time status.