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Design consultant skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Katie Rothfield,

Georges Fares

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical design consultant skills. We ranked the top skills for design consultants based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.1% of design consultant resumes contained product knowledge as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a design consultant needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 design consultant skills for your resume and career

1. Product Knowledge

Product knowledge is the skill of having better information and knowledge about the product you are selling. Product knowledge is essential for the employees of the companies so they can communicate and inform the customers about the product. Having great product knowledge is essential for a better sales pitch and to give the customer a better and complete idea of the product that will influence him to buy the product eventually.

Here's how design consultants use product knowledge:

Performed in home design consultations for window coverings implementing product knowledge and matched products with customers specific needs.
Used product knowledge to effectively and efficiently sell La-z-Boy upholstery, furniture and household accessories.

2. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how design consultants use java:

Produced an e-business site on AS/400 platform using WebSphere Commerce Suite, WebSphere, JSP, DB2, and Java technologies.
Provided Network Engineers and Operations with back-door tools to modify the network topology with Java and Oracle.

3. Design Process

The process by which a product is formed is referred to as the design process. It requires the conceptualization of what the product may look like in terms of aesthetics, what it will be made of and most importantly, what it will do. A design process puts this process in order so that the creation of the product is seamless and has the least amount of errors and slack while it is being made.

Here's how design consultants use design process:

Helped establish Design process and operating procedures in relationship to the Chinese Manufacturing facility owned by Agile.
Apply technical skills to steer modular building design processes for established manufacturing company.

4. Design Services

Here's how design consultants use design services:

Provided design services for a joint venture German/American team developing a Process Control programming-language system.
Move planning/Coordination * Furniture Management * Space Planning and Design Services * Facilities Management

5. Design Solutions

The design solution is a process that is used to simplify or translate high-level client requirements into a simpler form that may be also be regarded as a solution. For this purpose, the technical requirements and models are to be transformed into alternative designs which are then analyzed and the best one among all the alternatives is chosen as the ultimate solution.

Here's how design consultants use design solutions:

Design lead collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate strategic and customer experience objectives into design solutions & products.
Created complete design solutions for residential interiors, including furniture selection and layout, fabrics coordination and accessorizing.

6. Leveraged

Here's how design consultants use leveraged:

Leveraged rapid client interview process to design marketing materials for local political campaign leading to record engagement.
Leveraged project management principals to improve process and program effectiveness, drove down costs and improved efficiency.

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7. Project Management

Here's how design consultants use project management:

Performed project management and engineering functions including design, prototyping and business model creation for a hybrid car sharing project.
Provided engineering consulting services in Power Electronic design, development and project management for commercial and industrial power product projects.

8. Math

Here's how design consultants use math:

Use great deal of independent research, math initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of computer skills.
Provided all technical art for math projects, numbers ranging from 1500 to 3500 per book.

9. PowerPoint

Here's how design consultants use powerpoint:

Compiled competitive market analysis to create PowerPoint presentations to assist in land acquisition and pricing decisions in each market.
Prepared reports using word processing, financial expenses, and generated PowerPoint presentations.

10. Sketch

Here's how design consultants use sketch:

Prepared 2D and 3D AutoCAD drawings, sketch up drawings, sheet sets, title blocks, and construction documents.
Generated sketch details of how interior partitions would meet exterior curtain walls for client review.

11. Lead Generation

Here's how design consultants use lead generation:

Full service sales with emphasis on customer service, special orders and sales lead generation.
Full lifecycle sales including lead generation, prospecting, networking, presentation and close.

12. Dependability

Here's how design consultants use dependability:

Earned consistent praise and received multiple awards for outstanding work and dependability.

13. Retail Sales

Retail sales are the method to track consumer demand for finished goods by assessing the purchases of durable and non-durable products over a definite period. Data on retail sales is accumulated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Here's how design consultants use retail sales:

Designed lighting layouts for new homes and remodels, retail sales of lighting fixtures and accessories for the home.
Experienced in every aspect of retail sales, including consultation, administrative, interior design and customer experience.

14. CAD

Here's how design consultants use cad:

Provided complete individualized design solution with Cabinet Vision CAD based on identified customer need to close sale.
Developed and delivered technology and software-based sales and design presentations, utilizing proprietary CAD and CRM programs.

15. Real Estate

Real estate is land that has buildings on it. This kind of property consists of permanent improvements either natural or man-made, which include, houses, fences, bridges, water trees, and minerals. There are 4 types of real estate namely; residential real estate, commercial real estate, industrial real estate, and vacant land.

Here's how design consultants use real estate:

Design Consultant/Project Coordinator/Accounting Associate for a commercial design-build, general contracting, property management, and real estate development firm.
Project portfolio included application development and upgrades, technology infrastructure build-outs, and real estate special projects.

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What skills help Design Consultants find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on design consultant resumes?

Katie Rothfield

FL Registered Interior Designer, Director of Career and Talent Development for CARTA, Associate Teaching Professor, Internship Coordinator, Florida International University

Now, more than ever, it is important for interior architecture/design graduates to diversify their skill sets and credentials:

Internship experience will always set a candidate apart from the crowd. Given the pandemic's negative impact on the number of full-time interior design positions, a recent graduate could secure paid internship opportunities while looking for full-time employment. This would help boost their resume and could get their foot in the door at a company that may hire full-time positions as the vaccine becomes more widely available.

Most companies expect recent interior architecture/design graduates to be proficient in a variety of computer programs, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Alumni can stay current and add software programs to their resumes by watching online tutorials and improving their projects for their portfolios.

Professional exams demonstrate leadership and help candidates rise to the top of the resume stack. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL accreditation demonstrate knowledge of sustainable design practices and a commitment to designing interiors that positively affect human health and wellbeing. In addition, passing the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX - the first section of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Exam) confirms acquisition of interior design knowledge that is essential to the profession. Interior architecture/design majors can take all three of these exams prior to graduation.

What design consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Georges Fares

Assistant Professor, Website

Maximizing salary potential in interior design involves a combination of strategic actions and ongoing professional development. To start, focusing on niche areas within interior design that are currently in high demand, such as sustainable design, healthcare design, or incorporating advanced technology, can significantly enhance your market value. These specialized skills set you apart from competitors and allow you to command higher fees for your expertise. Pursuing additional certifications and advanced degrees can further improve your qualifications and deepen your knowledge in these specialized areas. For example, obtaining LEED certification for sustainable design or a master's degree in healthcare design can make you more attractive to employers looking for specific skill sets. Networking is another critical component of maximizing salary potential. Establishing connections with industry professionals, mentors, and potential employers can lead to job opportunities with competitive salaries. Attending industry conferences, participating in professional organizations, and engaging in online communities are effective ways to build and maintain a robust professional network. A well-organized portfolio is essential in showcasing your best work, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to meet clients' needs, and including case studies that highlight improvements in functionality, sustainability, or user experience. Developing soft skills such as strong communication, negotiation, and leadership is also crucial, as they help articulate your design vision, secure better project terms and salaries, and position you for higher-compensation managerial roles. Overall, these strategies can help new graduates navigate the early stages of their careers and position themselves for financial and professional growth in the interior design field. By continuously improving your skills, expanding your network, and showcasing your work effectively, you can enhance your professional reputation and salary prospects.

What type of skills will young design consultants need?

Bennie F. Johnson

Executive Director, AIGA, the professional association for design

Our Design Futures research from 2018 covered this topic in some detail. Some highlights of needed skills include an understanding of business models, complex systems, and data. One of the seven Design Futures trends is "Bridging Physical and Digital Experiences," which has become even more important in a COVID world. Of course, mastering craft and specific tools remain important, especially for entry-level work, but so is a general ability to "learn how to learn," as the rate of technical change (and obsolescence) is only getting faster.

In May of 2020, AIGA conducted an industry pulse check survey around the impact of COVID-19 on the design community and found, not surprisingly, that adaptability skills continue to be the most critical for design professionals, and collaboration made the list of top five skills for the first time.

What technical skills for a design consultant stand out to employers?

James Adler

Adjunct Professor of Fine Arts, Saint Peter's University

Through my own company. AdlerOaks Music Library, I have engaged artists for concert performances, collaborations, and for recording projects.
(a) First, and foremost, is the quality of the artist to be engaged or hired
(b) Do they possess the performing "chops?"
(c) Has the artist or performer prepared and learned the music, in advance of the first rehearsal, or run-through?
(d) Does he/she/they show up on time?
As they say, one gets a first chance to make a "first impression." The above-listed components will go into a hire.

What soft skills should all design consultants possess?

Eric Sung

Associate Professor, Providence College

Hard assets may assist job seekers to get one hired but soft skills are immensely critical for one to excel after once hired. Multiple studies confirm that higher ranking positions require increased portion of soft skills compared to hard or technical skills.
Considering the market trend change during and past COVID, where more jobs will require specialized skills with less human interaction, the needs of having someone with communication skills, conflict resolution and mediation skills, negotiation skills would be far more preferred. Knowing that large part of what some of the current jobs require us to do eventually will be assisted or entirely replaced by AI, the skills that may be unique to humans will gradually became more important. Other critical soft skills would be adaptability, foundational problem-solving skills with diversified perspective on matters. and relatability to the other thoughts.

What hard/technical skills are most important for design consultants?

Bill Morgan

Coordinator, Undergraduate Program — Interior Design, Lecturer, Interior Design, University of North Texas

-Drawing Proficiency (drawing of all types, includes 3D visualization)
-Technical Proficiency (detailing)
-Project Management

Do you want to know more?

List of design consultant skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a design consultant resume and required skills for a design consultant to have include:

Product Knowledge
Java
Design Process
Design Services
Design Solutions
Leveraged
Project Management
Math
PowerPoint
Sketch
Lead Generation
Dependability
Retail Sales
CAD
Real Estate
User Experience

Customer Issues
Space Planning
Product Development
Design Concepts
Design Development
Sales Floor
Design Expertise
Custom Furniture
User Interface
Design Consultations
Design Projects
Window Coverings
Trade Shows
CSS
Design Studio
HTML

Product Design
JavaScript
In-Home Consultations
Product Line
Graphic Design
Facebook
Invision
Client Relationships
Design Ideas
Market Research
Website Design
Space Design
Process Reengineering
Adobe Photoshop
Solidworks

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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