The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers

John McClain
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Welcome to The McClain Method — the go-to podcast for interior designers who want to grow a profitable, polished, and well-run design business. I’m your host, John McClain—award-winning interior designer, business mentor, author, and branding strategist. If you want to learn how to: • price your interior design services • attract high-value clients • streamline your design process • improve your client experience • elevate your brand and visibility • run your design firm with confidence …you’re in the right place. This podcast isn’t about pillows and paint swatches. Here, we focus on the business of interior design—marketing, pricing, branding, sales, systems, visibility, mindset, and everything it actually takes to build a thriving design firm. Each episode gives you clear strategies, actionable tools, and behind-the-scenes insights you can use immediately to grow your business and elevate your clients’ experience. If you’re ready to step into your next level as an interior designer—and finally run a business that reflects your brilliance—welcome home.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    89: The Most Expensive Lie Designers Tell Themselves with Staci Davidson

    The Most Expensive Lie Designers Tell Themselves Most designers don’t struggle because of their creativity. They struggle because they believe a lie: “I’m a designer. I shouldn’t have to deal with the backend of my business.” In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, John McClain sits down with Staci Davidson, founder of Everything But Design, to talk about the systems designers avoid—and why that avoidance quietly costs them time, money, and control. From bookkeeping and procurement to processes, delegation, and profitability, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually keeps a design business running smoothly behind the scenes. Staci explains why understanding your numbers matters even if you outsource, how systems protect your creativity instead of stifling it, and why designers who refuse to engage with the backend often stay stuck. You’ll also hear practical insights on when to bring in support, what designers should still understand at a high level, and how strong backend systems improve both profit and the client experience. If you want more clarity, less stress, and a business that supports your creativity instead of draining it, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: The mindset that limits designers financiallyWhy avoiding the backend creates risk, not freedomThe difference between delegation and abdicationHow bookkeeping and processes impact profitabilityWhen it’s time to bring in operational supportGuest: Staci Davidson is the founder of Everything But Design, a company that helps interior designers manage bookkeeping, procurement, operations, and backend systems so they can focus on their creative work. Resources: Learn more at everythingbutdesign.com Listener bonus: Use code JOHN50 for 50% off Stacy’s online shop Text Me a Message! Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating. Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work. Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity. 👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    57 min

  2. 27/12/2025

    88: 5 Hard Truths That Changed My Design Business in 2025 (And What You Need to Know Before Next Year)

    88: 5 Hard Truths That Changed My Design Business in 2025 (And What You Need to Know Before Next Year) SHOW NOTES: In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, John McClain asks: are you running a beautiful design business that feels chaotic behind the scenes? This year-end reflection episode is for interior designers who are ready to work smarter, not harder. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 business lessons that transformed my interior design business in 2025 and the practical strategies you can implement right now to build a more profitable, sustainable design firm. WHAT INTERIOR DESIGNERS WILL LEARN: LESSON 1: Business Pivots for Interior Designers Why scaling back on design projects actually grew my business. Learn how to identify what you're doing out of habit vs. alignment, and why reinvention is strategic CEO thinking. LESSON 2: Rest as a Business Strategy for Creatives How a 2-month sabbatical brought more clarity than years of hustling. Discover the "do later" list method that reduces overwhelm and protects your creative energy. LESSON 3: Using AI in Your Interior Design Business Best practices for AI tools without losing your brand voice. Why starting with pen and paper matters, and how to blend AI efficiency with authentic communication. LESSON 4: Delegation Strategies for Design Business Owners Master "diligent delegating" for team members and AI tools. Learn why poor results usually mean unclear instructions, and how to onboard effectively for better outputs. LESSON 5: Sustainable Growth for Interior Designers Why quarterly goals beat yearly overwhelm. Redefine growth beyond revenue with systems, pricing clarity, client boundaries, and business confidence all count. FREE BUSINESS PLANNING TOOL FOR DESIGNERS: Download my Start, Stop, Continue Guide—the quarterly reflection framework I use to stay aligned and profitable. 👉 https://www.mcclainmethod.com/free-download-startstopcontinue KEYWORDS: interior design business, business coaching for designers, pricing strategies, design business systems, work-life balance for creatives, CEO mindset, sustainable business growth Connect: Instagram @themcclainmethod | Text Me a Message! Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating. Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work. Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity. 👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    32 min

  3. 12/12/2025

    87: Be the Unicorn in the Room: Visibility, Partnerships & Mindful Success with Antonio DeLoatch

    EPISODE 87 — Be the Unicorn in the Room: Visibility, Partnerships & Mindful Success with Antonio DeLoatch If you're an interior designer craving more visibility, confidence, and high-quality clients, this episode is your new playbook. I’m joined by NYC-based designer and mindfulness advocate Antonio DeLoatch - a man who has mastered becoming the unicorn in the room. Together, we unpack what it really takes to stand out in a crowded design industry, elevate your brand presence, and build a business rooted in clarity and intention. We talk High Point Market strategy, storytelling, designer mindset, brand collaborations, and the moment Antonio realized he needed to plug the “holes in his bucket” to grow with purpose. This conversation blends mindset, marketing, and soulful business strategy—exactly what designers need in today’s landscape. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ How to elevate your visibility as an interior designer ✨ Practical conversation starters for networking (without the awkwardness) ✨ How mindfulness and clarity fuel luxury-level client experiences ✨ Smart strategies for building brand partnerships & collaborations ✨ Why storytelling is essential in modern design marketing ✨ How to show up consistently—even when you don’t feel “shiny” ✨ The visibility moves that helped Antonio grow in NYC, DC & LA If you’re ready to build a memorable brand, attract aligned clients, and step confidently into the rooms where your future business lives, this episode will feel like a masterclass in both mindset and visibility. Connect with Antonio: Website → https://www.antoniodeloatch.com/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/antoniodeloatchdesigns If this episode resonates, share it with a designer who’s ready to shine. 🌟 Text Me a Message! Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating. Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work. Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity. 👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    1h 2m

  4. 23/11/2025

    86: Three Reasons Designers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through In 2026)

    Three Reasons Designers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through In 2026) If you’ve been feeling stuck in your design business — stuck at the same income level, stuck recreating your processes every time a new client reaches out, stuck second-guessing your pricing, or stuck behind a brand that doesn’t reflect your true talent — this episode is the shift you needed. Today, John breaks down the three biggest reasons designers don’t grow (even when they’re working hard!) and teaches the mindset, strategy, and structure shifts he coaches inside The McClain Method. If you want a more confident, profitable, luxury-aligned business heading into 2026, this is your roadmap. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why your business feels chaotic even when your design work is beautifulHow reinventing your process for every new client drains energy, creativity, and profitWhat a real, repeatable business system looks like for designersThe difference between pricing based on fear vs. pricing based on transformationWhy your digital presence matters more than your portfolioHow brand alignment impacts the level of clients you attractHow to step into a higher level of confidence and clarity before the new year Text Me a Message! Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    13 min

  5. 19/11/2025

    85: The Hidden Reason Your Clients Don’t Feel Fully Taken Care Of

    The Hidden Reason Your Clients Don’t Feel Fully Taken Care Of Even the most talented designers can unintentionally miss the small-but-critical details that shape how clients feel throughout (and especially at the end of) a project. And let’s be honest: clients remember the final 10% more than the first 90%. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the quiet gap in most design businesses — the part that turns even the most beautiful projects into stressful, confusing experiences for clients. We’ll talk about install-day chaos, missing FF&E clarity, post-project confusion, and the lack of a true care system that guides clients after the reveal. If you want smoother installs, calm clients, and a luxury experience from start to finish, this episode is your starting point. If you’re ready to make your client experience feel elevated, organized, and unmistakably professional, this episode will give you the clarity to get started — and the tools to take it further. Text Me a Message! Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    12 min

  6. 19/11/2025

    84: Before You Scale: Why I Chose Alignment Over Expansion

    What if the version of success you’ve been chasing… isn’t actually yours?  In this episode, John McClain gets personal about what happened when his business grew beyond what his soul was ready for — and why he made the decision to choose alignment over expansion. From running two design offices across the country to finding peace and purpose in a smaller, more intentional business, John shares the real lessons behind sustainable success. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “go big” before you were ready, this episode will remind you that the most successful business is the one that feels like home. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 💡 The hidden pressure behind the “grow or die” mindset in business 💡 How John built two thriving offices — and why he chose to scale back 💡 The moment he realized busy doesn’t mean fulfilled 💡 How to know when your business growth is no longer aligned 💡 Practical steps to stay grounded and profitable without losing your peace Episode Quote to Share: “Growth without alignment is just chaos with better branding.” — John McClainResources & Mentions: ✨ Explore Design Success Academy inside The McClain Method — your roadmap to building a beautiful, profitable, and soul-aligned business. 👉 Visit mcclainmethod.com for programs, tools, and free resources. Follow John on Instagram → @themcclainmethod Watch this episode on YouTube → John McClain YouTube Channel Fast Action Step: Take five minutes today to ask yourself: 👉 Is my business structure supporting the life I want — or stealing the joy from it? If the answer feels even slightly off, it might be time to realign before you expand. Text Me a Message! Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    20 min

  7. 21/10/2025

    83: 5 Proven Strategies to Build a Successful Interior Design Brand with Alena Capra

    In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, I’m joined by nationally recognized designer, TV personality, and NKBA Person of the Year Alena Capra — a powerhouse in the world of interior design and brand partnerships. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving design brand from the ground up — one that’s respected, recognizable, and rooted in authenticity. Alena and I dive into: 🌟 How to find your niche and use it to stand out in a crowded design industry🤝 The secret to landing brand partnerships and ambassadorships (even when you’re just starting out)🧠 Why consistency and visibility are key to building a trusted design brand💬 How to create lasting relationships with showrooms, reps, and other designers💡 What it means to evolve your brand intentionally — and how to keep your creative passion alive while doing itWhether you’re an emerging designer dreaming of partnerships with your favorite brands, or an established pro looking to grow your visibility and influence, this episode is full of insight, laughter, and real-world wisdom from two designers who’ve walked the walk. ✨ Connect with Alena Capra 🔗 Website: alenacapradesigns.com 📸 Instagram: @alenacapradesign Text Me a Message! Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating. Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work. Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity. 👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    1h 1m

  8. 04/10/2025

    82: How To Use ChatGPT To Write Your Instagram Captions (The Right Way)

    If your Instagram captions or newsletters sound like a bad Hallmark card… I hate to break it to you, but I know AI wrote them. And so does your audience. 👀 Here’s the deal: AI isn’t the problem. It’s actually a powerful tool — but if you’re handing it the mic and posting whatever it spits out, your content is going to sound robotic, generic, and totally forgettable. And luxury clients? They don’t hire forgettable. In this episode of The McClain Method, I’m giving you the tough love (and the strategy) on: ✨ Why AI-written captions often sound fake (and how your audience can spot it instantly).  ✨ The difference between free vs. paid ChatGPT — and why it matters for your brand voice.  ✨ How to train AI to sound more like YOU, not a corporate brochure.  ✨ My “Cocktail Rule” test to make sure your captions actually connect with luxury clients.  ✨ A fast action step you can do today to make your content sound authentic, magnetic, and luxury-ready. AI should be your assistant, not your replacement. This episode will show you how to stop sounding like everyone else online — and start showing up with the presence, personality, and polish that attracts the clients you actually want. 💡 DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE: BRAND VOICE CHATGPT PROMPT  https://mcclainmethod.com/chatgpt-kickstart-prompt 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The McClain Method — because when your brand speaks clearly, the world pays attention. 82: I Know AI Wrote Your Instagram Caption (Here’s How to Fix It) Text Me a Message! Support the show 🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more! 📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin Connect With John! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

    18 min
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About

Welcome to The McClain Method — the go-to podcast for interior designers who want to grow a profitable, polished, and well-run design business. I’m your host, John McClain—award-winning interior designer, business mentor, author, and branding strategist. If you want to learn how to: • price your interior design services • attract high-value clients • streamline your design process • improve your client experience • elevate your brand and visibility • run your design firm with confidence …you’re in the right place. This podcast isn’t about pillows and paint swatches. Here, we focus on the business of interior design—marketing, pricing, branding, sales, systems, visibility, mindset, and everything it actually takes to build a thriving design firm. Each episode gives you clear strategies, actionable tools, and behind-the-scenes insights you can use immediately to grow your business and elevate your clients’ experience. If you’re ready to step into your next level as an interior designer—and finally run a business that reflects your brilliance—welcome home.

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