The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers — Podcast

97: The Science of How Interior Design Affects Behavior, Wellbeing, and Daily Life with Eryn Oruncak 30.05.2026 1u 6min

The Science of How Interior Design Affects Behavior, Wellbeing, and Daily Life Interior designers know when a room feels right. But what is actually happening beneath the surface? In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, John McClain sits down with Eryn Oruncak, founder of Elan Design, to talk about neuroaesthetics and the science behind how thoughtfully designed spaces affect the way people think, feel, and function. Eryn explains why great design goes deeper than visual style. A roo...

96: Confessions from a Trade Show: Designing for the Way People Actually Live 08.05.2026 25min

After attending Milan Design Week and then heading straight to High Point Market, I found myself sitting with a lot of thoughts about our industry, our clients, and what actually matters when it comes to design. This episode is a very honest reflection on the contrast between those two experiences and the bigger lesson I walked away with. I talk about: Why designing for real life matters more than designing for attention The difference between exclusive design and approachabl...

95: Why Interior Designers Need to Understand Construction to Grow Their Business with Renee Biery 17.04.2026 1u 20min

Most designers are comfortable talking about design. Very few are comfortable talking about what happens after. In this episode, I sit down with Renee Biery to unpack what actually happens when a project moves into construction. We talk about the gap most designers have, why contractors operate the way they do, and how your role shifts in this phase whether you realize it or not. This is not about becoming a contractor. It is about understanding the process well enough to lead it. SHOW ...

94: How To Set Up Your AI Once So It Actually Works Every Time 28.03.2026 28min

Episode 94: Set Up Your AI Once So It Actually Works Every Time Most designers are using AI. But they’re barely scratching the surface. And it’s costing them time every week. In this episode, I break down what I saw at Design Edge and why most designers feel like AI isn’t working for them. This isn’t about tools. It’s about setting it up the right way so it actually helps your business. What You’ll Learn Why AI feels generic or off The real reason it’s not saving you time&nbs...

93: AI Is Changing Interior Design. Here’s How to Stay Irreplaceable 13.03.2026 36min

AI is everywhere right now, and for many interior designers, it brings a quiet but very real fear. Not fear of learning something new. Not fear of using new tools. But fear of becoming irrelevant. In this episode, McClain shares highlights from a recent presentation designed to help designers better understand how artificial intelligence is changing the industry. He explains what AI can realistically support in your business, what it will never replace, and why the human side of design is bec...

92: Your Next Hire Doesn't Need Benefits: How Interior Designers Can Build an AI Team 20.02.2026 19min

If AI hasn’t worked for you yet, it’s probably not the tool. It’s not the prompts. It’s not that you’re behind. And it’s not that AI “doesn’t work for designers.” It’s an organization problem. In this episode, John breaks down why most interior designers are using AI like a junk drawer and how shifting from “tool” thinking to “team” thinking completely changed how he runs his business. After running bi-coastal offices and feeling stretched thin, he realized AI wasn’t about better prompts. It ...

91: What Holds Interior Designers Back: Sourcing Fear, Pricing Pushback, and Building Better Systems with Heather McManus 09.02.2026 51min

Interior design can feel isolating, and sourcing can feel risky, especially when clients shop online and question your pricing. In this episode, John McClain sits down with interior designer Heather McManus to talk about what actually holds designers back, how collaboration can change the game, and why transparent systems are the key to better sourcing, better margins, and less burnout. In this episode, we cover Why fear of mistakes keeps designers small, especially with sourcing and procurem...

90: The Fear of Losing Clients When You Speak Your Values 25.01.2026 28min

This episode is a little different. In a time that feels heavy, confusing, and deeply human, John speaks honestly about the fear many business owners carry when it comes to speaking their values. This conversation is not about shouting online or debating politics. It’s about alignment. It’s about understanding why neutrality still communicates something, why your business is never separate from you, and how to live inside your values without performing or burning everything down. Using a simp...

89: The Most Expensive Lie Designers Tell Themselves with Staci Davidson 10.01.2026 57min

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 ...

88: 5 Hard Truths That Changed My Design Business in 2025 (And What You Need to Know Before Next Year) 27.12.2025 32min

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 yo...

87: Be the Unicorn in the Room: Visibility, Partnerships & Mindful Success with Antonio DeLoatch 12.12.2025 1u 1min

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 bu...

86: Three Reasons Designers Stay Stuck (And How to Break Through In 2026) 23.11.2025 13min

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, str...

85: The Hidden Reason Your Clients Don’t Feel Fully Taken Care Of 19.11.2025 11min

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’...

84: Before You Scale: Why I Chose Alignment Over Expansion 19.11.2025 19min

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 yo...

83: 5 Proven Strategies to Build a Successful Interior Design Brand with Alena Capra 21.10.2025 1u

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🤝 Th...

82: How To Use ChatGPT To Write Your Instagram Captions (The Right Way) 03.10.2025 18min

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 s...

81: How to Avoid Common Interior Design Business Mistakes with Ronniesha Rivera 19.09.2025 57min

How to Avoid Common Interior Design Business Mistakes with Ronniesha Rivera In this episode of the McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain discusses overcoming difficulties in the interior design business with guest Ronniesha Rivera, founder of Vetted By Design. They talk about the importance of dealing with hardships, the challenges of finding good help, outsourcing effectively, and maintaining long-term profitability. They also delve into the specifics of hiring bookkeepers, account...

80: Do it Afraid: Navigating Fear and Change in Design with Katie Decker-Erickson 29.08.2025 1u 12min

Do it Afraid: Navigating Fear and Change in Design In this episode of the McClain Method Podcast, host John McClain speaks with Katie Derek Erickson, founder of Success by Design. They discuss the importance of grit, perspective, and intuitive decision-making in business. Katie shares her journey from flipping houses to leading a multimillion-dollar commercial design firm and emphasizes the significance of sustainable design. The episode also touches on overcoming fear, the power of cel...

79: Clutter-Free Life: How Clearing Your Space Can Transform Your Mindset with Helen Sanderson 15.08.2025 54min

Episode 79: Clutter-Free Life – Transform Your Space, Transform Your Mindset with Helen Sanderson In today’s episode of The McClain Method Podcast, we’re diving into the powerful connection between your home environment and mental wellness. I’m joined by Helen Sanderson, the UK’s leading expert on the psychology of clutter and the author of The Secret Life of Clutter. Helen is here to show us how to clear the physical clutter in our spaces—and how doing so can lead to a clearer, more in...

78: How Instagram’s Search Engine Update Can Help You Get Found and Grow Your Business 01.08.2025 29min

Episode 78: How Instagram’s Search Engine Update Can Help You Get Found and Grow Your Business Hey y’all, welcome back to The McClain Method Podcast! Today, I’m bringing you some amazing information from my YouTube channel and adapting it for the podcast. If you haven’t subscribed to my YouTube yet, check out https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn for more content with visuals! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a game-changing shift happening on Instagram: it’s becoming a search engine. Ins...