BUSINESS TOOLS FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS
The McClain
Method Podcast
Build a business that works as beautifully as the spaces you design.
Join me, John McClain, for honest conversations about pricing, marketing, clients, and the systems that make running your design business easier.
Find your next episode100+ episodes
Real conversations about the business of design.
Solo + guest conversations
Practical teaching and perspectives worth hearing.
Ideas you can use
Take what you learn back to your business.
PART STRATEGY. PART REAL TALK.
Your next chapter deserves
a better business.
You can love design and still feel worn down by running the business. This is where we talk about what it takes to make it more profitable, more manageable, and more your own.
01 / GET PAID WELL
Pricing & profitability
Make clearer pricing decisions, talk about money with confidence, and build a business that supports you.
02 / GET SEEN
Marketing & visibility
Find your voice, strengthen your brand, and help the right clients understand why they should choose you.
03 / GET YOUR TIME BACK
Systems & boundaries
Create a smoother client experience and a way of working that leaves room for your life.
PRESS PLAY
A little perspective.
A practical next step.
Browse the latest episodes below. Listen here, or open the show in your favorite podcast app.
A FEW PLACES TO START
New here? Start with these.
EPISODE 1
The Most Pivotal Moment in My Life & Career
Get to know the story behind the work.
Listen to episodeEPISODE 74
Brand-New Instagram Changes for 2025
A conversation about visibility and why your posts may not be getting seen. Originally released in 2025.
Listen to episodeEPISODE 80
Do It Afraid
Navigating fear and change in design with Katie Decker-Erickson.
Listen to episode
MEET YOUR HOST
I'm John.
Designer, business mentor, author, and someone who wants this business to work for you.
I built a multi-seven-figure interior design firm, and I still work in the business I teach. I've lived the exciting wins, the difficult client conversations, and the lessons you only learn by doing.
On the podcast, I share those lessons alongside honest conversations with people who bring a fresh perspective. You'll leave with something to think about and something you can put into practice.
More about JohnHEARD IT ON THE SHOW?
Popular downloads
from the podcast.
Grab one of the most-requested resources below, or browse the full archive by episode.
EPISODE 82
ChatGPT Brand-Voice Kickstart Prompt
Build a clearer brand voice so your captions and emails sound more like you.
Get the downloadEPISODE 28
Start, Stop, Continue
Take a fresh look at what is working, what is not, and what belongs in your business next.
Get the downloadEPISODE 42
Essential Systems & Processes Guidebook
Document the systems that keep your design business running more smoothly.
Get the downloadEPISODE 23
Year-End Review Worksheet
Reflect on the year behind you before planning the one ahead.
Get the downloadEPISODE 72
Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing
Spot the habits that may be keeping the right clients from seeing your value.
Get the downloadEPISODE 68
Get Noticed Bio Template
Write a stronger professional bio for press, podcasts, partnerships, and your own platforms.
Get the downloadLooking for something from another episode?
The complete archive keeps the older downloads available too.
Browse All Podcast DownloadsLET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION
Have something worth sharing?
If your experience could help interior designers build better businesses, I'd love to hear about it. Tell me your story and what you'd bring to the conversation.
Apply to be a guest