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 was about better infrastructure.

This episode walks you through:

• Why AI feels generic when you use it casually
• The junk drawer analogy that explains most AI frustration
• The difference between using a tool and building a system
• How to think of AI as specific assistants with specific roles
• Why onboarding matters, even for artificial intelligence
• The foundational document that makes everything work
• How small firms can gain leverage without hiring more staff
• The real emotional shift that happens when the system carries the weight

If you’re a solo designer or running a small firm and wearing every hat, this episode will reframe what’s actually possible.

This is the beginning of a deeper conversation about building infrastructure instead of chasing output.

Because your next hire might not need benefits.

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/

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 procurement
• What to say when a client finds the same item online for less
• How Designers Collaborative started and why buying power matters
• How shared vendor access can increase creative freedom and profitability
• Burnout, inspiration days, and how to recharge without “checking out” of your business

Links and resources

For more information on Heather McManus and The Designer's Collaborative:

https://heathermcmanus.com/

https://thedesignerscollaborative.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thedesignerscollaborative/

Text Me a Message!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://ww

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/

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 simple what, why, how framework, John shares three grounded actions you can take this week to bring your values into your business in a way that feels steady, intentional, and human.

In this episode:

• Why neutrality still sends a message
• The fear of losing clients when you speak your values
• The difference between opinions and misaligned values
• Why creatives feel this moment so deeply
• The concept of the “golden thread” of values
• How to practice quiet alignment in your business
• Creating boundaries and client alignment without confrontation

Text Me a Message!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://ww

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/