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 McLean Method Podcast, John McLean sits down with Stacy 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. Stacy 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 financially
• Why avoiding the backend creates risk, not freedom
• The difference between delegation and abdication
• How bookkeeping and processes impact profitability
• When it’s time to bring in operational support

Guest:
Stacy 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/

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/

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/