All Episodes

October 19, 2024 60 mins

In this episode of The Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain and interior designer Christina Richardson delve into the critical aspects of contracts and negotiations crucial for a successful design business. Christina shares her unique transition from mining to design and how her diverse background empowers her practice. They explore the importance of clear contracts covering scope, price, and liabilities, strategies to avoid scope creep, and effective negotiation techniques. 

Key highlights include insights on international agreements, leveraging technology like VR and SketchUp, and the benefits of niching and networking in the industry. Tune in for actionable advice on managing client relationships, enhancing communication, and incorporating Scandinavian design principles into your portfolio. 


00:00 Starting a Design Business: The Importance of Contracts

01:03 Welcome to The Designer Within Podcast

02:17 Introducing Christina Richardson: From Mining to Design

04:58 Christina's Journey: From Sweden to the US

08:39 The Business Side of Design: Contracts and Negotiations

18:19 Scandinavian Design Principles and Storytelling

28:47 Balancing Design and Financial Decisions

29:30 Advice for International Designers

30:13 Understanding the Vienna Agreement

31:40 The Importance of Contracts and Liabilities

37:48 Explaining Agreements to Clients

39:31 Starting Out in the Design Industry

4

Text Me a Message!

5 Things I'd Do Differently If I Started My Design Business Today
A free 5-part private podcast course for interior designers who want real clients, real profit, and a clear plan.


✅ Price your services with confidence
✅ Land your first paying client
✅ Build a professional brand from day one
…and more.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PODCAST COURS NOW! 

What if you could finally create the interior design business of your dreams while consistently making 6 figures and doing it all with no stress? Join Design Business Fast Track today to make your Design Business dreams a reality!

www.designbusinessfasttrack.com

Support the show

🎧 Free Private Podcast Course – Limited Time Access
Want to start (or restart) your interior design business with clarity and confidence? “5 Things I’d Do If I Were Starting My Interior Design Business Over Again.”

🎯 Sign up now: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/free-podcast-series

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

📕 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/thejohnmcclai

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.