The Multi Story Thinking Podcast on Interior Design

Jonathan Forster
  • 5.0 (11)
  • DESIGN
  • SERIES

The Multi Story Thinking Podcast unravels the mysteries of interior design. Hosted by designer and educator Jonathan Forster the podcast takes an educational slant on the world of interior design providing an insight into the how and the why. If you are curious about how things are done within the industry, how people got their breaks and how they've developed their careers, and get some tips and advice, then this is the podcast for you. So sit back, relax, as we help unravel the mysteries of interior design

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  1. Thushar Jayamanne and Lakshinie Rathnapala from Talk Design Studios

    EPISODE 1

    Thushar Jayamanne and Lakshinie Rathnapala from Talk Design Studios

    Thushar Jayamanne and Lakshinie Rathnapala run Talk Design Studios which is a Sri Lankan architectural and interior design consultancy based in Colombo, Together they lead a dynamic team of associate architects, interior designers, furniture designers, technicians, and experienced consultants, working across the residential and commercial design sectors. I interviewed them during a visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 when I was teaching at the NSBM Green University as part of the academic partnerships program with the University of Plymouth. In this episode, we discover the importance of integrating interior design into a project from the project inception. How the interior design industry is establishing itself within Sri Lanka and the importance of focusing on the core interior elements of a building. How owning a furniture factory helps to deliver the details of their design proposals. The impact of Covid-19 and the Sri Lankan economic crisis on the design process and how it inspired a more creative and sustainable approach. And why, if you are asked to name your favorite Sri Lankan Interior designer, please don't say Geoffrey Bawa.   Links https://talkdesignstudios.com/   Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com), for production support and invaluable advice on setting up this podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and for your support and advice along the way. I'd like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/   Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    57 min
  2. Asheni Alwis from The Woodberry House

    EPISODE 2

    Asheni Alwis from The Woodberry House

    Asheni Alwis is an interior designer based in Columbo, Sri Lanka and founder and head of design of The Woodbury House.  Described as an Experience Centre, The Woodberry House showcases design ideas and settings to help clients visualise how they can create their dream space.  The spaces combines interior, furniture, and accessories which combine traditional Sri Lankan craft and production techniques alongside contemporary and innovative design approaches. I met Asheni during a visit to Sri Lanka with my partner Monica in October 2024 as part of a Flying Faculty visit to teach interior design at the NSBM Green University. In this episode we discover how this unique experience centre in Sri Lanka showcases bespoke furniture and cutting-edge design concepts.   We learn about the blend of traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, and how this approach creates stunning interiors for their clients.  We hear valuable advice for aspiring interior designers and the importance of gaining work experience when studying interior design.  And why, when working with contractors, you need to know the detail and be able to speak the language. Links Asheni on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/asheni-alwis-9b1b41142/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=lk The Woodberry House on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Thewoodberryhouse/about The Woodberry House on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thewoodberryhouse?fbclid=IwY2xjawHQzzZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQCf0B_QO9eN93C58jx4vse48HJSK_gdin8NVp-pYZrTnaww6A6qu-OsZA_aem_GYynvRmzxP-S7-oYadqENg Concept Interiors http://conceptinteriors.lk/ How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer.  Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design or in Sri Lanka at the NSBM Green University https://www.nsbm.ac.lk/course/ba-hons-in-interior-design/ Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and your support and advice along the way. I'd really like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    22 min
  3. Ben Rousseau

    EPISODE 3

    Ben Rousseau

    Ben Rousseau is the owner and founder of Ben Rousseau Studio, an award-winning British design house based in Brighton, UK.  He works across the interior sectors with a particular focus on lighting with projects combining art, technology, and functionality, that reflect his passion for design, light, and time. I interviewed Ben just before Christmas in December 2024. In this episode we discover how a side line in DJing at dingy nightclubs prompted experimentation with lights and light effects. Ben's journey from creating illuminated furniture to developing unique timepieces that redefine how we perceive time.  The art of mixing natural light and incorporating layers of illumination and the importance of experimentation and trial and error in the design process And why, when it comes to Christmas decoration lights, it's best to keep it simple. Links Ben on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrousseaudesign/?originalSubdomain=uk Ben Rousseau Studio https://www.benrousseau.com On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ben_rousseau_studio/ How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer. Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd really like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/   Thanks for listening.  Bye for now

    1 hr
  4. Annika Fernando

    EPISODE 4

    Annika Fernando

    Annika Fernando is a retailer and interior designer based in Sri Lanka. She runs Annika Fernando Design, a multi-disciplinary practice in Colombo, Sri Lanka specialising in interior design and decorating for residential, boutique hotels and unique & select hospitality projects. And is the owner of PR, a boutique selling clothing, jewelry, accessories, natural bath products, and gift and small homeware items. I met Annika in person at her Colombo studio in October 2024. In this episode we discover how a fascination with science has influenced her approach and methods.  The importance of hand sketching skills for developing and communicating ideas.  How studying and working abroad helped Anika establish her own design identity.  The important role of the ceiling fan and how the economic crisis has played a role in encouraging more sustainable design. And why, If you want to build a beach hut, you should build it inland. Links Annika Fernand Design https://www.afdesign.lk/ PR https://www.pr.lk/index.php# How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer. Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design Or in Sri Lanka on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at NSBM Green University https://www.nsbm.ac.lk/course/ba-hons-in-interior-design/ Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd really like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/   Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    55 min
  5. Alicia Nelson and Jessica Long

    EPISODE 5

    Alicia Nelson and Jessica Long

    Jessica Long and Alicia Nelson are the co-founders of interior design consultancy Nelson and Long; an award-winning independent design studio specialising in purpose-built student accommodation.  With over 25 years of combined experience in the commercial sector, their extensive expertise allows them to craft inclusive, engaging, and unique interiors with a sense of home and well-being at the heart. Nelson and Long are based near Manchester in the UK.  I spoke to Jessica and Alicia via Zoom in February 2025. In this episode, we discover how the folding of their employer during the pandemic prompted them to join forces and start a company. How competition in the student accommodation market prompted a shift to more design led spaces.  The importance of understanding student needs and designing for a diverse range of students.  Why future proofing, the longevity of their designs, and reupholstering furniture are the keys to more sustainable designs. And if you are looking to make an impact on a low budget, there is always paint   Links Nelson and Long website https://nelsonandlong.co.uk/ LinkedIN Nelson and Long https://www.linkedin.com/company/nelsonandlong/posts/?feedView=all Alicia https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-nelson-170a16b5/ Jessica https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-long-8098a51b8/   How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer. Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design Or in Sri Lanka on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at NSBM Green University https://www.nsbm.ac.lk/course/ba-hons-in-interior-design/ Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now

    45 min
  6. Shanth Fernando

    EPISODE 6

    Shanth Fernando

    Shanth Fernando is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur and chairman of the Paradise Road group of companies, which includes the Paradise Road homeware stores, The Gallery Café, and the TIntagel boutique hotel. The Paradise Road Stores feature homeware, serveware, décor, objets d'art, souvenirs and more. All products are curated and designed by Shanth Fernando. Locally made items are manufactured by independent craftspeople, ensuring a sustainable growth of the Sri Lankan art and craft industries. I met Shanth at the Gallery Cafe in Colombo with my partner Monica in October 2024 during a visit to Sri Lanka to teach Interior Design at the NSBM Green University In this episode, we discover how Shanth began his career and his move into hospitality.  The challenges of the Sri Lankan insurgency and what to do during a curfew.  The importance of colour, texture, and cultural influences in creating spaces.  The rationale behind the emergence of his signature monochrome aesthetic And why, if you get the chance to compliment a future queen, you should do it.   Links Shanth on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/udayshanth_fernando/?hl=en-gb Paradise Road https://www.paradiseroad.lk/   How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer. Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth.https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design Or in Sri Lanka on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at NSBM Green University https://www.nsbm.ac.lk/course/ba-hons-in-interior-design/ Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd love like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    59 min
  7. Tom Bourne

    EPISODE 7

    Tom Bourne

    Tom Bourne Tom Bourne is the Creative Director of Select First, a small and highly flexible, full-service PR and marketing agency that's been helping interior and built environment brands stand out for over 25 years. Based in Tunbridge Wells in the southeast of the UK, they work with flooring and interiors clients from the UK and across Europe. Involved in direct marketing, electronic campaigns and traditional PR daily, Tom works with clients on numerous specialised projects, including brochure materials, website development, and integrated communications campaigns I spoke to Tom via Zoom in May 2025 a few days before Clerkenwell Design Week.. In this episode, we discover how Tom developed his skills in the publishing industry.  The importance of authenticity in marketing.  Why manufacturers should take responsibility for the full cycle of their products and their environmental impact.  How informed decisions and understanding definitions helps make sustainable choices. And why, if you really want to understand products, you should go on a factory visit.   Links Select First website https://www.selectfirst.com/ LinkedIn Tom https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombournepr/?originalSubdomain=uk Select First https://www.linkedin.com/company/select-first-limited/posts/?feedView=all 1% for the Planet https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org The Anti-greenwash charter https://antigreenwashcharter.org/ Clerkenwell Design Week-The Gallery Clerkenwell https://www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com/exhibitors/gallery   How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer. Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd really like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now Research and collaboration

    1h 9m
  8. Nicole Lashae Ben

    EPISODE 8

    Nicole Lashae Ben

    Nicole is the CEO and Founder of Thrive In Design, a consultancy dedicated to helping interior designers and product manufacturers embrace human-centered design principles with the aim of helping design-driven brands stand out, sell effectively, and scale strategically. A graduate of Syracuse University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, she founded Thrive In Design to help interior product companies boost brand awareness and revenue. I spoke to Nicole via Zoom in June 2025. In this episode, we discover how a college research project prepared Nicole to help design companies deal with the challenges of the pandemic.  The importance of working your networks and making authentic connections.  How an entrepreneurial approach and a business mindset shifts can help develop your business. The role her podcast has as a platform for collaboration and thought leadership. And why, if you want to develop your business, you need to A.C.E. the journey. Links Nicole on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleben/ Thrive in Design on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/posts/ Thrive in Design https://www.thriveindesign.co/ Sign up for Thrive in Design's next live training: https://training.thriveindesign.co Subscribe to Thrive in Design's email list: https://podcast.thriveindesign.co How to be a kick-ass Interior Designer. Come and join us on the Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-interior-design Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd love to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    1h 1m
  9. Brian McManus from Supreme Upholstery

    EPISODE 9

    Brian McManus from Supreme Upholstery

    Brian McManus is the Director of Supreme Upholstery, an upholstery manufacturer founded in 2016 and based in Trafford Park in Manchester in the UK. Supreme Upholstery is on a mission to provide high-quality furniture at affordable prices.  With an extensive range of sofas and armchairs, designed and manufactured on-site, they supply both the commercial and residential sectors. Brian has 50 years experience in sofa and chair design as Development Manager, and Production Director. He's worked with renowned companies such as Lyndon Design, which made furniture for Harrods, Heals, and the Crown Supplies. I chatted with Brian via Zoom in early 2025. In this episode, we discover how Brian began his career as an upholstery apprentice. The importance of quality and being transparent with your customers.  How raising awareness and developing relationships with designers and retailers helps to generate business. The significance of a well-organised production flow. And why, if you want to be a good upholsterer, you need to take care of the inside. Thanks to Kate Fox from Fox Graphics and Marketing for helping to set up the interview. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-fox-design/   Links Brian on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mcmanus-30b47b1b6/ Supreme Upholstery https://supremeupholstery.co.uk/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supremeupholsteryltd/ Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd love like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    34 min
  10. Justine Fox

    EPISODE 10

    Justine Fox

    Justine Fox is a colour design expert, writer, and speaker, specialising in creative public engagement and the positive opportunities for purposeful colour use in the built environment.  She is Creative Director of Studio Justine Fox and has worked with brands and material manufacturers for the built environment across the globe over the last 20 years, helping them to grow their audience and future-proof their collections. Justine is passionate about the psychological and physical impact of colour. She was shortlisted for The Pineapples 2023 as part of the Holdron's Green team. I spoke to Justine via Zoom in July 2025 ahead of the New Designers student exhibitions in London. In this episode, we discover how the psychological impact and symbolism of colour impacts your experience of space.  How Justine works with communities to co design their spaces.  The importance of a broad collaboration within a design team. The challenges of educating a neurodiverse cohort and how colour can help support learners. And why, when you are selecting colours, materials and finishes, you always need the spice. Links Justine on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/studiojustinefox/ Studio Justine Fox https://justinefox.com/ Thanks to Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd love like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    1h 18m
  11. Maggie Swift

    EPISODE 11

    Maggie Swift

    Maggie Swift is the founding partner of Unframed Digital, a bespoke marketing agency based in Denver and Los Angeles, specialising in the built environment and working with architecture and interior design practices, construction, and manufacturing industries.  Unframed Digital acts as a partner to marketing teams, specialising in SEO strategies with a data driven approach.  Maggie is passionate about optimised foundations, website strategy, customer-first methods, and helping marketers thrive. I spoke to Maggie via Zoom in July 2025.  In this episode, we discover how Maggie began her career in publishing and her passion for the built environment. The role of data tracking and data decision making in raising profitability. Why you should budget for SEO and website optimisation. The positives and negative of AI. And why,  if you want to start a marketing campaign, you better start by sharpening your axe. Links Maggie on LinkedIN linkedin.com/in/magsswift Unframed Digital on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/unframed-digital/ Unframed Digital https://www.unframeddigital.com/ Unframed Digital on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/unframeddigital/ Thanks to Nikki Jain from The Sprout PR for helping to set up this interview https://www.linkedin.com/in/digitalprpronikkij/ Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd love like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    55 min
  12. Guy Oliver

    EPISODE 12

    Guy Oliver

    Guy Oliver is an interior designer and managing director of Oliver Laws, a design practice specialising in historic or listed buildings and interiors.  Guy began his career after leaving the Navy working with Colefax and Fowler and alongside Micheal Inchbald.  Guy joined David Laws as Co-Director of his firm and ultimately assumed ownership of the company in 2012 when the name changed to Oliver Laws Ltd. Guy has gained a reputation for a unique creative style backed by a solid understanding of architectural history and artisanal techniques. He was principal designer on the £70m restoration and refurbishment of The Connaught Hotel Passionate about the education and training of artisans, Guy was a volunteer Creative Director of The Turquoise Mountain Foundation, which works in post conflict and post-disaster areas. Guy and his team have raised funds for the following organisations: SAVE Britain's Heritage, the Sir John Soane's Museum, The Aid to Zimbabwe Trust, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Kew Palace, and a number of The Prince of Wales's, now the King's Charities I spoke to Guy via Zoom in October 2025. In this episode, we discover the challenges and rewards of collaborating with artisans.  How skills from the Navy transfer to business.  The complexities of managing diverse teams to create cohesive and harmonious spaces.  Manifestation and the importance of focussing on what you love And why, when you are trying to make things happen, don't grab it!, you need to want it, Links Guy Oliver on LinkedIn Oliver Laws https://www.oliverlaws.com/ Turquoise Mountain Foundation https://www.turquoisemountain.org/ Thanks to Ruth Cairns for helping to set up the interview. Dave Clarke from @iamthehow (http://www.iamthehow.com) for production support and invaluable advice in the setting up of this Podcast. Kay Hanson (https://www.instagram.com/kay_v_hanson/) for her planning support and co-hosting for these and our educational podcasts for the University of Plymouth Mark Frith (https://www.markfrith.uk/) for composing the music and all your support and advice along the way. I'd love like to hear feedback on the podcast.  Leave a comment or get in touch via the website or Instagram. Website http://www.multistorythinking.com/contact Instagram https://www.instagram.com/forster_jonathan/ Thanks for listening.  Bye for now.

    1h 13m
See All Season 6 (12)

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Multi Story Thinking Podcast unravels the mysteries of interior design. Hosted by designer and educator Jonathan Forster the podcast takes an educational slant on the world of interior design providing an insight into the how and the why. If you are curious about how things are done within the industry, how people got their breaks and how they've developed their careers, and get some tips and advice, then this is the podcast for you. So sit back, relax, as we help unravel the mysteries of interior design

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