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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Eva Woode
Season 8 · Episode 3
Monday, September 14, 2026 • Duration 01:08:42
Eva Woode is the founder of Edify Content Studio Ltd. A marketing and content creation agency made up of a team of writers, communicators, and strategists. They help interior furnishing and building product brands engage with specifiers through well-researched and useful content.
Their mission is "to save architects and interior designers from crappy marketing."
They combine their interest in the built environment with technical knowledge and marketing expertise to create content that specifiers find engaging, educational, and inspiring for marketing, promotion, and CPD applications. Combining her qualifications in design engineering and curating with previous marketing roles for manufacturers across the UK and Sweden, Eva set up Edify Content Studio in 2017.
In this episode, we discover the importance of talking to people and how she won clients through networking and direct outreach. How building a team around limited time, parenthood, and repeatable systems helped launch her business. The process of layering information to match the reader's knowledge level. And why, the secret of success might just be to aim lower and make lots of mistakes.
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.
David Beddy is the Director of FMS Interior Services, a furniture source, supply, installation, and design service, championing sustainable solutions with over 30 years' experience, delivering large scale contracts to universities, businesses, and local government bodies, throughout the UK.
David has developed an approach that focuses on sustainability, long-term client relationships, and evolving market trends. This strategic and value-driven approach transforms furniture selection, design, and lifecycle management, helping organisations operate effectively and more sustainably.
I've worked with David and FMS Interiors as a design specialist for over 12 years supporting their sales team and helping to promote good design and responsible and sustainable specification of furniture to support business goals and user health, happiness, and productivity.
I recorded this episode in August 2026
In this episode, we discover the importance of developing a dialogue about what to do with existing furniture. How a systematic approach can help multi site organisations. The importance of buying the right choice of furniture at the start of a project. How working closely with designers can fast track a project.
And why, if you want to get somewhere fast, you should go slowly, but not too slowly.
Key topics
Sustainable furniture management and refurbishment
The evolution of the furniture industry over 35 years
Building long-term client relationships and trust
The role of design and interior architects in furniture selection
Adapting to market trends and sustainability demands
The importance of repair, reuse, and lifecycle management of furniture
The impact of client education and engagement on procurement
Future trends: smaller organizations, sustainability, and digital engagement
Tom Bourne is the Creative Director of Select First, and the co-founder, along with me of Clerkenwheels.
Just over two weeks since we completed our ride we catch up to wrap up our thoughts on the ride and its impact and discuss, somewhat nostalgically, how two passionate cyclists navigated their journey from Plymouth to London while raising awareness for a worthy cause.
Our journey was made even more special by the support of friends, family, and our wonderful support crew, Toby Kent. Having someone to cheer us on during the toughest moments made all the difference. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who joined us or supported us along the way, particularly our friends from Porto Romano, David Collins Studio, FMS Interiors, HLM Architects, Condor Cycles, Industry Publicity, and the RCA, whose encouragement kept our spirits high.
In this episode, we discover the joys, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made this adventure memorable
The camaraderie of a team and the joy of sharing stories with locals we met along the way
The importance of a cross industry approach to tackle diversity and inclusion
And, if you want to know the secret to Tom's hill-climbing skills. Take a look at his rear cassette.
I want to thank the team from United In Design for supporting our ride, Sophie Ashby and Alex Dorley and behind the scenes, Eman Akbar, who's been working tirelessly to put things in place.
Julienne Webster from Industry Publicity, who's helping us with the marketing and PR of our initiative, and Tom Bourne from Select First, my co-rider for thinking up the idea, coming up with the name and keeping me motivated whilst I try to do my training.
Julienne Webster
Season 8 · Episode 1
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 55:08
Julienne Webster, founder of Industry Publicity, is a PR consultant with over 20 years experience. A specialist in design communications working with a wide range of clients, from architects and interior designers to manufacturers. Julienne Webster offers strategic business advice to companies across the built environment sector.
Her holistic approach covers events and publicity, with the power of good communication central to how she helps businesses reach their target market and grow.
I spoke to Julienne in April 2026 ahead of our Clerkenwheels fundraising ride from the University of Plymouth to Clerkenwell Design Week in support of United In Design's outreach program. Julienne is generously supporting Clerkenwheels with her PR and marketing expertise.
The ride arrives at the Reddie Showroom on Goswell Road on Tuesday, 19th of May, 2026. If you'd like to join the party or donate, follow the Clerkenwheels link in the description for more details.
In this episode, we discover how the principles of PR have remained the same despite changes in platforms and media channels. The impact of digital platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram on reaching new audiences. The importance of authenticity and human elements in content creation and social media engagement. Challenges and opportunities in digital storytelling, including AI-generated content
And why, if you want to be truly creative, ditch AI and connect with some like-minded people.
Kay Hanson is the Plymouth Studio Director of HLM Architects. She heads up a multi-disciplinary team working across the architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and sustainability sectors.
HLM are keen advocates of social value and delivering thoughtful, transformative places that support communities, our planet, and each other.
HLM are supporting the Clerkenwheels ride with a Grand Depart networking event to send us off on day one of our ride.
In this episode, we discover Kay's career trajectory from HLM to teaching and back
The importance of diversity and neurodiversity in architecture and interior design
How outreach programs can help to promote careers in the built environment
And why, if you really don't want to. It is ok to say No.
I want to thank the team from United In Design for supporting our ride, Sophie Ashby and Alex Dorley and behind the scenes, Eman Akbar, who's been working tirelessly to put things in place.
Clerkenwheels-Miles Baker-Clarke
Season 7 · Episode 4
Monday, April 13, 2026 • Duration 37:57
Miles Baker-Clarke is a Director of Strategy and Growth with Fusion Media Services and founder of the Cycling Culture Club
With over 10 years of experience in commercial and strategic marketing within the cycling industry, Miles is a skilled and passionate brand marketer, dedicated to bringing cycling to a broader audience and ensuring the sport's diversity and inclusivity for the future.
Cycling Culture Club brings together people from underrepresented groups within cycling to share stories and was conceived as a space where all folks can feel welcome, and where the community can breed accessibility, inclusivity and ultimately, growth.
I interviewed Miles in March 2026 ahead of our 5-day cycle ride to raise funds for United in Design's outreach program.
In this episode, we discover practical insights into building inclusive environments, how cycling can drive diversity and inclusion, the importance of storytelling in fostering community and representation, and why, if you are starting to flag on the bike, you need to start eating.
I want to thank the team from United In Design for supporting our ride, Sophie Ashby and Alex Dorley and behind the scenes, Eman Akbar, who's been working tirelessly to put things in place.
Clerkenwheels-David Collins Studio
Season 7 · Episode 3
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 39:50
David Collins Studio - Raaida Hossain, Yeji Son, and Fanta Dembele have all taken part in United in Design's internship program at David Collins Studio. Raaida is their current intern with both Yeji and Fanta joining David Collins Studio as employees following their internship.
David Collins Studio is an internationally renowned luxury interior design and architecture practice, based in London and working across the world. The Studio works with luxury and heritage brands and delivers industry-leading interior architecture and design within the hospitality sector.
David Collins has supported the United in Design's internship program from its inception in 2020
I interviewed Raaida, Yeji, and Fanta alongside Emily Wilder, Head of People at David Collins Studio, in February 2026 ahead of our 5-day cycle ride to raise funds for United in Design's outreach program.
In this episode, we discover how paid internships can increase accessibility, the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming studio culture. How a well-structured intenship program can help boost skills and provide an investment for the company and the wider design industry. And why, it's always worth spending a bit of time doomscrolling on Instagram
Ali Milam is the Managing Director at Porta Romana, a Hampshire based company with an international reputation for making beautiful handcrafted decorative lighting and furniture for the interior design industry.
Founded in 1988 by Andrew and Sarah Hills, Porta Romana has continuously grown and evolved and produces lighting and furniture with a commitment to craftsmanship and collaboration with talented artisans from around the globe.
Porta Romana have supported the United in Design's internship program from it's inception in 2020
I interviewed Ali in February 2026 ahead of our 5-day cycle ride to raise funds for United in Design's outreach program.
In this episode we discover how Porta Romana got involved with United in Design's Internship program, the profound impact this partnership has had on both the interns and Porta Romana. The unexpected benefits and the importance of fostering connections within the design community, and why, if an idea sounds totally bonkers, it might just be worth getting involved with.
Sophie Ashby and Alex Dauley are co-founders of United in Design
United in Design (UiD) was founded in 2020 in response to the lack of inclusion in the interior design industry. Recognising the significant barriers that people of colour face in accessing opportunities within the field, they established UiD as a British diversity, equity, and inclusion charity to create pathways for underrepresented talent.
I spoke to Alex and Sophie in February 2026 ahead of our 5-day cycle ride to raise funds for United in Design's outreach program.
In this episode, we discover how United in Design grew from a response to frustration. What meaningful inclusion actually looks like beyond statements, strategies and good intentions. Why partnerships, listening and long-term thinking matter more than quick wins. How designers, educators and organisations can play an active role in widening access and why, if you're worried about the training, you can always get on a Lime bike.
You can get involved by sponsoring the ride, hosting a stop, sharing the message or donating to support the cause. Follow the journey, listen to the conversations and be part of shaping a more open and representative creative industry.
Clerkenwheels is a fundraising cycling journey and a moving conversation about design, inclusion and who gets to shape the spaces around us. Over a series of special episodes, I'll be talking with designers, studios, and creative leaders who believe the built environment should work for everyone.
Clerkenwheels-Special series introduction
Season 7
Friday, February 20, 2026 • Duration 05:18
Clerkenwheels is a fundraising cycling journey and a moving conversation about design, inclusion and who gets to shape the spaces around us. Over a series of special episodes, I'll be talking with designers, studios, and creative leaders who believe the built environment should work for everyone.
Clerkenwheels is more than a bike ride. It's a fundraising initiative supporting United In Design's outreach programme. Every ten pounds we raise will introduce someone new to the potential of the interior design sector as a career. Along with my friend Tom Bourne, we are cycling from the University of Plymouth to Clerkenwell Design Week in London. We're heading out on Friday, the 15th of May, stopping off in Topsham, Sherborne, Salisbury, Farnham, and rolling into Clerkenwell on Tuesday, the 19th of May. On the way, we'll be stopping off to host conversations, visit suppliers, manufacturers, and designers to shine a light on the people pushing the industry forward.
In this series, you'll hear honest conversations about diversity and leadership in design, reflections on practise, education and responsibility, storeys from the road as the miles build up, and the occasional unfiltered moment when the legs are feeling it.
You can get involved by sponsoring the ride, hosting a stop, sharing the message or donating to support the cause. Follow the journey, listen to the conversations and be part of shaping a more open and representative creative industry.
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.
I'd like to thank 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.
Julienne Webster from Industry Publicity, who's helping us with the marketing and PR of our initiative, and Tom Bourne from Select First, my co-rider for thinking up the idea, coming up with the name and keeping me motivated whilst I try to do my training.
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, share it with someone who might enjoy it and help these conversations reach further afield.
Thanks for listening. Bye for now.
Julienne Webster from Industry Publicity, who's helping us with the marketing and PR of our initiative, and Tom Bourne from Select First, my co-rider for thinking up the idea, coming up with the name and keeping me motivated whilst I try to do my training.
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, share it with someone who might enjoy it and help these conversations reach further afield.
I want to thank the team from United In Design for supporting our ride, Sophie Ashby and Alex Dorley and behind the scenes, Eman Akbar, who's been working tirelessly to put things in place.
Julienne Webster from Industry Publicity, who's helping us with the marketing and PR of our initiative, and Tom Bourne from Select First, my co-rider for thinking up the idea, coming up with the name and keeping me motivated whilst I try to do my training.
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, share it with someone who might enjoy it and help these conversations reach further afield.
Thanks for listening. Bye for now.
I want to thank the team from United In Design for supporting our ride, Sophie Ashby and Alex Dorley and behind the scenes, Eman Akbar, who's been working tirelessly to put things in place.
Julienne Webster from Industry Publicity, who's helping us with the marketing and PR of our initiative, and Tom Bourne from Select first, my co-rider for thinking up the idea, coming up with the name and keeping me motivated whilst I try to do my training.
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, share it with someone who might enjoy it and help these conversations reach further afield.
Thanks for listening. Bye for now.
Clerkenwheels is more than a bike ride. It's a fundraising initiative supporting United In Design's outreach programme. Every ten pounds we raise will introduce someone new to the potential of the interior design sector as a career. Along with my friend Tom Bourne, we are cycling from the University of Plymouth to Clerkenwell Design Week in London. We're heading out on Friday the 15th of May, stopping off in Topsham, Sherborne, Salisbury, Farnham, and rolling into Clerkenwell on Tuesday, the 19th of May. On the way, we'll be stopping off to host conversations, visit suppliers, manufacturers, and designers to shine a light on the people pushing the industry forward.
In this series, you'll hear honest conversations about diversity and leadership in design, reflections on practise, education and responsibility, stories from the road as the miles build up, and the occasional unfiltered moment when the legs are feeling it.
You can get involved by sponsoring the ride, hosting a stop, sharing the message or donating to support the cause. Follow the journey, listen to the conversations and be part of shaping a more open and representative creative industry.
I want to thank the team from United In Design for supporting our ride, Sophie Ashby and Alex Dorley and behind the scenes, Eman Akbar, who's been working tirelessly to put things in place.
Julienne Webster from Industry Publicity, who's helping us with the marketing and PR of our initiative, and Tom Bourne from Select first, my co-rider for thinking up the idea, coming up with the name and keeping me motivated whilst I try to do my training.
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, share it with someone who might enjoy it and help these conversations reach further afield.
Thanks for listening. Bye for now.
I want to thank the team from United In Design for supporting our ride, Sophie Ashby and Alex Dorley and behind the scenes, Eman Akbar, who's been working tirelessly to put things in place.
Julienne Webster from Industry Publicity, who's helping us with the marketing and PR of our initiative, and Tom Bourne from Select first, my co-rider for thinking up the idea, coming up with the name and keeping me motivated whilst I try to do my training.
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, share it with someone who might enjoy it and help these conversations reach further afield.
