The Common Thread

What do students really want from the spaces they’ll call home? In this episode of The Common Thread, interior designer and lecturer Jonathan Forster shares insights from students and future designers, exploring how shared and student living spaces can support wellbeing, connection, and creativity. From sustainability to culturally informed design, discover how the next generation is reshaping the way we live.

Episode 5 — “Colour & Connection: In Conversation with COAT Paints”In this episode, we chat with Harry from COAT Paints about the power of colour - from sustainability and zoning to how paint shapes emotion and connection in shared living spaces.Discover how thoughtful colour application can enhance wellbeing and atmosphere, and why COAT’s authentic, sustainable approach makes them one to watch (and collaborate with).

🎙️ Episode 4 of The Common Thread is out!!! 🎙️ Titled... Reflecting on Design: Joyful, Student-Centered CommunitiesIn this episode we’ll be reflecting on our past two amazing and thought-provoking guests’ thoughts Álainn and Denise. We’ll also be diving into our top five secrets to create community minded and joyful spaces – which felt very apt as we recently celebrated our 5th birthday. We’re really enjoying exploring relevant issues, but with an interior design spin and we’re just getting

We’re joined by the brilliant Denise Cruz, Student Experience Specialist at Yugo - and a rising voice in the PBSA sector. We first met Denise at last year’s Class Conference and were immediately drawn to her passion and perspective on what students really need.In this episode, we dig into:The evolving needs of Gen Z and Gen AlphaHow to design with empathy and intention Why student voices should always shape student spacesDenise’s insights are inspiring, actionable, and totally aligned with our

In this episode, we chat with Interior Architecture graduate Alainn Haugh about what students really want from their spaces.From wellbeing zones to energy-saving hacks and clever ways to elevate student bedrooms on a budget- we explore how to design more human-centric, multifunctional spaces that actually work for Gen Z.Whether you're in PBSA, BTR, or just curious about the future of communal living, this one's packed with insight and inspiration.Thanks, Alainn, for your brilliant ideas and

In our very first episode, co-founders of Nelson and Long, Alicia and Jess, share the story behind The Common Thread and why they felt compelled to launch it.They dive into some of the biggest challenges facing the built environment today, from sustainability and inclusivity to affordability and wellbeing , and explore how thoughtful interior design can play a powerful role in shaping more supportive, human-centred spaces.Expect a warm, honest and inspiring conversation, packed with insights (and a