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