From idea to enriching design: Musson Brown Architects

Tell us a little about Musson Brown Architects. How and when was the practice founded, and what are its specialist areas of focus?

George: It was founded when the practice I was a partner in went through a transitionary phase; our long-term plan to take that practice in a new direction was accelerated by the pandemic.

Victoria and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to launch our own practice and retain our existing team.

Our core focus is residential work for private clients, with a specialism in the restoration of period properties and construction of one-off homes.

From onboarding industry experts to project managing the entire build, we craft spaces that enhance everyday life.

Our heart lies in creating luxury homes for private clients and re-inventing complex sites for discerning developers.

As well as company co-founders, you’re also husband and wife. How does that add to the myriad dynamics that come with running a business?

Victoria: We each bring complementing strengths that create balance and diversity.

Rather than clashing with one another, our different roles enrich our service offering and broaden our reach.

Along with our different experiences, interests and skills, George and I surround ourselves with an exceptional team of architects and designers.

Their support is instrumental in enabling us to create designs that enrich the everyday and mould seamlessly with clients’ lifestyles.

Outside of work, we have a young family, and our practice gives us the flexibility to juggle these commitments.

The practice carries a strapline of being ‘small enough that every project matters, but large enough to deliver’. How is that vow reflected across each venture it undertakes?

George: The size of our practice is incredibly important.

It means we remain personally involved in every commission while maintaining the capacity to execute large-scale, complex builds.

We believe in providing a tailored service to each client, taking the time to understand their priorities and ambitions, and truly immersing ourselves in the spaces we create.

Meeting regularly, we explore a range of design options, and through a considered process of continual refinement, we craft a space that is the very best it can be.

From concept to completion, we act as a client’s primary contact, creating a seamless and stress free experience not typically associated with renovation and building work.

The business has received several accolades, including a recent Lord Mayor’s award for a Tyneside courtyard home. What does such recognition say about the quality of its service delivery?

Victoria: It was a pleasure to receive the Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Design Award again, which recognises architecture that has made an exceptional contribution to the city.

Ultimately, our accolades reflect the strong relationships we maintain within our team, with our clients and with our network of consultants.

Fundamentally, the key to our award-winning approach is our desire to know the people behind the project – we listen to our clients, understand their aspirations and translate them into enriching designs.

We are fortunate enough to work with some fantastic people, who are excited to explore new ideas and willing to push their boundaries.

Without them, we couldn’t do what we do.

While boasting a portfolio of North East projects, the practice also counts work in places such as York. Are there plans in place to expand further across the UK?

George: We are proud to be based in the North East; with a rich architectural history and a strong sense of community, people feel proud to call our region home.

However, while the mainstay of our business is Newcastle and Northumberland, we are increasingly spreading our wings further afield.

This work comes exclusively from referrals and repeat clients, and has led us to undertake projects from London to North Yorkshire.

Like so many businesses today, we don’t need a permanent physical presence in these locations to offer an exceptional service.

Many of our clients have international bases or travel extensively, so we are well accustomed to remote working and are keen to develop and invest in our Newcastle base.

Like so many industries, the architectural sector has not been without challenges, with economic uncertainty, staff shortages and a rise in building costs and sustainability demands weighing on day-to-day operations.

How have you navigated such obstacles?

Victoria: The key to navigating these challenges has been remaining flexible.

We enjoyed great growth during the postlockdown boom, as clients came to us with a renewed enthusiasm for their homes.

By maintaining an adaptable approach, we have been able to move with the market, follow new opportunities and respond quickly to clients’ requirements.

Sustainability remains a core part of our service offering.

For us, it involves considering the immediate environment and property history, facilitating low running costs and creating designs that stand the test of time.

Although rising costs are notoriously difficult to manage, they ultimately mean transparency is essential. We have found clients appreciate our honesty and integrity, as well as our respect for their budget.

What are your short and longer term goals for the practice?

George: In the immediate future, we are focused on nurturing our talented team, investing in their training and working together to execute exceptional architectural designs.

Over the longer term, we look forward to organically growing the practice to enhance our service offering, while remaining true to our personal approach.

Our practice will always centre around our clients, and we will remain committed to delivering projects where our uncompromising attention to detail is paramount.