George Musson and Victoria Brown of Jesmond-based Musson Brown Architects are proud to announce the launch of their new practice. The duo have completed a buy-out of Squires Barnett Architects, which George joined in 2012 and became a Partner in 2018.
George’s partner Victoria Brown joined him at the practice in 2019. Together, they are delighted to share the launch of the next chapter in their architectural journey as Musson Brown Architects Ltd, effective March 2021. In their time working together the pair have established the practice as a regional leader in the delivery of bespoke domestic works for private clients, with a burgeoning client list. Most of the practice’s commissions come from recommendations. Traditionally their work has been based in the North East, however, despite the pandemic, the practice is now undertaking works across the UK. Tell us about your journey into architecture? George: I graduated in Architecture from Newcastle University and joined the firm in 2012. I became a partner in 2018 and have had the privilege to lead this practice from 2019, mainly focusing on new commissions. Victoria: My father was a Structural Engineer so I spent my early years on construction sites. My parents are serial house builders, and I became interested in architecture from an early age. I started working at a practice when I was at school. My career has spanned across 15 years working in various practices across the region. Tell us more about Musson Brown Architects? George: Musson Brown Architects is a boutique practice specialising in the delivery of luxury domestic projects for private clients and bespoke residential builds for discerning developers. From the first sketch to practical completion, both Victoria and I are personally involved in every commission. Victoria: We have a small but experienced team and offer a very hands-on approach with a full turn-key service from start to finish – acting as Lead Consultant we bring together an experienced team of like-minded professionals, from Interior Designers and Landscape Architects to Services Consultants and Engineers providing a professional, responsive and encompassing suite of services. How have you adapted your working practices during the coronavirus pandemic? George: In the last 12 months, despite the pandemic, the practice is now undertaking works nationally – notably, one such project, is a large country house on the Hertfordshire border. Despite being 250 miles away, we were recommended to the client based on our portfolio and experience leading projects which face a challenging planning application process. Victoria: We have adapted to ensure that we operate COVID securely and our ability to manage larger projects effectively over the last year is a testament to our strong relationships. Tell us about one of your latest projects, the large country house in Hertfordshire you are currently working on? George: It’s an 8,000 sq ft contemporary new build country home and we are the lead consultants. Set in idyllic Hertfordshire countryside the house will be built under Paragraph-79 of national planning policy – a rare opportunity to build a house in open countryside. To gain permission the new house must be truly outstanding and innovative. Victoria: It will be a six-bedroom house, with a Great Hall for parties and an incredible kitchen set around a beautiful courtyard garden. A wonderful brief! Is there a particular local project you are excited about? George: We are working on several major refurbishment and remodeling projects near to our studio as well as an unusual newbuild house in the heart of Jesmond. Victoria: One that stands out is a grand Victorian villa which had been converted into flats in the 60’s. We are working to bring it back to its glory as a very special family home, it will have the most incredible kitchen family room and fabulous landscape gardens. It’s so rewarding to see the house being brought back to life! Tell us about your approach to design? Victoria: We are working on various projects, from extensions to period houses and full remodeling projects to new-build homes. Our approach to every project is always the same – we start by listening to the client. We bring creativity and a passion for the very best design and deliver it in a professional but personal manner. We are a client’s confidant through a project. What are your aspirations for Musson Brown? George: We are both very passionate about property and it’s incredibly rewarding to work with wonderful clients and a brilliant team of like-minded consultants. For us it’s about continuing to build a strong order-book with a varied mix of exciting projects. Where’s the best place to live the North East, and why? Victoria: We are lucky to live in Jesmond with its leafy wide open spaces and historic houses. Also, Northumberland has so many amazing quaint villages with stunning architecture too. When not working, how do you like to relax? George: We have recently renovated our own home, a labour of love, so our time relaxing has been spent working! Victoria: Reading Interiors magazines, it’s hard to switch off when you have such a fabulous job, but walks at Low Newton are a close second. Musson Brown’
