Blurred Lines: Why collaboration is the key to grander designs
In her first column for PrimeResi, Sheila McCusker of MSMR Architects explains how integrating interior design at the start of a project can save considerable amounts of time and money...

Sheila McCusker is one of the founding directors of MSMR, a team of architects and designers working on a wide range of projects in the UK and overseas with particular emphasis on prime central London residential property. She studied at Edinburgh University and in the USA at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and is an RIBA Chartered Architect. After gaining experience at a number of architectural practices in London and working in East Africa, Sheila started her own practice in 1995 and then set up MSMR in 2000. Today she combines her management and architectural expertise and is responsible for the running of the practice including marketing, finance, HR, legal compliance and architectural appointments.
An Anatomy of Atria: How to unlock a building’s potential from within
Well-planned atria can make unusable space habitable or conjure the all-important 'wow factor' out of something ordinary, ultimately increasing the overall value, explains MSMR's Sheila McCusker...
From Social Fitness to HCL: Four key trends in super-prime renovation
Having worked on over 300 of the UK's finest residences, from mansions in Mayfair to sprawling Surrey seats, London Projects co-founders Nick Stuttard and Steve Howat tend to see which trends and features…
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Monaco’s REDD designs ‘magnificent’ Mayfair pied-à-terre
Ultra-prime developer/designer revamps the grand former home of the art critic John Ruskin and his wife Effie on Charles Street;
By PrimeResi
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Interview: New UK Sotheby’s International Realty MD Alex Isidro on what’s next for the luxury brokerage
PrimeResi quizzes the high-profile real estate agency's recently-appointed boss about bumper sales figures, brand-building, and why this business is 'all about people, not property'.
£22mn penthouse sold in £50mn deal spree at top-end Kensington scheme
Lodha confirms launch date for next sales phase at Holland Park Gate following another run of big-ticket transactions.
‘Landmark’ townhouse sale concluded in Chelsea
'Discerning buyers are focusing on best-in-class assets', says agency, confirming sale of near-£28mn trophy home as part of £100mn deal run.
Government proposes the ‘biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history’
Consultations have opened into significant & wide-ranging reforms that promise to 'rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership.'
By PrimeResi
Country house guru Sweeting joins high-end valuation firm
Longstanding Knight Frank figure has taken up a consultant role at James Wyatt's Parthenia.
London Square gears up to launch sales at landmark heritage conversion project
Ambitious transformation of former Surrey County Council HQ is to deliver 264 new homes, with completion set for 2027.
Seven key themes in the global branded residences sector
From standalone towers to wellness-led living, these are the big trends shaping luxury branded residences worldwide.
Influential committee calls for ‘major reform of the whole property tax system’
'The case for major reform of the whole property tax system – from Stamp Duty Land Tax to Inheritance Tax to Council Tax and VAT – is almost unarguable,' says Sir Vince Cable.
By PrimeResi
Unseasonably slow September for London’s top-end property markets
Fresh analysis reveals the impact of pre-Budget jitters on the capital's high-value sales and lettings sectors.
Luxury developer Amara Property adds Sales & Acquisitions Director
Warren Leader has joined Rutu Buddhdev's team.
By PrimeResi
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