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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Developer sought for ‘iconic’ Chelsea cinema site with prime resi potential
The Grade II listed former theatre & cinema features a prominent Art Deco façade on the Fulham Road.
By PrimeResi
Green light for new Valouran & Marcus Cooper Group project in Knightsbridge
Luxury developers' revamp of a grand townhouse & mews promises to 'set a new benchmark' for the prestigious PCL neighbourhood.
Dexters buys another London estate agency
'This expansion marks an exciting step forward in strengthening Dexters’ presence across South London,' says prominent property firm as it opens two new branches & acquires James Alexander in Norbury.
By PrimeResi
Knight Frank bolsters super-prime lettings team with Strutts high-flyer
New KF partner Joss Hatcher-Davis spent nearly a decade at his former agency, and was consistently ranked as the highest biller.
Agency claims ‘dominance’ in super-prime Surrey with 75% deal share
Knight Frank highlights six big-ticket sales in the Home Counties, arguing that rising buyer interest in Surrey 'could be an indicator of a widespread market resurgence, marking the ground zero of the…
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Knight Frank celebrates successful Wealth Report launch & media campaign
The property firm's flagship research report was unveiled in front of 300 private clients & their advisors last week, and has generated more than 1,000 pieces of media coverage so far.
By PrimeResi
US buyers dominant in PCL as government sends mixed signals to foreign investors – Knight Frank
Stability could be the UK’s strength right now, so it feels like unfortunate timing to be replacing our non-dom tax regime with something less competitive, says research boss Tom Bill.
By Tom Bill
Agency serves up hi-spec Wimbledon mansion for £10mn
The recently built residence, which has a zero on-site carbon operating footprint, is being billed as 'the ultimate in modern luxury'.
After the goldrush: Mayfair’s luxury new-build supply dwindles as development boom fizzles out
Planning restrictions & rising construction costs have driven a major shift in London's most exclusive neighbourhood.
Auriens brings in boutique estate agency for 2025 sales push
Luxury later living operator announces 'strategic collaboration' with longstanding firm in Chelsea.
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