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
Companies in this article
MSMRMost read
Boutique private office appoints Beauchamp’s Finch to lead property division
Paul Finch has joined Liberty Rock after nearly 20 years with super-prime agency Beauchamp Estates.
By PrimeResi
‘About 50% of what I do is off-market’: Alex Christian of Savills Private Office on navigating London’s luxury property stratosphere
Discussing landmark deals, world-class developments & the vital role of discretion with one of the key players in super-prime real estate.
Manchester penthouse sets new price record
UK buyer shells out £3mn for marquee unit at Salboy's Viadux scheme in 'landmark' deal.
Rise of the Broker: How the business of prime London agency has changed since 2000
Alexandra Goss charts the changing face of luxury property agency over the last 25 years, from the mainstreaming of buying agents & the introduction of private offices, to the rise of independent brokers.
Strutt & Parker installs new Managing Director & Head of Marketing
Gary Higgins & Tamerah Couchman have been recruited to lead the BNP Paribas-owned property firm through its 'next phase of growth'.
By PrimeResi
London Square readies new boutique scheme in Brook Green
The developer picked up the former school site as part of its major acquisition spree last year.
In Pictures: Revamped Regent’s Park townhouse ‘redefines what it means to live in a period property’
Super-prime design firm Elicyon has transformed an historic Grade II listed building into a 'deeply personal' modern home for an international family.
Domestic buyers seizing unprecedented opportunities in Prime London, says agency
British purchasers now make up over 40% of Black Brick's client base, up from 25% last year.
First Look: Debut show flat unveiled at heritage-led scheme on Mayfair’s Hertford Street
The first completed unit at 36 & 37 Hertford Street Residences pairs restored Georgian architecture with layered interiors by A.London
Savills flags ‘historic value’ across prime London & regional markets
Some wealthy buyers 'seize opportunity' as property prices fall.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
‘A subtle but important shift’: How the South Bank became London’s prime new-build hub
Knight Frank's Head of Residential Development Research explores how a disruptive period of resi development activity has reshaped London's luxury property map.
First Look: Debut show flat unveiled at heritage-led scheme on Mayfair’s Hertford Street
The first completed unit at 36 & 37 Hertford Street Residences pairs restored Georgian architecture with layered interiors by A.London
OnTheMarket owner CoStar names new Europe chief
Alexa-Maria Rathbone Barker is now in charge of operations in the UK & leading a 'strategic growth plan' across Europe.
By PrimeResi
Fine & Country expands into Poundbury
Shay McNulty is leading an eight-strong team in South Dorset.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.