Then and now... George Musson

In the latest instalment of Bdaily's Then and now series, George Musson, co-founder and director at Newcastle-based Musson Brown Architects, reflects on his career, from his first role to the present day, highlighting the lessons he has learned from his personal and professional evolution.

You’re co-founder and director at Musson Brown Architects. What does your role entail?

My role involves overseeing the practice’s creative and operational direction. 

Day to day, this includes securing new commissions, guiding projects from inception through to planning approval, and managing our talented team of architects and designers. 

Victoria [co-founder and director] and I remain closely involved in every scheme we undertake, from the initial conversation to project completion, ensuring each upholds the principles on which our practice was founded. 

At our core, we believe in shaping projects that are architecturally interesting and intelligently delivered – my role is to protect that vision.

Did you always want to work in architecture? Or did you have other ambitions when you were growing up?

I was drawn to a career in architecture from a young age. 

At the core of our business is the understanding that homes are deeply personal spaces, and I have always been fascinated by how the built environment affects us on a fundamental level.

When it comes to residential architecture, there’s a human scale I find particularly compelling: to have a home is a basic, intrinsic want, so to create spaces that make people feel not only comfortable, but inspired, is a real privilege. 

What was your first job - and did you enjoy it?

My first job was a weekend role at Tesco, where I spent my Saturdays stock taking. 

I can’t say it was the most enjoyable role I’ve had, but it definitely inspired me to apply myself to my A-level subjects and secure a place at Newcastle University.

After graduating, I joined social housing developer Gentoo and gained valuable experience working on inspiring projects with the team. 

A particularly memorable space was one we created for disabled and ill children, which served as a powerful reminder of architecture’s potential to do good.

Were there any mentors or individuals that helped shape your career? And are you still applying lessons you learned then to your workforce of today?

I’ve been fortunate to learn from a number of generous and insightful individuals over the years, who have challenged me to think differently and embrace the complexities that come with leading people and projects. 

The lessons I absorbed early in my career still influence how we lead our team today. 

At Musson Brown, we place great value on collaboration, autonomy and respect. 

Every person brings something different to the table, and I’ve learned the best ideas often emerge from shared exploration. 

I am proud to encourage this culture in our practice.

What attracted you to the architectural sector?

Without a doubt, it was the human element. 

Whether we’re designing homes or commercial premises, architecture is about people. 

We work closely with clients to understand their lives, aspirations and values. 

It’s a privilege to be granted that insight, and shaping a space around it never gets old. 

Architecture is also incredibly varied. 

It’s a fast-paced, diverse environment where no two commissions are the same. 

What worked on one scheme may not work on another, and this requires you to approach each brief without preconceptions. 

How do you feel you’ve changed as a person over the years? Have career roles brought new dimensions to your personality?

Absolutely. Running a practice has taught me that people think in vastly different ways, and that’s something to be embraced. 

While I thrive on autonomy and the ability to pivot quickly, others may favour a more reflective approach to design. 

Ultimately, a well-balanced, collaborative team is one in which each individual thrives, and building a culture where everyone feels heard has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Becoming a father has also shifted my perspective. 

It’s heightened my awareness of the importance of balance, and deepened my understanding of what truly matters to people when they’re shaping their lives and homes.

You’ve seen many changes to the employment world across your career. How do you see the workplace evolving in years to come?

I think the value we place on human relationships will continue to increase. 

As more systems and processes become automated, the ability to connect on a personal level becomes even more important. 

We’ve noticed clients consistently prefer to meet in person, which is something we deeply value. 

Those face-to-face interactions enable us to build the trust and understanding necessary to create meaningful architecture.

At the end of the day, people want to work with people. 

And in our line of work, that human connection elevates a project from simply functional to something genuinely reflective of who our clients are.

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