Life at Muse: A workplace shaped by our people, for our people

We know it’s easy to say that we are among the best places to work. But for us, workplace culture isn’t just a claim. It’s something which has been built over the years through openness, honesty, collaboration, and a genuine care for one another.   

The Muse Way is our blueprint from this. It not only guides how we deliver outstanding places, but defines our values as a company, and a workplace for all our staff. Across our teams we seek to foster a culture of inclusivity and create environments where people can grow their careers and thrive personally and professionally.  

The real test lies in how our culture is experienced every day by the people who make Muse what it is. We sat down with ten of our colleagues across the UK to find out.  

What makes Muse a special place to work?

From those who have been with us for many years, to other team members just starting out on their journey at Muse, each share a similar view of what it is like to work here, and the culture we instil.  

“I’ve been with Muse for eight years. In this time I’ve been able to see the business change over that time. But I feel like the culture has always stayed the same.” – Carly Jones, Head of Communications.  

“It feels like you’re part of a team. I’ve only been here ten months, but even in my first three months I’ve never felt like the new person.” – Remario Brown, Management Accountant 

A key part of the culture that resonates with our teams is the way we seek to promote positive relationships and the building of bonds with each other.  

We know how instrumental strong relationships are in delivering responsible regeneration on a grand scale.  

This collaborative approach is not only embedded into our work with communities and the public and private sectors, but each other too. 

“Things like after work drinks and 5-a-side football help to develop those interpersonal relationships.” – Remario Brown, Management Accountant 

“There’s a great work-life balance. People are encouraged to socialise internally and externally which is great. It’s a good way to get to know people outside of work, which is really important, especially when you’re working in a challenging environment, there’s still that level of respect and care.” – Syreeta Bayne, Head of Social Value & Sustainability  

How important are the people?  

Muse is a place which is the sum of its great people. We know it is our greatest strength, and the talent of our team is the key reason behind the transformative places we deliver nationwide.  

“As Muse people, what you get coming through in all areas is a lot of passion and a lot of energy. All of us naturally gravitate towards becoming very solution-focused and problem-solvers.” – Basit Ali, Development Director  

“One of the senior team said, “we take the work very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously.” This sat with me as it’s really true here. Everyone is so lovely, but when the work needs to be done, it gets done.” – Danielle Stallard, Executive Assistant  

Across Muse we operate with a flat hierarchy structure. Everyone from the senior leadership team down is inclusive, approachable, and enables each person to feel part of the team.   

“To be able to speak to the senior leadership team at that level and to just be able to pick up the phone is really important.” – Carly Jones, Head of Communications. 

Integrated teams are the foundation of our long-term success; by working together our teams make sure we stay true to the shared vision and deliver on the promises we set out.  
 

“What’s great about Muse is that we have a real diverse team around us. We have a lot of different skills that we can use within the business to overcome big challenges.” – Hollie Boxall, Senior Project Manager 

What career development opportunities are there at Muse? 

We go the extra mile for our people. This is embedded within our business with initiatives such as enhanced parental leave, hybrid working, and excellent personal and career development opportunities.  

“The senior leadership within Muse is extremely passionate about supporting NextGen coming through and giving them the resources to flourish.” – Hollie Boxall, Senior Project Manager 

Abiola Ogunsami, Graduate Development Manager at Muse, is one of several young talents who we are proud to be supporting on their journey in the industry.   

“I’ve had so much support from my line manager and the team in general. I’ve learned so much, and once I started getting embedded in projects I feel like I’ve grown every single week just learning so much it’s been amazing. 

“I’m being supported to do a master’s and my RICS chartership. I feel like there’s great opportunities for me to grow within the business.” 

Anna Fletcher, HR Co-ordinator, is one of the key players who has helped make us a certified ‘Great Place to Work’ for three successive years. 

“We’re very much a business where you reap what you sow. If you’re ambitious, career-driven, and you put in all the hard work, you’ll get the reward.” 

What makes you most proud to work here?  

From our talks with teams up and down the country, the work we do here stands out.  

The opportunity to shape new neighbourhoods, bring communities to life, and positively impact the lives of others. To work for a place maker with a genuine commitment to delivering brighter futures for all the places we work in.  

“It’s hard work and you’ve got to be really driven. There’s loads of challenges, but the results are fantastic. You get to see these new neighbourhoods created and people moving in and using the spaces and interacting. I don’t think there is any industry like it. It’s a really unique role and I’m lucky to be part of it.”  – James Stockdale, Development Director.