Meet the team behind Muse’s Southern regeneration projects
11.09.25 4 min read
At Muse, we know that great places are built by great people. As we continue to shape vibrant, inclusive places across the UK, our Southern team brings experience, creativity and passion to every project they touch.
From transforming forgotten corners of cities to working hand-in-hand with local communities, this team is united by a shared commitment to placemaking that leaves a lasting legacy.
We asked some of our Southern team to share their thoughts on the projects that have inspired them, what placemaking means to them, and how they work with communities to shape meaningful places. Here’s what they had to say:
Stephanie Smith, Head of Residential
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“Stroudley Walk in Bow as it’s a great example of community-led design. We worked closely with local residents to create safe, inclusive spaces – from colourful pathways for children, to thoughtfully designed, accessible homes and revitalised retail areas.”
What does placemaking mean to you?
How do you work with local communities to help shape the places you create?
“I really enjoy working with local businesses and schools, like at Stroudley Walk in East London, to enhance the neighbourhood. We’re looking forward to completing the scheme this year, opening up the pocket park and community café, and improving the facade for the local businesses. Watch this space!”
Syreeta Bayne, Head of Social Value and Sustainability
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“It’s hard to choose just one! Each project is an opportunity to embed our sustainability strategy from day one, ensuring long-term value for the communities we work with.”
What does placemaking mean to you?
“Curating spaces that improve connectivity, support sustainable living, and drive positive change.”
How do you work with local communities to help shape the places you create?
“We focus on enhancing existing infrastructure, rather than starting from scratch, which helps minimise disruption and build on what’s already working for the community. Our goal is always to create places that benefit people now and in the future.”
Syreeta Bayne, Head of Social Value and Sustainability
Iona MacRury – Regional Marketing & Communications Manager
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“Hale Wharf, Tottenham – Its thoughtful design and architecture beautifully complement the surrounding environment, and I especially love how it connects to the waterways and nearby green spaces. It’s a place that promotes healthier mental wellbeing.”
What does placemaking mean to you?
Creating high-quality spaces and healthy homes where people feel supported and empowered to flourish both physically and mentally.
How do you work with local communities?
“We love to support through cultural initiatives. For example, we sponsored an owl sculpture for a local art trail organised by North London Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art. The owl, affectionately named Flora, now lives permanently at Hale Wharf for children and families to enjoy. It’s a small but joyful way to connect with families and support local causes.”
Emma Coomber, New Homes and Places Director
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“Manor Road Quarter, Canning Town. It’s provided great quality affordable homes and given residents and the local community the opportunity to enjoy our new linear park – a haven in the heart of the area.”
What does placemaking mean to you?
How do you work with local communities to help shape the places you create?
“I really enjoy working with local businesses and schools, like at Stroudley Walk in East London, to enhance the neighbourhood. We’re looking forward to completing the scheme this year, opening up the pocket park and community café, and improving the facade for the local businesses. Watch this space!”
Emma Coomber, New Homes and Places Director
Joe Everett – Finance Business Partner
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“Lewisham Gateway – a hugely complex scheme that took years of perseverance and innovation. It’s a real testament to the vision, support and dedication of Homes England, the Council, and our colleagues here at Muse. The transformation is incredible!”
What does placemaking mean to you?
“Creating authentic, inclusive spaces where people and communities can thrive. It’s about going beyond buildings to shape environments that reflect local character, bring people together, and leave a positive legacy.”
How do you work with local communities?
“We start by listening and understanding what really matters. My role in finance goes beyond crunching numbers – it’s about making responsible investment choices that support sustainable, inclusive growth, and creating something meaningful for future generations. It’s something we’re great at, at Muse, and why we’re a trusted partner.”
Isabelle Asante, Senior Development Manager
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“Stroudley Walk in Bromley-by-Bow, where we’re transforming a historic part of East London into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help shape a place that celebrates local heritage while delivering much-needed homes and public spaces.”
What does placemaking mean to you?
How do you work with local communities to help shape the places you create?
“At Muse, we believe that meaningful placemaking starts with listening. At Stroudley Walk, that’s exactly what we’ve done, including working with St. Agnes Primary School, where I ran an art workshop with the children to help them express what a joyful place looks like to them. Their ideas inspired a vibrant mural in the passageway outside the school.”
Isabelle Asante, Senior Development Manager
Hollie Boxall, Project Manager
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“North West Quadrant in Slough. I’m really enjoying developing the masterplan principles and design codes which will influence the wider development of Slough and shape its future!”
What does placemaking mean to you?
“Building inclusive, meaningful and permanent places tailored to local communities.”
How do you work with local communities to help shape the places you create?
“Through honest conversations, volunteering with local groups and charities, and using local supply chains throughout construction to ensure communities are part of the journey.”
Hollie Boxall, Project Manager
Duncan Cumberland, Director of Development Management
What’s one project you’ve really enjoyed working on and why?
“Rathbone Market in London. It was the first project I worked on at Muse, in the middle of the Great Financial Crash. I’m very proud of how we worked with a multitude of partners and organisations to get the scheme viable and on site. It was a genuine catalyst to the changes that followed in East London and a great example of why ECF, our partnership with L&G and Homes England, was set up.”
What does placemaking mean to you?
“Restitching urban fabric and creating new communities that do not leave existing residents behind. The role of inclusive accessible public spaces is critical to placemaking, and every scheme we work on at Muse has this at their heart.”
How do you work with local communities to help shape the places you create?
“Going back to Rathbone Market, we worked extensively with the local Canning Town community to create a vibrant Neighbourhood Centre. It’s been my favourite initiative in 16 years at Muse because we had a real understanding of local needs and were able to deliver solutions through the built environment, including a new 2.5-acre park.”
Whether it’s through thoughtful design, meaningful engagement or long-term partnerships, our Southern team is helping shape places that reflect the needs, character and aspirations of the communities we work with. Their passion and expertise are central to how we deliver regeneration that lasts, and we’re proud to have them leading the way.