Stephen McCusker

Stephen McCusker RIBA RIAS FHEA is a Senior Lecturer and School Professional Skills Lead at the Manchester School of Architecture, where he coordinates Professional Studies, Climate Change, Technology, Ethical Practice and Biodiversity specialisms across the school. He has been appointed part-time as a Senior Lecturer and has served as a year leader, teaching in architecture undergraduate and master's programs while also contributing to Landscape courses. McCusker played a key role in writing and leading the validation and establishment of the PGCert in Contemporary Practice (RIBA Part 3).

McCusker's research interests focus on the intersection of architecture and social value, with particular emphasis on:

• Co-operation and the co-operative movement in architecture
• Re-appropriation of existing buildings for social purposes
• Community-led economies and development
• Community asset transfer processes
• Sustainable capital projects in post-capitalist economies
• Responsible material selection and waste recycling in construction
• Ethical practice in architectural profession
• Climate change adaptation in built environments

His scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on how architectural practice can serve community interests, particularly through co-operative models. McCusker's publications reveal a trajectory from examining the historical context of co-operative architecture to developing contemporary frameworks for community-led development. His research bridges academic theory with practical application, often drawing on his own professional projects as case studies. The geographic focus of his work centers on Northern England, particularly Greater Manchester, while addressing themes with international relevance to co-operative movements and community development.

McCusker maintains active roles in professional organizations, serving as a board member of the Architects Registration Board and as a member of RIBA NW regional council where he co-chairs practice and education initiatives. He is also an experienced ARB prescribed examiner and Part 3 examiner, bringing his extensive professional and academic expertise to these roles.

As an educator, McCusker has mentored numerous students through the MSA Praxis studio which he co-leads with Helen Aston. This studio has worked with undergraduate and postgraduate students on projects throughout Greater Manchester and internationally in Greece, Ghana and Kenya. His professional practice with Loop Systems (now part of Place Capital Group) has served as a vehicle for integrating academic theory with industry practice, delivering value-led and community-centric development projects.