Muci is a creative architecture studio committed to exploring the full potential of every project, delivering honest buildings that balance functionality with joy and generosity

A conceptual architecture collage of a renovation to a terrace house in Islington, newcastle, by Muci. The design features planter beds and green roofs.
A scale architectural model of Lou's House in Adamstown Heights by Muci. A hand is lifting off the roof to see the planning inside. Grey box board and card.
Long section drawing of Pacific House in Palm Beach by Muci Architects. A diagrammatic wedge highlights the ocean views provided by the renovation.

OUR STORY

Established by Steani Cilliers and Chris Mullaney, Muci is an architecture studio grounded in a shared belief that good design has the capacity to meaningfully improve everyday life. Drawing on years of experience across residential, public and educational projects, the practice brings a considered, hands-on approach to work that is shaped as much by care and curiosity as it is by technical rigour.

We are motivated by projects that hold potential for positive transformation - whether that transformation is spatial, social, environmental or cultural. Scale, location and budget are never seen as limiting factors; instead, they are treated as opportunities to distil ideas and focus effort where it matters most.

Our work is characterised by a strong material sensibility and an interest in how buildings are made and experienced over time. We place particular value on robust, natural materials and thoughtful detailing, believing that longevity and delight are inseparable from the way something is made. Spaces are designed to feel grounded and generous, with careful attention given to light, ventilation, privacy and the relationship between inside and out.

Community, collaboration and craft sit at the centre of our practice. We enjoy working closely with clients, consultants and builders, and see the design process as a collective endeavour shaped through dialogue and trust. This collaborative mindset extends beyond individual projects to a broader engagement with architectural culture, education and the communities in which we work.

Muci is driven by the belief that architecture should be both useful and uplifting - quietly improving the way people live, work and gather, and contributing positively to the places it inhabits.

Steani Cilliers and Chris Mullaney, founders of newcastle architecture firm Muci, pictured inside their Clay House. Seated on a concrete bench with terracotta floor and bovedilla ceiling. Also Dinesen joinery behind.

OUR APPROACH

We believe in a collaborative approach to design, working with our clients to skilfully guide their project from beginning to end.

Our design process is incremental and considered. Starting with a thorough analysis of project constraints and aspirations, we rigorously test and refine ideas in conversation with our clients until a clear path emerges.

We communicate the evolving design through sketches, models, collages, and digital visualisations to solidify the spatial and material qualities of the project.

Along the way, we assemble a project team that is tailored to the specific needs of the project, working with specialist consultants and building contractors to integrate advice without losing sight of the shared vision.

rchitectural process sketch in plan and section. Lou's House in Adamstown Heights by Muci architects. The sketch shows a raking roof form and split levels in section. 
OUR SERVICES

We work across architecture, interiors and the spaces in between — offering a considered, end-to-end design service.

Our team have experience in a diverse range of project types including the architecture and interiors of new houses, renovations, apartment buildings, early learning centres, aquatic and recreation centres, community centres, and hospitality.

  • Bespoke residential architecture including new homes, additions, renovations, and small multi-residential projects. Our work prioritises climate, context, materiality and long-term liveability.

  • Integrated interior design that is developed alongside the architecture — including spatial planning, finishes, joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and furniture.

  • Early-stage studies, site testing, yield and massing investigations, and advice for clients considering purchase or development.

  • Strategic planning advice, Development Applications, Complying Development, and coordination with planning consultants and authorities.

  • Detailed documentation and consultant coordination to ensure the design intent is carried through to built form.

  • Assistance with builder selection, tender review, and construction phase support to maintain design quality.

Portrait of Steani Cilliers, director at Muci, an architecture firm based in Newcastle. Photo by Jacquie Manning.

STEANI CILLIERS
DIRECTOR

Steani is passionate about community minded projects and buildings that focus on quality over quantity, using robust natural materials to create enduring spaces that will delight people for many years to come.

From 2016-2019 Steani was an active committee member of EmAGN, the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network. This allowed her to engage with broader issues of architectural practice, professional development and community engagement through the planning and successful management of architecture tours, debates, talks and seminars.

Prior to establishing Muci, Steani worked at the esteemed Sydney based practice Collins and Turner Architects where she gained exposure to a broad range of projects including the design, documentation and visualisation of single residential, multi residential, hospitality, public and educational projects.

Steani studied architecture at the University of Newcastle where she graduated with first class honours in 2012. Steani’s university work was shortlisted for the 2012 Structural Innovation in Architecture Prize and was a finalist in the 2014 National Colorbond Steel Student Biennale Prize.

Portrait of Chris Mullaney, director at Muci, an architecture firm based in Newcastle. Photo by Jacquie Manning.

CHRIS MULLANEY
DIRECTOR

Chris’ creative process is founded in a desire to understand how things are made, creating projects with a strong material character and rigorous detailing that hope to transcend the sum of their parts.

Prior to establishing Muci, Chris worked at Andrew Burges Architects across a broad range of projects including the design documentation and visualisation of residential, public and educational projects. Chris played a pivotal role in the successful competition entry for the two stage Gunyama Park and Green Square Aquatic Centre international competition, and subsequently worked on the winning competition team for the new Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre in partnership with Grimshaw and McGregor Coxall. During this time he was also project architect on numerous bespoke residential projects, including Brick House which received a NSW Residential Architecture Award in 2017.

Chris studied architecture at the University of Newcastle where he graduated with first class honours and the University Medal in 2012. Other academic achievements included winning the Dean’s Medal for Architecture, The AIA Master Graduate of the year, The AIA Construction and Practice Prize and the NSW Architects Registration Board’s Architects Medallion. He also received commendation in both the NSW Design Medal and the Glenn Murcutt Prize.