Muse Built, a Newcastle-based residential building company specialising in custom architectural renovations and extensions, has been named Emerging Builder of the Year at the 2024 Housing Industry Association (HIA) Awards. This accolade highlights the progress made by a company that, in just four years, has grown from humble beginnings to a trusted building firm in the region.
Founded in 2020 by Jack Burke and his wife Claire, Muse Built has quickly made a name for itself in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and surrounding areas. Despite being a relatively new player in the building industry, Muse Built has successfully completed a broad range of projects, including large-scale renovations, second-storey extensions, new builds, and even commercial fit outs.
The journey of Muse Built is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Jack Burke, who founded the company, was introduced to the building trade at a young age, working alongside his father in their family business in the Hunter Valley. This early experience laid the foundation for his career, earning his carpentry license in 2011. Although he briefly explored a career in personal training, Jack soon realised that his true passion lay in construction.
In 2019, Jack took a significant step toward establishing his own business by completing a Certificate IV in Building and Construction through the Newcastle HIA. This qualification enabled him to gain his builder’s license and laid the groundwork for the launch of Muse Built. The Burke’s established the business in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time of uncertainty for many industries. Yet, despite the challenging circumstances, they were determined to succeed.
Claire, who was managing a full-time job running her father’s successful safety consultancy, stepped in to support Jack’s business in the evenings, taking on administrative duties. Together, they overcame the challenges presented by the pandemic, rebranding the company and making a name for themselves in the local building industry.
Muse Built’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer service has led to its reputation as one of the most trusted building companies in the region. The company now employs nine staff members, including two administrative employees, three apprentices, and four carpenter subcontractors. This team of skilled professionals enables Muse Built to handle a wide range of building projects, from large-scale residential renovations to commercial fitouts for loyal clients.
The company’s growth is also attributed to its strong network of trusted subcontractors and its focus on delivering projects on time and within budget. The tight-knit team at Muse Built works seamlessly together, maintaining high standards on every project.
Muse Built’s success is not only a reflection of its dedication to quality and service but also of its deep connection to the Hunter region. Both Jack and Claire Burke are passionate about supporting their local community, and Muse Built continues to create jobs and support local businesses across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the broader Hunter Valley. Their commitment to fostering local talent and working with local tradespeople has strengthened the company’s ties to the region.
“It’s incredible to think that just four years ago, we were starting out unsure of what the future held. Now, we’ve built a successful business with a fantastic team. Winning the HIA Builder of the Year Award is a huge honour and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do,” Jack said.
IMAGE | Muse Built
