Our Legacy
At the time of the American Civil War, Samuel David Robinson was one of Bermuda’s most prolific real estate developers. A successful merchant, he built many of Hamilton’s enduring landmarks—including affordable housing—that have defined the city’s skyline for over 150 years. Driven by a vision for social progress, he invested his wealth to found The Berkeley Institute, Bermuda’s first high school open to Black students. His buildings continue to house families and businesses that reflect the island’s vibrant cultural fabric. Robinson’s legacy is recorded in the Bermuda Archives and celebrated by the Bermuda Historical Society. He also became a member of the Bermuda Corporation—an extraordinary milestone for a Black man during the same era as Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Robinson’s sister, Elisa Wilson Robinson, married Thomas Driver Musson, and their son, Horace Francis Leopold Musson, founded MUSSON Factory in 1902. Originally a machine shop, the business quickly became an innovation hub. Horace consulted for international clients, solved complex engineering problems, and invented tools—including the revolutionary stonecutter, which transformed Bermuda’s construction industry. By automating the creation of stone blocks, the tool lowered costs, standardized quality, and unlocked affordable housing at scale.
Horace’s son, Cyril David Musson, apprenticed from childhood before studying physics and mechanical engineering abroad. A prolific inventor himself, Cyril carried the Musson tradition of socially conscious innovation forward—passing it on to his son, Dr. Brent David Musson. Born in the same year the Fair Housing Act was signed, Brent embodies the legacy of Robinson, Horace, and Cyril.
Now…
In the 21st century, MUSSON Factory is a multifamily housing development and consulting firm. Led by Dr. Musson, the company works with developers and policymakers to promote modern methods of construction—modular, panelized, offsite, and industrialized—as scalable solutions to the affordable housing crisis and homelessness.
Dr Brent Musson
Policy and Regulation
Doctor of Law & Policy, MSc, PMP, licensed: General Contractor, Real Estate Broker, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, college professor, and keynote speakerRichard Prantis
Architecture
The most prolific architect, designing modular multifamily housing in Southern California.Jessica Mack
Energy Efficiency, Green Construction
Leading energy-efficiency expert, former group lead at Southern California Edison, Savings by Design expertDuane Montgomery
Real Estate Law
Partner at one of the leading real estate development law firms in North America.Craig Mitchell
Modular Construction Process
Principal – BlackBox Offsite Solutions & Offsite / Modular Construction EnthusiastBax Slaton
International Development
Managing Director of a leading real estate developer, building housing, institutional, and destination retail across West Africa.