We are a boutique, client-focused studio delivering beautiful residential architecture of all scales.

Practice

Mark Shapiro Architects (MSA) is a boutique, design-led studio based in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Founded in 2016 by Principal Architect Mark Shapiro, the practice specialises in residential architecture across a range of scales — from private houses to multi-residential and co-living projects.

Our work combines a pragmatic design sensibility with refined, purposeful architecture. Every project is shaped by the specific needs of our clients and the unique constraints and opportunities of the site.

We bring a high level of personal service, underpinned by the capability and technical depth of a larger practice. Our team has strong expertise in both navigating complex council development application processes and leveraging complying development pathways to harness better project outcomes where applicable.

MSA has established a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, well-resolved architecture with a consistent standard of detail and project delivery. We work with a broad range of clients — from individual homeowners to institutional developers — and tailor our approach to suit the scale, ambition and context of each project.

Our People

Mark Shapiro – Principal

Graduating from Melbourne University in 2007, Mark is a NSW Registered Architect with over 15 years’ experience in all aspects of residential architecture. Originally hailing from Sydney, Mark completed his studies in Melbourne where he continued to work primarily on luxury houses. Returning to Sydney in 2012, he learned all aspects of multi residential architecture working for award winning practices, before founding Mark Shapiro Architects in 2016.

Mark is well versed in all stages of the construction process, from early site feasibility to project fruition. He has a particular passion for solving complex design problems with elegant design solutions. Mark likes to be intimately involved in all stages of each project’s in the office, no matter how small or large.

In his spare time Mark likes to spend time with his little boy, keep fit and is also a keen visual artist.

Ruth Calitz – Senior Architect

Ruth is a registered Australian Architect who graduated from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, in 2008. Prior to studying Architecture, she also successfully completed an Interior Design Higher Diploma.

In Ruth’s Architectural Career she has worked extensively on high-end residential projects within the luxury segment of the building industry, where precision and attention to detailing and design are crucial in the execution of the projects.

Ruth loves to travel and had the privilege of living and working in many countries around the world, including Israel, England, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland and Australia. This exposed her to a variety of Architectural styles & Building methodologies.

Her travels fuelled her love for detailing and increased her curiosity about design and the multitude of factors that shape and define architecture.

Bonnie Adams De Jutzuy – Senior Architect

Bonnie graduated from the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 2010 with a Bachelor of Environmental Design, and a Masters of Architecture in 2013. She is also a registered architect in NSW.

Bonnie moved from Perth to Sydney in 2016 for her architecture career, and has since worked on many small to medium scale residential projects in Sydney’s inner west and eastern suburbs. Prior to her local experience, Bonnie spent two and a half years volunteering in rural Guatemala, designing and building community facilities.

Bonnie loves figuring out design problems, and finding solutions to meet both Client requirements and Council controls.

Nasia Gregory – Senior Interior Designer

Graduating with honours from the UNSW Interior Architecture program in 2009, Nasia honed her skills working for 10 years with renowned interior firm Lawless and Myerson.

Nasia’s strong interior design experience spans concept design, documentation, and site management. She is passionate about creating spaces that are beautiful and inspiring and enjoys collaborating with clients to turn their ideas into reality.

Her work has been featured in House & Garden magazine, Design Anthology Magazine & ‘Contemporary Seaside Homes’ by Beta-Plus Publishing.

Jesse Emsalem – Architectural Graduate

Jesse has worked with Mark Shapiro Architects since 2017 as an Architectural Assistant and Graduate of Architecture and has over 6 years of professional experience in the industry.

Jesse completed both his Bachelor of Architectural Studies, and Masters of Architecture at The University of New South Wales, and lived in Madrid, Spain for two years between his two degrees. Prior to working with Mark Shapiro Architects, Jesse worked with JPR Architects for 3 years, both as a student architect during his studies, and in a full-time capacity.

Jesse has experience across all stages of the architectural process, with an interest in both the iterative early design phases, through to construction detailing, and has extensive experience in the DA process and 3D modelling.

In his spare time Jesse enjoys playing and teaching guitar and performs in venues across Sydney.

Damien Bechon – Senior Architect

Damien Bechon is a Senior Architect who began his career in Paris, contributing to a range of high-end residential, hospitality, and educational projects. Alongside his professional work, he completed a Post-Master’s qualification at ENSAPV in Paris, earning his professional registration in 2013.Since moving to Australia in 2017, Damien has worked on diverse residential, mixed-use, and commercial developments, continuing to refine his expertise in the design development and documentation of medium to large-scale buildings.

Eric Ng – Senior Architect

Eric is a Senior Architect with a focus on residential and multi-residential projects. He’s worked with several award-winning design practices in Sydney, contributing to a wide range of small- to medium-scale projects. He’s especially interested in residential design, social housing, and creating spaces that feel good to live in — thoughtful, human-scale architecture with the user in mind. Outside of architecture, Eric is also an illustrator, painter and graphic designer. His artwork has been published and exhibited in Sydney and Vienna.

Munira Mansawala – Graduate Architect

Munira is a Graduate Architect with over seven years of experience in Australia, specializing in diverse residential projects across Sydney. She began her career working on architectural and landscape projects in Western India for two years. In 2013, she moved to Australia, where she has continued to refine her expertise in documenting and creating thoughtful, well-designed spaces. Beyond architecture, Munira enjoys literature and cherishes time with her daughter, finding inspiration in both storytelling and personal connection.

Jasmine Warhaftig – Student Architect

Awards

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