About

Practice

Established in 2016 by Principal Architect, Mark Shapiro, MSA is an design driven practice based in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney which is fast developing a reputation for quality design.

Mark Shapiro Architect’s expertise is primarily in the residential sector, ranging from small scale renovations, to luxury houses and to larger scale multi-residential projects. The firm has developed a particular niche in the next generation boarding house and Co-Living sectors, as well as boutique luxury residential developments.

The practice philosophy is to seek spatial beauty through pragmatism, functional honesty and authenticity, rather than proscribing to the latest trends or a particular design aesthetic. Every project is exhaustively considered based on the particular clients’ requirements and the unique site characteristics, in order to innovate a practical yet poetic solution.

MSA has established a reputation for achieving excellent results through the approval process, be it through Local Council or State Complying Development Legislation, through an expert understanding of relevant controls and artful tactical navigation through the development approval process.

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.

Awards

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