Mark Schaerer is the principal of SRS Architects, a small, award-winning architectural practice based in Brixton, Johannesburg. He holds both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Urban Design from the University of the Witwatersrand.

With a strong focus on the educational sector, Mark has designed and implemented projects for universities and schools across South Africa. His practice is highly collaborative, engaging in both traditional architectural work and broader interdisciplinary initiatives. His portfolio includes numerous residential buildings, as well as key projects at the University of the Witwatersrand—notably a collaborative redesign of the Wits Architecture School Studio Building—and a range of buildings for St Andrew’s School for Girls.

Mark has also contributed to the profession through roles as a Competition Administrator for several architectural competitions. He has also been involved in public space activations, and co-organization of Open Streets events and the Brixton Light Festivals.

His recent work focuses on the intersection of public space, child-led design, and the built environment, particularly through the revitalisation of disused sanitary lanes in Johannesburg’s suburban and urban areas. He is currently the design lead on the Mimosa Alleyway Project, which reimagines public space as an outdoor classroom for children aged 3 to 9, exploring new ways and places for learning beyond boundary walls.

In addition to running his practice, Mark is a part-time lecturer at Wits University, where he teaches Small Office Practice and Construction.