WHO WE ARE
Alexandros Tsiotsiopoulos and Alex van der Merwe. We are architects and the directors of TAAG Architects.
We studied architecture at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). We then built our experience in Cape Town, working across a range of scales and settings. We have also been commissioned on projects around Africa.
OUR VISION
Architecture that sparks curiosity and invites discovery.
We envision spaces that spark the imagination, invite exploration and make people feel welcome. Through thoughtful design and considered contrasts, we balance the unexpected with comfort, creating spaces that surprise, inspire intrigue and are as enjoyable to inhabit as they are to explore.
ALEXANDROS
Alexandros Tsiotsiopoulos
Director and Registered Architect
My journey into architecture began in 2017 when I enrolled at Nelson Mandela University. I completed my BAS degree and went on to earn my Master’s in Architecture in 2021.
I’ve always been drawn to the idea that architecture can quietly shape how people live and feel — when done with care and clarity. That belief led me to co-found this practice, with a focus on creating considered, lasting spaces that respect both form and function.
My work balances context, concept, and the individual needs of each client. While our studio centres around residential design, we’ve also delivered commercial projects, including hospitality spaces like restaurants.
As one of the lead designers in the practice, I spend most of my time focused on detailing, proportion, and the core idea behind each space. For me, it’s not about following trends — it’s about getting the fundamentals right, and letting the architecture speak for itself.
Together with my business partner, I’ve built a practice that values timeless design, strong relationships, and trust. We welcome clients who share these values and are ready to create something that will stand the test of time.
Email: alexandros@taagarchitects.com
Tel: +27 72 604 5775
ALEX
Alex van der Merwe
Director and Registered Architect
I studied architecture at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth from 2018, completing my Master of Architecture in 2022.
After graduating, I spent over a year working in marine design, developing aluminium performance cruising catamarans. That experience gave me a strong appreciation for precision, detailing, fabrication, and the relationship between comfort and performance.
I then joined SAOTA, where I have spent the past three years working on luxury residential, resort, and larger-scale developments across South Africa and internationally, including projects in India, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United States, Australia, and St. Barts.
As a designer, one of my strongest skills is my sense of proportion and my ability to visualise spaces before they are built. I enjoy understanding what a client is trying to achieve and translating that into architecture that feels clear, considered, and individual.
While I particularly enjoy the personal nature of residential design, I also have ambitions to work on larger cultural and public projects such as museums, concert halls, and cultural centres. Alongside architecture, I also work in furniture and product design, which has strengthened my understanding of materials, detailing, and manufacturing.
As a co-founder and lead designer at TAAG Architects, I focus on creating architecture that is thoughtful, ambitious, and grounded in strong ideas rather than trends.
Email: alex@taagarchitects.com
Tel: +27 74 585 1753