Dr. Mark Olweny graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours), followed by a Masters of Regional and Urban Planning degree from the University of South Australia. He studied further educational semesters at the University of British Columbia and the University of Manitoba. He completed a research Master of Architectural Studies from the University of Adelaide, followed by a PhD from the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University. He has worked in architectural practice in Canada, Ireland and Uganda, and was Visiting Researcher at the Technische Universität Darmstadt, in Darmstadt, Germany.

His teaching and research are closely linked, and relate to three areas: the colonial and post-colonial history of East Africa, thermal performance and energy-use in buildings, and architectural education. His extensive travel experiences combine to shape his engagement in teaching and research.