Thoughtful architecture, shaped by context.

I am a professional architect working across residential, commercial, educational and industrial projects—from concept to site.

Loose black-ink architectural sketch of a contemporary residence at Oubaai Golf Estate

01 / Work

Selected portfolio

Built work, technical thinking, and visual craft.

Due to company intellectual property restrictions, not all project images or documentation can be shared.

02 / Experience

Scope of practice

Professional roles / experience.

01

Design

From concept stage to final drawings.

02

Documentation

Full-set construction documentation and drawing packages.

03

Client meetings

Site visits and meetings with clients to understand their design needs, from residential to commercial.

04

Site inspections

Construction-site inspections and meetings with building contractors.

05

Developer meetings

Discussions and feasibility planning for commercial, residential, industrial and precinct developments across the Garden Route, Cape Town industrial areas and Klapmuts.

06

Wine farms

Design work in the Stellenbosch wine district, including projects at Vergenoegd and Hazendal such as a ceremonial building, restaurant and gallery extension.

07

Stellenbosch University — Botanical Gardens

Kitchen extension and bonsai garden showcase structure for the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens.

08

Precinct development & warehouses

Logistics and warehousing projects in Cape Town and Klapmuts, including design, planning approvals, technical documentation, service coordination and site inspections.

09

Education sector

Greenwood Bay School in Plettenberg Bay: a new school hall, classroom building, and additions and renovations across the campus.

10

Offices & multi-residential

An office building in Paarl shaped by heritage considerations, and a distinctive multi-residential development in Durbanville.

Notable built works

A curated selection across a range of scales and typologies.

Project Architect

House Herbst — George

A 400 sqm luxury modern residence situated on a slope within Oubaai Estate and thoughtfully integrated into the landscape.

Project Architect

Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens

A new workshop and restaurant addition designed to protect and complement the sensitive bonsai tree biome.

Project Architect

Greenwood Bay College — Plettenberg Bay

A new school hall, classroom building and campus additions that modernise the school while preserving its identity.

Project Architect

7,000 sqm Warehouse Facility — Klapmuts

A contemporary warehouse and office facility supporting the regional agricultural industry and a new precinct in Klapmuts.

Assistant Project Architect

25,000 sqm Warehouse Facility — Lansdowne

A flagship automotive facility combining modern design with functional operational efficiency.

Project Architect

Hazendal Kraal — Restaurant

An open, inviting structure that enhances visitor experiences and complements the wine farm.

Project Architect

Vergenoegd Löw — Ceremonial Building

A ceremonial space reflecting the heritage and character of the Vergenoegd estate.

Project Architect

Paarl — Offices & Luxury Apartments

Design and construction documentation for a mixed-use building developed in response to its heritage context.

03 / Profile

About Franco

Design and systems that make good work possible.

Portrait of Franco van Niekerk

I am a 31-year-old architect who grew up in Stellenbosch, a place whose landscape, heritage, and strong sense of community deeply shaped my appreciation for the built environment.

I have always had a deep passion for the art of creating and design. I pursue architecture not simply as a profession, but as a calling—a discipline that allows me to express ideas in ways that add tangible value to society, from small-scale interventions to complex commercial developments. My goal is to make a visible and meaningful impact on the built environment and the communities it serves, building a career that is both worthwhile and rewarding.

My interest in architecture stems from a strong curiosity about the intersection of art and engineering—the ability to translate abstract ideas into functional, enduring spaces. I am particularly energised by the challenges and constraints within projects; I see them not as limitations, but as catalysts for innovative and thoughtful solutions.

In addition to my passion for design, I have developed a strong interest in the business side of architecture. I am deeply engaged in client relationships, fee structuring, financial performance, and company cashflow management. I actively pursue the systemisation and optimisation of internal processes to improve efficiency—with the clear intention of creating more space and freedom for meaningful design work. I believe that strong business foundations enable stronger architecture.

I would describe myself as confident, optimistic, enthusiastic, and creative. I thrive in environments that challenge me and push me to grow. I am adaptable, driven, and committed to continuous learning. I believe my combination of design sensitivity, technical competence, business awareness, and dedication to the profession would allow me to contribute meaningful value to your team while continuing to develop as an architectural professional.

Values

01

The client comes first

Understand the vision, constraints and objectives before shaping the response.

02

Design within budget

Creative work should remain financially responsible from concept to completion.

03

Own your mistakes

Accountability, trust and proactive resolution strengthen every project.

04

Systemise the process

Clear workflows create space for design, strategy and better outcomes.

05

A company is a team

Shared knowledge and complementary skills elevate the entire practice.

06

Build relationships

Trust across clients, consultants and contractors matters.

04 / CV

Professional record

Design sensitivity, technical competence, and project leadership.

Experience

2022—2026MBK Architects

Professional Project Architect

2022HB Architects

Candidate Architect

2021—2022Slee & Co Architects

Candidate Architect

2020—2021Moffett & Moffett Architects

Candidate Architect

2020Lights by Linea

Draughtsman

Education

2026Study break — Full-stack Software Engineering

HyperionDev / Stellenbosch University

2023SACAP Registered Professional Architect

Professional registration

2019M.Arch.Prof

University of the Free State

2018B.Arch.Hons

University of the Free State

2017B.Arch.Stud

University of the Free State

2013National Senior Certificate

Paul Roos Gymnasium

Tools & capabilities

RevitAdobe PhotoshopAdobe InDesignBlender / 3DLumionD5 RenderTwinmotionArchicadIllustratorSketchUpAutoCADBIMTechnical documentationClient interactionSite inspectionsTeam managementAI & coding for BIMPython software development3D printing

Additional study includes Harvard CS50P, digital painting, real-time visualization, cinematography, 3D printing, and emerging BIM automation workflows.

05 / Contact

Start a conversation

Let's talk.

franco95vn@gmail.com

Somerset West
South Africa

+27 72 395 2973