CV
FRANCO VAN NIEKERK
Born in Stellenbosch, South Africa, 1995
Currently lives in Stellenbosch
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
REVIT
90%
ARCHICAD
65%
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
95%
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
70%
ADOBE InDESIGN
80%
SKETCHUP
70%
BLENDER/3D
90%
LUMION/D5 Render
and Twinmotion
90%
AUTODESK 3DS MAX
60%
AUTOCAD
60%
PROFESSIONAL ROLES/ EXPERIENCE
DESIGN
From concept stage to final drawings
DOCUMENTATION
Full set documentation set drawings
CLIENT MEETINGS
Site visits and meetings with clients to understand their needs for a design - from residential to commercial
SITE INSPECTIONS
Construction site inspection and meetings with the building contractor
DEVELOPER MEETINGS
Discussions and feasibility planning for new developments and strategic concepts within the Garden Route region, encompassing both commercial and residential projects, as well as multiple industrial and precinct development initiatives in the Cape Town industrial area and Klapmuts.
WINE FARMS
Several design projects in the Stellenbosch wine district. Some projects include farms such as Vergenoegd, Hazendal etc. This includes a ceremonial building, Restaurant & a gallery extension
STELLENBOCH UNIVERSITY PROJECTS - BOTANICAL GARDENS
Kitchen extension & Bonsai garden showcase structure for the Botanical Gardens in Stellenbosch
PRECINT DEVELOPMENT & WAREHOUSES
Participated in multiple projects in the Cape Town industrial area and Klapmuts, focused on logistics and warehousing and a large scale car retailer. Effective coordination between services and adherence to strict timelines were critical to project success. From 2022 to present, I have been actively involved in several warehouse design, planning approvals, technical documentation, and site inspections.
EDUCATION SECTOR
Contributed to the development of Greenwood Bay School in Plettenberg Bay, including the construction of a new school hall, a new classroom building, and comprehensive additions and renovations across the entire campus.
OFFICES AND MULTI RESIDENTIAL
Participated in the design of an office building on Paarl, where heritage considerations played a key role, as well as a multi-residential development in Durbanville featuring a distinctive design unique to the area.
NOTABLE BUILT WORKS
A curated selection of completed projects spanning a variety of scales and typologies.
House Herberts – George (Project Architect)
A 400 sqm luxury modern residence situated on a slope within Oubaai Estate, thoughtfully integrated into its landscape.
Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens (Project Architect)
Design of a new workshop and restaurant addition, specifically curated to protect and complement the sensitive bonsai tree biome.
Greenwood Bay College – Plettenberg Bay (Project Architect)
Development of a new school hall, classroom building, and multiple campus additions, modernising the campus while preserving its unique identity.
7,000 sqm Warehouse Facility – Klapmuts (Project Architect)
A contemporary warehouse and office facility, serving as a catalyst for a new precinct in Klapmuts and supporting the regional agricultural industry.
25,000 sqm Warehouse Facility for a Car Dealership – Lansdowne (Assistant Project Architect)
A flagship automotive facility in Lansdowne, Cape Town, combining modern design with functional operational efficiency.
Hazendal Kraal – Restaurant (Project Architect)
An open, inviting structure enhancing visitor experiences and complementing the activities on the wine farm.
Vergenoegd Low – Ceremonial Building (Project Architect)
Design of a ceremonial space reflecting the heritage and character of the Vergenoegd estate.
BACKGROUND
Education
2019: M.Arch.Prof - University of the free state
2018: B.Arch.Hons -University of the free state
2017: B.Arch.Stud - University of the free state
2013: National Senior certificate
Paul Roos Gymnasium High school
Work Experience
2022- Current
MBK Architects - Professional Architect
2022
HB Architects - Candidate architect working on contract basis
2021-2022
Slee & Co Architects - Candidate architect
2021
Moffett & Moffett architects- Candidate architect
2020
Moffett & Moffett Architects- Candidate architect
Lights by Linea- Draughsman
Other Education
Blender - 3D software for rendering, model building and animation/Cinematography
Twinmotion – A real-time 3D rendering software for fast, high-quality client presentations, immersive visualizations, and cinematic video walkthroughs.
Digital Painting - Concept & Realisting painting and sketching using specialized software and Wacom drawing hardware
3D Printing - Using software to 3D print designs and shapes for rapid prototyping and presentation
Skills
Creative and passionate
Architectural design
Communication and organizing
Presentation techniques
Computer Model building
3D Cinematography (Lumion,Twinmotion, Blender)
Producing quality Renders and Presentations
Client interaction and Admin
Team management
Documentation
Virtual Reality (VR) Setups and renders
3D printing
References
Stuart Hermansen - 083 658 2640