top of page

CV

Simon de Vries

South African
Architect 
simon.de.vries89@gmail.com
+27660435463

Education

CV.jpg

2009-2013 Masters in Architecture (M.arch)

Nelson Mandela University

Port Elizabeth, South Africa 

Experience

November 2019 - Current

Architect at VKDB Architects

Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Principal Agent and Project Architect on a variety of private and public projects from inception to completion.

 

Key roles include:

  • Engagement with client and development of client brief

  • Local authority regulations, submissions and land use applications

  • Heritage reports and submissions to heritage authorities

  • Concept, scheme and detailed design

  • Production of concept, municipal, tender and construction documentation

  • Compiling stage reports for public projects

  • Appointment of sub-contractors

  • Coordination of consultants

  • Contract management, reporting and issuing of contract instructions

  • Site inspections, snagging and reports

 

 

Projects included:                                                 

  • Private residence in Hermanus, South Africa, (Lead Architect)

  • Rehabilitation of Montagu Hospital, Montagu, South Africa (Principal Agent, Project Architect)

  • Additions and renovations to 2 historic houses, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town (Lead Architect)

  • 2 private residences in Boggomsbaai, South Africa (Lead Architect)

  • Private residence in Buffalo Bay, South Africa (Lead Architect)

  • Private residence in Stellenbosch, South Africa (Principle Agent, Lead Architect)

  • Apartment building in Harare, Zimbabwe (Lead Architect)

  • Development of wine making facilities, forge and wood workshop on Bardene farm, Franschhoek, South Africa

January 2019 - October 2019

Collaboration with Pinard Architects

Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa

Collaboration on two Boutique Hotel projects in Sri Lanka.  

Key roles include:

  • Feasibility study and development of client brief. 

  • Site study and sketch design development.

  • Research on local regulations and engaging local partners, authorities and role players.

  • Coordination of scheme with quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors and local authority approvals.

  • Developing of detailed construction drawings.

Collaboration on Winnohub Woman's Business Incubator Centers in Niger Province, Nigeria.

  • Development of pre-concept proposal for SustNet Sustainable Development Inc. 

May 2018 - December 2018 

Travel Sabbatical. 

Extended travel and study to numerous locations across the globe.

April 2015 - April 2018

Design Manager

Mirage Leisure and Development

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

 

Design management experience on large scale, multiple consultant projects including onsite project management experience.

 

Key roles included:

  • Close collaboration with project planners in the development of 4D Construction Programme models using Revit and Navisworks to assist in construction planning, phasing, logistics and managing asset interfaces.

  • Coordination of design consultants including hosting design workshops between key role players in the early phases of the project, documenting minutes and progress and reporting to client.

  • Coordination and review of technical and architectural documentation of relevant project teams. 

  • Exposure and participation in the management and delivery of Bluewaters Island, a large scale project on a logistically complex construction site, including regular site and logistical inspections to ensure correct and timely delivery of project.

 

Projects included:

  • Bluewaters Island Mixed Use Development - Coordination of design team from pre-construction to practical completion including 2 years’ based onsite in project managers office.

  • The Island Project - Management and coordination of multiple design consultants up to concept design phase. 

  • Dubai Creek Harbour, Master Plan

  • Address Harbour Point, Dubai Creek Harbour

  • Royal Mirage Beach Club – Site and construction supervision.

  • Jumeirah Gate, Address Hotel and Serviced Apartments

*All projects included the development of 4D Construction Programme, Planning and logistical models.

July 2014 - Dec 2014

Candidate Architect

Stauch Vorster Architects

Port Elizabeth, South Africa 

 

Involvement in a variety of projects at various stages of design, technical documentation and construction.

Key roles included:

  • Development and preparation of construction drawings.

  • Site visits and inspections.

January 2014 - June 2014

Research Assistant, Heritage Studies

the Workplace Architects

Port Elizabeth, South Africa 

 

Archival and field research around architectural and urban heritage. Heritage impact assessments for various projects. 

January 2014 - June 2014

Assistant Lecturer and Tutor 

Nelson Mandela University School of Architecture

Port Elizabeth, South Africa 

 

Assistant to Architect Raul Pantaleo ( Tamassociatti, Venice, Italy, 2013 Recipient of Aga Kahn award for architecture, Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery , Khartoum, Sudan) during a three week study and design workshop. 

 

Assistant lecturer in first year design studio and third year history of architecture class.

2008 - 2013

Apprenticeship and Internships

Native Architects

East London, South Africa 

One year (2008) full time apprenticeship under architects Al Stratford and Alan Termorshuizen and various  internships during university breaks (2009-2013) . Involvement in an award winning project for a new teaching facility at the University of Fort Hare, East London by NOH and Native Architecture.

Technical Abilities

Autocad - Good to excellent 

Revit - Moderate 

Navisworks - Good to Excellent

Sketchup - Excellent

Coreldraw - Good to excellent

Indesign & Photoshop - Good

References

Guillaume Pienaar

Director + Principal Architect Pinard Architecture

E: mail.pinard.tv 

M: +27 (0)72 173 7009

Andre Naude

Executive Director Mirage Leisure and Development

E: anaude@mldme.com 

M: +971 (0)50 457 5838

Mike Fraser

Managing Director Mirage Leisure and Development

E: mfraser@mldme.com

M: +971 (0)50 289 7265

Andrew Palframan

HOD, Senior Lecturer Nelson Mandela University School of Architecture

E: andrew.palframan@mandela.ac.za

M: +27 41 5042719

bottom of page