CV
Simon de Vries
South African
Architect
simon.de.vries89@gmail.com
+27660435463
Education
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.
2016 - Current
Private Commissions
Various Locations
Projects Include:
-
Gaia Soul, Surf, Yoga and co-work retreat, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, in progress
-
Verse Hostel, Restaurant and CoWork Space, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Built
-
Verse Hostel, earlier proposal - Hirikiteya, Sri Lanka, Unbuilt
-
Music and Photography studio, Riberac, France, Built
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
M: +971 (0)50 457 5838
Mike Fraser
Managing Director Mirage Leisure and Development
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