Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Interests
Timeline
Work Availability
Languages
Software
References
Carleen A. Kirk

Carleen A. Kirk

Architectural Technologist
Cape Town

Summary

Multifaceted professional with a background in architecture, vector design, and product development, now transitioning into software engineering with a strong focus on expanding software development skills. Currently pursuing ISTQB CTFL certification to build a solid foundation in software testing and quality assurance. Skilled in problem-solving, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration, with a meticulous eye for detail and quality. Experienced in mentoring youth and enriched by studies in psychology, bringing strong interpersonal and analytical insight. A fast and adaptable learner, driven by continuous growth, resilience, and the delivery of high-quality outcomes.


Work History

Stak Verified Digital Producer

Independent Contractor at Digital Reality Corp
Remote
01.2025 - Current
  • Produced millimetre-accurate 2D CAD floor plans and virtual tours from Point Cloud Data, compliant with RICS and IPMS standards.
  • Delivered Summary of Area Reports, capture/entry of data and analysis, and performed rigorous quality control checks to ensure accuracy of commercial and/or residential interior data.
  • Curation and editing of training documents, while supporting training and development of new and existing team members.
  • Collaborated with digital surveyors, BIM technicians, and software developers, contributing to workflow improvements and product enhancements.
  • Creation of polished, client-ready plans in Adobe Illustrator and CAD, consistently meeting tight deadlines.
  • Assisting with software testing and provided recommendations for enhancements to improve workflows and product functionality.
  • Performed consistency on team members’ deliverables to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards and client portfolio deliverables.

Key Skills: CAD | Adobe Illustrator | Point Cloud Data | RICS/IPMS Compliance | Data Capture & Analysis | Workflow Optimization | Training & Documentation | Software Testing

Textile Product Development Designer

420 Caliber
2023 - 2024

Designed and prototyped an innovative textile product with a strong UX focus, exploring sustainable materials and production feasibility.

  • Discovered and defined a user-experience problem, developing solutions through intense prototyping and iteration.
  • Researched and tested materials — from leather (tactility and handling) to silicone and eco-friendly adhesives — to ensure sustainable, user-friendly outcomes.
  • Conducted extensive material and product testing, refining usability, durability, and design performance.
  • Collaborated with and nurtured relationships with manufacturing outlets, ensuring design feasibility and production alignment.
  • Balanced creative design exploration with UX-driven research, integrating functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Key Skills: Product & Textile Design, User Experience (UX) Prototyping, Material Research & Testing, Sustainable Design, Innovation & Problem-Solving, Manufacturer Collaboration


Podcast Co-Host and Co-Founder

Ja Nuh Podcast
2022 - 2022

Launched a youth-focused podcast to bridge knowledge gaps in finance, careers, education, and life skills, fostering a collaborative network for young adults.

  • Produced and managed the podcast end-to-end, including research, content development, and peer review on topics such as finance, careers, and education.
  • Handled audio/video production and editing with Adobe Audition & Premiere Pro, and managed the podcast’s YouTube channel.
  • Led social media content strategy, growing audience engagement and expanding reach.
  • Facilitated collaborative discussions with peers and experts, and represented the podcast at workshops and conferences (e.g. Business Workshops).

Key Skills: Content Creation, Audio & Video Editing, Research & Development, Social Media Marketing, Collaborative Production



Architectural Technologist Intern

University Simulated Office
2021 - 2021


  • Gained exposure to council submission drawings, preparing proposal documentation in CAD.
  • Participated in site visits and surveying of three existing properties, using a handheld scanner for accurate measurements.
  • Contributed to design proposals for clients intending to integrate pub facilities into their properties.
  • Attended weekly company meetings, observing project workflows and professional practice.
  • Strengthened practical knowledge of architectural processes from surveying through to proposal stage.

Key Skills: CAD Drafting, Site Surveying, Council Submission Drawings, Architectural Documentation, Client-Focused Design


Startup Founder

Sh. Body Sugaring
2018 - 2019


  • Founded and scaled a hair removal product start up business, managing the full cycle from research & development to market launch.
  • Conducted market research, pricing strategy, and sales management, ensuring competitive positioning and profitability.
  • Oversaw sourcing, production, and quality control, delivering a consistent, reliable product.
  • Designed branding, packaging, and labels using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, along with customer support collateral.
  • Led social media marketing campaigns to build brand visibility and customer engagement.
  • Coordinated sales, couriers, and deliveries, ensuring efficient customer service and order fulfillment.
  • Implemented an eco-friendly, zero-waste approach by encouraging clients to reuse jars, and offering budget-friendly reusable wax strips alternatives making use of repurposed from old clothing or sheets.
  • Showcased and sold products at the Multichoice DStv Festival in Cape Town, managing a booth and executing point-of-sale operations.

Key Skills: Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Product Development, Market Research, Branding & Packaging Design, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop, Social Media Marketing, Logistics & Sales, Research & Development, Event & POS Sales



Multi-level Marketing

Nu Skin
2018 - 2019


  • Promoted and sold Nu Skin beauty and wellness products within a multi-level marketing (MLM) structure.
  • Recruited and supported new team members, providing sales guidance and product knowledge training.
  • Consistently created and shared content on Facebook, driving engagement and product awareness.
  • Worked collaboratively with fellow recruiters and sales distributors, strengthening network growth and team performance.
  • Followed established marketing strategies to build a customer base and achieve sales targets.
  • Attended distributor product showcases, gaining deeper product knowledge and enhancing brand representation.
  • Gained valuable experience in direct sales, recruitment, and customer engagement within the beauty industry.

Key Skills: Direct Sales, Recruitment, Social Media Content Creation, Customer Engagement, Beauty & Wellness Industry, Team Collaboration, Event Participation


Brand Promoter

Tonic Promotions
2018 - 2018

Contributed to increased in-store sales and positive customer feedback through engaging product demonstrations and shopper interactions.

  • Delivered live appliance demonstrations in retail stores, educating shoppers and driving purchase decisions.
  • Liaised with store managers and staff to coordinate promotions and ensure smooth operations.
  • Collected and reported sales data, shopper feedback, and engagement tallies to the agency for client insights.
  • Maintained professional setup, pack-down, and consistent brand representation at each promotion.

Key Skills: Sales & Customer Engagement, Product Demonstrations, Retail Promotions, Reporting & Data Collection

Architectural Intern

Joshua Conrad Architects
2015 - 2015
  • Gained exposure to council submission drawings, preparing proposal documentation in CAD.
  • Participated in site visits and surveying of three existing properties, using a handheld scanner for accurate measurements.
  • Contributed to design proposals for clients intending to integrate pub facilities into their properties.
  • Attended weekly company meetings, observing project workflows and professional practice.
  • Strengthened practical knowledge of architectural processes from surveying through to proposal stage.

Key Skills: CAD Drafting, Site Surveying, Council Submission Drawings, Architectural Documentation, Client-Focused Design

Education

Certificate in Full Stack Development - Software Development

FNB App Academy| IT Varsity, Remote
05.2025 - 07.2025
  • Proficient and mastering the following coursework: App Strategies, GitHub and Collaboration, Build an App with HTML (the SDLC -Software Development Life Cycle), Principles of UX design + Basic Layouts + Transitions, Design Thinking, API's + Data Input + Processing, User Centric App Development, Data Management and Analysis, Business Development, Backend Development intro, Backend Development (Build an API), AI in Development Business Funding, Marketing your App Business

Advanced Diploma - Architectural Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town
01.2022 - 12.2024
  • Completed University-level Coursework: Architectural Practice, Environmental Design, Architectural Literacy
  • Yet to complete Architectural Design and Architectural Technology

Diploma - Landscape Architecture

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
01.2016 - 07.2016

Subjects: Botany, Computer Skills, Construction Drawings, Design Drawings, Integrated Design Studio, Landscape Mathematics & Structures

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

UNISA, Remote
01.2018 - 12.2018

Completed Modules: Basic Psychology, Psychology in Society, Anthropology in a Diverse World, Critical Reasoning, Comparative religious studies: introduction to the religions of the world, Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work, Ethics and Life Theological Ethics, Foundations in Applied English Language Studies, English for Academic Purposes

Global Certification - Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) V4.0

International Software Testing Qualifications Board, Remote
09.2025 - Current

Diploma - Architectural Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
01.2018 - 04.2022
  • Certification - Autodesk Revit Fundamentals 2019
  • Strong point: Tectonics, Structural and architectural detailing.
  • Competition: Caesarstone Student Designer Competition - Design for the Adaptive Reuse of the Historical Collier Jetty and Fish Quay in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Certificate - Voiceover Starter Kit

Savoa, Cape Town, South Africa
03.2021 - 03.2021
  • Completed a structured voiceover training package designed for beginners and professionals seeking to refine their skills.
  • Participated in a coaching sessions focused on exploring vocal qualities, identifying strengths, and tailoring scripts to individual style.
  • Attended in-studio sessions under professional guidance, emphasizing polished delivery and performance techniques.
  • Learned essential skills for entering the voiceover industry, including script interpretation, vocal performance, recording techniques, and post-production awareness.

Certificate - Autodesk Revit Funamentals

Modena Technologies, Rivonia, South Africa
07.2019 - 07.2019
  • Completed a course covering Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts and practical application in Revit.
  • Gained proficiency in navigating Revit workspace, project setup, and linking CAD/Revit files.
  • Developed skills in levels, grids, Project Browser management, views, families, and components.
  • Learned to use sketching and modifying tools to create accurate architectural models.
  • Modeled 3D buildings, including walls, columns, curtain walls, doors, windows, floors, ceilings, roofs, stairs, railings, and ramps.
  • Prepared construction documents, detailed drawings, and layouts with text, dimensions, tags, and schedules for professional presentation.

Key Skills: Revit, BIM, 3D Modeling, Construction Documentation, Architectural Detailing

Language Certificate - German Language And Literature

EIIE EURASIA Institute For International Education GmbH, Berlin, Germany
09.2016 - 06.2017

A1-C1 Deutsch Intensivkurs - German Intensive Course A1 to B2 (C1 in progress)

  • Completed 7-month intensive course in Berlin, covering levels A1–B2.
  • Prepared for TELC and TestDaF exams.
  • Developed reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, demonstrating rapid language acquisition and adaptability.

Certificate of Proficiency - Graphic Design For Digital Media

City Varsity School of Media & Creative Arts, Cape Town, South Africa
06.2017 - 12.2017
  • Completed training in core digital design, achieving 90% final mark.
  • Gained hands-on experience creating logos, posters, marketing materials, and illustrations for artistic and commercial use.
  • Strengthened proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to industry standards.
  • Recognized by lecturers for technical expertise, creative application, and peer support in class.
  • Developed ability to independently produce professional visual content for branding, advertising, and creative projects.

Lecturer’s Comments:
“She showed an excellent understanding of the technical aspects of the software and a keen interest in design. Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, she often assisted classmates with tasks. She is capable of using the software creatively and was the standout in the class.”

Key Skills: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Logo Design, Digital Illustration, Marketing Materials

Certificate of Proficiency - Web Design-Dreamweaver

City Varsity School of Media & Creative Arts, Cape Town, South Africa
07.2016 - 10.2016
  • Completed a short course in web design with practical participation and final assessment.
  • Achieved a final mark of 80%, demonstrating strong technical understanding.
  • Gained hands-on experience in Dreamweaver and HTML for web development.
  • Lecturer feedback: “Firm grasp of concepts within Dreamweaver and HTML, with strong potential to develop into a skilled developer.”

Certificate of Proficiency - Vocal Training For Radio

City Varsity School of Media & Creative Arts, Cape Town, South Africa
05.2018 - 07.2018
  • Completed a practical course in vocal training for radio, achieving a final mark of 75%.
  • Gained skills in intonation, tone development, articulation, and breath control for broadcast communication.
  • Lecturer feedback: “An enthusiastic and hardworking participant, a delight to work with and a strong team addition. Made good progress and encouraged to pursue opportunities in the industry.”

Higher Certificate - Architectural Technology

Inscape Education Group, Cape Town
01.2015 - 12.2015

Course Module: Alternative Building systems, Architectural Presentation, AutoCAD for The Built Environment, Council Submissions, Design Process and Influences, Domestic Construction, Ecological Studies and Practices, Experiential Training, Framed Structures, Introduction to Architectural Drawing, Introduction to Project Management, Model Making, Portfolio, Professional Practice Management, Standard Drawing Conventions, Starting Your Own Business

IEB National Senior Certificate - Secondary Education

St Mary's Diocesan School For Girls, Pretoria
01.2010 - 12.2014
  • Subjects: English Home Language, French Second Additional Language, Mathematics, Geography, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Life Orientation

Skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Affiliations

  • Mentoring Peace Builders South Africa
  • PeaceJam South Africa
  • Haven of Hope Equine Aid Centre
  • Rotary International - Atlantis Cape Town

Interests

English Saddle Horseback Riding

Hiking

Houseplant Care

Community Volunteering & Youth Mentoring

Needlework & Multimedia Design

Timeline

International Software Testing Qualifications Board - Global Certification, Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) V4.0
09.2025 - Current
FNB App Academy| IT Varsity - Certificate in Full Stack Development, Software Development
05.2025 - 07.2025
Stak Verified Digital Producer - Independent Contractor at Digital Reality Corp
01.2025 - Current
Cape Peninsula University of Technology - Advanced Diploma, Architectural Technology
01.2022 - 12.2024
Savoa - Certificate, Voiceover Starter Kit
03.2021 - 03.2021
Modena Technologies - Certificate, Autodesk Revit Funamentals
07.2019 - 07.2019
City Varsity School of Media & Creative Arts - Certificate of Proficiency, Vocal Training For Radio
05.2018 - 07.2018
UNISA - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
01.2018 - 12.2018
Cape Peninsula University of Technology - Diploma, Architectural Technology
01.2018 - 04.2022
City Varsity School of Media & Creative Arts - Certificate of Proficiency, Graphic Design For Digital Media
06.2017 - 12.2017
EIIE EURASIA Institute For International Education GmbH - Language Certificate, German Language And Literature
09.2016 - 06.2017
City Varsity School of Media & Creative Arts - Certificate of Proficiency, Web Design-Dreamweaver
07.2016 - 10.2016
Cape Peninsula University of Technology - Diploma, Landscape Architecture
01.2016 - 07.2016
Inscape Education Group - Higher Certificate, Architectural Technology
01.2015 - 12.2015
St Mary's Diocesan School For Girls - IEB National Senior Certificate, Secondary Education
01.2010 - 12.2014
Textile Product Development Designer - 420 Caliber
2023 - 2024
Podcast Co-Host and Co-Founder - Ja Nuh Podcast
2022 - 2022
Architectural Technologist Intern - University Simulated Office
2021 - 2021
Startup Founder - Sh. Body Sugaring
2018 - 2019
Multi-level Marketing - Nu Skin
2018 - 2019
Brand Promoter - Tonic Promotions
2018 - 2018
Architectural Intern - Joshua Conrad Architects
2015 - 2015

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages

French
Elementary (A2)
German
Upper intermediate (B2)
siSwati
Elementary (A2)

Software

Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk Revit

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Dreamweaver

Adobe Premier Pro

Adobe Audition

SketchUp

Visual Studio Code

References

References available upon request.

Carleen A. KirkArchitectural Technologist