Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Personal Information
Refrence
Timeline
Generic

Nhlakanipho L. Mnikathi

Sandton,South Africa

Summary

Accomplished technical draughtsman with expertise in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, and AutoCAD Plant 3D. Demonstrates proficiency in mechanical design, architectural detailing, and petrochemical plant layout, complemented by advanced skills in 3D modelling and rendering. Adept at project lifecycle management, including scope and schedule development, resource coordination, and quality assurance. Skilled in XA calculations and lighting consumption analysis with a strong focus on technical documentation and problem-solving. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, mentoring professionals, and fostering client relationships to deliver high-quality outcomes. Committed to leveraging strategic planning capabilities to drive innovative design solutions and achieve project excellence.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
6035
6035
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Senior draughting

Makaula & associate (PTY) LTD
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
02.2018 - Current
  • Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.

Senior Architectural Draughtsman & Design Coordinator

City Draughting Services
Pietermaritzburg
08.2017 - 09.2025
  • Lead the technical drawing production for a portfolio of residential and commercial projects, ensuring compliance with SANS 10400 building regulations and client specifications.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior draughtsman, improving team accuracy and efficiency by an estimated 25%.
  • Perform critical calculations for structural elements (XA) and lighting systems, optimizing designs for efficiency and sustainability.
  • Liaise directly with architects, engineers, and clients to refine design concepts and resolve complex technical challenges.
  • Implement and manage a standardized drawing review process, reducing errors and rework by 15%.

Mechanical Design Draughtsman (Petrochemical)

SCE-ENGINEERING
KwaZulu-Natal
02.2013 - 03.2016
  • Engineered and developed detailed installation, fabrication, and fire protection drawings for major diesel storage facilities, contributing to projects worth over R50M.
  • Collaborated closely with project managers and engineers to transform P&IDs and engineering schematics into precise, manufacturable technical drawings.
  • Managed the droughting package for specific project modules, ensuring timely delivery aligned with critical path milestones.
  • Utilized AutoCAD Plant 3D to create intelligent 3D models of pipework and structural supports, enabling clash detection and improving installation accuracy.

Junior Mechanical Draughtsman

National Packaging Systems
Durban
05.2010 - 12.2010
  • Supported the design team in creating detailed drawings for automated packaging machinery and components.
  • Gained foundational experience in manufacturing processes, tolerancing, and geometric dimensioning.

Education

Higher Certificate - Project Management

Varsity College
Sandton
09.2015

N4 & N5 National Certificate - Multi- Disciplinary Draughting

Academy of Advanced Technology
Durban
11.2011

Matric Senior Certificate -

Alexandra High School
Pietermaritzburg
12.2008

Skills

  • AutoCAD
  • SolidWorks
  • AutoCAD Inventor
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD Plant 3D
  • XA Calculations
  • Project Management
  • Scope & Schedule Development
  • Resource Coordination
  • Client Liaison
  • Mechanical Design
  • Architectural Detailing
  • Petrochemical Plant Layout
  • Fabrication Drawings
  • P&ID Interpretation
  • 3D Modeling & Rendering
  • Team Leadership & Mentoring
  • Technical Documentation
  • Problem-Solving
  • Architectural hand-drawing

Personal Information

Nationality: South African

Refrence

Available upon request.

Timeline

Senior draughting

Makaula & associate (PTY) LTD
02.2018 - Current

Senior Architectural Draughtsman & Design Coordinator

City Draughting Services
08.2017 - 09.2025

Mechanical Design Draughtsman (Petrochemical)

SCE-ENGINEERING
02.2013 - 03.2016

Junior Mechanical Draughtsman

National Packaging Systems
05.2010 - 12.2010

Higher Certificate - Project Management

Varsity College

N4 & N5 National Certificate - Multi- Disciplinary Draughting

Academy of Advanced Technology

Matric Senior Certificate -

Alexandra High School
Nhlakanipho L. Mnikathi