Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
References
Software
Timeline
Generic
Phila Buthelezi

Phila Buthelezi

Project Engineer (Architectural) & Experienced Architectural Practitioner
Port Elizabeth

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Project Manager with over five years of experience at Volkswagen Group Africa, specializing in project management, architectural design, and strategic planning. Adept at leading projects from concept to completion, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. Proven expertise in managing large-scale projects, including the VWAG 20236 Plant Development strategy and the "Office of the Future" initiative. Strong background in budget determination, CAD/BIM system implementation, and master planning across residential, commercial, industrial, and spiritual sectors. Committed to leveraging technical knowledge and meticulous planning skills to achieve optimal project outcomes and contribute to the development and growth of eThekwini municipality.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Project Engineer/Lead (Architectural)

Volkswagen Group Africa, VWGA
1 2020 - Current

Key Responsibilities:

  • Project Management and Design:
  • Managed projects from inception to completion, including brief and concept development, feasibility studies, and cost implications.
  • Led design for VWAG 20236 Plant Development strategy.
  • "Office of the Future" Projects:
  • Conducted initial research and developed the business case justification.
  • Formulated and developed the design concept.
  • Presented to and secured approval from all stakeholders.
  • Financial Management:
  • Determined budgets and allocated funds in alignment with business financial objectives.
  • Building Information Management:
  • Led systems integration efforts, advancing towards asset and portfolio management.

Architectural Services (Free Lance)

Private Clients
01.2016 - 05.2024

Project Master Planning and Implementation:

  • Scope:
  • Led master planning projects from concept to implementation across various sectors including residential, spiritual, commercial, and industrial developments.
  • Conducted thorough research and prepared detailed reports for clients and associated consultants such as surveyors.
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • Architectural Design:
  • Developed comprehensive design concepts tailored to client needs.
  • Produced detailed architectural draughting including design sketches, submission drawings, and working drawings.
  • 3D Modeling and Rendering:
  • Enhanced project presentations with improved 3D modeling and rendering techniques.
  • CAD/BIM Systems:
  • Established and optimized CAD/BIM systems for efficient project execution.
  • Coordination and Planning:
  • Utilized strong coordination and planning skills to ensure projects were completed according to schedule and client expectations.

Project Types:

  • Commercial
  • Spiritual/Religious
  • High-end Residential

Senior Architectural Technologist/ Candidate Architect

Africa Vision Holdings
06.2018 - 08.2018

Duties: Office management, Brief & concept development, Council submissions, Working drawings, Project lead designer.

  • Streamlined project workflows for improved collaboration between architects, engineers, and construction teams
  • Reviewed buildings already in use to determine areas in need of improvement for current and future designs
  • Improved project timelines with effective coordination of multidisciplinary teams during the design process
  • Completed deep research into compliance, legal, environmental and other issues in order to provide current and accurate recommendations

Technical Consultant & Trainer

Graphisoft SA
01.2017 - 05.2018

Duties: Establish & manage Gauteng office, Increased clientele & product awareness, Formulation of training modules, Technical software assistance

  • Identified opportunities to recommend for business growth.
  • Trained various companies (from staff to Director level) on specific CAD systems and level for their effective productivity.

Senior Architectural Technologist/ Trainee Architect

Dumisani Mhlaba Architects (DMA)
11.2010 - 12.2015
  • Duties: Office management, Archive systems operator, Client liaison (private clients & Government stakeholders), Brief & concept development, Council submissions, working drawings, Project lead designer, Urban design, Contractual management (JBCC), Project Management (formation of Bill of quantities, tendering and liaising with INTERNAL implementation agents), Chairing meetings and compiling minutes and monthly reports, Strategic planning; remedial plan for government schools.
  • Assisted in the creation of compelling project proposals and presentations, showcasing the value and benefits of proposed architectural designs
  • Analyzed site conditions and conducted feasibility studies for optimal building placement and orientation
  • Streamlined internal communication processes among team members leading to increased efficiency in project delivery
  • Performed risk assessments during early design phases to avert later problems
  • Visited, measured and evaluated construction sites

Architectural Technologist

Vernes & Associate Architects (VNA)
09.2007 - 11.2010
  • Duties: Client liaison, Concept development, Preparing As-built drawings, Site supervision, Preparation of Council submission & working drawings, 3D modeling

Education

Master of Architecture, Architectural Design & Urbanism 4A, Theory of Architecture & Urbanism 4A, Research Methods for Architects 4A, History of Urban settlements 4A, References Materials and Failures 4B, Development Management 4B - Architecture

University of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban
Durban, Howard College
01.2016 - 12.2016

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Design & Technology1, 2, & 3, Building Science 1,2,& 3, Theory of Structures 1, 2, & 3, Theory of Architecture 1, 1, 2 & 3, History of Architecture 1, 2, & 3 -

University of KwaZulu Natal - Durban, KZN
Durban, Howard College
01.2003 - 12.2005

Skills

Architectural knowledge

Architectural drafting

Planning and Coordination

Project estimation

Subcontracting

Requests for information (RFIs)

Systems development

Technical analysis

2D and 3D modeling

Construction management

Project management proficiency

Software

Archicad

Rivet

Lumion

Microsoft

References

  • VWSA, Mr Craig Laing (Supervisor), 079 885 2408 / +27-41-994-4539, craig.laing@vwsa.co.za
  • VWSA, Mr Nick Chapman (Manager), +27823775598 / +27-41-994-5553, nicholas.chapman@vwsa.co.za
  • DMA, Mr. Dumisani Mhlaba (Director & Principal Architect), 082 338 2601
  • Graphisoft SA, Ronel Fritz, 081 491 5918
  • Zino Adams (Character reference), 073 891 1205

Software

Autodesk Revit

Graphisoft Archicad

Lumion

Corel Draw

Microsoft Excel

Solibry

OpenBuildings Design

Timeline

Senior Architectural Technologist/ Candidate Architect

Africa Vision Holdings
06.2018 - 08.2018

Technical Consultant & Trainer

Graphisoft SA
01.2017 - 05.2018

Master of Architecture, Architectural Design & Urbanism 4A, Theory of Architecture & Urbanism 4A, Research Methods for Architects 4A, History of Urban settlements 4A, References Materials and Failures 4B, Development Management 4B - Architecture

University of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban
01.2016 - 12.2016

Architectural Services (Free Lance)

Private Clients
01.2016 - 05.2024

Senior Architectural Technologist/ Trainee Architect

Dumisani Mhlaba Architects (DMA)
11.2010 - 12.2015

Architectural Technologist

Vernes & Associate Architects (VNA)
09.2007 - 11.2010

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Design & Technology1, 2, & 3, Building Science 1,2,& 3, Theory of Structures 1, 2, & 3, Theory of Architecture 1, 1, 2 & 3, History of Architecture 1, 2, & 3 -

University of KwaZulu Natal - Durban, KZN
01.2003 - 12.2005

Project Engineer/Lead (Architectural)

Volkswagen Group Africa, VWGA
1 2020 - Current

Phila ButheleziProject Engineer (Architectural) & Experienced Architectural Practitioner