RIAAN PRETORIUS
Construction Design, Draughting And Project Management
Cape Town
Summary
Dynamic construction design and project delivery professional with over 30 years of extensive experience in architectural design, technical drafting, construction management, and project estimating. Proven track record of successfully delivering a diverse range of projects—including residential, commercial, hospitality, and industrial—ensuring seamless transitions from concept design to construction and handover. Expertise in collaborating with architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, and local authorities to enhance project outcomes while maintaining high standards. Recognized for producing precise construction documentation, resolving on-site technical challenges, managing quality control, and providing comprehensive support from both design office and site-based perspectives.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Construction Design, Project Management & Estimating Consultant
Self-Employed
08.2020 - Current
- Operating as an independent consultant providing design, technical, management, and estimating services to private clients, developers, and contractors.
- Preparation of architectural design, planning, and construction drawings for residential and commercial projects
- Production of detailed working drawings, sections, schedules, and as-built documentation
- Project coordination and management from design through to construction completion
- Conducting regular site inspections, quality control checks, and compliance reviews
- Preparation of material take-offs, cost estimates, and project budgets
- Liaison with architects, structural and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, and local authorities
- Management of local authority submissions, land-use applications, and permanent departures
- Technical problem-solving on site, advising on buildability, sequencing, and remedial works
Architectural Designer & Project Manager
QuantiSpec Projects
08.2020 - 08.2024
- Architectural design and technical drafting of specialised construction projects
- Project management of residential and commercial developments through to completion
- Quality control inspections and contractor coordination on site
- Submission of construction drawings for local authority approval
- Liaison with consultants and contractors to resolve technical issues
Architectural Designer & Project Manager
ArchiNet Architects
07.2015 - 08.2020
- Architectural design and technical drafting for luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial developments
- Full project lifecycle involvement from concept design to construction handover
- Site inspections and workmanship quality control
- Coordination with structural and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors
- Preparation and submission of drawings to local authorities
Technical Draughtsman & Project Manager
Cape Concrete Precast Products
07.2012 - 07.2015
- Structural and architectural drafting of precast concrete products
- Preparation of manufacturing drawings, bending schedules, and installation details
- Design and detailing of precast stairs, beams, floor panels, and roof elements
- Technical site support and coordination during installation
- Liaison with architects, engineers, contractors, and local authorities
Technical Draughtsman & Project Manager
Portland Hollowcore
11.2009 - 06.2012
- Structural design and drafting of precast concrete floor systems and structural elements
- Production of construction and installation drawings
- On-site surveying, problem-solving, and technical advisory services
- Liaison with architects, engineers, and contractors
Structural Engineering Draughtsman
Bart Senekal Structural & Civil Engineers
11.2008 - 11.2009
- Technical drafting of structural and civil engineering drawings
- Preparation of detailed sections, schedules, and construction specifications
- Assistance with tender documentation
- Site surveying and technical construction advice
Building Estimator & Sales Consultant
Federated Timbers
01.2000 - 11.2008
- Quantity take-offs and costing from architectural drawings
- Preparation of material estimates for contractors and developers
- Site measurements for purpose-made building components
- Technical advisory support and supplier liaison
Roof Truss & Timber Structure Designer / Estimator
Builders Market Group
01.1991 - 12.1999
- Design, estimating, and costing of timber roof trusses and structural elements
- Preparation of erection drawings, bracing specifications, and cutting lists
- Liaison with architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners
Education
Senior Certificate - Grade 12
Stellenbosch High School
Skills
AutoCAD
Caddy
BillCost
MiTek
FloorCAD
Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & WORKING PRACTICES
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, and buildability
- Consistent application of quality control procedures on active construction sites
- Familiarity with building regulations, statutory approvals, and compliance processes
- Structured approach to documentation, drawing control, and revision management
- Commercial awareness with a focus on cost efficiency and value optimisation
PROJECT & CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Residential developments (single dwellings, luxury homes, alterations and additions)
- Hospitality projects including hotels and guest accommodation
- Precast concrete structural systems (floors, stairs, beams, panels)
- Timber roof truss and structural timber systems
SITE & CONTRACTOR INTERFACE EXPERIENCE
- Direct coordination with main contractors and subcontractors
- Interpretation of drawings and specifications for site execution
- Resolution of on-site technical queries and construction discrepancies
- Monitoring workmanship quality and construction progress
- Support during inspections, approvals, and handover stages
COMMUNICATION & PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Clear, professional communication with clients, consultants, and contractors
- Ability to operate independently or within multidisciplinary teams
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Analytical approach to problem-solving in design and site environments
- Adaptable and responsive within fast-paced project settings
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Architectural & Construction Design
- Architectural Technician & CAD Drafting
- Construction & Site Management
- Project Coordination & Consultant Liaison
- Project Estimating & Cost Control
- Construction Drawings & Specifications
- Quality Control & Site Inspections
- Regulatory Submissions & Compliance
Timeline
Construction Design, Project Management & Estimating Consultant
Self-Employed
08.2020 - Current
Architectural Designer & Project Manager
QuantiSpec Projects
08.2020 - 08.2024
Architectural Designer & Project Manager
ArchiNet Architects
07.2015 - 08.2020
Technical Draughtsman & Project Manager
Cape Concrete Precast Products
07.2012 - 07.2015
Technical Draughtsman & Project Manager
Portland Hollowcore
11.2009 - 06.2012
Structural Engineering Draughtsman
Bart Senekal Structural & Civil Engineers
11.2008 - 11.2009
Building Estimator & Sales Consultant
Federated Timbers
01.2000 - 11.2008
Roof Truss & Timber Structure Designer / Estimator
Builders Market Group
01.1991 - 12.1999
Senior Certificate - Grade 12
Stellenbosch High School