Sean Clifford
Cape Town
Summary
Technical Draughtsman and Creative Designer experienced in event production, spatial planning, and technical design for large-scale events. Delivered complex designs under tight deadlines through advanced proficiency in CAD platforms and 3D rendering skills. Recognised for reliability, attention to detail, and ability to mentor junior draughting staff while supporting teams across multiple regions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Draughtsman
Gearhouse
Cape Town, South Africa
03.2021 - Current
- Produce detailed technical drawings including floorplans, venue layouts, seating configurations, and stage designs for large-scale events primarily at CTICC and external venues.
- Develop high-quality 3D renders and visual presentations to communicate event concepts and design proposals to clients.
- Design custom stage and set concepts tailored to client briefs, often providing multiple creative options for selection.
- Conduct venue surveys and create accurate spatial layouts for new or unfamiliar event spaces.
- Ensure technical feasibility of designs including seating capacity, staging dimensions, AV integration, trussing, and rigging requirements.
- Collaborate closely with sales teams, production teams, and clients to align creative vision with technical execution.
- Provide national support to draughting teams, assisting with complex design challenges and software guidance.
- Mentor and train junior draughtsmen, supporting skill development and maintaining drafting standards across projects.
- Frequently relied upon for high-priority projects across IVTM Cape Town, IVTM Johannesburg, and Gearhouse Group.
- Contributed to international projects in Mauritania, Angola, Congo, and France.
- Delivered designs for major events including:
Mining Indaba, African Energy Week, African Mining Week, GEPF, Xero, SIDSSA, Netball World Cup, Ubuntu, G20, and multiple high-profile government events. - Produced complex rigging and staging drawings under extremely tight deadlines, including 24-hour turnaround pitch requirements.
- Consistently delivered high-quality outputs under high workload pressure as the sole draughtsman during early tenure.
Plumber & Gas Technician
Fulford PPG (Pools, Plumbing & Gas)
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2019 - 02.2021
- Installed and commissioned domestic gas systems including gas fireplaces, stoves, and associated pipework.
- Conducted fault-finding and leak detection across domestic plumbing, pool circulation systems, and gas infrastructure.
- Installed, repaired, and maintained comprehensive plumbing systems, enhancing water efficiency and system reliability.
- Led installation teams on residential plumbing and gas projects, ensuring timely and compliant project delivery.
- Provided on-site technical solutions, ensuring adherence to safety standards and regulatory requirements to safeguard clients and property.
- Performed maintenance and servicing of swimming pool systems, including filtration and pump installations.
- Developed strong hands-on technical understanding of construction systems, materials, and installation processes.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Multidisciplinary Draughting
Academy IDT
Cape Town, WC01-2018
Certificate of Higher Education - High School
Rondebosch Boys' High
Cape Town, WC01-2015
Skills
- Technical drafting
- Technical blueprint interpretation
- CAD Software: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, MicroStation, SolidWorks, SketchUp
- 3D visualisation
- Rendering workflows expertise
- Spatial planning
- Event production expertise
- Strong conceptual ability in creative stage and set design development
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Afrikaans
Intermediate
B1
Interests
- Painting and sketching
- Trail running
- Carpentry
- Culinary
- Video games
- Travelling to remote locations
Software Proficiency
- Vectorworks (Advanced)
- AutoCAD (Advanced)
- MicroStation (Intermediate–Advanced)
- SolidWorks (Intermediate)
- SketchUp (Advanced)
- Rendering & Visualization: Self-developed workflows (lighting, materials, textures, presentation renders)
Key Strengths & Professional Attributes
- Strong ability to operate across technical, creative, and production-driven environments
- Proven experience delivering work under high-pressure deadlines and fast-paced event schedules
- Strong understanding of real-world build execution and on-site technical requirements
- Ability to bridge the gap between creative design intent and technical feasibility
- Trusted team member with experience supporting multi-region drafting teams and cross-functional departments
- Confident communicator with ability to present technical ideas clearly to clients and stakeholders
- Strong leadership qualities with experience mentoring junior staff
Career Highlights
- Worked across major international and national events including G20, Netball World Cup, Mining Indaba, African Energy Week, SIDSSA, and multiple government-led productions
- Contributed to international event projects in Mauritania, Angola, Congo, and France
- Frequently selected to assist on high-priority and complex design projects across multiple regional offices
- Delivered time-critical design packages within 24-hour deadlines during competitive pitch stages
- Recognised for consistently producing high-quality technical drawings and creative visual solutions under pressure
- Progressed from sole draughtsman responsibility into a mentoring and technical support role across national teams
Timeline
Draughtsman
Gearhouse
03.2021 - Current
Plumber & Gas Technician
Fulford PPG (Pools, Plumbing & Gas)
01.2019 - 02.2021
Higher National Diploma - Multidisciplinary Draughting
Academy IDT
Certificate of Higher Education - High School
Rondebosch Boys' High