Wilna Rust
Senior Architect & BIM Manager
Cape Town,WC
Summary
I am a Strategic Senior Architect and Head of Design Support with 14 years of comprehensive experience driving technical transformation and optimizing multi-disciplinary project delivery within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. I possess a proven ability to combine deep technical expertise, including extensive experience as Acting BIM Manager, with robust commercial insight, focusing primarily on BIM Specialization, Staff Training, and Inter-Disciplinary Coordination. My primary value is successfully researching and implementing cutting-edge digital standards, including BIM, Data, and AI protocols, across architectural, engineering, construction, and manufacturing teams, thereby ensuring technical proficiency and efficiency across the entire project lifecycle.
As a versatile and accomplished professional, I have a strong background in design, drafting, and managing large-scale commercial and residential structures, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. I am adept at leading collaborative teams, utilizing expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, and advanced BIM software to streamline project workflows, enhance efficiency, and ensure adherence to building codes and sustainable design practices, often meeting or exceeding LEED standards. I am committed to leveraging technology to achieve functional, aesthetically pleasing, and reliable project outcomes, and am known for effective communication, adaptability, creative problem-solving abilities, and a steadfast commitment to project timelines and quality standards, making me an ideal candidate prepared to enhance BIM processes within any forward-thinking organization.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
Certificates
2
2
Languages
Work History
Project Manager/Head of Design Support Department
Citra South Africa
02.2024 - Current
- Digital Transformation Leadership: Spearheaded technical transformation by successfully implementing BIM, Data, and AI protocols across AEC processes, significantly boosting technical proficiency and office standards. Led the Design Support Team in streamlining BIM through advanced software integration.
- Project & Financial Control: Managed Architectural Design Delivery, including comprehensive budget control and program setup (Celoxis, Float). Served as Acting Principal Agent on high-profile projects (e.g., private residence, unit development).
- Quality & Strategy: Executed design strategies, conducted proactive project reviews to mitigate risks, and ensured the accuracy of construction documents. Advocated for innovative building techniques and sustainable practices.
- Team Development & Coordination: Expanded technical capacity by recruiting, placing, and overseeing BIM Technologists. Mentored and trained junior staff in BIM practices. Coordinated and led multidisciplinary teams for seamless workflow integration and timely delivery.
Architectural Lead (Institutional Healthcare)
Pace - Architecture, Engineering + Planning
02.2023 - 01.2024
- Specialized Project Leadership: Headed a specialized international team, overseeing design and technical documentation for a large-scale hospital facility, ensuring rigorous international standards were met. Led design for other complex institutional facilities, including innovative educational facilities.
- Design & Compliance: Conducted site analyses and feasibility studies to optimize spatial functionality and project viability. Led design efforts to ensure strict compliance with local regulations, zoning laws, and building codes. Verified all construction documentation and specifications.
- Sustainable & Technical Focus: Spearheaded the implementation of sustainable architectural solutions and innovative building techniques, significantly enhancing environmental efficiency. Utilized advanced architectural software for detailed modeling, improving design accuracy and communication.
- Team & Multidisciplinary Coordination: Led complex multidisciplinary teams, resulting in streamlined workflows and improved project timelines. Contributed to broader impact through urban design strategies. Mentored junior architects and interns in design and execution best practices.
Part-time Project Architect
Werner Lotz Architect
01.2022 - 08.2022
- High-End Residential Management: Successfully managed high-end residential projects, meticulously overseeing detailed design, quality control, and site monitoring to achieve premium quality and finish.
- Project Delivery & Quality: Conducted regular site visits to monitor progress, proactively address design discrepancies, and ensure successful, timely delivery. Assisted in the meticulous preparation of construction documents and technical specifications, ensuring strict compliance.
- Design & Visualization: Utilized advanced design software for detailed architectural modeling, significantly improving visualization for clients and stakeholders.
- Client & Team Coordination: Managed all client communications throughout the project lifecycle to ensure continuous alignment with the vision. Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to streamlined workflows and maximum project efficiency.
Consulting Architect/Heritage Specialist
Open City Architects
09.2021 - 02.2022
- Heritage Conservation Leadership: Served as Project Architect, providing specialized expertise and design leadership for heritage conservation projects. Successfully developed innovative designs that preserved historical integrity while ensuring regulatory compliance and meeting client goals.
- Expert Analysis & Planning: Conducted thorough assessments of historical sites and feasibility studies, providing expert recommendations that informed preservation strategies and functional design. Informed decisions through detailed site analyses to promote sustainable heritage solutions.
- Technical & Team Guidance: Provided technical guidance to staff and mentored junior architects in best practices and heritage preservation techniques. Streamlined the design process and project efficiency by developing comprehensive architectural plans using advanced software.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate innovative solutions and led workshops/presentations to educate stakeholders on heritage architecture, fostering community investment and satisfaction.
Project Architect
dhk Architects
04.2016 - 01.2020
- Specialized Project Focus: Specialized in managing complex, high-end private residential and heritage conservation projects.
- Design & Compliance: Led design and development of architectural plans, ensuring strict compliance with local regulations and client specifications. Conducted rigorous site evaluations and feasibility studies to inform design decisions.
- Project Management: Effectively managed project timelines and resources, resulting in the timely completion of multiple projects. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Engaged directly with clients to gather requirements and present detailed project proposals, securing approval and ensuring alignment with expectations.
- Team Contribution: Served as a member of the BIM committee and developed and delivered training sessions on architectural standards, improving staff proficiency in design tools and processes.
Candidate/Junior Architect
Peerutin Architects
01.2010 - 01.2016
- BIM Specialization & Training: Progressed through roles including Candidate Architect and Project Architect. Key contribution as a BIM Expert focused on software research, testing, and providing staff training/tutoring to enhance organizational efficiency.
- Workflow & Modeling: Led the development of comprehensive BIM models, enhancing design accuracy and facilitating collaboration. Streamlined project workflows by implementing innovative design strategies, significantly reducing turnaround times.
- Early Career Diversity: Experience includes work as an Architectural Technologist (Industrial & Mixed-Use), a Student Tutor (UCT - History & Theory of Architecture), and a Draughtsman (Habitat for Humanity - RDP Houses).
- Collaboration & Mentoring: Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams to integrate client feedback. Mentored junior architects and BIM team members, fostering skill development and promoting best practices.
Education
Postgraduate Certificate - Building Information Modelling (BIM)
UniAthena
Oxford, England 04.2001 -
M. Arch (Prof) - undefined
University of Cape Town
01.2011
Bachelor of Architectural Studies, BAS - undefined
University of Cape Town
01.2007
Skills
Digital Transformation & Technical Leadership
Certification
Revit Advanced Certificate (Modena, 2016)
Interests
Gardening, Woodcraft, Installation Art
Affiliations
BIMcommUNITY Africa
Software
Autodesk Revit
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Civil 3D
Rhinoceros Rhino 8
Adobe Photoshop
Celoxis
Trimble Sketchup
Timeline
Project Manager/Head of Design Support Department
Citra South Africa
02.2024 - Current
Architectural Lead (Institutional Healthcare)
Pace - Architecture, Engineering + Planning
02.2023 - 01.2024
Part-time Project Architect
Werner Lotz Architect
01.2022 - 08.2022
Consulting Architect/Heritage Specialist
Open City Architects
09.2021 - 02.2022
Revit Advanced Certificate (Modena, 2016)
12-2016
Project Architect
dhk Architects
04.2016 - 01.2020
Candidate/Junior Architect
Peerutin Architects
01.2010 - 01.2016
The Clay Brick Association Prize for best use of brick in design work (2007)
12-2007
Dean's Merit List (UCT: 2005, 2006, 2010)
12-2005
Postgraduate Certificate - Building Information Modelling (BIM)
UniAthena
04.2001 -
M. Arch (Prof) - undefined
University of Cape Town
Bachelor of Architectural Studies, BAS - undefined
University of Cape Town
Languages
Afrikaans (Mother Tongue, Professional)
English (Professional)
References
Available upon request.