Cenoa Pillay

I am currently employed as a Junior Draughtsperson at Hypercheck, based in Durban. In this role, I have been given the unique responsibility and opportunity to design entire retail stores from the ground up. This includes full layout planning, 2D drafting, and 3D modeling for various Hypercheck brand stores such as Check Star, Check Save, and Check Me. From the initial concept stage through to final presentation, I take ownership of the design process, ensuring that each store is tailored to meet operational requirements, customer flow, and compliance standards.

My responsibilities involve designing every aspect of the store layout. This includes zoning and planning key departments such as the butchery, deli, bakery, produce section, cold rooms, freezer areas, dry storage, and trading floor. I ensure that each store operates efficiently by clearly defining and organizing the Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) spaces. The designs prioritize safety, hygiene, accessibility, and ease of movement for both staff and customers.

I use AutoCAD and Revit to develop detailed 2D technical drawings and accurate 3D models. These visualizations are essential for project presentations, stakeholder approval, and construction planning. The 3D models I create help teams better understand the space and functionality before construction begins. I also develop custom Revit families to represent fixtures, fittings, and store-specific equipment such as refrigeration units, display counters, checkout areas, and food prep stations. As part of the design process, I integrate MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) elements into the Revit models to ensure the store’s technical systems are properly coordinated with the layout.

An important aspect of my role is ensuring that all designs follow the guidelines set out in SANS 10400, South Africa’s national building regulations. I make sure that all drawing documentation and model elements align with these standards to maintain full regulatory compliance. This includes considerations around ventilation, lighting, accessibility, fire safety, and sanitation.

Throughout my time at Hypercheck, I’ve worked closely with the planning, construction, and store management teams to refine store layouts and bring each design to life. What makes this experience stand out is that I have not just worked on isolated parts of these projects—I have designed complete stores from start to finish. I have been involved in every step, from initial concept sketches and layout approvals to the final drawing sets used for contractor execution.

This hands-on experience has significantly strengthened my technical drafting abilities, spatial awareness, and understanding of the retail design process. It has also improved my problem-solving skills, time management, and ability to communicate design intent clearly across multiple departments. I am proud to contribute to creating retail environments that are practical, efficient, and visually appealing, and I look forward to continuing to grow as a draughtsperson through new projects and challenges.

I am currently employed as a Junior Draughtsperson at Hypercheck in Durban, where I have been entrusted with the complete design and modeling of retail stores under the company’s key brands: Check Star, Check Save, and Check Me. My core responsibility is to take each store from concept to construction, creating detailed 2D technical drawings and accurate 3D Revit models that reflect both the operational requirements and the customer experience goals of the business.

In this role, I handle full store planning — from the overall spatial layout to the precise configuration of departments such as the trading floor, butchery, bakery, deli, produce area, dry storage, cold rooms, and freezer spaces. I design both the Front of House (FOH), where customer interaction occurs, and the Back of House (BOH), which includes staff workflows, preparation areas, and logistics routes. Each design is developed with a strong focus on functionality, hygiene, compliance, and safe circulation for both staff and customers.

I use AutoCAD for technical 2D drafting and Revit for developing comprehensive 3D models. These Revit models include detailed architectural components and integrated MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems to ensure a coordinated, build-ready result. I also create custom Revit families to accurately represent store fixtures, refrigeration equipment, shelving, checkout counters, and food preparation stations, enhancing the clarity and realism of the models for stakeholder review and construction teams.

A key part of my role is ensuring that every design complies with SANS 10400, South Africa’s national building regulations. I take into account standards related to ventilation, lighting, fire safety, sanitation, and accessibility. This involves producing drawing sets that are suitable for municipal submission, contractor execution, and internal review. I work closely with the planning department, senior designers, and operational managers to ensure that my designs are not only practical but also cost-effective and aligned with the brand’s evolving needs.

My role demands a high level of independence and accountability, as I am responsible for delivering complete store layouts on my own. I collaborate with engineers and builders to resolve on-site queries, adjust designs as needed, and ensure that the final product reflects the intent of the drawings. This hands-on experience has given me a deep understanding of the retail construction process and has significantly strengthened my technical, spatial, and coordination skills.

Through this position, I’ve been able to contribute directly to shaping the customer environment in various Hypercheck stores across the region. I take great pride in knowing that my drawings are used not only to guide construction but also to influence how people shop, work, and move within the store. The combination of technical drafting, problem-solving, and creative layout development makes this role a valuable and challenging part of my professional growth.

I completed my formal education in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), where I received a comprehensive education in both architectural and mechanical drafting. The program provided a robust foundation in the use of advanced CAD tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, and Inventor, preparing me to tackle complex design challenges in both the architectural and engineering fields. Throughout my studies, I completed a variety of modules that gave me both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the drafting and design industries.

Key modules in my curriculum included Technical Drawing and Interpretation, which provided me with the skills to create and read detailed technical drawings and understand design concepts. In Architectural Drafting, I gained the ability to design layouts for both residential and commercial buildings, including floor plans, elevations, and sections, while ensuring compliance with building regulations such as SANS 10400. The Mechanical Design Fundamentals module introduced me to mechanical engineering principles, enabling me to create precise mechanical drawings, assemblies, and parts using software like Inventor.

Another key area of study was 3D Modeling with AutoCAD, where I learned how to transform basic 2D drawings into complex 3D models, adding depth to my design skills. This module was complemented by Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM), a module that taught me how to create detailed, data-rich models that integrate architectural, structural, and MEP systems in one cohesive model, making it easier to visualize and manage the design process. The Inventor for Mechanical Design module further honed my abilities in creating 3D models for mechanical components, assemblies, and simulations, which is invaluable in my current role.

Additionally, I completed Design Principles and Application, a module that emphasized the importance of applying design principles effectively and understanding the relationship between form and function in all types of projects. I also studied Drawing Management and Collaboration, where I learned how to organize and manage drawing files, ensuring version control, coordination between team members, and the effective use of cloud-based platforms for collaborative work. This module proved to be essential in my professional experience, where collaboration and clear communication are crucial to project success.

Throughout my coursework, I also focused on developing my skills in Plotting and Printing, ensuring that my designs could be accurately reproduced and presented in professional formats. I was trained in producing construction-ready documentation, including detailed floor plans, sections, elevations, and schedules, which is vital for real-world applications. My studies in Design Standards and Compliance helped me understand building codes and industry-specific regulations, particularly the South African building regulations (SANS 10400), which I apply regularly in my work today.

As part of my education, I participated in several hands-on projects, where I designed and modeled real-world scenarios, applying the knowledge gained from each module. These projects gave me the opportunity to work with both individual tasks and team-based assignments, preparing me for the collaborative nature of professional design environments. I also gained experience with software interoperability, ensuring that my designs could seamlessly integrate with other team members’ work, whether for architectural, structural, or MEP design purposes.

In addition to the technical skills I acquired, my education emphasized problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. These soft skills are essential in translating complex design concepts into workable solutions while collaborating with engineers, architects, and other stakeholders. The combination of theoretical learning, practical experience, and professional certifications has laid a strong foundation for my career in design and continues to influence my approach to my work today.