
Karusha Pillay
Commercial Real Estate | Architectural Technologist | Business development
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About
I am a versatile and results-driven professional with multidisciplinary experience spanning operations management, project delivery, commercial property, capital markets, architecture, business development and stakeholder engagement. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed complex projects, coordinated cross-functional teams, built lasting client relationships and delivered strategic solutions in fast-paced, high-performance environments. My ability to combine analytical thinking with commercial awareness and technical understanding allows me to bridge the gap between strategy and execution.
I am recognised for my leadership, problem-solving ability, attention to detail and commitment to delivering measurable results while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service excellence. I thrive in roles that require strategic thinking, collaboration and continuous improvement, and I am passionate about creating value for organisations through operational excellence, innovation and strong relationship management.
Experience
Auction Executive / Capital Markets Analyst & Transaction Manager at Galetti Corporate Real Estate (2025-01 – Present)
Administration/Coordination and team leadership
- New Business Development - Source, Obtain & Negotiate Property Auction Mandates
- Develop networks and co-operate with parties that could refer properties to auction
- Qualify leads
- Advertise properties through a variety of marketing techniques
- Appraise the value of properties by thoroughly researching the market or past purchases
- Internal CRM Update
- Draft and complete legal documents
- Integrating your day-to-day role to streamline the interaction between Broking and GCS divisions
- Conduct the interaction between the parties to a transaction with integrity and professionalism
- Successful outcome and maintain good relations between all parties
- Remain knowledgeable about the market and best practice
Senior Bid Coordinator at Henry Fagan Consulting engineers and project managers (2023-01 – 2025-12)
Administration/Coordination and team leadership
- Compilation of Tender submissions
- Sourcing of tender documents
- Liaising with consultants and stakeholders
- Updating of documentation and databases
- Attending briefing sessions/site inspections meeting
- Completing bid Documentation
- Running kick off's, progress, and final review meetings
- Over seeing junior bid coordinator
Architectural Technologist at Architectural Design Associates (2017-01 – 2022-12)
Design and Project Management and Administration
- Architectural technical drawings (full working drawings, detailing, council drawings, and interior shop fit-outs)
- 3D rendered drawings (retail)
- Design presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint)
- Revamps/alterations for McDonald's (exterior and interior, retail and commercial design)
- Full survey drawings for Rosebank mall and The Zone (BBD drawings, base building drawings)
- MTN shop interior fit-outs (retail/commercial) space planning and prelim designs
- Site inspections and design meetings
- Council Coordination: compiling council packs for municipal submissions
- Gathering all Sensitive documents and filling out the necessary forms, application, SACAP and SANS10400 forms power of attorney, and company resolutions
- Liaising with clients to fill out forms for the owner's signature and details
- Managing and creating filling systems to manage data such as Council documents, drawings, and projects
- Creating filing systems for all projects on the server based on project identity
- Liaising with clients and customers through Microsoft teams, Microsoft Outlook, and zoom dealing with many consultants on a daily basis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving on design concerns
- Inspection documentation: from final site inspection upon project completion (compiling detailed snag issues, latent and patent defects that need to be corrected by project contractors
- Compiling detailed reports for project interior and exterior specification documents
- Compiling detailed schedules for the project through Microsoft excel and Microsoft word
- Attending tender briefings and compiling a report for the project architect on the briefing presentation in order to apply and create a tender bid
- Project management, managing all consultants on a site and addressing design queries, troubleshooting, and problem-solving that may arise in foresight
Architectural Technologist at LAB Architects (2016-01 – 2017-12)
Design and Project Management and Administration
- High-end residential architectural drawings (Steyn City)
- Residential renovations
- Working drawings (Auto cad)
- Site Meetings, Project management
Architectural Technologist / Agent Trainee at Francesca Beattie Properties (2015-01 – 2017-12)
Property/Management and Administration
- Architectural design consultant
- Property agent sales consulting
- Listing properties
- Compiling documentation for sales from clients (offer to purchase)
- Following up on sale leads
- Customer service
Junior Architectural Technologist at ADS (Architectural Design Services) (2014-01 – 2015-12)
Design and Project Management and Administration
- Architectural technical drawings (full working drawings, detailing, council drawings) Residential
- Site surveys
- Sans10400 calculations (energy efficiency)
- Council Coordination: compiling council packs for municipal submissions
Project Management and Council Co-ordinator at Monette Co Property Works (2012-01 – 2013-12)
Council Coordination
- Council Coordination: compiling council packs for municipal submissions
- Town planning applications
- Sourcing prices for Building Materials
- Placing orders for building materials for site projects
In-service training in Architecture at Design Corazon Architects (2012-03 – 2012-08)
Intern
- Draughting architectural plans
- SAICE Interior design arrangement memorabilia wall
- Compiling tender for DUT
Education
NDip in Diploma in Architecture – University of Johannesburg (UJ) (2014-01 – 2016-12)
B-Tech in Architectural Technology (Management) – University of Johannesburg (UJ) (2017-01 – 2017-12)
Certificate in User Experience Design – University of Cape Town (UCT) (2019-01 – 2020-12)