FULL STACK WEB DEVELOPER
& WORDPRESS SPECIALIST

Portfolio.

Riaz Karolia in formal wear
RIAZ KAROLIA
CODING SINCE 2020
Hello World...
Table ofContents
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AboutMe

I didn’t start my career in tech.

My foundation began in construction and quantity surveying — a discipline built on structure, precision, and long-term planning. Over time, I realised I was more drawn to building digital systems than physical ones.

At 26, I made the decision to pivot into technology and became a Full Stack Web Developer.

Today, I serve as Senior Web Developer and Head of Web Development at StudioBotics, leading the delivery of high-performance business and e-commerce platforms.

In April, I will begin formal studies in Software Engineering to deepen my understanding of system architecture, scalability, and backend engineering — strengthening the technical foundation behind the work I already do.

My path hasn’t been conventional — but it’s shaped how I think, build, and lead. And that perspective is reflected in every project I touch.

From Construction to Code

Skills & Expertise

Web Platform Expertise

  • WordPress (Advanced)
  • WooCommerce
  • Shopify
  • Elementor (Advanced)
  • Business & E-commerce Website Development
  • WordPress Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution
  • Website Migrations & Hosting Transfers
  • Performance Optimisation
  • Plugin Configuration & Customisation
  • Production Deployment & Go-Live Management

Technical Foundations

  • JavaScript (Frontend)
  • React (Academic Project Experience)
  • Node.js (Academic Project Experience)
  • MongoDB (Academic Project Experience)
  • HTML5 / CSS3
  • PHP (Practical WordPress Use)
  • MySQL (WordPress Environment)
  • Production WordPress Environment Configuration

Systems & delivery

  • Project & Programme Management (UFS Certified)
  • Zoho One (Projects, Desk)
  • Agile Workflow Implementation
  • Trello
  • Stakeholder Communication
  • Remote Team Coordination
  • Quality Assurance & Testing
  • Structured Delivery Process
  • Risk Identification & Issue Escalation

At the core, I’m just a problem solver.

WorkHistory
StudioBoticsFeb 2022 – Present

Senior Web Developer & Head of Web Development

Role Scope: StudioBotics is a digital agency specialising in web development, digital marketing, and IT support. I oversee the full lifecycle delivery of business and e-commerce platforms, leading technical architecture, deployment, optimisation, and long-term production stability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end website delivery — from scope definition to production deployment and post-launch stability
  • Architect WordPress & WooCommerce platforms for performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability
  • Resolve advanced production issues, including plugin conflicts, environment misconfigurations, and performance bottlenecks
  • Manage website migrations, hosting environments, and database configurations across client infrastructures
  • Serve as primary technical liaison between clients, internal teams, and executive leadership
  • Lead and mentor a growing team of developers and support administrators, enforcing QA standards and structured delivery processes
  • Implement and optimise Zoho One systems to improve operational visibility, workflow tracking, and service efficiency
  • Contribute to internal technical standards and delivery frameworks to improve reliability and scalability
  • Serve as a strategic technical advisor to the CEO, contributing to executive decision-making on platform direction, tooling, and operational strategy
MyEducation
2026

Software Engineering

Commenced April 2026

Formal training in Python, software architecture, relational databases, full-stack development (Django), and containerised deployment workflows — strengthening backend engineering foundations and scalable system design.

2021–2022

Full Stack Web Development

Hyperion Development · Aggregate: 98%

Intensive programme covering the MERN stack, frontend development, backend fundamentals, database management, REST principles, and application deployment workflows.

2020

Certificate in Project & Programme Management

University of the Free State Business School · Aggregate: 93%

Structured delivery frameworks, stakeholder communication, risk management, budgeting, and operational planning.

2017

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

University of the Witwatersrand

Advanced analytical, budgeting, and large-scale project planning capabilities.

2014–2016

BSc Construction Studies

University of the Witwatersrand

Problem-solving, structural planning, and execution discipline — skills transferable to systems architecture and technical delivery.

I’ve started over once. I’m not afraid of growth!

Web DesignProjects
Workspace visual

I don’t just build pretty websites. I build systems that drive business.

PROJECT 01

Cloud Faction — E-Commerce Website Revamp

Led a full WordPress and WooCommerce rebuild to modernise the brand and introduce a gated reseller pricing model.

Designed and developed the website end-to-end, aligning the user experience with the client’s B2B sales workflow.

Built a custom WooCommerce approval plugin controlling price visibility and purchasing access, including registration capture, admin approval workflows, reCAPTCHA protection, and automated notifications.

Project preview
WordPressWooCommerceElementorCustom PluginE-Commerce
PROJECT 02

Little Lanterns — Brand & Service Website

Led the full design and development of a neuroscience-informed coaching website for a GCC-based client.

Structured the UX, visual identity, and Elementor build to create a calm, trust-focused experience aligned with the brand.

Delivered a conversion-focused service website designed to support enquiries and long-term business growth.

Project preview
WordPressElementorUX StrategyBrand AlignmentResponsive DesignSite PerformanceGraphic Design
PROJECT 03

The Ghetto — Shopify E-Commerce Store

Handled the full Shopify setup and design for The Ghetto fashion store.

Built the storefront, customised the theme, and configured products, collections, payments, and shipping.

Delivered a complete e-commerce store ready for live retail operations.

Project preview
ShopifyE-CommerceStore SetupSEOResponsive DesignTheme Customisation
PROJECT 04

Wedding Event Website Template

Designed and developed a modern wedding website template using WordPress and Elementor as a creative concept project.

Structured key sections including RSVP forms, event details, photo galleries, and location maps to simulate a real-world wedding microsite.

Demonstrated template-based architecture and elegant UI composition focused on visual storytelling and smooth user flow.

Project preview
WordPressElementorUI DesignResponsive DesignFront-End Dev
PROJECT 05

Zaakirah Ghanchi Couture — Fashion Brand Website

Designed and developed a fully custom WordPress website for a luxury couture brand, crafting a refined black-and-white visual identity with meticulous attention to layout, spacing, and typography.

Implemented e-commerce functionality, consultation booking workflows, and curated portfolio galleries to showcase bespoke bridal and eveningwear collections.

Built a responsive, conversion-focused platform optimised for product discovery, client enquiries, and search visibility using Yoast SEO.

Project preview
WordPressElementorUI/UX DesignYoast SEOPhotoshopIllustratorResponsive Design
WhyMe
Developer | Technical Problem Solver | Project Manager

I've never been comfortable standing still. Whether it's learning new technologies, refining how systems are built, or improving how projects are delivered, I'm always pushing myself to become better at what I do.

My path into technology didn’t follow a conventional route. Starting in construction and project environments taught me to think in terms of structure, planning, and long-term durability — principles I carry into every digital platform I build.

When I take on a project, I take ownership of it. I care about the details — the architecture behind the scenes, the clarity of the user experience, and the long-term value the platform will deliver.

For me, good work isn’t just about launching something that looks good. It’s about building something thoughtful, reliable, and strong enough to support the business behind it.

I care deeply about the work I produce — because real people and real businesses rely on it.

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The right people are hard to find.
Client Testimonials& Collaborations

Riaz is highly organised, meticulous, and truly goes above and beyond for his clients. He takes the time to understand the business behind the project and designs solutions that genuinely reflect the brand. His professionalism and after-service support are exceptional.

Saleha AbdullaCertified Kids Play-Based Coach

Working with Riaz has been one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. He leads projects with confidence, precision, and always expects excellence from the team. His mentorship and structured approach to solving technical problems have shaped how I approach development today.

Mohammed HussainWordPress Developer

Riaz approached our website project with professionalism, patience, and a clear understanding of our organisation’s goals. He built a strong foundation for our website and ensured our story could be communicated effectively to our members.

Younis KaroliaClient — SA Federation Soccer Legends NPC

Full testimonials and additional recommendations can be viewed on my LinkedIn profile.

If this feels like a fit

Let’sTalk.

Good teams recognise good people. If this resonates, we should speak.

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