Project Estimator

Role Overview

• The Project Estimator plays a critical role in our design-build process by developing accurate, detailed, and well-documented cost estimates during pre-construction for luxury residential and select commercial projects. 
• This role works closely with design, pre-construction, and project teams to ensure pricing clarity, scope alignment, and a smooth transition into construction.
• This is an important role focused on execution, coordination, and risk identification within established systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction Estimating

• Prepare detailed cost estimates from early design through contract signing
• Review architectural plans, design concepts, engineering details, and scope documents
• Perform quantity takeoffs as needed using digital takeoff and estimating tools
• Identify scope gaps, unclear details, or pricing risks and communicate them clearly
• Maintain estimate accuracy as drawings and preliminary selections evolve

Bid Management & Trade Coordination

• Send plan sets and project specifications out for bid
• Serve as the primary point of contact for subcontractors and vendors during bidding
• Set bid timelines and actively follow up to ensure complete bid coverage
• Track incoming bids and seek additional bidders when needed
• Compare bids side-by-side to verify scope, inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions
• Coordinate scope and pricing clarification with trades

Project Specifications & Scope Alignment

• Take ownership of preparing and updating detailed, project-specific specifications 
• Customize specifications based on the project’s scope, selections, and design intent
• Incorporate information from client questionnaires, interior design input, and reference images as needed
• Review plans and specifications together to ensure full coordination
• Verify subcontractor bids align with drawings and detailed specifications
• Reconcile discrepancies before pricing is finalized

Value Engineering

• Play a lead role in value engineering during pre-construction
• Develop cost-saving or alternative options when needed without compromising quality or design intent
• Work closely with leadership and pre-construction sales team to refine strategies and pricing
• Ensure all value-engineering decisions are reflected in final estimates

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with architects, designers, and internal teams to clarify design intent and cost impacts
• Participate in design-phase and internal estimating meetings
• Prepare clear, organized estimates and budget breakdowns that support confident decision-making
• Support a smooth handoff from pre-construction to construction through clear documentation

Systems & Documentation

• Build and maintain project estimates within the company’s project management software
• Clearly document assumptions, allowances, and scope clarifications
• Maintain organized estimating files to support clean project handoff
• Work within established tools, templates, and estimating processes

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of estimating experience in residential construction (luxury or custom experience preferred)
• Strong understanding of design-build workflows, construction sequencing, materials, and labor
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, or similar software
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and detailed specifications
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple bids at once
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across design and construction teams

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, well-organized estimates with minimal surprises during construction
• Clear, coordinated specifications and bid coverage aligned with project scope
• Smooth transition from pre-construction to construction
• Strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams
• Continuous improvement of estimating accuracy and pre-construction processes

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Access to industry events and networking opportunities.