Project Estimator

Project Estimator

Design Line builds complex architectural homes with high design standards, exacting detail, and challenging site conditions across the San Francisco Bay Area, Marin County, Sonoma Wine Country, and beyond. Our work requires disciplined execution, strong collaboration with architects, owner's representatives, and consultants, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Every member of our team—both in the field and in the office—plays a role in delivering homes that reflect the design vision, provide an uncompromising client experience, and uphold the high standards we are known for. Through Concierge by Design Line, we also provide ongoing care and stewardship for sophisticated residences, estates, and family properties with tailored, high-touch service. Our culture is grounded in competence, ethical decision-making, respect, a supportive team environment, and authentic communication.

The Project Estimator plays a vital role in the preconstruction phase. Core responsibilities include reviewing and executing RFP requests, preparing and/or coordinating budget estimates during Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Document, and Value Engineering exercises during the preconstruction planning phase. The Estimator must be proficient in estimating high-end residential projects, negotiating with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, budgeting the projects, establishing relationships, and working closely with project managers and owners and their consultants and representatives. The Estimator will perform duties to support business development, marketing, and preparation of construction project cost estimates for both competitive hard bid and negotiated construction projects. The Estimator will be responsible for performing quantity take-offs, solicit supplier/subcontractor bids, proposal preparation, and post-bid documentation. This role requires a combination of technical expertise and collaboration to ensure projects are estimated with precision, professionalism, and care.

Across our projects, we share a set of common expectations:

Proactive & Solution-Oriented: We approach challenges with flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to finding solutions.

Clear Communication & Strong Relationships: We foster positive relationships through open communication and mutual respect.

Commitment to Design Intent: We ensure the architectural vision and project goals are realized with precision and care.

Safety First: We prioritize safety in both our actions and our mindset across every project.

Key Responsibilities:

Preconstruction:

Reviews and evaluates requests for estimates and communicates with Design Line leadership on feasibility of the request and validity of a DLC budget effort

Prepares an RFP list of potential vendors and subcontractors for review and distribution

Prepares and manages a bid calendar to ensure timely completion and delivery of estimates

Reviews estimates with the Design Line project team, and edits the budget for completeness and accuracy

Reviews construction documents and understands scope of work to bid

Executes internal take-offs of construction documents using Plangrid or similar software

Inputs take-offs into Design Line's proprietary budget spread sheet

Obtains pricing for materials; obtains bids from subcontractors and vendors

Prepares cost analysis by calculating material, labor, equipment, subcontractor proposals, vendor input and ongoing input from the DLC project team

Makes an estimate where predetermined standards are not available

Informs the project team of any observed inaccuracies or omissions in the project documents

Evaluates subcontractor proposals and asks qualifying questions and levels multiple proposals for same scopes of work to determine best outcome

Develops and maintains resource information on products, vendors, subcontractors, government requirements, etc.

Attends project team meetings and sales meetings as required

Photocopies documents and plans

On-going projects:

Active support for on-going projects

On-going budget tracking and control

Reviews newly issued documents for change in cost

Develops pricing for additional work and subcontractor changes

Works with Project Engineer to document cost changes

Distributes change orders to PM for review and issuance to owner team

Client & Partner Interaction:

This role works closely with clients and partners to ensure an accurate and transparent estimate done with the highest level of quality and professionalism. The role will work across stakeholder groups to develop accurate, preliminary project schedules, review construction sequencing and perform risk assessments. Other client and partner interactions required of this role include:

Submit Requests for Information (RFIs) to the architect, vendor and/or client for bid document clarification

Participate in start-up and close-out meetings with project personnel to convey the scope of work, complete the budget conversion and gather subcontractor and budgetary feedback

Perform strategic and peer reviews of estimating efforts generated by others

Review subcontractor qualifications and develop and promote new subcontractor relationships

Quality, Integrity & Craftsmanship:

The quality of the work produced by the Project Estimator is vital to establishing project, client and partner expectations for the project. This role will:

Prepare Conceptual Estimates

Generate Preliminary Estimates based on in-house take-offs

Develop Detailed Estimates/Bids to include subcontractor/vendor quotes, in-house labor/material take-offs, and unit costs

Develop subcontractor/vendor bidders lists pursuing multiple competitive bids per trade

Direct site visits to evaluate specific features/constraints to incorporate criteria into estimates

Develop estimates to include subcontractor/vendor quotes, in-house labor/material take-offs, and unit costs

Analyze and qualify subcontractor bids, evaluate alternative materials or work processes, and refine installation and material rates by assemblies

Develop line item contingencies based on risks imposed by incomplete, inaccurate or non-comprehensive bid documents

Author clear, concise, and accurate estimate/contract notes to delineate Assumptions, Exclusions, Clarifications and Allowances

Perform value engineering and construction detail review to help client and architect refine design and budget

Experience & Skills Required:

Bachelor's degree in construction management or equivalent experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in construction projects

Proficiency with MS Office with an emphasis in using Excel spreadsheets

Proficiency in Bluebeam and/or Plangrid; as well as Procore

Ability to build an accurate project estimate, budget and schedule, and communicate to the team and the client's team clearly and concisely

Complete and thorough technical knowledge of the preconstruction phase and active project phase for residential high-end construction

Ability to anticipate challenges and bring solutions

Communicates directly, professionally and with integrity

Exceptional client and stakeholder management and follow through

Prioritizes team success and actively supports others

Strong focus on quality and accuracy

Willingness to travel to construction sites

What Makes Someone Successful at Design Line:

Demonstrate competence and sound judgment

Willingness to learn and try new things

Act with integrity and ethical decision-making

Treat clients, partners, and teammates with respect and professionalism

Contribute to a supportive and collaborative team environment

Communicate with authenticity and transparency

Take pride in delivering work that reflects Design Line's standards

What We Provide For This Position:

Competitive pay

Generous benefits package

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (health and dependent care)

Accrued Vacation time and Sick time

Ten paid holidays

401k

Cell phone reimbursement

A supportive team environment with room for stability, learning and growth

Salary range: $140,000 to $170,000/year Commensurate on experience Design Line Construction, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer