Interior Design Estimator / Quantity Surveyor

ZM Digitech Communications; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ZM Digitech Communications is seeking a detail-oriented Interior Design Estimator Quantity Surveyor to join our Estimation & Commercials team in Bengaluru. You will prepare accurate project estimates, BOQs and cost sheets by translating design drawings into costed plans.

The role covers rate analysis, vendor quotation comparisons, procurement coordination and project cost control to protect margins while upholding design quality.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of interior design materials and construction processes.
• Excellent BOQ preparation and quantity take-off skills.
• Strong knowledge of interior market rates.
• Ability to read and interpret 2D drawings and design documentation.
• Strong MS Excel skills, including costing sheets.
• Good knowledge of AutoCAD is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Study architectural, interior, furniture and technical drawings.
• Prepare detailed BOQs and quantity take-offs for interior projects.
• Calculate quantities for carpentry, modular furniture, civil works, flooring, marble/stone, glass, metal, gypsum, painting, electrical, plumbing, lighting and other interior works.
• Prepare accurate material, labour and installation cost estimates.
• Prepare client quotations and project cost sheets.
• Prepare revised estimates based on design/client changes.
• Maintain updated market rates for materials, labour and subcontractor works.
• Conduct detailed rate analysis for individual items.
• Analyse vendor and contractor quotations.
• Prepare comparative statements and recommend the most commercially viable option.
• Identify cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities without compromising design quality.
• Float enquiries to approved vendors and contractors.
• Obtain and compare quotations.
• Coordinate with Procurement for finalised rates, quantities and specifications.
• Negotiate rates, lead times and commercial terms where required.
• Maintain a reliable database of vendor rates and historical project costs.
• Establish project budgets based on approved BOQs.
• Track estimated vs. actual project costs.
• Identify cost variations and potential margin risks.
• Prepare variation statements and additional-item costing.
• Verify site measurements and contractor/subcontractor bills.
• Support project teams in maintaining project profitability.
• Work closely with the Design, Sales, Procurement, Project Management and Site Execution teams.
• Identify discrepancies or missing information in drawings before costing.
• Clarify design specifications and quantities with the design team.
• Participate in site visits whenever required for measurements and verification.
• Ensure the final BOQ reflects the latest approved design.
• Prepare:
• BOQs
• Detailed estimates
• Cost sheets
• Rate analysis
• Vendor comparison statements
• Client quotations
• Variation statements
• Budget reports
• Material quantity sheets
• Maintain accurate records of project costing and commercial documentation.

Skills

BOQ preparation

Quantity take-off

Interior market rates

2D drawings interpretation

Excel costing

AutoCAD

Negotiation

Cost optimization

Education

Diploma/Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Interior Design, Quantity Surveying, Architecture or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Excel

Job description

Department: Estimation & Commercials
Experience: 2-4years in Interior Design Fit-Out Estimation

About the Role

We are looking for a highly detail-oriented Interior Design Estimator Quantity Surveyor to join our team. The candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate project estimates, BOQs, quantity take-offs, vendor comparisons and commercial proposals for high-end residential and hospitality interior projects.
The role requires strong knowledge of interior materials, construction methods, market rates and the ability to translate design drawings into accurate project costs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Estimation & BOQ

• Study architectural, interior, furniture and technical drawings.
• Prepare detailed BOQs and quantity take-offs for complete interior projects.
• Calculate quantities for carpentry, modular furniture, civil works, flooring, marble/stone, glass, metal, gypsum, painting, electrical, plumbing, lighting and other interior works.
• Prepare accurate material, labour and installation cost estimates.
• Prepare client quotations and project cost sheets.
• Prepare revised estimates based on design/client changes.

2. Rate Analysis & Costing

• Maintain updated market rates for materials, labour and subcontractor works.
• Conduct detailed rate analysis for individual items.
• Analyse vendor and contractor quotations.
• Prepare comparative statements and recommend the most commercially viable option.
• Identify cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities without compromising design quality.

3. Vendor & Procurement Coordination

• Float enquiries to approved vendors and contractors.
• Obtain and compare quotations.
• Coordinate with Procurement for finalised rates, quantities and specifications.
• Negotiate rates, lead times and commercial terms where required.
• Maintain a reliable database of vendor rates and historical project costs.

4. Project Cost Control

• Establish project budgets based on approved BOQs.
• Track estimated vs. actual project costs.
• Identify cost variations and potential margin risks.
• Prepare variation statements and additional-item costing.
• Verify site measurements and contractor/subcontractor bills.
• Support project teams in maintaining project profitability.

5. Design & Execution Coordination

• Work closely with the Design, Sales, Procurement, Project Management and Site Execution teams.
• Identify discrepancies or missing information in drawings before costing.
• Clarify design specifications and quantities with the design team.
• Participate in site visits whenever required for measurements and verification.
• Ensure the final BOQ reflects the latest approved design.

6. Commercial Documentation

• Prepare:
• BOQs
• Detailed estimates
• Cost sheets
• Rate analysis
• Vendor comparison statements
• Client quotations
• Variation statements
• Budget reports
• Material quantity sheets
• Maintain accurate records of project costing and commercial documentation.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of interior design materials and construction processes.
• Excellent BOQ preparation and quantity take-off skills.
• Strong knowledge of interior market rates.
• Ability to read and interpret 2D drawings and design documentation.
• Strong MS Excel skills, including formulas and costing sheets.
• Good knowledge of AutoCAD is preferred.
• Strong numerical, analytical and negotiation skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work under tight timelines.
• Strong coordination and communication skills.

Material Knowledge

• The candidate should have practical knowledge of:
• Plywood, MDF, HDF and other boards
• Laminates and veneers
• Hardware and fittings
• Modular kitchens and wardrobes
• Custom furniture and joinery
• Marble, granite and stone
• Tiles and flooring
• Glass and aluminium
• Metal works
• Gypsum and false ceilings
• Painting, polish and wall finishes
• Wallpaper and decorative finishes
• Electrical and lighting
• Plumbing and sanitary
• Loose furniture and soft furnishings
• Civil and renovation works

Qualification

• Diploma/Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Interior Design, Quantity Surveying, Architecture or related field.
• 3-6 years of relevant experience in interior estimation/QS.
• Experience with high-end residential or hospitality projects will be an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accuracy of BOQs and estimates
• Timely submission of estimates
• Minimum costing/quantity errors
• Project margin protection
• Effective vendor rate negotiation
• Cost optimization
• Accuracy of variation and additional-item costing
• Timely coordination with Design, Procurement and Execution teams.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is commercially sharp, highly organized and comfortable working in a fast-paced luxury interior environment. They should understand both design intent and execution costs and be able to convert detailed design information into commercially accurate project estimates.