Commercial Framing/Drywall Estimator

Design Drywall West, Inc.; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Drywall West, Inc. in Tempe, AZ is seeking an experienced Commercial Framing/Drywall Estimator to join the estimating team.

The role focuses on reviewing construction docs, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, and developing labor and material costs to prepare competitive bid proposals for commercial projects. The ideal candidate understands metal framing, drywall assemblies, taping/finishing, acoustical ceilings, FRP, and related interior scopes, and can identify gaps and risks before

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial framing and drywall estimating with quantity takeoffs, labor/material pricing, and cost analysis.
• Proficiency with OST and Quick Bid.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural/engineering drawings, specs, details, schedules and addenda.
• Strong math, analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, bid instructions and project requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for framing, drywall, taping/finishing, acoustical ceilings, FRP and related scopes.
• Prepare accurate labor, material, equipment and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Develop complete bid proposals based on project plans and defined scope.
• Identify scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, and project risks.
• Maintain estimating documentation and track bid opportunities.

Skills

Takeoffs accuracy

Bid management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Reading drawings

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Construction Management degree (preferred)

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Quick Bid

Job description

Position Overview

Company Description

Design Drywall West, Inc. is an Arizona-based contractor with more than 45 years of experience providing framing, drywall, and related construction solutions. We serve commercial, industrial, and residential clients throughout Arizona and the Southwest, with experience across banking, healthcare, education, retail, data centers, industrial facilities, and other commercial markets.

Our team supports projects from preconstruction and estimating through material procurement, installation, finishing, and project completion. We are committed to quality craftsmanship, accurate planning, safety, schedule performance, and delivering value to our clients.

At Design Drywall West, we believe strong relationships are built through reliability, communication, and consistently delivering on our commitments.

Position Overview

Design Drywall West is seeking an experienced Commercial Framing/Drywall Estimator to join our estimating team in Tempe, Arizona.

This position is responsible for reviewing construction documents, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, developing accurate labor and material costs, and preparing competitive bid proposals for commercial construction projects.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of metal framing, drywall systems, taping and finishing, acoustical ceilings, FRP, backing/blocking, and related commercial interior scopes, along with the ability to identify scope requirements, potential gaps, and project risks before a bid is submitted.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, addenda, bid instructions, and project requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for metal framing, drywall, taping and finishing, acoustical ceilings, FRP, backing/blocking, and related scopes.
• Prepare accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Develop complete and competitive bid proposals based on project plans, specifications, and defined scope requirements.
• Identify scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, allowances, alternates, and potential project risks.
• Review wall types, ceiling conditions, assemblies, details, and finish requirements to ensure estimates reflect the complete project scope.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Maintain current material pricing, labor rates, estimating templates, assemblies, and cost databases.
• Track bid opportunities, deadlines, submitted proposals, follow-ups, and bid status.
• Coordinate with project managers, field supervisors, vendors, general contractors, and clients regarding scope, pricing, and constructability.
• Participate in value engineering and alternate pricing to develop competitive and cost-effective project solutions.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct jobsite visits when necessary to evaluate existing conditions and project requirements.
• Review addenda, bulletins, and drawing revisions and accurately incorporate changes into estimates.
• Assist with project handoff from estimating to operations when projects are awarded.
• Maintain organized and complete estimating documentation for each project.

QualificationsRequired

• Experience in commercial framing and drywall estimating, including quantity takeoffs, labor and material pricing, and cost analysis.
• Experience with On-Screen Takeoff (OST), Quick Bid.
• Strong knowledge of commercial metal framing and gypsum board assemblies.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, details, schedules, and addenda.
• Understanding of wall types, shaftwall systems, rated assemblies, ceiling conditions, deflection requirements, control joints, and common commercial framing and drywall construction methods.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience using construction estimating or digital takeoff software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple bids, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with general contractors, architects, vendors, field personnel, and internal project teams.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

• Experience estimating acoustical ceilings, FRP, backing/blocking, specialty gypsum assemblies, and other commercial interior scopes.
• Experience developing value-engineering options and alternate pricing.
• Previous field experience in commercial framing, drywall, taping/finishing, acoustical ceilings, or related trades.
• Familiarity with manufacturer systems and tested assemblies, including USG, CertainTeed, National Gypsum, ClarkDietrich, and UL-rated assemblies.
• Technical education, trade training, or a degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is a plus.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for an estimator who takes ownership of their work and understands that a successful estimate involves more than completing a takeoff.

The right candidate will be able to:

• Identify what is included, excluded, or missing from the construction documents.
• Understand how labor productivity, material selection, project phasing, site conditions, and schedule requirements affect project cost.
• Recognize potential conflicts between architectural drawings, structural drawings, specifications, details, and wall-type requirements.
• Maintain accurate and organized estimating records.
• Manage multiple bid opportunities without losing track of deadlines, addenda, or follow-up requirements.
• Communicate questions and concerns early rather than making unsupported assumptions.
• Work collaboratively with estimating, operations, vendors, and field personnel.
• Produce estimates that are complete, competitive, accurate, and profitable.

Why Join Design Drywall West?

Joining Design Drywall West means becoming part of an experienced construction team with a long-standing presence in the Arizona market. This position offers the opportunity to estimate a diverse range of commercial projects and contribute directly to the company's continued growth and success.

We value accuracy, accountability, communication, teamwork, safety, and quality, and we're looking for someone who brings those same principles to the estimating process.

Design Drywall West, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.