Project Estimator

Ravenswood Studio, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ravenswood Studio, Inc. in Chicago, IL is seeking an Estimator to turn ambitious client visions into accurate, buildable budgets for museum exhibits, cabinetry, and themed environments.

You will study drawings, develop line-item pricing for materials and labor, vet subcontractor bids, and contribute to value engineering with the project teams.

If you have 3+ years in exhibit or fabrication estimating and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting, we'd love to talk.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in estimating, PM, or leadership in museum exhibit, display, cabinetry/millwork, theater or fabrication.
• Strong skills reading drawings/blueprints and translating to accurate scope and pricing.
• Strong Excel skills and analytical thinking.
• Collaborative, calm-under-pressure approach with construction teams.

Responsibilities

• Dive deep into technical drawings, renderings, and project matrices to understand design intent from day one.
• Build detailed estimates — from square-foot allowances and ROM budgets to line-item pricing — covering materials, labor, and risk.
• Vet subcontractor pricing and manage the RFQ process.
• Flag schedule, complexity, or structural risks early.
• Contribute to value engineering and creative problem-solving on every project.
• Write clear, client-ready proposals that define scope with precision.

Skills

Reading drawings/blueprints

Excel

Cost estimation

Collaboration

Construction knowledge

Tools

Excel

Job description

For over 35 years, Ravenswood Studio has partnered with the nation's leading cultural institutions to fabricate museum exhibits, traveling exhibits, specialty millwork, and custom themed environments that bring stories to life. We're looking for an Estimator to help us turn ambitious client visions into accurate, buildable budgets.

This could be a great fit if you've worked in:

• Fabrication, custom millwork, or scenic/themed environments
• Entertainment or theatre production

If you're comfortable reading drawings and blueprints, thinking in terms of materials and buildability, and collaborating with construction teams to turn ideas into reality — we want to talk to you.

What you'll do:

• Dive deep into technical drawings, renderings, and project matrices to understand design intent from day one
• Build detailed estimates — from square-foot allowances and ROM budgets to line-item pricing — covering materials, labor, and risk
• Vet subcontractor pricing and manage the RFQ process
• Flag schedule, complexity, or structural risks early
• Contribute to value engineering and creative problem-solving on every project
• Write clear, client-ready proposals that define scope with precision

What you bring:

• 3+ years in an estimating, project management, or leadership role within museum exhibit, display, cabinetry/millwork, theater, entertainment, or fabrication industries
• Strong technical skills — reading drawings/blueprints and translating them into accurate scope and pricing
• Strong Excel skills and sharp analytical thinking
• A collaborative, calm-under-pressure approach to working alongside construction and project teams

If you love the puzzle of turning a big creative idea into a precise, buildable plan — we'd love to hear from you.