Project Estimator

Design Line Construction

San Francisco (CA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous benefits package

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

401k

Cell phone reimbursement

Accrued Vacation time and Sick time

Ten paid holidays

Job summary

Design Line Construction in San Francisco is seeking a Project Estimator to lead the estimating process for complex architectural homes. This role includes developing estimates, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality project delivery.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in construction management and 5+ years of experience. Strong communication, proficiency in Excel, and familiarity with construction management tools are essential. The position offers competitive pay and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of experience in construction projects.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with team and clients.
Willingness to travel to construction sites.

Responsibilities

Prepare and manage a bid calendar for timely completion of estimates.
Review construction documents and understand scope of work.
Develop pricing for additional work and subcontractor changes.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Construction management knowledge

Budgeting and scheduling

Exceptional client management

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

Plangrid

Procore

Job description

Project Estimator

Department: Administrative

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Francisco, CA

Reporting To: Director of Preconstruction

Compensation: $140,000 - $170,000 / year

Description

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.

How We Lead Projects at Design Line

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

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
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.

To achieve this, the 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
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