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Project Estimator
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Francisco, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 140000 - 170000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
17 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
14 August 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Job Title
Project Estimator
About Design Line
About Design Line
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 owners representatives and consultants and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Every member of our teamboth in the field and in the officeplays 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 Role
The Role
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.
How We Lead Projects at Design Line
How We Lead Projects at Design Line
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
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 Lines 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 -
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
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
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
Experience & Skills Required
Bachelors 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 clients 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
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 Lines standards
What We Provide For This Position
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
$140000 to $170000/year
$140000 to $170000/year
Commensurate on experience
Design Line Construction Inc. is an equal opportunity employer
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 Lines 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 -
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
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
Experience & Skills Required
Bachelors 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 clients 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
Benefits
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
About Company
Design Line Construction is known for building beautifully crafted modern homes in San Francisco and Marin with progressive project management and excellent service.
