Estimator

Ravenswood Studio•Lincolnwood, IL

13d

About The Position

Ravenswood Studio is a nationally recognized custom fabrication company driven by diverse and passionate artisans who take pride in every project we deliver. With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits, traveling exhibits, specialty millwork, and custom themed environments that tell a story. For over 35 years, Ravenswood Studio has been a trusted partner to some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions fabricating memorable experiences that create lasting memories. We are creative, detail oriented, deadline sensitive, and budget conscious, making us the perfect partner to realize our client’s vision. The Estimator is responsible for preparing budgets, estimates and proposal pricing to meet client requests. This includes square foot allowances, rough order of magnitude (ROM) budgeting and detailed line-item pricing. This work includes calculating labor, materials, risks and time required, as well as requesting and vetting pricing from subcontractors for any given project as well as creating written proposals that clearly define what is included in our scope.

Requirements

Proficiency in Office Suite of products especially Excel.
A strong understanding of the methods and materials associated with custom fabrication in Ravenswood’s core markets.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Estimator in one or more of the following industries: museum exhibit, display, cabinetry / millwork, theater, or opera.
Proactive, aware, and focused.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize, problem solve and think analytically.
Ability to work independently, and collaboratively.
Detail oriented and focused.
Is honest, proactive, responsive, anticipatory, and shows empathy for others.

Nice To Haves

Make frequent use of ingenuity and creativity.
Inspire positivity, exude a sense of calm competence and listen to others.
Promote effective collaboration and idea sharing.
Use and promote Ravenswood Studio’s Key Predictors of Success.
Contribute to RSI’s Continual Incremental Improvements process.

Responsibilities

At the outset of a new project, analyze project documents including technical drawings, sketches, renderings and matrices, and acquire a deep holistic understanding of the project, including design intent and client needs.
Contact potential clients regarding missing information, inconsistencies, schedule questions or scope gap that may be discovered during the document review.
Flag issues of risk including schedule, complexity, or structural challenges to the Associate Director of Pre-Construction Services.
Accurately calculate the types and quantities of materials needed to fabricate a given element.
Estimate the labor needed to manage, draft, fabricate, finish and install a given element.
Vet ideas for practicality.
Participate in value-engineering.
Make alternative suggestions and create Add / Alts.
Prepare and submit RFQ’s for subcontractors, and review those proposals for completeness and accuracy.
Lay out estimates in a clear and concise manner that fosters efficient review.
Write element descriptions for each item estimated.
Prepare and submit formal proposals to prospective clients.
Clearly document updates and changes made during the estimating process, including archiving previous proposal submittmits.
Perform other duties as assigned.