Estimator – Early Design & Conceptual Construction (Remote)

KJF Cost Studio is a small, experienced estimating firm focused on early-phase commercial construction estimating — concept, schematic design (SD), and design development (DD).

Most of our work happens before drawings are complete.

We’re looking for an estimator who enjoys figuring out what it will actually take to build a project when information is incomplete, scopes are evolving, and judgment matters more than polished CDs.

This is a hands-on estimating role.

It is not project management and not owner-side cost advisory.

• Preparing concept, SD, and DD-level cost estimates for commercial projects
• Performing hands-on quantity takeoffs from partial or evolving drawings
• Developing scopes and clearly documented assumptions across multiple trades
• Building estimates using takeoffs, historical data, unit pricing, and market knowledge
• Identifying gaps, risks, and missing scope early in design
• Documenting assumptions so estimates are clear, defensible, and repeatable
• Working closely with a senior estimator through collaborative reviews

Most projects will not reach full CD-level documentation, so comfort working through ambiguity in a structured way is essential.

• Have several years of hands-on commercial estimating experience
• Personally perform takeoffs and build estimates (not just review them)
• Are comfortable estimating from incomplete documents
• Can read architectural and structural drawings fluently
• Prefer thoughtful, accurate work over constant fire drills
• Like small teams, clear expectations, and autonomy you earn
• Want your work quality — not politics or titles — to matter
  

• Small, focused team with high trust and accountability
• Emphasis on judgment, clarity, and follow-through
• Collaborative reviews early on, increasing autonomy over time
• Sustainable workloads and long-term performance matter here
• No micromanagement, no corporate layers, no games
  

• Base salary typically $80k–$100k, depending on experience
• Structured reviews at 90 and 180 days
• Increases tied to estimating quality, judgment, and real impact — not tenure
  

If this sounds like a place where you’d do your best work, we’d like to talk.

Apply here or message directly with a brief note about your estimating background.