Design Alternatives · 3 months ago
Estimator + Project Manager
New Office
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expDesign Alternatives Inc. is a premier Design-Build firm specializing in interior renovations for commercial properties. The Estimator + Project Manager is responsible for owning the estimating process, ensuring accurate cost plans, and facilitating smooth project phases while maintaining client expectations.
Architecture & Planning
Responsibilities
Evaluate plans and client requirements; perform quantity take‑offs; develop and update cost estimates pre‑ and post‑design; apply historical data, unit pricing, and benchmarks; run value‑engineering scenarios
Gather final pricing with Design/Procurement/Construction; normalize vendor proposals for apples‑to‑apples comparisons; define overall project timelines across phases
Own the traffic‑lights between Design → Buy → Build; prepare and run cross‑functional stage‑gate reviews
Track expectations; maintain a project health score (budget variance, schedule drift, satisfaction pulse); surface risks early and escalate internally before client impact
Execute close‑out, lead internal post‑mortems, and manage handover
Convert lessons learned to updates for The DA Way; feed job costs back into the cost library
Qualification
Required
2-5 years of direct experience
Demonstrated experience building cost plans from drawings and site information, including quantity take‑offs
Experience coordinating across design, procurement, subs, and construction to align scope, price, and schedule
Client‑facing experience leveling bids and discussing options with stakeholders
Valid driver's license & car
Fluency with take‑off and markup tools like BlueBeam
Proficiency with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for estimating and bid tabs; proficiency with Google Slides or PowerPoint for client communication
Comfortable driving cross‑functional reviews
Make sound calls quickly with incomplete information
Plan the work and hit dates; keep others on schedule
Keep clients, designers, and subs aligned; close gaps fast
Strong written and verbal communication in a client service environment
Communicate clearly, simply, and frequently
Good listener and can adjust to the client's style
Spot risks early; flag them with options and tradeoffs
Solve problems with what you have; unblock yourself
Learn new tools and methods quickly
Ask for feedback and improve every project
Preferred
Professional credentials such as ASPE CPE or AACE CEP
Prior experience in design‑build interiors, estimating, or interiors procurement
Evidence of building or maintaining cost libraries and vendor benchmarks
Company
Design Alternatives
Design Alternatives is an award-winning commercial interiors specialist.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Carrie Fusella
President and CEO
Company data provided by crunchbase