Bespoke Careers
Estimator - Private Residential
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Estimator to Join a Fast-Growing Design & Build Practice in East London
Operating from a vibrant, collaborative studio in East London, this studio seamlessly blends architecture and construction under one roof. With design, pricing, and site delivery teams working shoulder-to-shoulder, they specialise in transformative extensions, lofts, kitchens, and complete refurbishments across North and East London.
The practice is seeking a commercially minded, technically curious Estimator who genuinely understands how residential buildings go together. Whether you are an experienced Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, or come from a hands-on construction or technical background, this is your opportunity to take true ownership of complete project pricing within a supportive, close-knit, and unpretentious team.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop detailed, whole-project estimates from scratch for high-end residential renovations, structural alterations, extensions, and loft conversions using drawings, specifications, and technical details.
- Analyse project build-ups, trade sequencing, material costs, and site interfaces to ensure pricing reflects accurate, real-world construction methodology.
- Interrogate drawings and technical packages to spot missing details or inconsistencies, making well-reasoned, clearly documented assumptions where necessary.
- Build accurate scopes of work, inclusions, and exclusions, obtaining and reviewing competitive supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Work directly alongside in-house architects, build team leads, and site teams to evaluate buildability, refine technical details, and identify intelligent value-engineering solutions.
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with private clients, competing with the architectural team for client confidence and delivering clear cost guidance.
- Maintain, update, and improve internal rate databases, estimating templates, and pricing systems to support business growth.
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Skills & Experience
- Proven experience estimating complete private residential construction projects (extensions, refurbishments, structural works) within a UK Design & Build or main contracting environment.
- Strong practical understanding of UK residential construction, trade build-ups, and the adaptation of existing Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian building stock.
- Ability to build estimates and price work manually from first principles without relying solely on automated estimating software.
- Commercial acumen with a track record of accurately managing project budgets.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to collaborate directly with architects, site managers, trades, and private homeowners.
- Self-motivated, inquisitive, and detail-oriented approach with the ability to take initiative and solve problems independently.
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Benefits & Culture
- Competitive basic salary, with flexibility for candidates bringing higher-level expertise.
- Generous annual leave package, plus additional loyalty leave for long service.
- 4% employer pension contribution, enhanced sick pay, and enhanced compassionate leave.
- Studio-based hybrid working model (4 days studio-based, 1 day WFH) in a relaxed, friendly, and social working environment.
- Comprehensive staff perks scheme including access to virtual healthcare, salary sacrifice nursery scheme, and lifestyle/shopping discounts.
- Business travel support including contributions towards mobile phone usage and bike expenses.
- Strong, egalitarian studio social culture including regular team events, outings, and team-building activities.
This is an immediate, exclusive opportunity with a practice that is ready to move quickly. Based in a characterful commercial courtyard in East London, you will join an open, grounded team that rejects industry pomp and focuses on building great homes.
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Jessica, London
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