Cost Estimator

About the role

HGA’s Allied Disciplines team is seeking a Cost Estimator who thrives at the intersection of technical rigor, data‑driven decision‑making, and relationship‑building. In this role, you will partner closely with the Sr. Cost Estimating Manager and the Director of Allied Disciplines to expand our estimating capabilities and strengthen both internal workflows and client‑facing processes. Our cost estimators are integral to our project teams, working on projects in offices across the country and across market sectors. If you’re energized by shaping strategy, elevating standards, and influencing high‑impact decisions across an integrated design practice, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful mark. This role is ideal for an estimator who combines strong technical estimating skills with the ability to clearly communicate cost information and influence project decisions. Position located in Minneapolis, MN or Milwaukee, WI.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and independently develop conceptual, ROM, schematic design, design development, and construction document estimates across multiple project types and market sectors.
• Interpret architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and other construction documents to develop detailed and comprehensive estimates.
• Perform and oversee quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and vendor pricing.
• Organize estimates in accordance with MasterFormat and UniFormat to maintain clear, consistent, and traceable estimate documentation.
• Reconcile estimates at major design milestones and identify changes in scope, quantities, pricing, and project assumptions.
• Perform value engineering and cost optimization studies and provide recommendations to project teams.
• Apply acquired knowledge of construction processes, materials, and industry best practices.
• Conduct risk analysis and integrate findings into cost models.
• Utilize AIA/CSI contract standards and understand core engineering principles.
• Perform data analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cost modeling.
• Apply analytical reasoning to precisely interpret contract drawings and specifications, adjust estimate factors, and resolve discrepancies.
• Periodically audit estimates prepared by others