Architectural Estimation Engineer

Job Purpose

The Architectural Estimation Engineer is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for architectural works during tendering and pre-construction stages. The role involves reviewing tender documents, drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities; conducting quantity take-offs; analyzing costs; and coordinating with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal departments to develop technically compliant and commercially competitive proposals.

Key Responsibilities

• Review tender documents, architectural drawings, specifications, BOQs, contracts, and other project requirements.

• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for architectural and finishing works.

• Develop unit-rate analyses covering materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, overheads, and associated project costs.

• Estimate architectural works, including masonry, plastering, waterproofing, insulation, flooring, ceilings, painting, doors, windows, façades, joinery, and interior finishes.

• Obtain quotations from suppliers and subcontractors and evaluate them for technical compliance, commercial competitiveness, scope coverage, and delivery requirements.

• Maintain updated databases of material prices, labor rates, subcontractor costs, and market trends in Saudi Arabia and international markets.

• Identify discrepancies, missing information, ambiguities, exclusions, and potential commercial or technical risks within tender documents.

• Prepare requests for clarification and coordinate with the concerned parties to resolve tender-related queries.

• Coordinate with architectural, structural, MEP, procurement, planning, and commercial teams to ensure complete and accurate cost estimates.

• Develop value-engineering proposals and recommend cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality, functionality, or design requirements.

• Prepare tender cost breakdowns, pricing schedules, commercial summaries, qualifications, exclusions, assumptions, and supporting documentation.

• Conduct tender comparisons, cost benchmarking, and historical cost analysis to improve pricing accuracy.

• Support management during tender reviews, pricing approvals, negotiations, and bid-submission meetings.

• Ensure that estimates comply with project specifications, applicable codes, contractual requirements, and company procedures.

• Participate in post-tender clarifications and support the handover of awarded projects to the project and commercial teams.

• Maintain organized records of estimates, quotations, tender correspondence, revisions, and final submissions.

• Monitor market conditions and recommend updates to estimation methods, productivity rates, and pricing strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.

• A master’s degree is an advantage.

• RICS certification or another recognized qualification in quantity surveying or cost management is highly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in architectural estimation, quantity surveying, tendering, or cost management.

• Demonstrated experience in estimating major building, construction, or contracting projects.

• Strong knowledge of the Saudi construction market, suppliers, subcontractors, labor rates, and material pricing.

• Exposure to international construction markets and pricing practices is an advantage.

Technical Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of quantity take-offs, cost estimation, rate analysis, tendering, and value engineering.

• Strong understanding of architectural materials, finishes, construction methods, and project specifications.

• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, BOQs, and contractual documents accurately.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and relevant estimation and quantity take-off software.

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, CostX, Planswift, or similar applications is preferred.

• Familiarity with applicable Saudi building codes, industry standards, and commercial practices.