Position: Estimator Assistant
Location: Bellisi Design, Inc. – North Hollywood, CA
Reports To: Estimator
Compensation Range: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour
FLSA: Non-Exempt | Full-Time
Who We Are
Bellisi Design is a full-service architectural millwork and custom fabrication company specializing in high-end residential and specialty construction projects throughout Southern California and beyond.
From estimating and engineering through fabrication and installation, we pride ourselves on craftsmanship, accountability, innovation, and delivering exceptional finished products to our clients. Our team combines modern manufacturing technology with old-school craftsmanship to create custom solutions that bring architectural visions to life.
What We're Looking For
Bellisi Design is seeking a detail-driven Estimator Assistant to support our Senior Estimator in preparing accurate, well-documented estimates for high-end residential millwork and specialty projects. This role is the foundation of our bid process, performing material take-offs from architectural drawings, entering data into estimates, maintaining pricing through revisions, and keeping project documentation organized so every handoff is seamless.
This is a growth-track position. The Estimator Assistant will work under the direct guidance of the Senior Estimator, shadowing RFIs, vendor confirmations, and client communications, with the opportunity to develop into a full Estimator role over time for the right candidate. No Bluebeam experience is required, Bellisi Design will train the right candidate. The idea is to move the assistant estimator into an Estimator role with in 9-12 months
What You'll Be DoingTake-Offs & Quantity Surveys
- Perform material take-offs from architectural plans, sections, elevations, and detail drawings (e.g., baseboard, crown, casing, paneling, doors, windows, ceiling treatments).
- Measure room perimeters, wall areas, and material quantities accurately, accounting for varied ceiling heights, roof pitches, multiple levels, and non-standard geometry — not just straight edges.
- Review the complete drawing set for all materials in scope ranging from a set of 15 pages or 250 pages.
- Analyze project plans and specifications to fully understand project requirements; prepare material cost projections from project documents.
- Identify and flag discrepancies, conflicts, or missing information within the plans for resolution through the RFI process under the direction of the Lead Estimator — never assume a dimension.
Estimate Data Entry & Maintenance
- Enter take-off quantities and vendor pricing into estimate templates in Excel.
- Hyperlink drawings, vendor quotes, and pricing within each estimate to support inter-departmental handoffs and continuity.
- Update revision headers (Revision 1, Revision 2, etc.) and refresh pricing every time a drawing revision is issued. Updated pricing on revisions is a non-negotiable standard of this role.
- Support preparation of change orders for added, removed, or revised scope under the direction of the Lead Estimator.
- Assist with preparing bids, proposals, T&M agreements, work orders, submittals, closeout documents, and detailed sketches/specifications.
- Support assembly of proposals for review and approval by the Lead Estimator and Ownership.
Document Control & File Management
- Save all project correspondence into the correct project folder on the shared drive
- Follow established file naming conventions and folder structures
- Maintain accurate project documentation throughout the proposal and bidding process, ensuring all required paperwork is organized and easily accessible for future reference.
Communication & Coordination
- Support communication with GCs, architects, and vendors under the direction of the Lead Estimator, confirming outbound messages before sending.
- Receive, track, and compare quotes from material vendors; support the development of strong, professional vendor relationships.
- Communicate professionally via email and other means to ensure smooth transactions and accurate documentation.
- Work closely with the Lead Estimator and Project Managers to verify proposal accuracy and project specifications.
- Copy all interested parties on external communications. Visibility across the team is a core requirement of this role.
- Refer back to the latest revisions and confirm details internally before making assumptions or emailing clients.
- Shadow RFIs, submittals, and vendor confirmations to build toward independent ownership of these functions.
- Maintain assigned tasks and deadlines in Asana and communicate status proactively.
The duties and responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support business operations and organizational objectives.
What You'll BringRequired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- Ability to read blueprints and architectural drawings, including plan, section, elevation, and detail views, and perform material take-offs.
- Ability to visualize a project in three dimensions from two-dimensional drawings.
- Strong foundational math skills, including calculating area, perimeter, and the difference between linear footage and square footage.
- PC literacy: proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel in particular, including data entry, basic formulas, and hyperlinking) and Google products.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the discipline to review large drawing sets thoroughly and consistently.
- Strong problem-solving skills and analytical abilities.
- Clear, professional written and interpersonal communication and consistent adherence to communication protocols.
- Ability to take direction, ask clarifying questions, and verify information before acting.
- Reliable attendance: able to consistently work a full-time schedule (8-hour days, 5 days per week).
Preferred But Not Required
- Experience with estimating/take-off software such as Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, or similar (training provided in Bluebeam).
- Familiarity with the construction industry, millwork, and carpentry terminology.
- Prior estimating, take-off, or construction administration experience.
- Experience with project management tools such as Asana.
- Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
Physical Requirements & Work EnvironmentPhysical Demands
- Frequently stand, walk, and sit; prolonged periods of computer and screen work reviewing digital drawing sets.
- Regularly use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk and hear.
- Occasionally walk and reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally lift up to 15 lbs (drawing sets, samples, office materials).
Vision Requirements
- Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
- Frequently working in an office environment.
- Occasional exposure to the fabrication shop environment, including woodworking equipment, machinery, airborne particles (dust), and noise.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in designated shop areas.
Benefits, Perks and More
Bellisi Design offers a competitive benefits package which includes:
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with 2% company match
- Health Insurance
- Six (6) Paid Company Holidays
- 48 hours California Paid Sick Leave
- Professional Development & Training (including in-house Bluebeam training)
Benefits are subject to plan eligibility requirements and company policy.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Bellisi Design, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Bellisi Design is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Reasonable Accommodation
Bellisi Design complies with all applicable federal and California laws regarding reasonable accommodations. Qualified individuals with disabilities or medical conditions who require accommodations to perform the essential functions of their position should notify Human Resources. Reasonable accommodations may be provided unless doing so would create an undue hardship on business operations.
Employment Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position.
Bellisi Design reserves the right to modify, add, remove, or assign job duties and responsibilities as business needs require. Employees may be required to perform additional duties not specifically listed in this job description.
Nothing in this job description alters or modifies the at-will employment relationship between Bellisi Design and its employees.
Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 2% match
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
