Since joining Eden Facades, Sam has been developing these skills while supporting the estimating team across a range of façade tenders. We spoke to him about his move from marketing into construction, what façade estimating involves and his ambitions for the future.

From Marketing to Estimating

After finishing college, Sam began his career in marketing, working within two creative agencies. The experience gave him a valuable introduction to working life and helped him develop strong communication skills and a proactive approach.

The opportunity to join Eden Facades arose through a mutual connection with Carl Norman, Estimating Manager. After learning more about the Trainee Estimator position, Sam felt it offered a career path that better suited his strengths.

“Marketing helped me become more proactive, but estimating feels like a much more natural fit. I enjoy working through drawings and project information in detail, knowing that the time spent understanding the information can make a real difference to the quotation.”

What Goes into a Façade Quotation

Sam supports the estimating process by reviewing the scope of works, drawings and other tender information to understand what Eden Facades needs to include within its quotation.

Where measurements are required, he uses estimating software to calculate quantities across different areas of the building. These quantities are then used to obtain material prices from suppliers before the quotation is built up.

“A large part of the role is looking through the job carefully, identifying everything we need to cover and making sure the right quantities and material prices are included.”

The analytical nature of the role has proved a good fit for Sam, particularly the opportunity to work with drawings, measurements, data and spreadsheets.

“I enjoy using Excel and getting into the detail. The aim is to put together a competitive price that we can justify internally, so the work you put into understanding the project properly really matters.”

Sam has progressed from supporting senior estimators with measurements and individual elements of their quotations to working on more enquiries of his own.

“As I have gained experience, I have started taking responsibility for quotations of my own. That has helped me understand how the different stages of the estimating process fit together.”

Learning To Consider Buildability

One of the most important lessons Sam has learned is that estimating involves more than simply applying a price to the tender information. The team must also consider whether the proposed details are practical and whether the façade can be constructed in the way shown.

“We can price something, but we also have to ask whether it is actually possible to build. It is about thinking beyond what is immediately in front of you and considering how the different elements will work in practice.”

With support from the wider estimating team, Sam is learning to recognise details that may require further consideration and raise the appropriate questions before assumptions are carried into the quotation.

“If something does not look right, I can speak to a senior member of the team to talk it through with them. Their experience helps me understand the issue and what may need to happen next.”

Learning From an Experienced Team

Developing his understanding of façade systems, materials and construction methods has been a steep but rewarding learning curve.

During his first week, Estimator Michael Dillon introduced Sam to the different wall types and façade build-ups he would encounter. He has since continued to develop his knowledge through live tenders, drawing on Michael’s and Senior Estimator Matt Roper’s experience when he encounters unfamiliar details.

“The team has been supportive. It does not feel like you have to know everything immediately. If you are proactive, you can speak to people, connect the dots and find the information you need.”

This support has also enabled Sam to gain exposure to larger opportunities. He recently assisted with the measurements for a major render package being tendered on a London development and attended the subsequent tender meeting.

The experience introduced him to wider considerations he had not previously encountered and gave him greater insight into the discussions that can take place after a quotation has been submitted.

Communicating With Clients and Suppliers

On the quotations he manages, Sam communicates directly with clients by phone and email to confirm the scope and obtain any additional information required. He also liaises regularly with suppliers to obtain material prices.

“On my own quotations, I speak to clients directly and ask any questions we have. The more information we can obtain, the better we can understand the project and prepare the quotation.”

Sam’s previous marketing experience has provided him with useful transferable skills in this area, particularly being proactive, communicating with different people and taking responsibility for finding the information he needs.

Developing a career in estimating

Sam’s experience so far has confirmed that he would like to continue developing his career within estimating. He particularly enjoys the opportunity to work across a variety of projects and learn from each new quotation.

“With estimating, I can work through lots of different projects, which means I am continually learning. Because I have been enjoying the role so much, I would like to stay within estimating and continue getting better at it.

“My aim is to keep learning, take greater ownership of quotations and progress from Trainee Estimator into an Estimator role.”

Planning a façade project? Speak to us about your requirements and how we can support you from tender through to delivery.