Fancy joining us?
We’re looking for a Junior Estimator with scheduling experience.
Not because we need someone to sit in a corner counting bricks.
Because we’re busy. Because good projects need realistic costs and sensible programmes. And because we’re looking for someone who wants to develop their estimating skills as part of a creative, growing practice.
At Fingerprint Studios, no two days are the same.
One week you could be helping prepare an early cost estimate for a bespoke home overlooking the Solent. The next, reviewing tender information for a listed building, speaking with suppliers about current prices or helping map out the programme for a commercial project.
We’re a small, friendly RIBA Chartered Practice based in a beautifully restored Grade II listed building in Fareham. We like good design, practical solutions, accurate information, interesting conversations, and plenty of coffee. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves.
If you’re looking for a role where you’ll spend every day pricing the same type of project from the same spreadsheet, we’re probably not for you.
If you’re organised, commercially minded, and interested in how well-designed buildings are actually delivered, keep reading.
The sort of person we are hoping to meet
- You’re at the beginning of your estimating career and have some experience of construction costs, project scheduling, or both.
- You understand the basics of drawings, specifications, quantities, and construction programmes.
- You’re comfortable working with numbers, but you also understand that good estimating is about asking the right questions.
- You’re organised, methodical and able to manage changing priorities.
- You communicate clearly and are comfortable speaking with architects, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
- Most importantly, you have a positive attitude, strong attention to detail and a genuine desire to learn.
You’ll probably be doing things like…
- Supporting the team with estimates for a wide variety of projects.
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, and other project information.
- Measuring quantities and helping to prepare cost plans and tender documents.
- Obtaining and comparing prices from contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Helping to prepare project programmes and monitor key dates.
- Identifying potential cost, procurement, and scheduling risks.
- Maintaining estimating records, cost data, and project trackers.
- Working with architects and technicians to understand how design decisions affect budgets and programmes.
- Working on Project delivery programmes, for design procurement, tender procurement, and construction procurement.
- Assist in valuations and checks against construction delivery plans.
- Assist the directors in project delivery and help the team to meet targets and achieve project deadlines.
- Attending site visits and project meetings with senior team members.
- Learning how projects develop from the first conversation through to completion.
No one expects you to know everything on day one. What matters most is your curiosity, your accuracy, and your willingness to keep learning.
The software bit
You will need to be confident using Microsoft Excel, as it will be an important part of the role.
Experience with Microsoft Project or other scheduling and estimating software would be useful, but it is certainly not essential.
Familiarity with AutoCAD, construction drawings or project management systems would also be a bonus, but we are far more interested in how you think than a lengthy list of software skills.
A quick note about how we work
This isn’t a salaried position.
We are looking for someone to work with us on a self-employed basis. For the right person, it offers flexibility, varied experience, and the chance to become part of a growing practice.
We will agree a competitive day rate or fee and, more importantly, give you the opportunity to develop practical estimating and scheduling experience across a broad range of projects.
You will work closely with experienced architects and technologists who will help you understand the relationship between design, cost, procurement, and programme.
Why work with us?
Because you will learn by doing.
Because you will work alongside experienced architects and technicians who are happy to share their knowledge.
Because you will see how cost and scheduling decisions influence a project from the earliest design stages through to construction.
Because you will work on bespoke homes, heritage buildings, commercial projects, and everything in between.
Because you will have the opportunity to shape your role as the practice grows.
Because we are building a practice we’d want to work in ourselves.
If that sounds like your sort of place, we’d love to hear from you.
Send us your CV and a few words about yourself to info@fingerprintstudios.co.uk
Don’t worry if you haven’t spent years working as an estimator – this is a junior role, and we know you’re still developing. We’d much rather see curiosity, attention to detail and a willingness to learn than a perfect list of previous projects.
Tell us about your experience, how you approach numbers and deadlines, and why you’d like to be part of Fingerprint Studios.
