UAP | Urban Art Projects believes incredible things don't just happen; they're created, nurtured, believed in. Spanning art, architecture, design, environments, and everything in between – UAP works with artists and creatives to make incredible things all over the world.
UAP collaborates with emerging and renowned artists, architects, developers, and designers; to deliver creative outcomes for the public realm. We engage in all aspects of the delivery process from curatorial services and design development, through to fabrication and installation.
Visit www.uapcompany.com for more information.
If you are currently working in the fields of construction, architectural fabrication, or the built environment and have a passion for art and design; OR, if you work in the art world and are fascinated by complex architectural or sculptural installations, then this position may be for you. Successful applicants will have a strong technical and commercial aptitude, be detail-oriented, and enjoy finding creative, efficient solutions to complex fabrication challenges. Applicants should be adept at juggling multiple projects, working across diverse materials and production methods, and collaborating with artists, architects, and builders to deliver extraordinary outcomes.
Objective: The purpose of the Estimator | Complex Art & Architectural Installations role is to develop accurate, competitive, and comprehensive project estimates for complex, multi-material artworks and installations. This person will support UAP’s sales and project management teams in evaluating new opportunities, pricing diverse scopes of work, and identifying creative and commercially viable solutions that enhance design intent while ensuring project feasibility and profitability.
The Estimator will work on a wide range of project types, including large-scale suspended artworks, architectural features, integrated sculptural façades, and complex multi-trade installations. Many projects will involve subcontracted specialty manufacturing and coordination with trade contractors and general contractors. The successful candidate will bring both a technical understanding of fabrication and installation processes and a conceptual ability to think laterally about project delivery.
A Typical Week May Include:
- Reviewing design documentation and project briefs from clients, artists, and architects via UAP’s sales team to prepare preliminary and detailed cost estimates.
- Collaborating with UAP’s internal design, engineering, and production teams to identify fabrication and installation strategies.
- Coordinating with a wide range of subcontractors and vendors—including specialty fabricators, rigging companies, and material suppliers—to obtain accurate quotations.
- Visiting project sites to understand installation logistics and constraints.
- Participating in design meetings to propose alternative solutions that improve constructability, reduce cost, or enhance creative outcomes.
- Supporting the preparation of proposals, budgets, and pricing packages for submission to clients and general contractors.
- Working closely with project managers to track costs, manage value engineering exercises, and update budgets as projects evolve from concept to contract.
The ideal candidate will be based at our Rock Tavern, New York workshop and will collaborate closely with the broader UAP teams in New York, NY; Los Angeles; Brisbane; and Shanghai. Occasional travel to project sites, global offices and/or vendor facilities may be required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for complex art and architectural fabrication projects.
- Analyze drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotations for fabrication and installation.
- Develop and maintain databases of material and subcontractor pricing, ensuring ongoing accuracy.
- Work collaboratively with sales and design teams to develop proposals that balance creativity, technical feasibility, and commercial performance.
- Participate in bid reviews and project handovers to ensure smooth transition from estimation to production.
- Identify and mitigate potential project risks through thoughtful planning and commercial analysis.
- Develop creative and practical value-engineering options that maintain design integrity while improving cost or schedule outcomes.
- Contribute to UAP’s continual improvement in estimating systems, templates, and cost benchmarking.
- Role model a positive workplace culture aligned with UAP’s values of creativity, collaboration, and craft excellence.
Qualifications:
- Ideally have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in fabrication, construction, or art production estimating—preferably within architectural metals, specialty fabrication, complex installations, or multi-trade coordination environments.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience working with subcontractors, specialty vendors, and general contractors on complex installation projects.
- Strong knowledge of diverse materials and production techniques, including metals, composites, glass, timber, concrete, lighting integration, and specialty finishes.
- Familiarity with rigging, suspended installation methods, and site coordination.
- Understanding of project documentation, construction drawings, and industry-standard contract formats.
- Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to present cost information clearly to both creative and technical stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other estimating tools; familiarity with Bluebeam, Rhino, etc. is a plus.
- Proven ability to balance precision, creativity, and commercial awareness in developing pricing and project strategies.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A passion for creativity, art, and design, and enthusiasm for contributing to one-of-a-kind, world-class projects.
Skills:
- Strong proficiency in cost estimating, data organization, and quantitative analysis.
- Knowledge of material fabrication methods, installation sequencing, and constructability assessment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams across design, engineering, and project management.
- Attention to detail and comfort working with ambiguity in conceptual project phases.
- Skilled in problem-solving, negotiation, and critical thinking.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach, or lift up to 10 pounds.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care).
- Commuter and transit programs.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with 4% company match.
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance.
- Paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
We offer a vibrant, creative environment with great teammates. Opportunities to work on exciting, high-profile projects.
Salary Description - $85,000 - $115,000
UAP Productions LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
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