Estimator for a Structural Steel Erector 

Typical Day on the Job

I currently work as an Estimator for a Structural Steel Erector - our company is the onsite workforce (iron workers) for any large commercial steel construction project (i.e. Arenas, Hospitals, Airports, Office Buildings, Industrial Factories / Manufacturing Buildings, etc.). I perform quantity takeoffs from architectural / structural engineering documents, and come up with an estimated budget to perform any particular project that we are pursuing. 

Current Projects

I am currently estimating a sports complex which includes both a water park, hockey arena, and a hotel / conference center in Colorado. In the past few weeks, I have also estimated an airport expansion, a data center, and a vertical expansion for an existing hospital.

Tools, Technologies, & Skills

I'm mostly in the office, so my tool set is just a high powered computer with some construction specific software (Bluebeam PDF). I am actually using an AI coding editor to implement some changes in our current estimating software to make it quite a bit faster and more automated. As far as skills go, I'm using mostly basic math skills with a bit of physics (all static physics - as builders, we don't really approve of buildings that are in motion ). 

Being detail oriented and thinking outside the box. My job can be taught to almost anyone, but the people who do well in my field are the ones who can think a step ahead and try to prevent problems, whether they be constructability issues, supply chain issues, or other issues that will slow a construction project down or cost more money or time. 

Work on a Team? or Alone?

Mostly I work alone - I work in Atlanta as a remote employee, for my company based out of Denver, CO. However I am part of a team and check in regularly. Occasionally I will work on a project with a colleague.

Coolest Projects

I have been involved on a lot of interesting projects: Daytona Speedway Renovations, Geodis Park (Nashville MLS Soccer Stadium), Truist Park (Atlanta Braves Stadium), 1800 Arch Street (Comcast High Rise Tower in Philadelphia). There are a few others which I'm not sure if I can mention the actual name, but it involves Drones.

Closer to SPHS, I was involved in the Children's Hospital Tower off of 7th Ave in B'ham.

Challenges and Rewards

Challenging: My job is sometimes very conceptual - I often have to infer what a particular architect or engineer is trying to do with a particular building, and make assumptions that will affect costs and schedules. This can be difficult when you are trying to be realistic, but also trying to stay competitive in a cost-driven market.

Rewarding: Being able to physically see the completed projects and knowing that I had a part to play in constructing it.

What have you learned from failed projects or experiments?

For years I have been toying with the idea of adjusting the way I perform cost estimates, specifically trying to use PDF softwares to perform automated calculations for me and my coworkers. I have tried 3 or 4 times, and only within the past year or so since AI has really taken off - I have had some success. I would say my main lesson learned is that persistence pays off. I was told many times that it wasn't worth the effort, but I am proud of continuing to pursue it and I think it will end up saving my company and myself a lot of time on 'busy-work' tasks.

Inspiration into STEM

My dad and grandfather were very handy and loved a good home renovation project - I learned a lot from them and was inspired to follow in their footsteps.

At first, I went to Belmont University for a semester as a religion major, but quickly found out that my thoughts around majoring in the liberal arts were just not going to work for me! So I quickly made a switch to Auburn University, and graduated with a degree in Building Science (Construction Management). I have always had a more analytical/detail oriented skill set, and I found that Building Science was a great fit for me - just enough math and technical work, while still not diving deep into the ethereal world of engineering.

Advice for Students

Reach out to people within the fields that you might be interested in pursuing- we absolutely love 'nerding out' and will be happy to assist in any way we can.

Recommendations for Opportunities

Being a 'steel nerd', I enjoy seeing the AISC Steel Bridge Competitions and would recommend membership within AISC for anyone interested in a career in the steel industry, specifically.

What do you wish you'd known in high school?

I wish there were more opportunities for STEM / Engineering electives within high school, but I'm glad to see there are way more now!

How do you stay motivated?

My job is all about deadlines, so when things get particularly tough, I usually chunk my day into smaller deadlines that seem more achievable. And after achieving a smaller deadline, I usually reward myself with a few minutes of rest or time away from my desk, so I can recharge and attack the next 'To-Do'. I also make sure to factor self-care into my daily routine (for me, I love running, hiking, and other forms of exercise as torture enjoyment).

Something suprising about your start?

Specifically for my early career - I was trained very well in college, but I will say that my industry is very tight knit - which was a surprise. Also,there is a wealth of knowledge that can't really be taught until you are on the job and experience it first hand. College for me was a good baseline of information and learning how to adapt, but my early career involved a lot of hands on training & mentorship that really got me where I needed to be.

What do you geek out about outside of work?

I'm an avid backpacker/hiker - living in Atlanta, I've hiked about 180 miles of the Appalachian trail. My company is based out of Denver, so I have had wonderful opportunities to go out West for work and pair that with exploring the Front Range. 

Here's another video of one of Drew's projects at 1800 Arch Street, the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia, PA.