Win More Projects. Deliver
With Cost Certainty.
Differentiate your RFP responses with rapid conceptual estimates. Then continue through design with cost intelligence that protects client relationships.
Phase three. The budget is presented. The owner asks where the number came from. Nobody in the room can fully trace it.
Active Estimating is a Full-Cycle Cost Intelligence Platform
Founded by a 30-year construction practitioner. We help architects win more work and deliver projects with cost certainty.
Our approach starts during pursuits: rapid conceptual estimates that differentiate your RFP responses. When you win, we continue through design with continuous cost feedback that protects your client relationships.
A Partnership That Starts With Pursuits
Most cost consultants engage after you've won work. We start earlier, helping you win more projects with better cost intelligence in your proposals.
RFP & Pursuit Support
Help You Win More Projects
Rapid conceptual estimates for your RFP responses. Differentiate from competing architects with credible cost intelligence delivered in days, not weeks.
- Rapid conceptual estimates after initial setup
- Scenario analysis for design alternatives
- Cost narratives for proposal submissions
- Interview preparation support
Annual retainer covers multiple pursuits. ROI: Win 1–2 additional projects and it pays for itself many times over.
Project Delivery
Continuous Cost Intelligence Through Design
When you win, we continue as your cost intelligence partner through schematic design, DD, and CDs. Separate engagement, often passed through to your client.
- Real-time cost tracking as BIM evolves
- Design alternative analysis
- VE support with quantified trade-offs
- Budget defense documentation
Per-project engagement. Fees can be structured as pass-through to owner or absorbed in your contract.
What If Cost Intelligence
Started During Pursuits?
Most architects scramble for cost estimates during RFPs, then face budget surprises during design. It doesn't have to work that way.
How It Usually Works
- RFP cost estimates are rough parametric guesses
- Traditional cost consultants take 2-3 weeks
- Proposals lack credible cost differentiation
- After winning, VE surprises hit at DD or CD
- Client trust erodes when budgets blow up
With Active Estimating
- Detailed conceptual estimates for RFPs in days
- Respond faster than competing architects
- Win more projects with cost competence
- Continuous cost feedback prevents VE surprises
- Protect design intent and client relationships
cost intelligence from
pursuit to closeout
Not separate workflow. Cost intelligence integrated into how you already work.
Win More Projects
Differentiate RFP responses with credible cost intelligence that competitors can't match.
Faster Turnaround
Conceptual estimates in days, not weeks. Respond to RFPs and design changes at the pace of your practice.
Fewer VE Cycles
Catch budget issues early when changes are cheap. Protect your design intent through delivery.
Stronger Client Trust
Show clients you're managing their budget, not just designing. Be the advisor they need.
Two Workflows, One Partnership
Different workflows for pursuits vs. active projects, but continuous cost intelligence throughout.
During Pursuits (AEConcept™)
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1
Share RFP & Program
Send us the RFP, program requirements, and any early design concepts
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2
Rapid Estimate
We deliver conceptual estimate scenarios after initial project setup
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3
Refine for Proposal
Iterate on alternatives, develop cost narrative for submission
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4
Win the Project
Submit differentiated proposal with credible cost intelligence
During Design (AEConnect™)
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1
Connect Model
Link your Revit model to our platform once
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2
Design Normally
Work in your native tools as you always do
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3
See Cost Impact
Updates flow automatically as design changes
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4
Decide Informed
Make trade-offs with real numbers, not guesses
Most Relevant for Architects
Click to learn more about each module.
AEConcept™
Rapid conceptual estimates for RFP pursuits and early design. Test alternatives against budget before committing direction.
AEConnect™
Real-time cost tracking as your BIM model evolves. See budget impact before decisions lock in.
Your Cost Intelligence Travels With the Project
RFP estimates become schematic budgets. Schematic budgets become design tracking baselines. One continuous cost thread from first proposal through construction.
See Full Platform