Hi, I’m
Melissa Shipley
York
Summary
Lead Estimator responsible for managing all aspects of preconstruction, estimating, bid preparation, subcontractor procurement, scope analysis, and value engineering for commercial construction, renovation, glass, glazing, storefront, curtain wall, and general contracting projects throughout the Baltimore-Washington region.
Directly oversee the estimating department, develop bid strategies, coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors, and ensure accurate project budgeting from conceptual pricing through final proposal submission.
Overview
8
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Centurian Construction, LLCHunt Valley, MD
Construction Estimator
03.2026 - Current
Job overview
- Lead estimating operations for commercial, institutional, government, and private-sector construction projects.
- Prepare complete project estimates for General Construction, Glass & Glazing, Storefront Systems, Curtain Walls, Doors, Hardware, Interior Renovations, MEP Trades, and Specialty Scopes.
- Review architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications to develop accurate quantity takeoffs and cost analyses.
- Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
- Develop bid packages, scope sheets, bid comparisons, and subcontractor procurement strategies.
- Perform value engineering reviews to identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project requirements.
- Conduct risk assessments, scope gap analysis, and constructability reviews.
- Coordinate RFIs, addenda reviews, and pre-bid clarifications.
- Establish labor productivity rates, equipment costs, material pricing, and subcontractor budgets.
- Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates.
- Develop and maintain estimating standards, procedures, databases, and bid tracking systems.
- Support project management teams during project turnover and buyout phases.
- Build and maintain relationships with owners, developers, architects, general contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Strathmeyer LandscapeYork, PA
Estimator
09.2025 - 01.2026
Job overview
- Served as company's sole Estimator, managing bidding and cost analysis for landscaping, hard scape, E&S controls, and PCSM projects
- Performed detailed quantity of take-offs in Bluebeam to support accurate cost estimating
- Prepared submittals, managed change orders, and reviewed contracts for compliance and risk
Premier Construction Group IncDillsburg, PA
Estimator
09.2023 - 08.2024
Job overview
- Improved project accuracy by 90% by developing detailed budgets and leading estimating for $6,000,000 mln. commercial projects.
- Spearheaded the onboarding and professional development of junior estimators, establishing high standards for quantity take-off accuracy and bid consistency.
- Improved budget accuracy by 85% by conducting precise HVAC take-offs with CAD and Revit.
- Analyzed bids from subcontractors to determine the best value; conferred with engineers and architects on technical adjustments.
- Leveraged knowledge of local building codes and safety regulations in estimate preparation.
Retail Business ServicesCarlisle, PA
Estimator
05.2021 - 06.2023
Job overview
- Conducted estimating for projects including a 40,000 SQFT Giant Food store with underground parking.
- Spearheaded the onboarding and professional development of junior estimators, establishing high standards for quantity take-off accuracy and bid consistency.
- Utilized specialized HVAC estimating software and Revit to produce comprehensive mechanical take-offs.
- Completed detailed project take-offs, budget creation, and cost projections.
- Monitored progress against estimated costs to identify potential issues or cost overruns.
American Specialty SystemsYork, PA
Estimator
01.2018 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Improved project budget accuracy by 88% through detailed analysis of specifications and drawings for initial cost estimates.
- Outlined all necessary materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor services required.
Education
York County School of Technology
LPN Nursing License
01.2000
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA
Certificate from Estimating
06-2020
Skills
- Cost Modeling
- Subcontractor Bidding
- Value Engineering
- Contract Review
- Submittals
- Change Order Management
- Project Scheduling
- Scope Development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Attention to detail
- Dependable and responsible
- Critical thinking
- Calm under pressure
- Organizational skills
Certification
Certificate In Construction Estimating, San Diego State University
Timeline
Construction Estimator
Centurian Construction, LLC
03.2026 - Current
Estimator
Strathmeyer Landscape
09.2025 - 01.2026
Estimator
Premier Construction Group Inc
09.2023 - 08.2024
Estimator
Retail Business Services
05.2021 - 06.2023
Estimator
American Specialty Systems
01.2018 - 01.2021
York County School of Technology
LPN Nursing License
San Diego State University
Certificate from Estimating
Personal Information
Title: Estimator
Training
- Blue Beam Revu
- SharePoint
- Asset
- Procore
- OnCenter
- Planswift
- Sage
- Microsoft 360