Role Overview
The Design & Planning Estimation Lead – Horticulture & Softscape is responsible for end-to-end cost planning, quantity estimation, BOQs, and technical coordination for all softscape and horticulture components of landscape projects. The role bridges design intent, site execution, and commercial feasibility, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and value engineering from concept to execution stages.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Design & Planning Coordination:
Work closely with landscape architects, horticulturists, and planning teams to interpret softscape designs, planting plans, and specifications.
Review drawings for constructability, planting feasibility, and maintenance implications.
Suggest design optimizations and alternative planting strategies based on cost, availability, and site conditions.
2. Estimation & Cost Planning:
Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and BOQs for softscape works including:
Trees, shrubs, groundcovers, lawns
Soil preparation, mulching, manure, fertilizers
Turfing, planting pits, staking, protection
Maintenance (establishment & defect liability period)
Develop preliminary cost estimates at concept, schematic, and GFC stages.
Build and maintain rate analysis databases for horticulture materials, nurseries, and labor.
Conduct benchmarking and cost comparisons across projects and regions.
3. Vendor & Nursery Management:
Coordinate with nurseries, growers, and horticulture vendors for plant availability, sizes, lead times, and pricing.
Evaluate vendor quotations for technical compliance and commercial accuracy.
Assist procurement teams during tendering, negotiations, and finalization of horticulture packages.
4. Tendering & Contract Support:
Prepare tender documents, scope definitions, and commercial clarifications related to softscape works.
Support bid teams with value engineering options without compromising design intent or long-term performance.
Review contractor submissions, deviations, and revised estimates.
5. Execution & Cost Control Support:
Provide estimation support during execution for:
Variations and additional works
Plant substitutions and design changes
Coordinate with site teams to track budget vs actual costs.
Support final measurement and billing verification for softscape works.
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of horticulture practices, plant species, soil science, and landscape construction methods
Expertise in quantity take-offs, BOQs, and rate analysis for softscape works
Understanding of local climate, plant availability, and nursery standards (India-focused)
Software Skills
AutoCAD (reading & quantity extraction)
MS Excel (advanced – formulas, cost models, comparisons)
MS Project / Primavera (basic planning knowledge preferred)
Landscape-related tools (Lumion, SketchUp – preferred, not mandatory)
Experience & Qualifications
8–12 years
of experience in landscape estimation, horticulture planning, or softscape execution
Bachelor’s degree in:
Landscape Architecture
Horticulture
Agriculture
Civil Engineering (with landscape specialization)
Experience with
large corporate campuses, mixed-use developments, IT parks, hospitality, or township projects
preferred
Key Deliverables
Accurate and competitive
softscape cost estimates
Optimized BOQs aligned with design intent
Reliable vendor and nursery cost inputs
Strong coordination between
design, procurement, and execution teams
Interfaces with:
Landscape Design Team
Project Planning & Execution Teams
Procurement & Contracts
Vendors & Nurseries
