In New York City’s fast-paced construction environment, precision isn’t optional—it’s essential. Every lighting and shading project hinges on clear communication, smart coordination, and, most importantly, accurate estimating. That’s where Chelsea Lighting’s estimating team stands apart.
Deep Diving into Designs
Our estimators don’t just read drawings, they dissect them. By diving deep into every design detail, they identify missing information, vague specifications, and potential coordination issues long before they turn into costly surprises. From manufacturer conflicts and ceiling coordination problems to missing mounting hardware, controls parts, or driver details, our team finds the small things that can become big issues later.
Lighting and shading packages are often complex, involving multiple systems, vendors, and trades. When designs aren’t crystal clear, Chelsea’s team steps in to level the scope, ensure comparability across bids, and flag areas where assumptions could lead to overruns.
Getting In Earlier: Why It Matters
Traditionally, estimators come in once a project is ready to be priced—but by then, many decisions are already locked in. To change that, Chelsea has added a special role to help us get involved earlier in the process.
By engaging directly with designers and architects early, our team can understand what’s most important on a job, anticipate challenges, and resolve issues before they snowball. Early collaboration allows us to provide real-world input on specifications, controls programming, and installation requirements—so nothing falls through the cracks.
Cost Optimization That Adds Real Value
This level of scrutiny isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about optimizing value. Chelsea’s estimators evaluate design intent, product selections, and installation logistics to find opportunities for smarter, more efficient solutions that meet performance goals while reducing waste. These cost optimizations add tangible value for clients without compromising design integrity. Above all, we Respect the Spec™.
Buildability and Coordination
Beyond price, Chelsea focuses on buildability. Our estimating process is integrated with real-world construction experience, understanding how systems will actually be installed, coordinated, and commissioned. That perspective ensures that every estimate reflects not just what’s on paper, but what will truly work in the field.
The Extreme Value of Precision
At the end of the day, precision estimating is about more than just numbers. To us, it is about confidence. Chelsea Lighting’s process provides that confidence by uncovering hidden costs, working to ensure complete scope coverage, working closely with clients, manufacturers, and reps, and delivering accurate, transparent proposals that set every project up for success.
When it comes to lighting, controls, and shades, precision isn’t just a part of the process. Precision is the foundation of everything Chelsea Lighting does.
To get in touch, contact us at sales@chelsealighting.com.
About the Authors:
Co-written by Christina Maher and Joseph Ferrara.
Christina Maher is a Principal Estimator with 7.5 years at Chelsea, where she has trained and managed junior estimators and estimators since 2019. She has played a key role in some of the company’s largest and most complex projects, bringing deep expertise and leadership to every engagement.
Joseph Ferrara is the Director of Estimating with over 19 years of experience leading complex projects and advancing departmental processes. He oversees estimating operations, mentors team members, and drives continuous improvement across the organization.
