New Tool Brings Clarity to Design Workload in Construction Projects
Design is a critical phase in any construction project—but one that is often misjudged in terms of time and complexity. To address this gap, Finest AS and Wenture have launched a new Design Time Estimator, offering both clients and designers a realistic overview of the time and resources required for project planning.
The Challenge: Design Workload Is Commonly Underestimated
Design is frequently misunderstood, with many clients perceiving it as a quick drawing task rather than a structured, time-intensive process. This misconception can lead to serious consequences: project delays, budget overruns, and subpar outcomes that fail to meet technical standards.
“Many clients simply don’t realize how much effort it takes to create a high-quality design. This calculator helps make that visible,” explains Kaur Tull, CEO of Wenture.
The Solution: A Calculator That Predicts Design Time
Developed using data from the Estonian Association of Engineering Consultants and the Estonian Association of Architects, and supported by several other professional organizations—including Riigikinnisvara AS, the Estonian Association of Electrical Enterprises, and the Estonian Association of Civil Engineers—the new tool offers a data-driven approach to estimating design time.
It aggregates time estimates across key disciplines: architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering specialties such as HVAC, water supply, and electrical systems.
“This kind of overview helps all parties form a clearer understanding of actual workloads and make better-informed decisions,” says Tull.
How Design Time Estimation Calculator Works
Using the calculator is simple:
-
Select the building type, total area, and relevant design disciplines.
-
Choose the project phase—concept design, preliminary design, main design, or construction documents.
-
The tool then automatically calculates the estimated number of working hours.
“Our goal was to create a tool that makes estimating time as accurate and transparent as possible. We hope it becomes a go-to resource for both clients and professionals,” Tull adds.
Better Planning for Time and Budget
By making time estimates more precise, the tool empowers both designers and clients to plan better. “Good planning benefits everyone—designers are paid more fairly, and clients get a higher-quality end result,” Tull notes.
He also emphasizes that this level of transparency helps reduce the risks of rushed work and improves the overall quality of construction projects. “The calculator can help bring more consistency to the market by serving as an objective reference point when evaluating proposals.”
Tull believes similar tools could prove valuable in other areas as well. “For example, calculators for estimating material usage or environmental impact would be extremely useful,” he suggests.
The Design Time Estimation Calculator is now live. Try it today to bring more transparency and professionalism to your next project.
