When most people think of construction, they imagine the finished product—a new school, a bustling airport terminal, or a modern office building. But before the first shovel hits the dirt, before a single brick is laid, there’s an intense, behind-the-scenes effort to make those projects viable. At the heart of that effort is the estimator. At Nunn Construction, one of these masters of the numbers who fulfills that crucial role is Gilbert Santiago.
Gilbert Working Hard on Estimates
A Morning Routine Built on Structure and Strategy
Gilbert is a morning person—through and through. By 7:00 AM, he’s already at the office, coffee and a glazed donut from 7-Eleven in hand. It’s not just a snack; it’s part of the rhythm that sets the tone for a focused day. His first move? Emails. He catches up on communications and reviews updates from the day prior. Then it’s onto his self-crafted “To-Do” list, meticulously prepared the night before.
That morning planning is essential. Subcontractor follow-ups, internal alignment meetings, and daily priorities are all handled with intention. Gilbert makes it a point to call subs early, knowing how quickly their days in the field ramps up. Regular check-ins with his preconstruction managers, Ross Dix and Kellee Briggs, help align goals and keep projects moving forward.
Estimating: The Art of Planning and Precision
Gilbert’s work revolves around collaboration and precision. Whether he’s estimating a new school build, an airport terminal renovation, or a campus upgrade, the process involves constant communication with architects, owners, and trade partners. He’s often embedded early in a project under negotiated delivery methods like Design/Build or CMGC—helping guide the project’s direction from the ground up.
Every stage of a project brings different estimating challenges. In early phases, Gilbert dives into plans and specifications, developing RFIs, and outlining trade scopes. As things progress, his focus shifts to quantity takeoffs, document management, and cost breakdowns. At the tail end, it’s about clarity—delivering a polished estimate, whether it’s a hard bid, a budget, or a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
Tools of the Trade
Gilbert is a power user of Bluebeam, living on it daily for document reviews, markups, and quick takeoffs. He leans on Planswift for detailed quantity takeoffs and uses Timberline SAGE for building scope estimates. Supporting tools like Excel, Word, OneNote, and OneDrive round out his tech stack—keeping him connected and organized across devices.
His cost data is pulled from multiple sources: a robust in-house Excel database with decades of historical pricing, subcontractor quotes, and Modelogix—a platform that compares historical projects by parameters like building type and delivery method. All of it is verified through deep subcontractor relationships that Nunn Construction values and protects fiercely. As Gilbert says:
“Verification comes from our subcontractors. They’re the experts when it comes to installation and materials, and we trust them for accurate numbers. We don’t shop numbers around—we believe in maintaining trust and strong partnerships. Our subs are key to our success.”
Gilbert Addressing Students from Doherty High School
Grounded in Relationships and Community
What makes Gilbert stand out isn’t just his technical acumen—it’s his natural ability to build relationships. His self-described strengths—Woo and Positivity—shine through in every interaction. Whether meeting with new subcontractors, collaborating with architects, or presenting to owners, Gilbert thrives in human connection.
He also extends his influence beyond project estimating. Gilbert serves on the board of the El Paso County Contractors Association and as Vice President of Colorado Springs Rising Professionals. He’s as passionate about nurturing the future of the industry as he is about estimating it.
Gilbert at DRO Airport
Rising to the Challenge
One of Gilbert’s most defining projects was the DRO Airport Expansion—a complex endeavor that tested him professionally and personally. Despite getting COVID in the middle of the bidding phase, he pressed on through state and federal requirements, difficultly in subcontractor recruitment due to the small size of region, and tight budget constraints during most of preconstruction phase. The estimate required visits across regions, even pulling in partners from New Mexico. Constant code updates, seismic requirements, and phasing complexities added layers of difficulty, but it also gave Gilbert the opportunity to dive deep into FAA regulations and airport-specific scopes.
“We were also working with unfamiliar scopes like airport baggage systems, TSA checkpoint relocation, and new exit automation—all while the airport had to remain fully functional during construction. Phasing and communication with subs about those constraints was a daily challenge.”
In the end, this project represented not only a professional learning experience, but also a personal milestone for him as…
“It was a dream come true for me. Since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to be part of building an airport.”
The Backbone of Nunn Construction’s Success
Gilbert views estimating as the “foundation for every project.” For negotiated work, estimators are the first faces clients see. For hard bids, they’re the last push that secures the job. It’s a responsibility that Gilbert embraces with enthusiasm, knowing that every dollar estimated represents trust and opportunity.
Collaboration with project managers and field superintendents is seamless. Early involvement allows for smoother transitions into construction, and feedback loops between teams helps refine future estimates. Whether it’s self-perform evaluation with the Director of Self-Perform or aligning on phasing plans with the superintendent, Gilbert ensures estimating is never an isolated task.
Gilbert Working at PWMD Fire Station #2
Advice for the Next Generation
Gilbert’s journey began in his family’s drywall business, working in the field and learning estimating on smaller jobs. A Nunn Construction scholarship led him to an internship, where he immediately contributed to real projects. That experience, coupled with relentless dedication, earned him a full-time role before graduation—and a promotion soon after.
His advice? “Go for it.” Estimating may be fast-paced and at times overwhelming, but the reward lies in watching buildings take shape from mere drawings to concrete realities. The relationships built along the way, the satisfaction of solving complex puzzles, and the balance it offers between work and life make it a fulfilling path.
Gilbert Santiago is more than an estimator—he’s a connector, a planner, and a passionate advocate for building communities. His days are filled with strategy, structure, and the subtle art of balancing precision with people. At Nunn Construction, he embodies what it means to lead from the front, not just by estimating cost, but by adding value in every interaction.