" Measure twice, build once. "

AMAL U

Aspiring Quantity Estimator & Civil Engineer

Self-learning QS skills to build a career
in Dubai's construction industry.

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/ About Me

Building a career from the ground up.

I'm Amal U, a final-year B.Tech Civil Engineering student from Kerala, India — graduating in 2026.

Driven by a precise, analytical approach to construction, I am committed to building a specialist career in Quantity Surveying — a field where engineering knowledge and cost intelligence meet.

I am currently developing hands-on proficiency in industry tools including AutoCAD, MS Excel, CostX and BOQ preparation, with a focus on delivering accurate, structured estimation work — targeting Quantity Estimator roles in Dubai, a construction market that demands the highest standards of precision and professionalism.

Kerala → Dubai B.Tech Civil Engineering GIS & Spatial Analysis Self-Taught QS

2026Graduating

5+Tools Learning

1Deep Case Study

/ Skills & Tools

What I bring to the table.

AutoCAD

Basic knowledge of 2D interface, reading architectural drawings and understanding dimensions.

Basics

MS Excel

BOQ templates, quantity tables, rate analysis formulas, cost summary spreadsheets.

Learning

CostX · PlanSwift

Digital quantity takeoff from PDF drawings. On-screen measurement for all construction trades.

Learning

Quantity Estimation

Centre-line method, mid-section method. Volume & area calculation for all structural elements.

Learning

BOQ Preparation

Bill of Quantities formatting per standard QS practice. Trade-wise item descriptions, units, quantities.

Learning

SketchUp

Basic 3D modelling interface knowledge. Understanding spatial geometry from 2D floor plans.

Basics

Cost Analysis

Rate analysis per item, material + labour breakdown, project cost summaries benchmarked to market rates.

Learning

Technical Drawing

Reading and interpreting architectural, structural and MEP drawings for quantity takeoff and estimation.

Basics

/ Featured Project

Single Storey Residential Estimation.

A complete quantity estimation case study — from reading architectural drawings to a final cost report. Self-initiated to demonstrate end-to-end QS workflow using a sample residential building plan.

Reading & Understanding Drawings

Every estimation project begins here. Studied architectural and structural drawings of a single-storey residential building — identifying all elements, dimensions, materials, and construction details.

Floor plan, elevation, and section drawing analysis
Identification of structural components: columns, beams, slabs, walls, foundations
AutoCAD for measurement, annotation, and scaling verification
Creating a quantities schedule from drawing review

In Progress — AutoCAD drawing attached soon

AutoCAD DrawingComing Soon

3D Model Review

Created a SketchUp 3D model from the sample floor plan to spatially understand the building before estimation.

SketchUp modelling from 2D architectural drawings
Volume and surface area verification against drawings
Understanding BIM concepts and model-based QS
Clash detection and spatial coordination basics

In Progress — SketchUp file attached soon

SketchUp 3D ModelComing Soon

Digital Quantity Takeoff

Used CostX / PlanSwift to perform digital takeoffs directly from PDF drawings.

CostX / PlanSwift on-screen digital takeoff
Centre-line method for masonry wall quantities
Manual Excel verification against digital results
Trade-wise quantity schedule: Civil, Structural, Finishes

In Progress — takeoff screenshots coming soon

CostX TakeoffComing Soon

Bill of Quantities

Compiled a professional BOQ document across all work sections. Formatted to standard QS practice.

Full Excel BOQ with trade-wise sections
Item descriptions per FIDIC / standard construction format
Sections: Preliminaries, Civil, Structural, Finishes, MEP
Summary sheet with net quantities per trade

In Progress — Excel BOQ file attached soon

Excel BOQComing Soon

Cost Analysis & Final Report

Final cost estimate with full rate analysis, material and labour breakdowns, and a project total summary.

Rate analysis for each BOQ item
Material + labour + plant cost breakdown
Dubai market rate benchmarking (AED)
Final cost summary report exported as PDF

In Progress — cost report PDF coming soon

Cost Report PDFComing Soon

/ Get In Touch

Let's build something together.

Open to Quantity Estimator roles, internships, and graduate positions — particularly in Dubai and the UAE. I bring analytical precision, a solid engineering foundation, and the hunger to prove myself on real projects.