VERMEULEN'S, INC.
BOSTON, MA

We are a small professional services firm that has been in partnership since 1972, with the experience and project lists of firms many times our size. Vermeulens developed the elemental estimating systems, line item estimate computer reports, and computer graphic takeoff processes that have become standard throughout the industry. We focus entirely on pre-construction cost control services. From Principal to Project Manager to Estimator, we are fully committed to your project. We are nimble and responsive. Prior to starting Vermeulens, A.J. (Buster) Vermeulen was in Partnership with Frank Helyar. Together they wanted to develop a standard for pre-construction estimating that would be an improvement over the traditional trade-based estimating. They established the Elemental Estimating Method which grouped cost by function or design discipline regardless of what trade would build it. Expo 67 in Montreal provided a wonderful testing ground for this new approach. The new Elemental Estimating Method passed with flying colors and became the standard for the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Buster Vermeulen started Vermeulens in 1972 with clients in both Toronto and Boston. In 1973, with tremendous foresight, Buster decided that computers would be the way of the future in estimating. He purchased our first computer from Hewlett Packard in 1974 for 75% of the price of a house in Toronto. This early desktop computer had a full keyboard, an 80 character LED display, dual cassette tape drive mass storage, and a built-in thermal printer. As there was no software available, James Vermeulen, while in high school, wrote an early spreadsheet-like program to streamline the entire cost reporting process. This replaced the manual calculator and typing that produced all cost reports. In addition, editing cost reports were made significantly easier. Richard Vermeulen created the database of Vermeulens projects spanning 20 years of construction cost and graphic analysis information. This led to Vermeulens Index of bid results, the first index based on actual bid prices for complex projects in the non-residential construction market. Presented at national conferences since 2007, our Market Outlook continues to accurately forecast escalation in all markets across North America. Near the end of this decade, we developed the Real Time Reconciliation process to track all estimating and design review items to reconcile scope to budget. Along with market analysis, we developed benchmarking to provide bid data-based estimates. James Vermeulen joined the firm in 1983 and is now Managing Principal. His responsibilities include overseeing and reviewing all estimates before publication, high-level client support, facilitating cost reconciliation, and value engineering meetings. In addition to his role as Chief Technologist and Lead Mechanical/Electrical Quantity Surveyor, James is a recognized speaker at national conferences on the topic of construction economics and forecasting. Richard Vermeulen joined the firm in 1984 and is now a Principal. His responsibilities include overseeing and reviewing all estimates before publication, high-level client support, facilitating cost reconciliation and value engineering meetings. In his role as Chief Estimator and Lead Economist, Richard manages the firm’s database, and provides research to maximize the value of the project. Richard is the author of Green at No Cost, and the Quarterly Market Outlook. FIRM EXPERIENCE Craig Chiarelli has been with Vermeulens since 1999. Craig is an Associate Principal and Director of Estimating for the firm, coordinating estimating operations. Craig is an experienced Mechanical/Electrical Estimator. As Project Leader, he is responsible for the overall scope of work for the project including all versions of the estimate from draft to final estimate at each of the design stages. Craig’s roles on the project are overview, review and reconciliation, value engineering meetings, and client support. Blair Tennant has been with Vermeulens since 2004. Blair is an Associate Principal and liaison for the firm in the South Central. Blair is an experienced Mechanical/Electrical Estimator. As Project Leader, he is responsible for the overall scope of work for the project including all versions of the estimate from draft to final estimate at each of the design stages. Blair’s roles on the project are overview, review and reconciliation, value engineering meetings, and client support. Melissa Chabot has been with Vermeulens since 2002. Melissa is an Associate Principal and liaison for the firm in the West. Melissa is an experienced Mechanical/Electrical Estimator. As Project Leader, she is responsible for the overall scope of work for the project including all versions of the estimate from draft to final estimate at each of the design stages. Melissa’s roles on the project are overview, review and reconciliation, value engineering meetings, and client support. Shelley Brooks has been with Vermeulens since 2001. Shelley is an Associate for the firm and is Team Leader for Interiors. As Team Leader, she is responsible for the overall scope of work for the project including all versions of the estimate from draft to final estimate at each of the design stages. Shelley’s roles on the project are overview, review and reconciliation, value engineering meetings, and client support. Zachary Bergeron has been with Vermeulens since 2015. Zachary is the liaison for the firm in New England. Zachary is an experienced estimator who emphasizes sustainable practices. As Project Leader, he is responsible for the overall scope of work for the project including all versions of the estimate from draft to final estimate at each of the design stages. Zachary’s roles on the project are overview, review and reconciliation, value engineering meetings, and client support. FIRM EXPERIENCE Laurie Finlay started with the company in 1986 as an architectural technician. She has been a cost estimator since 1990. Laurie is the Director of Human Capital. Laurie's primary responsibility as a Senior Estimator is developing and preparing detailed estimates. She has wide and varied experience on a range of different projects including hospitals, laboratories, office buildings, performing arts centers, and academic buildings.