About Us
Who We Are
Scope By Trade Academy Ltd. is a nonprofit organization (recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity) dedicated to advancing education in construction estimating, trade scoping, and project planning. Headquartered in New York City, we serve the five boroughs with a mission to teach individuals; from aspiring professionals to seasoned tradespeople, how to analyze, scope, and maximize the value of construction work by trade.
Our leadership is built on decades of real-world experience in construction, architecture and design engineering. At its core is a chief estimator with over 40 years in professional cost estimating and quantity surveying, whose work spans new construction, alterations, restorations, and renovations on both private and public works projects ranging from $30 million to $300 million. With roots tracing back to the architectural legacy of Percy Ifill and Conrad Johnson of Ifill Johnson Hanchard Architects, this foundation brings a deep, inherited understanding of design and construction to our programs.
The Academy is also guided by a veteran project manager with over 25 years of industry experience, as well as a second-generation estimator with nearly a decade of hands-on work in commercial interiors and cost analysis.
Scope By Trade Academy Ltd. is more than an educational initiative; it is a consulting resource and owner’s representative partner for contractors and developers. We aim to be a driving force for construction literacy, practical training, and professional development equipping our community with the tools to thrive in today’s built environment.
Meet the Team
Rory Waterman
Danielle Manchion
Danielle Manchion
CEO, Founder, Chief Instructor
Built upon a multigenerational family legacy in architecture, construction, and design, the founder of Scope By Trade Academy brings more than 40 years of professional experience in cost estimating and quantity surveying. His foundation is rooted in the architectural heritage of his family, including renowned
CEO, Founder, Chief Instructor
Built upon a multigenerational family legacy in architecture, construction, and design, the founder of Scope By Trade Academy brings more than 40 years of professional experience in cost estimating and quantity surveying. His foundation is rooted in the architectural heritage of his family, including renowned architects Percy Ifill and Conrad Johnson of Ifill Johnson Hanchard Architects. Throughout his career, he has contributed to some of New York's most significant construction projects, beginning as the first estimating cost consultant for BRP Development Corporation since its inception, helping lay the foundation for its growth into a multimillion-dollar development firm. He also served as the first Senior Cost Estimator for WDF/Tutor Perini's General Construction Division and the first Chief Estimator for Broadway Builders/Hudson Companies, where he prepared cost analyses for major ground-up developments and NYCHA renovation projects. His experience spans public and private construction projects ranging from $3 million to $.5 billion, including new construction, renovations, restorations, and alterations, bringing decades of real-world industry leadership and practical knowledge to the next generation of professional estimators.
Danielle Manchion
Danielle Manchion
Danielle Manchion
Managing Partner, PM Specialist, Program Instructor
Rory C. Waterman
Danielle Manchion
Rory C. Waterman
VP of Operations, Managing Partner, Program Instructor
Janette Lowe
Rory C. Waterman
Social Career Advisor
Lance Waterman
Lance Waterman
Social Career Advisor
Henry Adesanya
Lance Waterman
Social Career Advisor
Adedoyin J. Awokoya
Accountant
Valerie A. Waterman
Business Developer
Bria Waterman
Bria Waterman
Marketing & Creative Director
Phillip Miles
Phillip Miles
Bria Waterman
Program Instructor
What we do
Scope By Trade Academy Ltd. is a New York City based nonprofit with a passion for making construction estimating and project scoping accessible, accurate, and stress-free, for people wanting to expand their estimating knowledge, or beginners learning to execute the full scope of construction work, trade by trade.
