Calculation Sample

This calculation example refers to an architectural project for a modern multi-family residential building of high standard. The design includes a basement level, three full floors, and a penthouse floor, providing a balanced mix of spacious apartments and premium living quality. The project has been commissioned by a professional real estate developer, who aims to realize a contemporary and efficient building concept that meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Located in a major German city, the building will benefit from excellent infrastructure and strong demand in the local housing market. The cost breakdown illustrates typical services in the predesign and pre‑approval phase, including precise 3D modeling, comprehensive 2D layouts, communication management, and the setup of a Common Data Environment for seamless collaboration. This structured approach ensures that the project is developed with accuracy, transparency, and efficiency from the very beginning.

Example cost breakdown for an architectural design project (Predesign – Pre-approval)

architecture

3D Modeling

Creation of a detailed terrain and building model, forming the basis for all following drawings and visualizations.


80,00 € / hour plus VAT

map

2D Layouts

Preparation of 2 site plans (1:1000 & 1:250), 4 sections, 4 floor plans, and 4 elevations, tailored to project requirements.


65,00 € / hour plus VAT

forum

Communication package

Flat-rate coverage for project communication, coordination and feedback loops with all stakeholders.


64,00 € plus VAT

cloud

CDE Setup

Administration of a Common Data Environment (CDE), including 3 user accounts for team collaboration.


248,00 € plus VAT

calculate Estimated project total: 4.020,00 € plus VAT

This calculation assumes no revision cycles were required. Necessary revisions or changes will be charged additionally.

Details to the calculation sample (displayed above)

Sample

Breakdown of cost calculation

Service Qty Unit Rate Total
3D Modeling 20 hours 80,00 € 1.600,00 €
2D Layouts 24 hours 65,00 € 1.560,00 €
Communication Package 1 flat rate 64,00 € 64,00 €
CDE Setup 1 flat rate 248,00 € 248,00 €
Subtotal (net) 3.472,00 €
Estimated project coordination & revision allowance 488,00 €
Total (net) 4.020,00 €
Plus 19% VAT 763,80 €
Total (incl. VAT) 4.783,80 €

* Coordination and revision scope is estimated. Additional effort may be charged separately based on actual need.

Our fees are not only based on the difficulty and nature of the work to be performed, but also take into account regional factors related to your location. This ensures that our prices are fair and in line with market conditions. All fees listed here are exclusive of statutory VAT, as well as any additional costs such as travel expenses, accommodation costs, or other time-related expenses.

 

We also differentiate between the types of service provision: remote, on-site, and hybrid (a combination of both). Corresponding expenses for on-site activities are also taken into account in the hybrid model. The classification of the listed activities into different levels serves to ensure a transparent and fair assessment of the respective workload. It also forms the basis for our differentiated hourly rates.


Simple 2D CAD editing includes basic activities such as digitizing plans, converting PDF files into editable DWG files, updating existing drawings, and performing simple 2D design work. These tasks require minimal planning and coordination effort and usually follow clearly defined specifications.

Complex 3D CAD processing involves more demanding modeling work. This includes, among other things, the creation of digital terrain models, architectural or infrastructure 3D building models, the automatic or manual derivation of plans from models, as well as layout, labeling, and dimensioning work. The model-oriented nature of these services requires a deeper understanding of spatial relationships and the CAD software used.

BIM, GIS, training, and consulting represent the highest level of expertise. These include structured data modeling in a BIM or GIS context, cross-software project consulting, strategic planning support, and training for CAD and BIM users. These services require methodological expertise, didactic skills, and technological and regulatory knowledge.



it´s going on

Thanks for the great input @Freelance Unlocked

Impressive experiences and exchange that will bring us straight ahead ... Read more
To network and exchange ideas with other freelancers in our industry and beyond, Hannes attended the Freelance Unlocked Conference in Berlin in May 2025. The experiences and impressions he gained there were impressive and will significantly support us in our daily work. We highly recommend attending this event. Thanks to the organizers—it was awesome!

Schneider Seidel released new CAD/BIM instruction program

Highly effective CAD/BIM trainings for small groups of up to eight participants ... Read more
We frequently receive requests to train trainees and office employees in CAD and BIM. In collaboration with a Berlin-based partner, we have developed a format that allows for highly effective instruction for small groups of up to eight participants, regardless of their level of previous training. Currently, we offer these training formats for Autodesk and Trimble software.

Central German Coal Area´s decarbonization is gaining

The phase-out of coal is coming. With it, a massive transformation process begins ... Read more
The phase-out of coal is coming. With it, a massive structural transformation process begins for the directly affected regions in Central Germany. Mine operators are planning to dismantle their facilities and renaturalize and repurpose the abandoned opencast mines. Cities and municipalities are developing concepts, and transfer companies are ensuring the socially acceptable transition of thousands of jobs. In the midst of these developments, Schneider Seidel is playing an important role in supporting local and regional planners. Let's get started!

We welcome Yasmin to the 2025+ core team

We are very happy to welcome Yasmin in August to be part of our freelance team ... Read more
Yasmin was born and raised in Tunisia, where she developed an early interest in architecture and design. In 2007, she moved to Hamburg to pursue her studies and has been living in Germany ever since. Today, Yasmin works as a freelancer, supporting projects with her extensive expertise in architectural planning. She focuses particularly on preliminary design to detailed execution planning, ensuring precision and creativity in every step. Known for her exceptional talent and dedication, Yasmin is a highly skilled Archicad user who consistently delivers outstanding results. Her commitment and innovative approach make her an invaluable partner in any architectural project, combining technical knowledge with a deep passion for thoughtful, functional, and aesthetic design.

Learn more about our activities within the AEC industry at our newsletter. Don't worry - it's really worth it!


Drone-based surveying is now a core service—rapid capture, lower risk, and survey-grade results. We operate RTK/PPK drones with rigorous ground control to acquire dense, consistent data on construction sites, industrial plants, corridors, and quarries. From photogrammetry and LiDAR we produce clean, well-registered point clouds and keep alignment tight across missions.

 

The real advantage is our after-processing. We classify clouds, remove noise and occlusions, and turn raw data into usable outputs: watertight meshes, DSM/DTM terrain, contours, breaklines, volumetrics, and true-scale orthomosaics. 

For CAD and BIM, we simplify geometry, enforce topology, and deliver DWG/DXF, LandXML, or IFC—accurately georeferenced to your coordinate system.

 

Quality controls are built in: automated checks, versioned change tracking, and clear metadata.

 

The result is reliable terrain and structure models that drop straight into design workflows for coordination and quantity takeoff. Typical use cases include progress monitoring, as-built documentation, earthworks tracking, stockpiles, corridor mapping, asset inspection, and pre-design feasibility.


core competencies



GREAT LAYOUTS 🟊


  • 2D drawings and planning documents
  • Concepts and case studies
  • Sketches in hand-drawn look
  • Absolutely realistic visualizations 

COMPLEX 3D MODELS 🟊


  • Building models
  • Terrain models
  • Single parts and complex plant models
  • STL´s for rapid prototyping and 3D printing

BIM AT FULL RANGE


  • Creating attributed components
  • Management and coodination of CDE´s
  • Monitoring, listing an reporting
  • BIM Transformation

GIS RELATED TASKS


  • Drone overflights and surveying
  • Point cloud to 3D mesh data convertion
  • Terrain/Contour plans and documentation
  • Overlays and Coding


TRAINING


  • For trainees and young professionals
  • For employees with training needs
  • For universities and colleges

DEVELOPMENT


  • Plugins and SketchUp extensions
  • Coded connections
  • Customized API´s
  • Customized workflows and routines

this is how we do it


We rely on state-of-the-art technologies to deliver our projects with maximum efficiency and precision. A key element of our approach is the integration of our clients into a Common Data Environment (CDE). Through this platform, we receive, distribute, store, and securely archive all project data in a transparent and structured way.

For this, we use the highly powerful application Trimble® Connect™, which we license ourselves and provide to our clients. Its advanced functionality ensures seamless collaboration, data security, and transparency—critical factors for safeguarding project success and achieving outstanding results together.


Schneider Seidel
  • CDE Licence Owner
  • and CDE Administrator
providing Data by daily Uploads
Client
  • at the AEC Industry
  • e.g. Architects
receiving CAD/BIM Data by Downloads on demand
Third Parties
  • if necessary
  • e.g. Consultants
receiving Data on demand
Unlimited data storage

When we look at our most successful projects, a clear pattern emerges: every single one of them was built on the foundation of a Common Data Environment (CDE). By centralizing all project information—drawings, models, documents, and communications—into one secure and structured platform, we enabled all stakeholders to collaborate with remarkable efficiency and clarity.


A CDE creates a single source of truth. It eliminates the confusion of multiple versions, ensures that everyone is always working on the latest data, and significantly reduces the risk of errors or costly rework. This clarity empowers teams to make decisions faster and with greater confidence, keeping projects on schedule and within budget.

With built-in version control, access management, and streamlined workflows, the CDE provides structure while remaining flexible to the unique needs of each project. It allows project participants to work simultaneously, knowing that their contributions are securely stored, transparently documented, and instantly available to others.

Ultimately, the use of a CDE has proven to be the key to stronger collaboration, higher productivity, and consistently successful outcomes. It is not just a tool— it is the heart of effective modern project delivery.


At Schneider Seidel, we harness cutting edge technologies — such as laser scanning for existing buildings and drone overflights for entire neighborhoods or digital terrain models — to deliver exceptionally precise point cloud data. By capturing millions of points in high resolution, we generate accurate three‑dimensional representations of structures and sites. These robust data sets can be seamlessly imported into any industry‑standard CAD software using plugins, enabling further modeling.

Whether you’re planning renovations, urban developments, or infrastructure projects, our workflow ensures maximum accuracy, efficiency, and compatibility. We bridge advanced surveying techniques with practical digital tools to streamline planning, visualization, and collaboration. Ultimately, our innovative approach provides architects, engineers, and planners with reliable, editable point‑cloud models to support informed decisions and high‑quality deliverables across every phase of your project.


it simply fits perfectly



There are many good reasons for involving highly effective freelancers - but hardly any against ...

 

This work model simply fits perfectly into today's world. It not only addresses the dramaticly changed needs of highly trained professionals but can also be seen as an adequate response to the demands of the market and modern AEC industry woldwide.


LET´S WORK OUT THE FIVE TOP ARGUMENTS

TO HIRE A FREELANCER:

We are paid based on performance
We use our own tools, hardware and software
We do not incur any wage costs
We are probably more motivated than your staff
We had a better training and are more experienced

zu Anwendungen 1

As most important part of our software pool


zu Anwendungen 2

Unbeatable in designs and concepts


zu Anwendungen 3

Built environment for perfect results


zu Anwendungen 4

Our most promising software newcomer


zu Anwendungen 5

Leading cartography and spatial 



➔ ALWAYS AVAILABLE


  • Autodesk° AutoCAD, Revit - 2025
  • Trimble° SketchUp Pro, PreDesign, Layout, Connect, Style Builder, Ruby API - 2025
  • CHAOS Enscape Live Rendering 4.2
  • QGIS - latest Release 2024
  • Open AI Custom GPT´s

➔ AVAILABLE ON DEMAND


  • Nemetschek° Allplan, Vectorworks - 2025
  • Graphisoft° Archicad - 2025

➔ ALWAYS UP TO DATE


At Schneider Seidel, we always work with the latest versions of the software we use. Through official vendor subscriptions, we receive every update and new feature the moment it’s released. This ensures maximum efficiency, top-level security, and seamless compliance with industry standards.

 

By staying continuously up to date, we provide our team with cutting-edge tools that enable them to deliver the best possible results. Our commitment to innovation means our clients benefit from modern, reliable, and future-ready solutions at all times.


what our clients think



Direct Review - Related to Schneider-Schneider

 

given by:

Philipp Donschen

Donschen Hoch- und Tiefbau GmbH

We first heard about Schneider Seidel through a recommendation, and from our initial contact, through the initial needs assessment, to the final result, we've been more than satisfied. Short-notice quotes, consistent work progress, on-time completion, attention to detail, and uncomplicated adjustments. Everything was top-notch. We'll continue to work together on future projects.

Review on Freelancer Map - Related to Schneider-Schneider

 

given by:

Tilo Pomplitz

F7 Digital GmbH,  Rietberg - Germany

We thank Schneider Seidel for their professional support in our projects. The efficiency and precision of his work impressed us.

A competent partner for all questions regarding 2D drawings and 3D visualizations. We look forward to our continued collaboration.


Review on Freelancer Map - Related to Schneider-Schneider

 

given by:

Cindy Rost

ZOMARO GmbH,  Theißen - Germany

A very reliable and professional collaboration. Schneider Seidel created illustrations, presentations, and CAD plans for our food technology projects – always promptly, precisely and well-coordinated. The speedy implementation and high level of accuracy are particularly noteworthy. Highly recommended!


Review on Freelancer Map - Related to H. Schneider

 

given by:

Frank Döpfner

Döpfner GmbH,  Gerolzhofen - Germany

We were very satisfied with the entire process. The service and the results were outstanding. We will definitely recommend. Personally, Mr. Schneider is also a very pleasant person, honest, accurate, and personable.