Founded in 1995, GKV Architects is an award-winning firm based in New York City known for their innovative approach to architecture and interior design. With expertise spanning new construction, commercial and residential interiors, hospitality, and adaptive reuse, GKV serves a diverse client base, including private developers, corporations, universities, and the City of New York. The firm's portfolio demonstrates particular strength in sustainable design, modular construction, and micro-apartment developments.

Breaking Free from Legacy Systems

Prior to discovering Gather, GKV struggled with an antiquated specification system that severely limited its capabilities. "You have to think of our old system as if you were putting all your information in Excel files and using folders," explains Tom Sembros, Marketing and Business Development Coordinator and Material Librarian at GKV. The server-based platform was clunky and slow, with a user interface that the team found frustrating to use. Being tied to the office server meant no remote access capabilities.

The limitations of their previous system created significant workflow challenges. According to Izabela Marino, Associate Principal and Director of Interior Design, even basic tasks were cumbersome:

"The old system required manual input for everything and wasn't web-based at all. The search functionality proved especially frustrating when trying to locate specifications for repeat clients who returned years later for renovation projects - even searching by project number often failed to find the needed information."

Finding Their Solution

GKV couldn’t have chosen a better time to implement Gather. "We implemented Gather right before COVID and the lockdown," Izabela recalls. "It was a blessing because otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to work when we were all stuck at home. The transition to being server-based was perfect timing."

After evaluating several specification software options, the team chose Gather for its intuitive interface and customization capabilities.

"You guys were really flexible in helping us customize the interface and all the settings specifically for our needs," notes Izabela. "It doesn't have to be complicated – we wanted something easily accessible, and Gather provided that."

Streamlined Workflows and Enhanced Collaboration

The shift to Gather transformed how GKV manages its specification process. The Web Clipper tool has been particularly valuable, allowing the team to instantly capture product information while browsing. "I can clip information directly from any website I'm on," Izabela explains. "It grabs dimensions and other details automatically, which saves time and reduces errors compared to manual entry."

The cloud-based platform has also enhanced team collaboration. With Gather serving as their centralized platform for all specification information, multiple team members can now work simultaneously on projects.

"Let's say I'm on vacation, and Tom needs to access a project to add a spec or change a spec or print a spec – he can do that," says Izabela. "When I'm working with another designer, we can both add specs and make comments to each other."

Easy Implementation and Adoption

One of Gather's key advantages has been its ease of use for new team members. "The software is so intuitive that it's not something where people get easily frustrated when starting," Tom notes. "We give them a few days of training on how to use it, and then they're pretty much on their own. They grasp it quickly because the user interface is so easy to use."

The platform's flexibility in organizing projects has also proven valuable.

"You can make it almost like a custom setup for each project," Izabela explains. "Sometimes we have projects organized by literal areas like kitchen, pantry, office. Other times they're organized by project phases. The ability to organize it any way we like using the areas feature is really helpful."

Looking Ahead

As GKV continues to grow and take on more complex projects, Gather remains essential to its operations.

"For any firm that doesn't have specification software, I think it's absolutely essential to consider implementing one," Tom emphasizes. "It's not just a tool - it's a fundamental part of doing business today. Without a proper specification system, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage. The workflow demands it, and ultimately, it's about delivering what clients need efficiently."

The firm maintains an active dialogue with Gather's team about potential improvements and features, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the relationship. With Gather's support, GKV is well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional architectural and design services to its clients.