GMK Architects

TECH-SAVVY

GMK Architecture Bridging technology with the beauty of the great outdoors, this firm is focused on "bringing down the curtain" between the architect and the client.

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Volume I Spring 2011 $24.95 USD $26.30 CAN

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2 Spring 2011

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custom homes

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The Nature of Design

by Amelia Doenlen

Embracing both technology and the beauty of the outdoors, GMK Architecture uses the inspiring scenery of Wisconsin to create pleasing, state-of-the-art designs for their clients.

THIS SPREAD: Graber, private residence. Photo by Jim Wildeman.

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4 Spring 2011

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s technology has advanced over the years, architects have learned to roll with the punches. New computer software literally brought another dimension to the table and while the advancements have both positives and negatives, Jim Gempeler, co-founder of GMK Architecture, Inc., believes that it has played a crucial role in “taking down the curtain” between architect and client.

Gempeler remembers the days when modeling was done entirely by hand and in order to show a client a 3-D version of the plan, he would have to construct the cardboard model himself.

“Nowadays with 3-D modeling,” Gempeler said, “you can really use those programs from day one to keep the client more involved and part of the decision making process. They can see what impact they are going to have on the composition right away and that keeps them more engaged.”

Gempeler grew up on a farm in southern Wisconsin. His mother used to take him to see notable buildings in nearby cities. Gempeler credits his background as the cornerstone of his architecture career. “On the farm, I learned very early about how to fix and build things and how to be pretty resourceful as far as making things work to serve a function or purpose.

Gempeler, Bill Montelbano and Russ Kowalski started GMK Architecture, Inc. in 1984. Gempeler and principal architect Russ Kowalski run the firm today. Over the 27 years they have been in business, the firm has adapted to changes in the industry. Starting as, what Gempeler described as “general practice” architects, the firm has become more specialized. Both Gempeler and Kowalski have embraced their specialties and the firm now operates two distinct studios. Kowalski runs the commercial and retail studio while Gempeler focuses on custom residential and vacation homes.

“I’ve always found residential work to be very interesting,” Gempeler said, “because people tend to get more passionate about what they do when they are talking about houses that they will be growing in and raising a family in. One of the biggest rewards for me has been that you start out with a client, and end up with great friends.”

The two studios have somewhat different requirements as far as technology. When the firm started they were drawing everything by hand and building models. As computer software has developed it’s given the firm more options.

Today, the commercial studio uses AutoCAD as its main drafting program whereas the residential studio relies entirely on Revit due to its greater ability to produce 3-D models and illustrations.

“The tools available today are a huge change from when we started,” Gempeler said. “The biggest thing is how the technological tools connect the client to the project. It lets them understand everything and see everything better, which in TOP LEFT: Graber, private residence. The interior living room in this home features exposed wood beams and high ceilings. Photo by Jim Wildeman.

THIS SPREAD: Corrigan, private residence. The lakeside home features an interior stone wall with a fireplace, large windows and exposed wood ceilings, creating a natural but inviting living space. Photos by Jim Gempeler.

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6 Spring 2011

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THIS SPREAD: The living room fireplace in the Corrigan residence.

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return allows us to do more sculptural buildings and more complex compositions. I think its hugely unfair to hand a client a two-dimensional sketch or plan and expect them to be able to take everything that is in our mind as architects and understand it.”

From the preliminary stages of design to the construction phase of a project, plans are always printed in full-color, even the construction documents. Gempeler feels that it is important to communicate to all parties the final outcome of the project. In his mind, a picture truly is worth a thousand words and there isn’t any reason to keep the design details from the people physically putting it all together. The firm provides 3D camera angles and perspectives on the same document that has elevation dimensions for the contractors.

“It’s a more model intensive approach through and through,” Gempeler said.

Based in Madison, Wisc., GMK designs projects throughout the state with some regional work stretching into neighboring states. While most people think of Colorado or Florida as quintessential vacation home destinations, Gempeler is adamant about the beauty of his home state. The diverse topography throughout the state as well as the lakes and streams and majestic forests have been rewarding to GMK in the way of business.

While the beauty of the landscape plays a role in the design of the house, so does the climate.

Gempeler pointed out that it is crucial to know the environment you are designing for. Temperature swings in Wisconsin range from 105 degrees to 20 below zero, putting strains on a building that architects in more temperate climates would not have to consider. Every climate has its gremlins that local experts have learned how to handle, and in designing for different climates, you better take that into account.

“The vacations spots have certainly offered us some very interesting and fun projects over the years,” he said. “More than once we have started doing a vacation house for someone and they end up having so much fun and loving it so much that they don’t want to leave and it becomes their permanent residence. “ “Clients move here because they want the landscape to be part of their lives and part of their living environment,” Gempeler said. “In the residential work that we do we try to dissolve that transition of indoors to outdoors and we want it to be gradual and transparent. As a design philosophy, we’re just trying to get out of the way of nature. We aren’t trying to compete with the natural beauty of the environment, but connect with it. We want to make window walls and not windows in a wall. We like to get out of the way and let the natural beauty be part of the home as much as possible.”

It is with a love of the great outdoors coupled with a passion for beautiful design that yields GMK the opportunity to create breathtaking homes that embrace the best of both worlds. ALT THIS PAGE: Shephard, private residence. Designed with sweeping views of the mountains in mind, this home is perfectly situated to offer beautiful vistas from each room.

An outdoor patio features a pool, while the interior pays special attention to natural elements and finishes. Photos by Jim Gempeler.

8 Spring 2011

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