--- title: "GMK Architecture Inc — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gmk-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1635793835 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1635793835.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "GMK Architecture Inc" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c3134d550f60b45b_7691-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3220 Syene Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53713, United States" latitude: 43.0372 longitude: -89.3971 phone: "(608) 277-0585" website: https://gmkarch.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 197 last_updated: 2026-09-26 --- # GMK Architecture Inc Original Houzz profile: [GMK Architecture Inc](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gmk-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1635793835) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Madison, WI - **Serves:** Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, Stoughton, Oregon, McFarland, Monona, Cottage Grove, Shorewood Hills, Maple Bluff, Mc Farland, united states - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - 39 years in business For more than 30 years, architects Jim Gempeler and Russ Kowalski have been using computer aided design (CAD) systems to build upon clients' ideas and needs. Whether projects involve a home or a business, GMK is dedicated to removing the stress from the design process. Using sophisticated software to visually communicate complex ideas and architectural plans, clients can see what it's like to look out the window of their dream house, or open the doors to their new retail space, long before groundbreaking. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - House Plans - Kitchen Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Drafting - Construction Drawings - Residential architecture ### Areas Served - Madison - Sun Prairie - Fitchburg - Middleton - Verona - Stoughton - Oregon - McFarland - Monona - Cottage Grove - Shorewood Hills - Maple Bluff - Mc Farland - united states ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 5 million Architecture fees range from 5%-20% of total project cost depending on scope. Please call for more information on your project ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | GMK Architecture Inc | | Address | 3220 Syene Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53713, United States | | Phone | (608) 277-0585 | | Website | https://gmkarch.com | | Followers on Houzz | 197 | ## Offers Direct Dial Jim at 608-277-0585 ext 11 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [GMK Architecture Inc](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gmk-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1635793835) - **Website:** https://gmkarch.com - **Phone:** (608) 277-0585 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - The Madison Magazine Interior Design Competition: Best of Show- Residential, - Interior Excellence (1995) & Award of Excellence (1995) - Wisconsin Architect Magazine - Association of Licensed Architects: Award of Merit (2010). - Association of Licensed Architects: Award of Merit (2011). - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — r Smith, Aug. 2024** > Our interactions with this designer has left a positive impression. Courteous and professional. They showed to have a wide array of design knowledge and provide ample information on their services. **★★★★★ — Threshold Development, April 2022** > For starters, I have a 40 year career as a construction executive and developer that have worked with multiple architectural firms over the years. Having recently completed a remodel design process on my personal residence with Jim Gempler, I am reminded of why I decided to work with GMK in the first place. My history with Jim spans 30 plus years to an earlier period when I was the owner of a residential development/construction firm. Jim continues to excel as the consummate professional in his design approach by listening, evaluating, and developing practical solutions and options that met our project needs. > I was most impressed with Jim’s ability to creatively address and simplify the challenges and limitations that are inherent in the remodel process by exploring cost effective solutions while maintaining the overall integrity of the design. Most importantly, working with Jim was fun and enjoyable for my wife and I. **★★★★★ — HU-683262716, Oct. 2020** > After terminating a plan 3 years in design with another firm, we needed a good architect fast. I’m in the building business so got several quality recommendations pointing to Jim. We contacted him out of the blue for an unusual job and Wow! Did he perform! He pulled a rabbit out of a hat for us, started from scratch with our concept ideas and came up with a better, completely different and cooler design that we simply didn’t expect but loved more than the old one. He’s a great creative design architect (rare these days), and a listener-first who then sketches your ideas into reality but makes them better by improving things with his own creative foresight. There were multiple surprises we discovered as we got to understand the plans that we would have never thought of ourselves but were done intelligently and thoughtfully. Jim acted as a seasoned guide by educating us on what we needed to know to make the right decisions for the house and for our future lifestyles (while continually reminding us of our directive to him to keep a lid on costs!). He has a very calm, friendly, professional approach, and still made it exciting and fun in the meantime. When we were the ones doing the listening, we rarely (if ever) disagreed with his rationale, suggestions and direction. Wish we could work with him again! A couple other designer-friends of ours both loved the new design too--kudos! Jim gets a strong Go-To-Guy recommendation from us! **★★★★★ — Peter Doggart, Feb. 2020** > We thoroughly enjoyed working with Jim on the design of our contemporary home. Why? Jim... > \- Approached our design holistically around us - informed by the site, our lifestyle, interests and aesthetic > \- Successfully created a unique innovative design that is grounded in pragmatism and how we want to live in and use the space > \- Combines creative “nothing is impossible” problem solving with high attention to detail, pragmatic approach and thorough consideration of all implications and trade-offs > \- Is a client-focused, direct communicator who really listens, which enabled us to collaborate and build a relationship remotely between the east coast and WI > \- Is well respected by former clients and folks across the trades **★★★★★ — David Shepard, Nov. 2017** > Jim is one of the brightest, and most creative people I have ever met. When these qualities are merged with practicality, it is a customer's delight. I've done two projects with Jim, one a very substantial home. My experience could not have been more positive. Would I use hime again? In a flash. How often does one find a person who is both immensely creative, responsive to customer objectives, and practical in terms of business realities. **★★★★★ — North Freedom, Nov. 2017** > Jim Gempeler is receptive, imaginative, practical and flexible. Oh yeah, he's an amazing architect too. He found an elegant, practical way for us to open up the first floor of our century old colonial without compromising it's character. **★★★★★ — toppers1, Aug. 2014** > I consulted with Jim on two occasions regarding our house's exterior design. He was easy to work with and pointed us in the right direction to meet our needs. I recommend GMK! **★★★★★ — stroebe, March 2014** > We hired Jim Gempeler to design additions to our 1950s mid-century modern home-- a car port and attached screen porch-- and to re-configured the existing interior garage into an entryway and workshop. > > Jim was sensitive to our home's flow, and demonstrated great insight into the connections between the interior and exterior spaces. He created a design that was functional and complimentary to the existing structure. He was generous with his time and his thoughts, and mindful of our goals and budget. > > In short, Jim was great to work with, and his design and planning were the key to realizing the project's potential. **★★★★★ — gtcorrigan, Jan. 2014** > Jim Gempler designed our lake house (from the ground up). We chose to work with Jim rather than other firms because from the outset Jim showed that he appreciated the uniqueness of our land and what we wanted. > > Once the project began Jim was able to successfully balance meeting our expectations, and expanding our vision. The final design complements the site/land. We've had numerous complements on how our house is uniquely "right" for the site. On top of that, we love the features and layout of our house - it gives us everything we knew we wanted, and some things we didn't know we wanted, but now could not give up. > > The process was enjoyable and the results spectacular. > > We highly recommend working with Jim Gempeler. > > \- G&T Corrigan **★★★★★ — saxelrod, Dec. 2013** > Jim Gempeler of GMK is an extremely talented designer. He originally designed a house for us 25 years ago. Then we had him build an addition. The design, flow and process was seamless. He incorporated the beauty of the outdoors throughout. He is very creative and innovative. Yet sensitive to the tastes, preferences and budget of the client. He is versatile as well, creating designs that reflect the culture and natural setting of very different regions of the country. We could not be happier with the result. As a result we have a new house and a lifelong friend. ## Selected projects - [Craftsmanship exposed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsmanship-exposed-pj-vj~7168675) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [design for sailing enthusiasts](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/design-for-sailing-enthusiasts-pj-vj~2877287) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Maple Bluff Lake home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maple-bluff-lake-home-pj-vj~437872) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 10 - Description: German village inspired lake home. Each main room in the house has a unique roof form, interior volume, and vistas overlooking the lake. - [Lake Monona House-A](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-monona-house-a-pj-vj~57342) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 18 - [Lake Kegonsa House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-kegonsa-house-pj-vj~56842) - Location: Stoughton, WI - Photos: 19 - Description: Lake house on south facing slope overlooking private lagoon. The trees of the site march through the house becoming the structural columns. The home is organized/split,by a stone wall, into 2 distinct zones : Social and Private. This allows any entertaining or quiet functions to coexist simultaneously without conflict. - [Grand Junction House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-junction-house-pj-vj~57259) - Location: Grand Junction, CO - Photos: 21 - Description: High desert home between drainage gorges near Colorado National Monument. - [Lake Monona House-B](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-monona-house-b-pj-vj~57451) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 15 - Description: Sculptural contemporary - [Old...but fun](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-but-fun-pj-vj~567217) - Location: Mount Horeb, WI - Photos: 13 - Description: Run down 100+ year old 2 flat farm house had some,...issues including rotten porch that needed to be totally rebuilt. Why spend all that effort and not have a little fun??!!! New Sun porch visually expands the 2nd floor flat by use of window walls, to "open the door to another dimension" (Rod Serling) - [storm damage rebuild](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/storm-damage-rebuild-pj-vj~1482263) - Location: Middleton, WI - Photos: 18 - Description: This 15 year old existing lake side home was severely damaged by a falling tree that literally cut the house in half. The Owner, who was entertaining an addition/remodel prior to the storm suddenly had no choice. She wanted an open plan,... just not quite that open. The resultant rethinking of this house offers open living, dining, deck, screen porch, and master suite over looking the lake on the main level. 3 guest bedrooms and lakeside recreation room, all with lake views, occupy the lower lev… - [GMK office](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gmk-office-pj-vj~1505521) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 8 - Description: our office in Madison, WI - [Madison lake home remodel / addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/madison-lake-home-remodel-addition-pj-vj~2877799) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 14 - Description: Existing 1950's single lake home taken down to the foundation and transposed into contemporary 2 story with new detached garage. Great care was taken to keep the scale of the project in keeping with existing neighbors 2 story homes. - [Barn House Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barn-house-addition-pj-vj~57653) - Location: Cross Plains, WI - Photos: 8 - [Traditional Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-remodel-pj-vj~57699) - Location: Verona, WI - Photos: 11 - [Lake Cottage Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-cottage-remodel-pj-vj~57744) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 17 - Description: Lake home remodel - [Hillside Addition Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-addition-remodel-pj-vj~57541) - Location: Oregon, WI - Photos: 10 - Description: addition and remodel that knitted and connected the home into the site. - [Contemporary Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-farmhouse-pj-vj~403190) - Location: Baraboo, WI - Photos: 7 - Description: Modern Farmhouse architecture. Utility and bedroom areas occupy the traditional farmhouse style "bookends" , while public spaces enjoy open spaces and views offered by the contemporary "link" between. Architect and photography by Jim Gempeler, GMK Architecture inc. - [Green Lake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-lake-residence-pj-vj~403220) - Location: Green Lake, WI - Photos: 11 - Description: contemporary lodge with sweeping views of lake from all spaces inside and out. - [Penthouse condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/penthouse-condominium-pj-vj~2859633) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 13 - [Goose Pond Sanctuary Shelter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goose-pond-sanctuary-shelter-pj-vj~2877683) - Location: Arlington, WI - Photos: 8 - [lake home design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-home-design-pj-vj~2877263) - Location: Madison, WI - Photos: 5 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gmk-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1635793835) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144149583/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas - [Arts crafts dining lights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110675265/list/arts-crafts-dining-lights) — 3 ideas - [lofts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67816009/list/lofts) — 1 idea - [wine cellars](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28806926/list/wine-cellars) — 27 ideas - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5279985/list/fireplaces) — 1 idea [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/gempeler) ## Community Q&A **Q: is the exterior wall** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the exterior wall here some sort of lick & stick over concrete block? Any details appreciated. A: that is a full 5"+/- bed veneer stone blend called "Kodiak Castle" supplied by Halquist Stone **Q: What's the original use of the mini barn that is attached to the silo?** *(in Photo Questions)* richard@spracklendrafting.com A: thanks for the compliment. Growing up on a farm, I wanted to design a building that captured the spirit of barns, showing their bones, and not have them covered up with insulation and drywall, that happens so often when a barn is repurposed. On of my favorite aspects of this project is the roof. You can see the light coming in, and out thru the roof structure. We used polycarbonate roof panels for the roof, that turns the entire ceiling into a light fixture. Even in the gummiest winter days, you get wonderful light in this building. **Q: Can I get a quote?** *(in Photo Questions)* I will be closing on a house in February and I was wondering how to set up a time for a possible design change. A: Hi Andre, I would love to talk to you about your upcoming design project. Give me a call and we can set a time for you to visit out office. My direct line is 608.277.0585 ext 11 I look forward to hearing more about your home purchase and what you want to achieve. Jim **Q: How did you support the wood cedar posts?** *(in Photo Questions)* Are the posts supported on top of the pillar? A: An aluminum "X" column that is about 12" tall with base plate bolted to cap. This "X" column matches/creates the 1-1/2" space between the 6"x6" wood columns and that allows for the overlapping connections of the horizontal light brackets. **Q: Interesting structure, are other photos available?** *(in Photo Questions)* I think I might be Interested duplicating the WOOD part of this light. How can I see more pictures or info about this? Looks like 4X4 posts and 2X6 construction. (PS. Not very computer savy.) THANK YOU!!! A: Yes the verticals are 4x4 cedar space 1-1/2" to pinch the 2x6 diagonals. The horizontals are 2x8 cedar. hope that helps. Good luck on your project Jim **Q: Yes, what is the floor, please. Is it concrete with a quartz effect?** *(in Photo Questions)* What did you do to get the look of the floors? Thank you! Jennifer A: Jennifer, That is a thin epoxy terrazzo floor. The intent was to capture the feeling of walking along a sandy beach that reflects the moon light as twinkles of light dance off the grains of sand. To do this we sprinkled in pieces of glass and semi precious stones that are ground down as part of the finishing process. It was very successful in capturing our goal. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-26.*