Our new website is live! And behind that launch lies a new way of working that goes beyond a fresh look or improved navigation. It is a new technological approach that we are embracing at BK Geveldragers. The goal? Working smarter, faster and more efficiently. We asked Christophe, our Developer, how it all came together.
AI as a building partner from day one
Anyone who thinks AI only helps with writing texts or generating images is mistaken. AI was used from the very start in the development of our new website. "In the initial phase, we used AI to help us think through the planning, the technical architecture and the structure of the platform," says Christophe. Questions such as 'how do we build this in a scalable way?' and 'how do we make sure several websites can share the same foundation in the long run?' were answered with the help of AI.
That is fundamentally different from how websites used to be developed. Whereas the analysis phase was sometimes limited to a few meetings and a rough idea, preparation is now the key to success. The clearer the context you can give AI, the better the result. That is why, as a team, you have to make the right choices up front.
From design to code in a fraction of the time
Our UX designer, Philippe, worked out the visual designs in Figma. Then Christophe took over, with AI as his partner. "Based on the Figma designs, we were able to set up components in code faster with tools such as Claude and Codex," he explains. "AI helped not only with writing code, but also with structuring, checking and refining the final result."
The difference in time to delivery is impressive. It used to take anywhere from half a day to a full day to turn a single screen from design into working code. Everything had to be recreated manually: dimensions, spacing, colours, typography, how it looks on a smartphone versus a desktop. Today, a first version is ready in a fraction of that time. Careful checking and fine-tuning remain necessary and require a human touch, but the time saved is enormous.
Writing automated tests, previously a time-consuming and repetitive task, now also goes much more smoothly. AI helps generate test cases, come up with edge cases and check existing code for possible errors.
Not less work, but different work
A logical question: does AI replace the Developer? Christophe is clear. "AI does not take over responsibility. The choices, the checks and the final responsibility remain with the human Developer." But his role is shifting. "I write everything out line by line less often, so I spend more time giving direction, sharpening requirements, assessing solutions and reviewing code."
He describes AI as a kind of pair programming partner. "You work with AI the way you would consult a medior or senior developer: you ask questions, ask for alternatives, have something worked out and then adjust where necessary."
It is a different way of working that goes beyond using a tool. It changes the way you think about the profession.
A website built for the future
The new BK Geveldragers website is not just a refreshed appearance. Under the hood is a modern multi-site platform: one CMS, shared components, reusable design rules and multiple front ends. In practice, this means that in the future we can set up new websites or sections faster, without starting from scratch every time.
The technologies we use, such as Next.js, Payload CMS and a monorepo structure, were deliberately chosen with the long term in mind. "Maintainability is not a one-off choice," Christophe stresses. "You have to keep following technologies, carry out updates and regularly improve the codebase. But by choosing a scalable structure now, we are laying a solid foundation for the years to come."
Finding what you're looking for more easily
For visitors, the improved navigation is the most visible result. A clearer menu structure and smart filters help contractors, architects and property developers find what they are looking for faster. And that is only the beginning. "A possible next step is an AI search function or chatbot," says Christophe. "Where visitors can ask ordinary questions and find relevant information from the website or documentation more quickly."
Innovation as a common thread
Christophe's story fits into a broader vision at BK Geveldragers: not waiting until technology becomes the standard, but getting on board early and putting it to smart use. We already saw this with our AI calculation module that automatically reads building plans, and with AutoBIM.be for digital drawing processing. The new website is the logical next step on that path.
We believe the best results come about when people and technology reinforce each other, not when one replaces the other. Christophe proves that every day.
Curious what our new website can do for you as a contractor or architect? Discover our products, request a quote or get in touch with our team.