Specialist, unconventional and strong in content: BRiQ opts for flexibility with KATE
BRiQ is a content-driven real estate consultancy with a strong focus on quality over quantity. With its team of experienced appraisers and advisors, they work daily on complex valuation issues. We spoke with Martijn van Rutten, Roy Erkens, and Damian Nieuwdorp about their vision for the valuation profession, their need for autonomy in valuations, and their collaboration with KATE Innovations.
BRiQ
About BRiQ
BRiQ was founded in 2006 and was part of a large international firm from 2012 to 2017. BRiQ has been operating independently since 2018, with approximately thirty professionals working in valuations, agency, capital markets, occupier performance, and asset and property management.
The valuation team currently comprises ten specialists, four of whom are RT valuers. With offices in Rotterdam and The Hague, the focus is primarily on large commercial real estate from five million euros, with a strong concentration in this metropolitan region.
BRiQ is known for its in-depth expertise and its ability to value complex and unusual assets such as large-scale industrial complexes, office buildings, leaseholds, port area assets, residual land values, and buy-to-let portfolios. BRiQ also carries out advisory assignments for financiers, government bodies, and institutional parties.
The culture is best described as typical of Rotterdam: actions speak louder than words. Everyone takes responsibility, from complex portfolio valuations to garage valuations. Quality always takes precedence over flat growth.
The need for autonomy and customization
Six years ago, BRiQ faced a choice: continue working with its own Word and Excel systems, or switch to specialized valuation software.
Martijn explains: “We had developed our own formats and calculation models entirely in-house. That autonomy is essential for us. The structure and working methods you have in mind as a valuer should be reflected in both the report and the calculations.”
They also encountered limitations in previous software environments. Complex leasehold structures with multiple expiration dates and indexation dates were difficult to model transparently. The calculations sometimes felt like a black box: the outcome was there, but the underlying logic wasn’t always clear or flexible enough to adapt.
BRiQ wanted complete control over input, calculations, and output, while retaining its own calculation models in Excel.
Why KATE?
The decisive factor was customization and flexibility.
KATE offered the option to link custom calculation models and adapt the reporting structure to their working methods. This freedom is especially crucial for specialized valuations, such as leasehold applications or complex port properties.
Roy, who previously worked extensively with other software, explains: “For standard business units, you can work quickly and efficiently in some systems. But as soon as things get more complex, the valuer demands flexibility. In KATE, we can continue to use our own calculation model and fully integrate it into the process. That’s crucial for us.”
With the introduction of V2, they also see clear improvements in performance and adaptability.
Implementation: intensive but valuable
The implementation took time and dedication. BRiQ temporarily ran multiple systems simultaneously: the old system, its own formats, and KATE. Along the way, they made strategic choices about what needed to be retained and what could be let go.
The collaboration with the KATE team played a key role in this. Weekly support contact, content-sharing, and practical support with integrations made all the difference.
“The power lies in developing together,” says Martijn. “Everything you focus on grows; you have to dedicate time, energy, and a little love to it together. The personal guidance and expertise of the people at KATE instill confidence.”
Use in practice
The team gradually transitioned. Some of the appraisers had previously worked with KATE, which accelerated adoption.
The system is now widely used, including for bank valuations requiring XBRL integrations, such as those for ABN AMRO and Handelsbanken.
They experience the biggest difference in:
- The continued autonomy and flexibility to continue working with their own calculation models through integration
- The freedom and flexibility in reporting structure
- The ability to customize workflows and formats
- The improvements in V2 compared to previous versions
The system supports the structure of the valuation process, reducing the likelihood of missing elements. Fields are logically routed: a “yes” prompts additional input, a “no” does not. This increases consistency. As a appraiser, you are guided through the process.
Results and impact
The transition to KATE has primarily resulted in:
- Greater control over complex calculation models
- Better and more efficient alignment with the requirements of financiers and banks
- Structurally ensuring the desired quality within the team
- A future-proof platform for further growth
For specific clients who work entirely in KATE, the collaboration seamlessly integrates with their processes.
Looking ahead
BRiQ is working towards a full implementation of V2 in the second half of 2026. They also want to further expand and optimize their reporting formats.
While there are still areas for improvement, such as more transparent error messages during XBRL transitions, they view the collaboration as a joint development path.
“We want to move forward, and BRiQ is ready for the challenges of the current market. We are happy to collaborate with partners who continue to develop and are a good fit for us.”
Curious how KATE supports complex valuations?
Do you use your own calculation models or are you facing limitations in your current software?
Schedule a consultation and discover how KATE can enhance your working methods.
