Enhancing Multi-Site Management & API Integration for PERQ

"From the very start it was obvious that Hounder was the perfect partner for us to help us deliver this multi-site solution on Acquia Drupal. They were so pleasant to work with and were extremely knowledgeable with Site Factory. They took a complex project and together, we accomplished a very special product in under a year!"

- Josh Medley, VP of Product, PERQ

PERQ offers web automation tools that help apartment property management companies connect with renters through intuitive, personalized digital experiences. As their network grew, PERQ needed a way to manage hundreds of individual property websites efficiently, while maintaining consistency, syncing real-time data, and enabling interactive features like chatbot functionality, application submissions, and apartment search tools.

The complexity? Over 200 individual sites, each with different branding needs, different types of apartments, and all powered by a central data source.

With our team’s experience developing many different types of multi-sites and being an Acquia Certified Partner, we had what it took to not only make this a reality for PERQ, but also make it so that multi-site management is a breeze for their back-end users.

The Opportunity: Merging Design, Data, and Development at Scale

Rather than reinventing the apartment-hunting experience, our goal was to enhance it—preserving the familiar while upgrading the functionality. Visitors expect seamless filtering, quick access to applications, and detailed floor plans. At the same time, property managers need efficient backend tools that simplify updates and drive qualified leads.

Our collaboration with PERQ and Harbor Group Management centered on unifying these needs through a flexible yet centralized multi-site solution built on Acquia Site Factory and powered by custom API integrations.

The Challenges

Managing over 200 property websites introduces some complexities—from data synchronization to UI consistency. Two primary hurdles shaped our strategy:

Design vs. Flexibility

Each site needed to maintain a unique identity while maintaining a cohesive component structure. We struck this balance by building modular components that adapt to individual branding without compromising usability or accessibility.

Real-Time Data Syncing

Listing information changes quickly in real estate. We implemented API configurations to sync data hourly, ensuring every visitor sees accurate, real-time information on floor plans, availability, pricing, and more.

Since this environment would be managing 100+ properties, this single hub needed to have a scalable and efficient structure. By utilizing Acquia Site Factory, we were going to create global configurations while keeping it flexible for each individual site.

The Project Goals

A project this large came with a few different goals in both the development and design areas. This included:

• Integrate APIs for different functionality and features like chatbots and Mapbox elements.

• Design consistent themes and components to be used across hundreds of PERQ-powered websites.

• Provide accurate, real-time data for users applying for apartments.

• Craft a clean multi-site infrastructure that can easily handle 100+ websites.

Tailoring Multi-Sites for Different Apartment Types

Many of us have been apartment hunting, and it’s common to come across high-end, luxury apartment complexes and other mid-level, economical options to choose from. To help communicate this to the visitor, we’ve designed three different page templates depending on the apartment type.

Our approach not only caters to the user, but it also helps boost lead generation, since the visitor can easily access the apartment application button and share/like unit listings.

The design portion of this project resulted in 12 templates and 20 unique components that each property management company can customize to fit their apartment complex aesthetic and branding.

We also designed with versatility in mind, recognizing that apartment hunters come from all walks of life—some are locals looking for a better space, while others are brand-new to the area. One of the page templates we created focuses specifically on showcasing local lifestyle details, such as nearby restaurants, attractions, and neighborhood highlights. This content helps prospective residents, especially those relocating, envision what daily life might look like in the community. We successfully appealed to both longtime residents and newcomers alike, making each property site feel both informative and welcoming.

Property-Specific Filtering Made Easy

For visitors who already have a certain apartment type in mind, we’ve made filtering a breeze by giving options to toggle the price range and unit size they’re looking for. This makes floor plans easily accessible and gives the user what they need in seconds.

Project Results

The collaboration between Hounder, PERQ, and Harbor Group Management resulted in a seamless, scalable digital ecosystem that supports both internal operations and the external experience of apartment seekers. With the successful deployment of a centralized multi-site architecture, real-time data integrations, and user-centered design, the platform now empowers everyone involved, from property managers to prospective tenants.

For Property Managers: A Unified, Streamlined Backend

Managing over 100 individual property sites used to be a complex and time-consuming process. Our solution transformed that reality:

• Centralized control with Acquia Site Factory: Property managers can now oversee and manage all websites from a single hub, reducing the time and effort needed for maintenance and updates.

• Streamlined content editing workflows: Thanks to intuitive backend tools and training, content updates—like pricing changes, amenity additions, or floor plan uploads—can now be made quickly without relying on technical teams.

• Flexible yet consistent design system: Customizable components allow each property site to reflect its brand and target audience while adhering to consistent performance and accessibility standards.

This strategic shift means less time troubleshooting, more time marketing properties, and ultimately, a smoother internal workflow across the board.

For Apartment Seekers: A Frictionless Leasing Journey

We focused on making the apartment-hunting experience as easy and intuitive as possible, regardless of where or what kind of apartment someone is searching for. This included:

• Up-to-date, real-time listings: With hourly API synchronization, users see accurate availability and pricing information without delay.

• Easy exploration and decision-making: Interactive maps (powered by Mapbox), dynamic floor plan views, and simple filters (by size, price, and amenities) help users find exactly what they need, fast.

• Built for conversion: From browsing to booking, everything is optimized to keep users engaged and moving forward.

Overall, our collaboration with PERQ and Harbor Group Management allowed us to create a user experience that builds trust, reduces friction, and supports the entire leasing funnel.