By adopting Verkada’s cloud-based access control system International House at UC Berkeley addressed all the major pain points of modern access control. Residents of the site, which is also known as I-House, experienced streamlined operations directly, while the numbers also reflected the trend.
By adopting Verkada’s cloud-based access control system International House at UC Berkeley addressed all the major pain points of modern access control. Residents of the site, which is also known as I-House, experienced streamlined operations directly, while the numbers also reflected the trend:
- 93% Reduction in Lockouts: The number of daily lockouts decreased from 15 to just 1, significantly improving student experience and staff efficiency.
- Streamlined Access with a Single Key: Verkada’s system replaced multiple keys with a single RFID key, making it easier for residents to access their rooms, restrooms, and common areas seamlessly.
- 40% Reduction in Staff Time: Automating the access control system with Verkada reduced the time spent managing keys and lockouts by 40%, allowing staff to focus on more critical tasks.
Background
I-House, founded in 1930 with a charitable gift from John D. Rockefeller, Jr., is a multicultural residential center that fosters cross-cultural respect and understanding. Designed by American architect George W. Kellam in a Spanish style with Moorish influences, the historic building serves as a living and learning environment for over 600 students and scholars from more than 80 countries. I-House’s mission is to help residents build relationships and cultivate leadership skills to create a more just and peaceful world.
Each year, I-House serves as a vibrant hub for cross-cultural engagement while also hosting hundreds of events for UC Berkeley and the broader community. Its historic architectural features, such as chandeliers, hardwood floors, hand-painted ceilings, and arched windows, create a unique and elegant event venue. Guided by core values of respect, empathy, and moral courage, I-House helps shape future global leaders, with its alumni including Nobel Prize winners, political leaders, diplomats, and scholars.
Despite its rich history, I-House faces the ongoing challenge of modernizing its operations to meet the needs of today’s students without compromising its architectural and cultural significance.
Challenges
As I-House approached its centennial, it needed to update its access control system to support the safety, convenience, and operational efficiency of its global student community. The previous system relied on outdated plastic cards that were not synced in real-time with I-House’s internal systems, leading to issues such as frequent lockouts and manual card reprogramming. Moreover, students had to manage multiple keys for different areas of the building, including their rooms, restrooms, and building access, which added unnecessary complexity to their daily routines.
Luis Escamilla, Vice President of Administrative Services at I-House, explained, "We had to take a beautiful, historic building and make it functional for the modern world. Students needed to be able to check into their rooms without having to wait for staff, especially those arriving from international flights late at night."
The Solution
To address these challenges, I-House selected Verkada’s cloud-based access control system to streamline its operations while preserving the building's historical integrity. The new system replaced multiple keys with a single RFID key, giving residents seamless access to all areas—from the front entrance to their dorm rooms and communal restrooms. This modern solution also integrated with I-House’s existing CRM, allowing real-time updates to students' access permissions.
"Verkada's solution has revolutionized our operations," said Escamilla. "Now, students can check into their rooms at any time without waiting for staff, and they only need one key for everything. Plus, the system syncs in real-time with our CRM, so if someone extends their stay, it automatically updates their access without any manual intervention."
Key Benefits
93% Reduction in Lockouts: Before implementing Verkada’s solution, I House experienced up to 15 daily lockouts due to outdated access systems. Students carried multiple keys for their rooms, restrooms, and building access, leading to frequent issues. Verkada's streamlined system replaced this complexity with a single RFID key, significantly reducing the number of lockouts to just one per day.
“Now, students only need one key for everything, and the system ensures their access is always up to date,” said Escamilla. “It has improved the student experience and reduced the burden on staff.”
40% Reduction in Staff Time: By automating access control, I House has seen a 40% reduction in the time staff spend managing keys and troubleshooting lockouts. Staff no longer need to manually reprogram keys or manage multiple keys for various areas. This operational efficiency allows the administrative team to focus on other important tasks, making daily operations smoother and more efficient.
“The system takes care of the day-to-day access management, allowing our staff to focus on more critical aspects of running the facility,” explained Escamilla.
Streamlined Self-Check-In for International Students: With Verkada Guest, I House implemented a fully automated self-check-in process, ideal for international students who may arrive after hours. Pre-registered through the system, students can now access their rooms immediately upon arrival via their smartphones, bypassing the need for overnight staff assistance.
"The Verkada Pass app allows students to check in at any time, eliminating wait times and providing them with a seamless, stress-free arrival experience. They can go directly to their rooms without any delays, which is especially important after long international flights," Escamilla noted.
Balancing Modernization and Heritage
Verkada's hardware and technology were seamlessly integrated into I-House’s existing architecture, including its antique mailboxes and historic doors, preserving the aesthetic value of the nearly 100-year-old facility while modernizing its functionality.
“The mailroom now functions more efficiently without compromising its historic charm. We can manage incoming mail through the Verkada system, but we’ve maintained the use of the original combination mailboxes,” Escamilla shared. “Similarly, Verkada’s hardware was designed to blend with the building’s aesthetics, maintaining its architectural integrity.”
API-Driven Access Customization
Verkada’s platform integrates with I House’s internal systems through APIs, allowing for automatic configuration of access rights. This includes gender-specific restrooms, where permissions are automatically updated based on student records, reducing manual tasks for administrators.
“We no longer have to manually configure access for hundreds of students. The system handles it automatically, ensuring that everyone has the appropriate access to the right areas,” said Escamilla.
Results
Since the implementation of Verkada’s access control and guest solutions, I-House has experienced substantial improvements in both security and operational efficiency. The simplified system has enhanced the student experience while reducing the administrative burden on staff, allowing the institution to focus on its core mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding.
"We now have a system that supports the needs of our international community while respecting the heritage of our building," said Escamilla. "Verkada has truly helped us bridge the gap between tradition and innovation."
Looking Forward
As I-House continues to move toward its centennial, there are plans to further expand Verkada’s solutions, including integrating the system with dining facilities and exploring enhanced campus-wide security measures. This partnership exemplifies how even the most historic institutions can benefit from cutting-edge technology without sacrificing their unique character.
Shaun Carver, Executive Director of I-House, added, "I-House’s mission to foster intercultural respect, understanding, and leadership remains more relevant than ever. As we continue to modernize, we are proud to preserve the vision of John D. Rockefeller Jr., ensuring I-House remains a catalyst for positive change and global understanding."