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Chat Overview

Skava organizes communication not through an endless chat list, but through three clear levels: project, subchat, and direct message. This way, even after months, you can still find where a decision was made.

The Three Levels

  • Project — the overarching framework, usually a construction site or a customer.
  • Subchat — a topic within the project, for example a construction phase, a trade, or billing.
  • Direct Message — brief, personal questions between two people.

The Chats Tab

In the Chats tab, you'll find a search field at the top ("Search chats...") and below it the filters All and Unread. Use the plus icon in the top right to create a new project or chat. As long as no project exists, Skava shows the empty state with a "Create Project" button.

Skava: empty Chats tab with search field, All and Unread filters, and Create Project button
Empty state: search field, filters, and the "Create Project" entry point.
Skava: expanded project New Residential Building Lindenstrasse 12 with subchats Accounting and General
An expanded project shows its subchats below.

Creating a Project

A project is quickly created and the first step for every new construction site:

  1. In the Chats tab, tap Create Project (or the plus icon in the top right).
  2. In the New Project dialog, enter a meaningful project name — ideally with the address so that searching later is easier.
  3. Optionally add a brief description.
  4. Tap Create. Skava automatically creates a main chat ("General") for the project.
Skava: New Project dialog with filled project name New Residential Building Lindenstrasse 12 and description
The "New Project" dialog with name and description.

After creation, the project appears in the chat list. Tap the project line to expand it and see the subchats it contains — including the automatically created main chat. Use the arrow on the left of the project line to collapse the project again.

This keeps the chat list organized even with many parallel construction sites: you first see the projects and open only the one you're working on right now.

Finding Unread Messages

Badges and highlights show where something has happened since your last visit. The Unread filter at the top of the list hides everything you've already seen — handy for catching up quickly in the morning. The search field finds project names as well as people.

Web App and Mobile App

  • Projects, subchats, and direct messages are visible simultaneously in the left sidebar.
  • Quick switching between multiple construction sites without losing context.
  • The search finds project names, people, and message content.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a new project in Skava?

Open the Chats tab and tap "Create Project" (or the plus icon in the top right). Enter a project name and optionally a description in the dialog, then tap "Create". Skava automatically creates a main chat called "General".

What is the difference between a project and a subchat?

A project is the overarching framework, for example a construction site. Subchats within it separate individual topics like trades, construction phases, or billing. This keeps communication organized by topic.

When should I use a direct message instead of a subchat?

Direct messages are suitable for brief, personal questions between two people. Anything that might later be important for others on the team should go in the appropriate subchat of the project.

How do I find unread messages?

Use the Unread filter at the top of the Chats tab. It hides all messages you've already read, so you only see where there is new content.