TRXL

Robert Otani, a veteran engineering leader at Thornton Tomasetti, and Alexandra Pollock, an expert in design technology and innovation, explore the future of engineering practices. They discuss the shift towards making technology a core component instead of an afterthought. Topics include implementing computation at scale, measuring the ROI of innovation, and the impact of AI on professional growth. Their insights on fostering an open learning culture through community events and the need for adaptive business models provide a fresh perspective on modern engineering challenges.

Dave Gilmore, President and CEO of Design Intelligence, discusses the urgent need for architectural firms to embrace self-disruption and transformation as a leadership challenge. He emphasizes the importance of a curious mindset in the face of AI and evolving industry demands. Gilmore critiques traditional success metrics, advocating for innovation and a proactive approach to R&D. The conversation highlights the role of psychological safety and collaboration in fostering sustainable practices, urging firms to rethink their strategies and culture for a future-ready architecture.

Peter Markos, an architect known for pioneering a prefabricated cabin business, shares his journey of transforming the architecture industry. He discusses innovative business models that prioritize productization over traditional client services. Topics include the importance of strategic partnerships, new approaches to financing through architect-led development, and the balance between design integrity and business efficiency. Markos emphasizes the need for architects to embrace entrepreneurship and adapt to modern market demands while maintaining core design values.

Katie Robinson, Chief Marketing Officer at LS3P, and Christopher Parsons, CEO at Knowledge Architecture, dive into the evolution of knowledge management in the AEC industry. They discuss how LS3P transformed their data initiatives into strategic advantages, highlighting the innovative “Expert Hours” program that captures expert insights for broader sharing. The duo also emphasizes the role of AI in democratizing access to knowledge and fostering collaboration across teams, ultimately enhancing employee development and operational efficiency.

Phil Putnam joins the podcast to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s workplace. We explore his “Give to Get” leadership framework, the staggering cost of employee turnover, and why loyalty no longer means what it used to. From generational shifts in motivation to the myth of paycheck-based performance, Phil shares practical strategies for building teams that thrive—starting with understanding what people actually want from their work. Whether you’re in firm leadership or just stepping into management, this conversation will change how you think about leadership, retention, and the future of work in AEC.To learn more about Phil Putnam, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/201To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co_____Episode Sponsors:AVAILAVAIL's content management system (CMS) simplifies access to your firm's content in one easy-to-use platform. Search and access files from anywhere, create standards-compliant models, streamline documentation, and onboard new hires faster. Try AVAIL for free and request a demo at https://getavail.comConfluence Events & PodcastJoin AEC industry technology leaders at Confluence, a series of in-person events and a podcast fostering conversations between firms and tech companies to support innovation. Learn more, explore upcoming events, and listen to podcast episodes at https://confluence.getavail.comTRXL Leadership EdgeTRXL's AEC Leadership Edge newsletter delivers insights on architectural practice and technology for busy professionals. Each edition features analysis of podcast conversations, key takeaways for AEC leaders, and concise episode summaries.Ready to gain your leadership edge? Join TRXL+ today and never miss an insight that could transform your practice.-----Sign up to become a TRXL member.Free members get email notifications when new episodes are released and when new posts are published on TRXL.coPaid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXLProvide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Nathan Miller joins the podcast to talk about why most digital transformations in AEC fail, and what to do about it. In this milestone 200th episode, we discuss the high cost of misalignment between strategy, culture, and operations, the dangers of tool chasing without purpose, and the critical role of authenticity in building sustainable, tech-enabled practices. Nate also shares his “smarts, health, and fitness” framework for assessing digital readiness, and we explore how firms can create lasting change by starting with who they really are. And of course we talk a lot about AI too. To learn more about Nathan Miller, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/200To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co_____Episode Sponsors:AVAILAVAIL's content management system (CMS) simplifies access to your firm's content in one easy-to-use platform. Search and access files from anywhere, create standards-compliant models, streamline documentation, and onboard new hires faster. Try AVAIL for free and request a demo at https://getavail.comConfluence Events & PodcastJoin AEC industry technology leaders at Confluence, a series of in-person events and a podcast fostering conversations between firms and tech companies to support innovation. Learn more, explore upcoming events, and listen to podcast episodes at https://confluence.getavail.comTRXL+ MembershipThis episode of TRXL is brought to you by TRXL+ members! Join our community of supporters to get exclusive benefits like ad-free episodes and our AEC Leadership Edge newsletter. Your support keeps these valuable conversations going. Click here to learn more and become a member today.-----Sign up to become a TRXL member.Free members get email notifications when new episodes are released and when new posts are published on TRXL.coPaid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXLProvide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Amy Bunszel joins the podcast to talk about the future of Autodesk’s architectural tools. From AI-driven productivity features to contextual design with Forma, Amy shares how Autodesk is reimagining workflows, connecting data across the cloud, and helping architects spend less time “doing the dishes” and more time designing.To learn more about Amy Bunszel, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/199To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co_____Episode Sponsors:AVAILAVAIL's content management system (CMS) simplifies access to your firm's content in one easy-to-use platform. Search and access files from anywhere, create standards-compliant models, streamline documentation, and onboard new hires faster. Try AVAIL for free and request a demo at https://getavail.comConfluence Events & PodcastJoin AEC industry technology leaders at Confluence, a series of in-person events and a podcast fostering conversations between firms and tech companies to support innovation. Learn more, explore upcoming events, and listen to podcast episodes at https://confluence.getavail.comTRXL Leadership EdgeTRXL's AEC Leadership Edge newsletter delivers insights on architectural practice and technology for busy professionals. Each edition features analysis of podcast conversations, key takeaways for AEC leaders, and concise episode summaries.Ready to gain your leadership edge? Join TRXL+ today and never miss an insight that could transform your practice.-----Sign up to become a TRXL member.Free members get email notifications when new episodes are released and when new posts are published on TRXL.coPaid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXLProvide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Corey Squire and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how knowledge platforms, culture shifts, and intentional frameworks can turn individual expertise into firm-wide intelligence. We explore the role of intranets, AI, onboarding, and the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence—all aimed at embedding sustainability into everyday practice.To learn more about Corey Squire and Christopher Parsons, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/198To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co_____Episode Sponsor:Knowledge ArchitectureKnowledge Architecture builds knowledge management software for AEC firms. Our flagship software product is Synthesis, the leading Intranet + AI Search solution for AEC firms. Synthesis integrates with common industry software like Deltek, Unanet, Newforma, and OpenAsset. Founded in 2009, Knowledge Architecture is privately-held, employee-owned, and passionate about co-creating and sharing best practices to advance the state of knowledge management in the AEC industry. Learn more at https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/.-----Sign up to become a TRXL member.Free members get email notifications when new episodes are released and when new posts are published on TRXL.coPaid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXLProvide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Phil Read and Harlan Brumm join the podcast to talk about the often-overlooked transition from technical expert to team leader, and how the AEC Acoustics Leadership Retreat was designed to support this journey. We explore the power of shared experience, vulnerability, and creating space for meaningful personal and professional growth in an industry that rarely provides resources for this critical career shift.To learn more about Phil Read and Harlan Brumm, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/197To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co_____Episode Sponsors:AVAILAVAIL's content management system (CMS) simplifies access to your firm's content in one easy-to-use platform. Search and access files from anywhere, create standards-compliant models, streamline documentation, and onboard new hires faster. Try AVAIL for free and request a demo at https://getavail.comConfluence Events & PodcastJoin AEC industry technology leaders at Confluence, a series of in-person events and a podcast fostering conversations between firms and tech companies to support innovation. Learn more, explore upcoming events, and listen to podcast episodes at https://confluence.getavail.com-----Sign up to become a TRXL member.Free members get email notifications when new episodes are released and when new posts are published on TRXL.coPaid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXLProvide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Joseph Lucido joins the podcast to talk about the evolving role of community colleges in architectural education, emphasizing the need for equitable pathways, integration of technology, and preparing students for diverse career opportunities in architecture while addressing industry challenges and cultural shifts.To learn more about Joseph Lucido, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/196To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co-----Episode Sponsors:AVAILAVAIL's content management system (CMS) simplifies access to your firm's content in one easy-to-use platform. Search and access files from anywhere, create standards-compliant models, streamline documentation, and onboard new hires faster. Try AVAIL for free and request a demo at https://getavail.comConfluence Events & PodcastJoin AEC industry technology leaders at Confluence, a series of in-person events and a podcast fostering conversations between firms and tech companies to support innovation. Learn more, explore upcoming events, and listen to podcast episodes at https://confluence.getavail.comTRXL+ MembershipThis episode of TRXL is brought to you by TRXL+ members! Join our community of supporters to get exclusive benefits like ad-free episodes and our AEC Leadership Edge newsletter. Your support keeps these valuable conversations going. Click here to learn more and become a member today.-----Sign up to become a TRXL member.Free members get email notifications when new episodes are released and when new posts are published on TRXL.coPaid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXLProvide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback