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In this special partner episode, Evan Troxel is joined by James Martin and Jess Purcell of Shepley Bulfinch, along with Christopher Parsons of Knowledge Architecture, to explore how AI experimentation in architecture is revealing tangible value inside real firms.The conversation dives deep into how disciplined experimentation—running small, intentional AI pilots with measurable goals—helps firms uncover where AI adds value and where it doesn’t. From documenting workflows and prompt libraries to developing lightweight governance and “trust-but-verify” approaches, the guests share how architecture practices can build safe environments for innovation without sacrificing rigor or control.James and Jess share what’s happening inside Finch, Shepley Bulfinch’s internal knowledge platform, and how a culture of thoughtful documentation and shared learning has accelerated their adoption of new technologies. Chris ties these insights to KM 3.0, emphasizing knowledge in the flow of work and demonstrating how Synthesis AI Search helps architects find and reuse firm knowledge more effectively.Together, they highlight what’s working, what’s still experimental, and how the next generation of digital practice leaders can use process, governance, and culture to make AI truly useful in AEC.Key Topics:How to design and run small AI experiments that deliver measurable valueTranslating workflows and prompts into reusable firm knowledgeLightweight governance for AI: policies, pilots, and playbooksBuilding a trust-but-verify framework for quality assuranceApplying KM 3.0 to real practice: knowledge in the flow of workHow Shepley Bulfinch’s Finch intranet supports experimentation and sharingThe role of Synthesis AI Search in improving findability and reuseScaling successful AI pilots across the firmTo learn more about James Martin and Jess Purcell, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/211To 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

Matt Goldsberry, a design technologist and Director of D3 at HDR, shares insights on how data is transforming architecture. He discusses the evolution of computational design and the essential role of dashboards in driving decisions. The conversation dives into building interactive models and the benefits of simplifying workflows for rapid decision-making. Matt emphasizes how AI can enhance research and knowledge retrieval, and he highlights the shift towards web-based collaborative tools and the future of design automation in the AEC industry.

Cesar Escalante joins the podcast to talk about his journey from practicing architect and early CAD adopter to firm technologist and now national AIA leader shaped the way he’s guiding the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community today. The conversation centers on how TAP is creating new connections across the AIA, especially with the Committee on the Environment (COTE), to align technology, sustainability, and more. Evan and Cesar discuss the outcomes from TAP’s recent sold-out symposium, what these collaborations mean for the profession, and where the group is headed next year as they focus on turning those ideas into practical tools and frameworks that firms (especially small and medium-sized) can actually use.To learn more about Cesar Escalante, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/209To 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

Kate Grimes and Christopher Parsons join the podcast to talk about how firms can align AI with their values, evolve knowledge platforms responsibly, and balance technology with culture. We cover the realities of building value-based tech stacks, structuring data for reliability, measuring ROI, and protecting collaboration as AI adoption accelerates.To learn more about Kate Grimes and Christopher Parsons, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/208To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co_____Episode Sponsors: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

Craig Barbieri joins the podcast to talk about his experience of hard-won lessons from the trenches. We get practical about what actually moves the needle in firms: training culture vs. one-off sessions, reality capture as “cheap insurance,” ACC-era coordination, and taming tool sprawl with strategy. We also dig into framing ROI so leaders and teams align, where AI is quietly helping today (think specs and submittals), and how to bring VDC thinking upstream.To learn more about Craig Barbieri, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/207To 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

Rachelle Ray joins the podcast to talk about how AEC marketing and BD teams are really using AI today: what’s working, what’s not, and where things are headed. While proposals are a recurring thread, the broader focus is on how AI can clear space for strategy and creativity by reducing manual, repetitive work.Rachelle brings insights from OpenAsset’s customer feedback from both survey data and real conversations to highlight common challenges, misconceptions, and the growing demand for AI tools that actually understand AEC workflows.To learn more about Rachelle Ray, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/206To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co_____Episode Sponsors:OpenAssetOpenAsset helps architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms streamline project workflows and centralize digital files in one easy-to-search platform. Now, with Shred.ai, OpenAsset’s AI-powered proposal writing tool, AEC marketers can surface past proposal content in seconds, draft and edit with ease, and pull in project photos and files to make every proposal compliant and polished. Together, OpenAsset and Shred.ai are clearing the way for creativity and removing the busywork, so your team can focus on strategy and storytelling. Learn more at openasset.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

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.