In this episode of Welcome to KM 3.0, we talk with Jim Martin and Jess Purcell from Shepley Bulfinch about how one of the country’s most forward-thinking AEC firms is using AI, video, and thoughtful processes to reshape how knowledge is captured, shared, and sustained.
Jim and Jess walk us through a range of real-world practices—from compressing 200-hour technical documentation projects into five-hour video-first workflows, to using AI search as a tool not just for discovery but for surfacing outdated or irrelevant content. They also share how their team is managing the shift from informal knowledge sharing to intentional knowledge transfer—especially in the context of rolling out a new learning management system.
This episode is full of practical insights: how short, modular videos make knowledge more durable; why it’s essential to choose learning technology that fits your culture; and how caring more, leading behind the scenes, and crafting thoughtful processes can produce extraordinary knowledge sharing outcomes.
We also explore what it means to cultivate discernment in an age of AI, and how Shepley’s hybrid work model has made them double down on intranet-based connection, informal mentoring, and social learning.
If you care about making knowledge more accessible, adaptable, and human—this one’s for you.
I hope you enjoy it.
Best,
Chris
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Episode Highlights
Here are a some standout moments from the conversation:
15:10 - How Shepley Bulfinch Accelerated Expert Knowledge Transfer with Video and AI
23:18 - How Short, Modular Videos Make Knowledge Assets More Sustainable
28:51 - How Shepley Bulfinch Is Managing Outdated Knowledge in the Age of AI Search
52:48 - Why It’s Critical to Adopt Learning Technology That Fits the Culture of Your AEC Firm
1:05:59 - How Caring More, Leading Behind the Scenes, and a Thoughtful Process Create Meaningful Knowledge Sharing
About the Welcome to KM 3.0 Series
Knowledge Management has always evolved alongside technology. Today, powered by AI, a new golden era of KM is emerging — KM 3.0.
In this limited series produced by Christopher Parsons, CEO and Founder of Knowledge Architecture and Evan Troxel, host of the TRXL Podcast, we’ll profile a range of firms—each with a distinct approach to knowledge management. From program structure to measurable impact, we’ll explore how AEC firms are using knowledge management to get smarter in an AI-driven world.
You’ll hear from a CEO, a marketing director, a technology leader, a sustainability expert, and a dedicated knowledge manager. Each will bring a different lens—showing us how knowledge leadership can emerge from different corners of an organization and take shape in distinct ways.
In every episode, we’ll aim to get to the heart of how AEC knowledge management functions in practice—what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next.
About the TRXL Podcast
The TRXL podcast is a leading voice at the intersection of architecture and emerging technology, hosted by Evan Troxel. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with architects, technologists, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of the built environment. With a focus on innovation, practice, and the people behind the work, TRXL offers listeners an inside look at how architecture is evolving—one insight at a time.
In addition to the free weekly show, TRXL+ offers an extended experience with bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes commentary for subscribers who want to go deeper, ad-free episodes, and the Leadership Edge newsletter. You can explore the full archive and learn more about TRXL+ at https://trxl.co.