Our Founder + CEO, Christopher Parsons, recently sat down with Evelyn Lee on the Practice Disrupted podcast to talk about the future of knowledge management in AEC firms.
There’s so much happening in the industry right now — large talent shortages, shorter project schedules, and accelerating baby boomer retirements — to name a few, and of course, the emergence of AI as a disruptive and potentially transformative force.
Christopher has been working on knowledge management in our industry for over 20 years, including at two architecture practices, and has come to believe over the last year and a half that AI has the potential to unlock an incredible amount of value for knowledge-based practices by accelerating learning, reducing the time spent searching for and recreating information, streamlining workflows, and empowering your experts to more effectively share their knowledge through the strategic use of AI.
We’re grateful to Evelyn for the opportunity to talk through all of this (and more) and hope you enjoy the episode.
Episode Overview
What is Knowledge Management in AEC Firms? (03:00)
A firm's most valuable asset is its knowledge. Knowledge is “currency” and managing knowledge should be a strategic priority.
Knowledge Management 3.0 (08:00)
Breaking down KM into three eras — documenting explicit knowledge, sharing knowledge via internal social networking, and now, AI-enhanced KM. KM has evolved in response to technological shifts. KM practices have matured and this AI era marks a game-changing opportunity.
Overcoming Cultural Hurdles to Implement AI (11:00)
Lack of transparency and resistance to change can impede AI’s potential in KM. Achieving success with AI isn’t only about the technology, but also about cultivating a firm culture that values curiosity and continuous improvement.
KM for Talent Development and Knowledge Retention (23:00)
KM combined with AI could bridge generational knowledge gaps created by the impending “retirement cliff” in AEC. Firms can help equip younger generations by sharing the insights of seasoned professionals, effectively accelerating the development of talent in an industry where expertise takes years to cultivate.
Transferring Critical Soft Skills (29:00)
The importance of using storytelling to capture and transfer the soft skills and judgment of experienced professionals. Project-based storytelling can unlock the “invisible” expertise of seasoned practitioners — insights that go beyond technical knowledge to capture valuable decision-making and communication skills.
Future of Knowledge Management with AI (36:00)
AI can “unlock” the value of an organization’s knowledge by making it searchable and accessible in real-time. It can search through years of internal documents and videos, answer questions, and even direct users to relevant parts of resources.
Adapting to Rapid Change (44:00)
The pace of change in AEC is accelerating and continuous learning is the only sustainable competitive advantage. The need for firms to stay steady and adaptable as they constantly upgrade their knowledge is like surfing a wave, especially in an industry under pressure to evolve.