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 value
• Translating workflows and prompts into reusable firm knowledge
• Lightweight governance for AI: policies, pilots, and playbooks
• Building a trust-but-verify framework for quality assurance
• Applying KM 3.0 to real practice: knowledge in the flow of work
• How Shepley Bulfinch’s Finch intranet supports experimentation and sharing
• The role of Synthesis AI Search in improving findability and reuse
• Scaling successful AI pilots across the firm

To learn more about James Martin and Jess Purcell, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/211

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

_____

Episode Sponsor: Knowledge Architecture

Knowledge 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.co
• Paid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXL

Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

Matt Goldsberry joins the podcast to talk about how data is reshaping architecture practice. From computational design roots to leading digital strategy, Matt shares how Power BI and analytics can uncover insights that drive better business and design outcomes. The conversation covers building dashboards that matter, translating BIM data into meaningful decisions, and helping architects evolve from tool users to data-informed leaders. It’s a grounded look at how to start small, build momentum, and create measurable impact through data in AEC.

To learn more about Matt Goldsberry, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/210

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

_____

Episode Sponsors:

TRXL+ Membership

This 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.

TRXL Leadership Edge

TRXL'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.co
• Paid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXL

Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback

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/209

To get more great conversations with AEC technology leaders on the TRXL podcast please visit https://trxl.co

_____

Episode Sponsors:

AVAIL

AVAIL'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.com

Confluence Events & Podcast

Join 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

TRXL+ Membership

This 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.co
• Paid supporters of TRXL+ get ad-free podcast episodes, full show notes, and exclusive Leadership Edge email newsletters from TRXL

Provide feedback for this episode at https://trxl.co/feedback