Smarter by Design
Business & Finance
About
The Smarter by Design podcast explores how leading architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms are reimagining knowledge management, learning, and AI to build smarter, more adaptive practices. Hosted by Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, the show dives into the real stories behind how firms are scaling expertise, transforming culture, and creating modern learning organizations. At the heart of the show is a simple belief: AEC firms should spend as much time designing their businesses as they do designing buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. The systems we design for capturing, sharing, and distributing knowledge shape everything else we create. Through thoughtful conversations with AEC leaders, knowledge managers, and innovators, we explore how design, leadership, and technology intersect to shape the future of practice. If you’re curious about how AEC firms are learning faster, working smarter, and designing better ways to grow—this is your show.
Episodes
- Designing Learning That Actually
Improves Performance | Clark Quinn of Quinnovation
Clark Quinn discusses designing learning that improves performance. He explains how to translate learning research into practical guidance for organizations.
- Modernizing Learning to Scale Quality at Lionakis | Laura Knauss and Kristina Williams
Laura Knauss and Kristina Williams of Lionakis discuss modernizing learning within their firm. They focus on scaling quality and consistency through a more intentional and scalable learning system, moving beyond traditional apprenticeship…
- Maximizing the Value of Learning & Development Investments | Chris and Susan of Knowledge Architecture
This episode of Smarter by Design features Chris and Susan of Knowledge Architecture, who discuss a framework for AEC firms to prioritize and maximize their learning and development investments. They explore how modern tools and strategies…
- What Will It Mean to Be An Expert in 2030? | Chris Myers of Johns Hopkins University
Christopher Myers of Johns Hopkins University discusses how AI is reshaping knowledge-intensive organizations and how professionals learn. The conversation explores the distinction between AI's ability to synthesize information and its str…
- What the Best Synthesis Teams Do Differently | Susan Strom of Knowledge Architecture
Susan Strom, Chief Client Officer at Knowledge Architecture, discusses the common patterns among successful Synthesis teams. She shares insights on how these teams build momentum, lead change, and integrate people into the process of intra…
- Why AEC Firms Are Leveling Up as Learning Organizations Now | Turner Fleischer and Greenprint Partners
This episode features Ellen Bensky, CEO of Turner Fleischer, and Nicole Chavas, President and COO of Greenprint Partners. They discuss how AEC firms can evolve into learning organizations by implementing effective knowledge delivery system…
- Redesigning Learning for the Next Generation of AEC Talent | Dan Hottinger and Kari Shonblom of BWBR
This episode of Smarter by Design features Dan Hottinger and Kari Shonblom of BWBR. They discuss how their firm is redesigning learning to address the evolving needs of the AEC industry and the expectations of the next generation of talent.
- Welcome to the Smarter by Design Podcast!
The Smarter by Design podcast explores how architecture, engineering, and construction firms are reimaging knowledge management, learning, and AI. Hosted by Christopher Parsons, the show discusses how firms are scaling expertise, transform…