Jonathan Nelson, Nirva Fereshetian, Heath May, and Shane Burger join the podcast to talk about one of the biggest questions facing our industry: How do design technologists grow into firmwide leaders?

What was originally planned as a one-way presentation quickly became a true two-way conversation. Instead of a traditional panel format, we created a space where the audience guided the discussion with thoughtful and challenging questions. The energy in the room elevated the entire session and resulted in one of the most engaging and candid moments of the conference.

Joining me on stage are four leaders who all began in design technology roles and now hold significant positions inside their firms:

• Jonathan Nelson, Global Head of Digital, Populous
• Heath May, Partner and CEO Elect, HKS
• Nirva Fereshetian, Principal and CIO, CBT Architects
• Shane Burger, Chief Design Technology Officer, SOM

Together, we explore real pathways into leadership, pivotal career decisions, and how to build credibility inside complex organizations. We discuss what technology adoption conversations look like, how to develop the next generation of talent, how to approach the build versus buy dilemma, and what it takes to secure buy-in for major technology investments. We also talk openly about the cultural friction that continues to challenge firmwide transformation.

By capturing and sharing this session on TRXL, we help extend the value and reach of AECtech far beyond the room. These ideas and insights can now be part of a global conversation among AEC professionals and leaders.

If you want to understand how design technologists make the jump into senior leadership, what skills matter most, and how the future of practice is being shaped right now, this episode delivers clarity, candor, and inspiration from leaders who have lived it.

To learn more about Jonathan Nelson, Nirva Fereshetian, Heath May, and Shane Burger, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/213

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.

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Ashley Hastings joins the podcast to talk about what it really means to make curiosity a key performance indicator (KPI).

📐 A note from Evan: The phrase “curiosity as a KPI” contains its own contradiction, and hopefully the irony landed with you, dear listener. Obviously, KPIs are about measurement, control, and predictability—the very things that can kill curiosity when applied too rigidly. True curiosity thrives in open-ended exploration, not quarterly targets. The challenge isn't to meter curiosity like a production metric, but to design systems that protect space for it, reward it when it leads somewhere useful, and to not punish the curious if/when it doesn't. The goal is to make curiosity visible and valued. Not to turn wonder into a dashboard.

We discuss how curiosity can and should be operationalized as a measurable part of firm culture—not so much as something tracked, but rewarded and tied to real outcomes instead of being left to chance. Ashley shares her perspective on aligning incentives for innovation, treating training like a product, and creating feedback loops that actually capture and scale knowledge across teams.

We also talk about the post-GPT reality of context over keywords, and how design technology leadership is increasingly about change management and culture design.

If you’re a digital practice leader, BIM manager, or anyone trying to build a more innovative, adaptive practice, this conversation offers a clear path toward turning curiosity into a strategic advantage.

To learn more about Ashley Hastings, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/212

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

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Episode Sponsors:

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.

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.

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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

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

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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/.

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• 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

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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

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/208

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

_____

Episode Sponsors:

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

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/207

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

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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 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

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/206

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

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Episode Sponsors:

OpenAsset

OpenAsset 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

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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

Robert Otani and Alexandra Pollock join the podcast to talk about how they’re rethinking Thornton Tomasetti’s engineering practice by making technology the foundation rather than an add-on. They share practical lessons on bringing computation into practice at scale, adopting product thinking inside a services business, measuring the ROI of innovation, and eliminating redundancy so teams can focus on the work that actually moves projects forward.

Rob traces CORE Studio’s origins and early bets on parametric tools like Grasshopper, then walks through some other tools they’ve developed that sparked healthy debates about accuracy, transparency, and trust and informed how newer AI tools are designed. Alex highlights how open, community-driven learning at their AECtech conferences and hackathons accelerates capability building and open-source collaboration. The trio also dig into how AI can compress the path to professional proficiency and why leaders must proactively redesign their business model to stay ahead as “conventional consulting” shrinks.

To learn more about Robert Otani and Alexandra Pollock, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/205

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

Dave Gilmore joins the podcast to talk about the urgent need for firms to proactively disrupt themselves before they’re disrupted by external forces, and why transformation is first and foremost a leadership challenge, not a technology one. Dave shares insights on the limits of the production mindset, the dangers of outsourcing strategic thinking, and the critical role that psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurial curiosity play in shaping sustainable, future-ready practices. This is a no-holds-barred candid conversation that calls firm leaders to think differently, act decisively, and embrace a culture of continuous change.

To learn more about Dave Gilmore, see the full show notes with links at https://trxl.co/204

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

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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 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