In a world where knowledge is power, having the right system to manage that knowledge might just be the smartest investment a growing firm can make.

In this episode, Aya Schlachter sits down with Christopher Parsons, founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, the team behind Synthesis and the KA Connect conference. With over 15 years of experience shaping knowledge management in AEC firms, Chris shares his journey from history major to tech consultant during the dot-com boom, and eventually to leading Knowledge Architecture since 2009.

They discuss how knowledge management has evolved from capturing information to strategically sharing it across firms, and now, how AI is embedding knowledge directly into workflows. Chris also highlights Synthesis's new AI search platform, already being used by over 80 firms, and shares real-world case studies demonstrating how knowledge infrastructure can transform firms.

This episode explores the power of designing knowledge as an intentional part of business growth, creating sustainable learning systems, and preparing for the rapid changes AI is bringing to the AEC industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge management in AEC firms has evolved from simply capturing information to embedding it directly into workflows.

• AI can transform knowledge management by making information instantly searchable and accessible across firms.

• Effective knowledge management treats knowledge as infrastructure, not just files or data.

• Career pivots are possible through curiosity, early tech exposure, and seizing opportunities during industry shifts.

• Building community is a powerful marketing tool, sharing knowledge and best practices accelerates adoption and growth.

• Proactive and intentional knowledge management differentiates high-performing firms from reactive ones.

• Learning management systems (LMS) deliver the right knowledge at the right time, supporting onboarding, role changes, and project-specific learning.

• Firms should focus on the knowledge that matters most rather than trying to capture everything.

• Successful adoption requires champions from both business and practice sides, but maintenance is low once the system is live.

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Episode Snippet

01:10 – Introducing our guest, Christopher Parsons

05:31 – Founding knowledge architecture to share best practices

08:01 – Growing the business from consulting to product development

10:07 – Creating Synthesis to scale knowledge management

12:26 – Launching KA Connect conference

14:32 – KA Connect focus on AEC professionals

16:45 – The "Smarter by Design" Newsletter

19:11 – How AI is shifting the industry

22:00 – Case Study: Bora Architecture

24:18 – Sponsor Spotlight: Struggling to meet deadlines with limited staff? MGS Global Group is here for you. We provide qualified architectural professionals on demand so you can scale your projects without compromising quality. Visit https://mgsglobalgroup.com today.

25:24 – AI adoption and firm readiness for onboarding

27:14 – Architecture as internal internet and search engine

30:28 – Prioritizing knowledge management and learning from peers

33:00 – Onboarding and Costs

37:03 – ROI: engagement, retention, efficiency, innovation

39:40 – Scaling operations and client success team

41:39 – Key people keep knowledge management simple and effective

42:59 – Build your business "as if to sell" to improve value

45:41 – Future plans: learning management and AI knowledge agents

48:44 – Emerging professionals: join open industry communities

About the Guest:

Christopher Parsons is the Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, where he leads product design, marketing strategy, and organizational development. With over two decades of experience in the AEC industry, he has a deep understanding of knowledge management and technology. Christopher is also the executive producer of KA Connect, an annual conference focused on knowledge management in architecture, engineering, and construction. 

Connect with Christopher Parsons: 

Web: https://www.knowledge-architecture.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjparsons/

About the Host: 

Aya Shlachter is the CEO and Founder of MGS Global Group and the creator of the Architect My Life Community and Podcast. With degrees from Columbia University and NJIT, plus advanced studies at Harvard, she helps architects and designers grow their businesses while living more fulfilling lives. Outside of work, Aya is a wife, mom of two, world traveler, and recreational triathlete.

Connect with Aya Shlachter:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aya.shlachter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/

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🎙️ This episode is brought to you by MGS Global Group

Running a growing architecture firm? You're probably not short on projects. You're short on people. That's where MGS Global Group comes in.

We provide qualified architects on demand so you can deliver more without overloading your team or sacrificing quality. Whether you need help with Construction Documents, Design Development, BIM support, or just don't have time to train someone new, our team integrates seamlessly with yours — no long hiring process, no hand-holding.

We work across time zones, so your projects keep moving even after you log off.

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