Latest

Design First. Analyze Second.

📰 Explore the synergy between architecture and engineering, highlighting the importance of collaboration in design. Discover how lightweight structures can redefine spaces, and learn the value of intuition in the creative process as experts share insights on transforming the industry.

221: ‘Architecture’s Busyness Trap’, with Joachim Viktil

A conversation with Joachim Viktil about architecture's busyness trap, exploring the disconnect between constant activity and meaningful progress, the impact of outdated business models on productivity, and strategies for creating healthier, more effective architectural practices.

How to stay in the driver’s seat as tech accelerates

📰 Discover how architects can maintain control amidst advancing technology. This edition discusses agency over automation, the importance of technology as a design material, and the need for architects to own tech decisions to avoid outsourcing judgment.

220: ‘Lightweight Architectural Structures’, with Joshua Schultz

A conversation with Joshua Schultz about lightweight architectural structures, exploring structural efficiency, innovative design practices, and the barriers preventing their mainstream adoption in architecture.

219: ‘Keeping Architects in the Driver's Seat’, with George Guida

A conversation with George Guida about integrating AI into architectural practice, exploring architect-led workflows, the evolving role of design interfaces, and how to maintain creative agency while leveraging technology for enhanced collaboration and efficiency.

From Projects to Products: The Uncomfortable Leap

📰 How can architects can shift from designing individual buildings to creating systems that produce better outcomes repeatedly? This post discusses the trade-offs of system design, the impact of growth pressure, and the value of architectural thinking in tech.

218: ‘Where’s My Friggin Hockey Stick’, with Zach Kron

A conversation with Zach Kron about designing systems instead of buildings, the transition from architecture to technology, the trade-offs of shipping imperfect tools, and the evolving role of architects in a tech-driven landscape.

The Real Origins of Computational Design in Architecture

📰 Neil Katz FAIA traces computational design in architecture from geometry and early programming to BIM and AI, revealing how mindset shifts matter more than tools. This newsletter edition is a rare breakdown of his first-hand account of how design automation actually evolved inside practice.

Why the future of AEC belongs to architects who evolve, not those who wait

📰 Exploring real adaptation in architectural practice with Randy Deutsch: why resilience, continuous learning, and human agency matter more than tools in an AI-accelerated profession, and what it takes for architects and firms to evolve before they're forced to change.

217: Campfire Series - ‘The Computational Design Story’, with Neil Katz

A conversation with Neil Katz about the origins of computational design in architecture, the evolution of BIM, and the significance of behavior-driven design in reshaping architectural practice through early CAD and automation.

Culture is a System. Here’s How One Firm Designed It.

📰 What if innovation wasn’t a side project, but core infrastructure? This Leadership Edge edition unpacks how OPN Architects built culture, alignment, and digital practice by design and why adoption matters more than the next shiny tool.

216: ‘The Future of AEC Belongs to Those Who Evolve’, with Randy Deutsch

A conversation with Randy Deutsch about the future of the AEC industry, the importance of adaptability in architecture, and how AI can enhance human agency while reshaping professional practices for the next generation of architects.

If AEC knowledge lives in people’s heads, you don’t have a system

📰 What if AI isn’t the problem, but the mirror? This edition explores how fragile knowledge systems really are, why hero experts create risk, and how AI can accelerate learning without replacing human judgment.

215: ‘Proactive By Design’, with Wes Reynolds and Hugh Soward

A conversation with Wes Reynolds and Hugh Soward about how OPN Architects is intentionally shaping its future through digital practice, innovation culture, and the importance of an annual firm retreat for aligning design and technology across their mid-sized firm.

The Most Honest Conversation About AEC Leadership I’ve Ever Hosted

📰 Tech leaders are no longer just fixing workflows. They are shaping firm strategy. This edition digs into a recent panel discussion from AECtech 2025 and reveals why the next generation of AEC leadership is emerging from digital practice and what it means for the future of design.

214: ‘Partnering with AI to Solve Knowledge Problems’, with Todd Henderson and Christopher Parsons

A conversation with Todd Henderson and Christopher Parsons about partnering with AI to solve knowledge problems, building a learning culture in architecture firms, and the practical applications of KM 3.0 in enhancing project delivery and collaboration.

One Mindset That Will Future-Proof Your Practice

📰 How Woods Bagot’s Ashley Hastings is navigating the current AEC tech landscape, how rhetoric and language have quietly become core technical skills, and how AI is forcing firms to re-examine culture, governance, and the psychological safety needed for transformation.

213: ‘The Rise of Tech-Driven Leadership in AEC’, with Jonathan Nelson, Nirva Fereshetian, Heath May, and Shane Burger

A conversation with Jonathan Nelson, Heath May, Nirva Fereshetian, and Shane Burger about the evolving role of design technologists in leadership, the challenges of technology adoption, and creating pathways for the next generation of leaders in the AEC industry.

How to Unlock the Knowledge Hiding Inside Your Firm

📰 Discover how architecture firm Shepley Bulfinch leverages disciplined experimentation and video-first documentation to enhance knowledge sharing. Their innovative approach to AI and culture empowers teams, making knowledge management effective without a dedicated department.

212: ‘Curiosity as a KPI’, with Ashley Hastings

A conversation with Ashley Hastings about operationalizing curiosity as a KPI in architecture, the role of AI in enhancing design technology, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within organizations to drive innovation and improve project outcomes.

From Scripts to Strategy: Turning Computational Design into Business Value

📰 How to leverage computational design for business value by creating repeatable standards, integrating data into meaningful dashboards, and adopting AI with clear metrics. Discover practical steps to transform your design processes and improve productivity in the AEC industry.

211: ‘Discovering the Value of AI Through Experimentation’, with James Martin, Jess Purcell, and Christopher Parsons

A conversation with James Martin, Jess Purcell, and Chris Parsons about discovering the value of AI through disciplined experimentation in architecture, exploring how to document workflows effectively, and enhancing knowledge management practices within firms to improve collaboration and learning.

Redefining integration: What the AIA’s TAP is doing differently

📰 Architect and technologist Cesar Escalante shares how AIA’s TAP group is uniting technology and sustainability to move beyond AI hype toward practical, low-cost tools and real-world integration that helps firms innovate responsibly.

210: ‘Computational Design to Business Value in AEC’, with Matt Goldsberry

A conversation with Matt Goldsberry about computational design in AEC, how it drives business value, the importance of data-driven project delivery, and the shift towards lightweight geometry combined with rich data for effective architectural communication and decision-making.

Is Your Tech Stack Amplifying Values or Just Adding Noise?

📰 Discover how AEC firms can align AI with core values to enhance knowledge management, create effective learning pathways, and improve project delivery. This newsletter offers insights on avoiding tool overload while measuring meaningful ROI for a better organizational culture.

209: ‘Leading by Connection: How TAP is Redefining Integration Across the AIA’, with Cesar Escalante

A conversation with Cesar Escalante leading by connection, Cesar Escalante discusses how AIA's Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) is redefining integration across the architecture industry, focusing on sustainability and practical AI tools for small firms.

When Risk Becomes Strategy: Building Tech Leadership That Actually Delivers

📰 Two decades of AEC technology leadership distilled: how to align training, CFOs, and technology to turn risk into ROI. Learn why the best tech leaders build systems, not just deploy tools.

Evan on the Bold Brand Show with Josh Miles

I was recently featured on the Bold Brand Show with Josh Miles (episode link), discussing creativity, architecture, and the future of AEC media. We had a great conversation about the intersection of design, technology, and communication. I encourage you to check out the episode!

208: ‘Aligning AI with Firm Values’, with Kate Grimes and Christopher Parsons

A conversation with Kate Grimes and Christopher Parsons aligning AI with firm values, evolving knowledge management practices, and enhancing project delivery through structured data and thoughtful integration of technology while fostering interpersonal connections and collaboration.

Why AEC Firms Need Purpose-Built AI (Not Generic Solutions)

📰 Discover why purpose-built AI solutions designed specifically for AEC workflows deliver superior results compared to generic AI tools, and learn how to implement them effectively in your practice.

207: ‘The Tech Leader’s Compass: Risk, Value, and Timing’, with Craig Barbieri

A conversation with Craig Barbieri exploring strategies for effective digital transformation in architecture, addressing the importance of ongoing training, aligning specifications with tools, and leveraging AI to enhance productivity in design and operations.

Why Thornton Tomasetti’s CORE Studio is a Model for the Future

📰 Rethinking practice through platformization, embedding data and AI into delivery, scaling R&D beyond experiments, and aligning culture, KM, and incentives to transform how architecture and engineering firms operate and compete.

206: ‘Purpose-Built AI: Why It Matters in AEC’, with Rachelle Ray

A conversation with Rachelle Ray exploring how purpose-built AI can enhance AEC marketing workflows, streamline proposal processes, and free up time for strategic creativity while addressing common challenges in the industry.

Recurring revenue for architects? Yes.

📰 Designing to operate, embracing self-disruption, treating AI as an interdependent teammate, building psychologically safe cultures, and shifting to recurring, outcome-based services.

205: ‘Rethinking Your A/E Practice’, with Robert Otani and Alexandra Pollock

A conversation with Robert Otani and Alexandra Pollock rethinking architectural practices through technology, measuring innovation ROI, and embracing product thinking to enhance efficiency and collaboration in AEC firms while leveraging AI for knowledge management and professional development.

Architecture practice → product company: a case study

📰 Escaping billable hours, productizing a flagship cabin, structuring rent-to-rent land deals, using physical models to win trust, designing ops to scale outcomes (not headcount), and leveraging prefab to cut cost, time, and risk.

204: ‘How to Future-Proof Your Architecture Practice’, with Dave Gilmore

A conversation with Dave Gilmore disrupting traditional architecture business models, embracing digital transformation, and fostering psychological safety in leadership to navigate uncertainty and prepare for future challenges in the AEC industry.

The Invisible Tax Killing Your Projects

📰 Embedding knowledge sharing into daily workflows, surfacing hidden expertise at the moment of need, reducing friction with lightweight systems, cultivating psychological safety, and leading KM 3.0 as a firm-wide operating system.

203: ‘Rethinking the Architecture Business Model’, with Peter Markos

A conversation with Peter Markos rethinking the architecture business model by embracing productized architecture and prefabrication to unlock new opportunities, enhance scalability, and build resilience in architectural practices.

The Question Every AEC Leader Should Be Asking Today

📰 Redefining leadership through the “Give to Get” framework: why great leaders ask what life their team members want to build, and help them get there. Plus, the cost of replacing talent vs. retaining it, and how generational shifts are reshaping AEC firms.

202: ‘Knowledge Management is Everyone‘s Job’, with Katie Robinson and Christopher Parsons

A conversation with Katie Robinson and Christopher Parsons exploring LS3P's knowledge management evolution, from enhancing proposal writing to impactful strategies like the Data Manager program and Expert Hours initiative, fostering collaboration and effective knowledge sharing across the firm.

Align or Die: AEC’s Strategy Crisis

📰 Leadership Edge 200: Building authentic strategy around a simple framework. Aligning tools, culture, and metrics to avoid digital transformation failure, overcome AI hype, and drive meaningful change in your AEC firm.

201: ‘Redefining Leadership in AEC’, with Phil Putnam

Exploring leadership redefinition in AEC with Phil Putnam through the "Give to Get" framework, cost-effective retention strategies, and understanding generational workplace differences to create engaged, high-performing teams.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 199

Context-first design with Forma and ArcGIS, practical AI for specs and analysis, coherent multi-platform workflows, open collaboration via Forma Board, and granular project data APIs connecting design to business insights.

200: ‘A Framework for Digital Transformation’, with Nathan Miller

A conversation with Nathan Miller discussing strategies for assessing digital readiness, the high cost of misalignment in digital transformations, the dangers of tool chasing, and the importance of authenticity in building sustainable practices.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 198

Knowledge Management 3.0: Leveraging AI for creative collaboration, developing client personas for enhanced communication, and rethinking architectural documentation workflows for simplicity and efficiency.

199: ‘Autodesk’s Vision for Architects’, with Amy Bunszel

A conversation with Amy Bunszel exploring Autodesk's vision for the future of AEC, this episode discusses AI-driven design tools, contextual workflows with GIS integration, and the evolution of architectural practices to enhance creativity and efficiency in the industry.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 197

Exploring the hidden challenges of AEC leadership, fostering vulnerability in small retreats, shifting from technical mastery to people-focused growth, and building authentic connections that empower leaders to navigate complexity with clarity and resilience.

198: ‘Unlocking Sustainability with AI-Powered Knowledge Management’, with Corey Squire and Christopher Parsons

A conversation with Corey Squire and Christopher Parsons exploring how knowledge management can enhance a design practice, featuring insights on codifying expertise and fostering a culture of collaboration within architectural firms.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 196

In this edition: Reimagining community colleges as launchpads for architecture careers, redefining success beyond design, embedding students in “teaching firms,” and integrating analog methods with cutting-edge tech to align education with a rapidly evolving profession.

197: ‘The Hidden Struggles of Leading in AEC Tech’, with Phil Read and Harlan Brumm

A conversation with Phil Read and Harlan Brumm exploring the transition from technical expert to leader in AEC, addressing the lack of support for this shift, and highlighting the importance of shared experiences, vulnerability, and personal growth in leadership development.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 195

Empowering architects with rule-breaking design tools, integrating useful AI trained on built projects, and embracing focused problem-solving over feature bloat to deliver high-fidelity, editable space plans that slot seamlessly into existing AEC workflows.

196: ‘An Undervalued Pipeline in Architecture’, with Joseph Lucido

A conversation with Joseph Lucido exploring the evolving role of community colleges in architectural education, addressing industry challenges, and emphasizing equitable pathways for diverse career opportunities in architecture while integrating technology and collaboration.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 194

Embedding knowledge in the flow of work, empowering teams through curiosity and trust, making innovation a billable priority, and leading with intention to create systems that support learning, adaptability, and AI-enhanced decision-making across the practice.

195: ‘The Freedom to Break the Rules’, with Jesper Wallgren

A conversation with Jesper Wallgren exploring his transition from architecture to software development, focusing on early-stage space planning, and the importance of narrowing scope to better serve architects in multifamily residential design.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 193

Applying storytelling as strategic leverage, embracing nonlinear career paths, building trust through communication, and using frameworks like “Discover, Define, Design, Refine” to craft impactful narratives that drive alignment, clarity, and change in AEC firms.

194: ‘CEO as Knowledge Architect’, with Ellen Bensky and Christopher Parsons

A conversation with Ellen Bensky and Christopher Parsons exploring how Turner Fleischer Architects operationalizes knowledge management, fosters a culture of learning, and integrates AI to enhance collaboration and innovation within the AEC industry.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 192

What does it mean to build an AI-first architecture firm from the ground up? In this edition, Patrick Chopson and Eric Cesal explore the legal, cultural, and technical reinvention of practice where architects don’t just use AI, they lead it.

193: ‘Making Ideas Impactful’, with Darren Brooker

A conversation with Darren Brooker about exploring the power of storytelling and visual communication in architecture, enhancing audience engagement, and transforming ideas into action through empathy and emotional connection.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 191

Examining marketing's misalignment in AEC firms, analyzing how proposal-focused approaches undermine strategic positioning, and advocating for marketing as a business function rather than a service center to build meaningful client relationships beyond RFP chasing.

192: ‘Building an AI-First Practice’, with Patrick Chopson and Eric Cesal

A conversation with Patrick Chopson and Eric Cesal exploring the future of architecture through an AI-first lens, discussing the importance of adaptive practices, and redefining workflows to enhance collaboration and creativity in design.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 190

Evolving knowledge management from static documentation to AI-integrated systems in AEC workflows, clarifying technical language to build inclusive knowledge cultures, and eliminating acronym barriers that impede collaboration across experience levels.

TRXL Turns 5: Thanks for Being Part of This

TRXL turns 5! Nearly 200 episodes of deep, game-changing AEC tech conversations. What began as a COVID project is now a go-to platform. In this special anniversary post, I reflect on the journey, what makes TRXL unique, and what’s ahead.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 189

Exploring how YouTube is revolutionizing architectural education, the power of authenticity in digital content, and why technical mastery unlocks creativity. Plus, why architects should think like media companies and how consistent knowledge-sharing builds trust beyond traditional credentials.

191: ‘The Bastardization of Marketing in AEC’, with Kyle Morck

A conversation with Kyle Morck discussing the misuse of marketing in the AEC industry, this episode emphasizes the importance of personal branding, relationship building, and focusing on meaningful metrics over vanity metrics for effective growth and visibility.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 188

Exploring the journey from introverted architect to AEC tech influencer, embracing programming as creative empowerment, building a personal brand through authenticity, and choosing to stay in architecture to make meaningful impact through technology and knowledge sharing.

190: ‘AI + KM = Smarter AEC Firms’, with Christopher Parsons

A conversation with Christopher Parsons about exploring the evolution of knowledge management in the AEC industry, highlighting the impact of AI, and emphasizing cultural and operational shifts necessary for successful KM 3.0 implementation.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 187

189: ‘The Rise of the Balkan Architect’, with Milos Temerinski

A conversation with Milos Temerinski about exploring his journey in AEC as he transforms his Balkan Architect YouTube channel into a thriving training platform, emphasizing the power of video for architectural education and the importance of technical creativity.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 186

Rethinking architecture’s value chain: exploring tool specificity over monoliths, the real obstacles in AEC, and why capturing design intent, not just drawings, is key to thriving in the age of AI and automation.

188: ‘Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable’, with Gavin Crump

A conversation with Gavin Crump about exploring personal evolution in AEC, embracing programming as creativity, and building a public brand through generosity, while highlighting the importance of retaining talent within the industry.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 185

Radical transparency in architecture firms: exploring real-time data benchmarks, financial literacy as a design skill, and how open operations create team alignment and sustainable business models for better project outcomes.

187: ‘It’s Just Poly’s on a Map’, with Rob Asher and James Blackwood

A conversation with Rob Asher and James Blackwood about exploring the integration of design and data, the challenges of traditional architectural tools, and how Giraffe empowers architects to leverage technology for better decision-making and streamlined workflows in urban planning.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 184

Merger of Chaos and EvolveLab redefines AEC workflows, turning rendering into a design tool, not just a deliverable. AI-powered visualization democratizes the design process, while small teams drive outsized innovation through practitioner-centered development.

186: ‘Bringing a Bazooka to a Banana Fight’, with Clifton Harness

A conversation with Clifton Harness about exploring the future of architectural technology, challenging industry norms, and the importance of innovation in architecture. Clifton Harness discusses how professionals must adapt to thrive in a changing AEC landscape.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 183

Rethinking architecture through AI, knowledge management, and sustainable innovation—Natalia Bakaeva shares her journey from architect to tech founder, offering insights into transforming workflows and retaining talent in the AEC industry.

185: ‘Radical Transparency’, with Robert Yuen

A conversation with Robert Yuen about exploring radical transparency in architecture, understanding financial metrics, and fostering a culture of accountability and growth, while addressing the need for informed decision-making in the AEC industry.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 182

Exploring technology's transformative impact on architecture, nurturing innovation through cultural change, and building cross-generational collaboration while preserving the human elements of creativity that AI cannot replace.

184: ‘Chaos Evolves’, with Stephan Sieber and Bill Allen

A conversation with Stephan Sieber and Bill Allen about exploring the merger between Chaos and EvolveLAB, leveraging AI tools for enhanced design processes, and emphasizing the need for architects to adapt to rapidly changing technology to stay relevant in the industry.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 181

Transforming AEC collaboration with browser-based tools, real-time 3D sketching, and board-based workflows—Motif bridges design silos, preserves design intent, and reimagines how teams engage across tools like Revit and Rhino.

183: ‘An Appetite for Transformation’, with Natalia Bakaeva

A conversation with Natalia Bakaeva about exploring the intersection of architecture and AI, addressing talent loss due to redundant work, and emphasizing the need for innovation in the industry to create more efficient workflows and enhance creative potential.

Leadership Edge Special Edition: A SHoP Architects Case Study

SHoP Architects pioneers a transformative approach to architectural practice, blending advanced digital tools with human-centered design to redefine how buildings are conceived, delivered, and operated in the modern era.

SHoP Architects: Using Lightweight Models as a Foundational Framework

SHoP Architects revolutionizes architectural practice with their lightweight modeling approach, allowing multiple stakeholders to collaborate in real-time while maintaining design flexibility and reducing technical debt.

182: ‘Imagining Where We Want to Go’, with Dan Chuparkoff

A conversation with Dan Chuparkoff about navigating technological change requires proactive leadership. Change agents must embrace innovation, foster a growth mindset, and empower teams to adapt to rapid advancements in AI and how it transforms workflows and communication.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 180

The Dynamo Story: Creating tools out of necessity, empowering architects as coders, open-sourcing Dynamo, and transforming AEC workflows through community-driven innovation and visual programming.

181: ‘Densities of Information’, with Matt Jezyk

A conversation with Matt Jezyk about exploring the evolution of design collaboration tools, embracing real-time feedback for enhanced architectural workflows, and addressing the challenges of integrating new technologies in the AEC industry for better outcomes.

Confluence podcast S2E10

Join John Cerone of SHoP Architects as we explore how technology and innovation shape modern architectural practice. From digital twins to data-driven design, discover how one of architecture's most forward-thinking firms is revolutionizing the way buildings are designed, built, and operated.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 179

Harnessing data to optimize AEC workflows, cut inefficiencies, and drive smart decisions. From reducing software costs to targeted training, this episode brief reveals insights that transform digital practice—because you can’t improve what you don’t measure.

180: Campfire Series - ‘The Dynamo Story’, with Ian Keough

A conversation with Ian Keough about exploring the origin and evolution of Dynamo, uncovering its impact on computational design, its transition to Autodesk, and how it transformed careers and architectural workflows.

179: ‘Analyzing AEC’, with Matt Wash and Konrad Sobon

A conversation with Matt Wash and Konrad Sobon about exploring digital transformation in AEC, enhancing productivity through data insights, and addressing challenges in communication and accountability within firms for improved business performance.

Why TRXL+ Membership Matters: Supporting the Future of AEC

Want to shape the future of AEC? Join TRXL+ today and support independent analysis that drives industry evolution. Your membership enables deeper insights, richer conversations, and transformative content. Be part of the change—become a member now.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 178

Unlocking firm efficiency through tailored software, leveraging AI for strategic decision-making, and replacing outdated tools to enhance data accuracy and reduce operational blind spots in architectural practice management.

Confluence podcast S2E9

Innovating with AI in Civil Engineering Rob Sinclair of Wade Trim joins Randall Stevens and me to talk about how their innovative AI initiatives and their strategic partnership with Yegatech has evolved their business. Rob shares insights on the firm's AI journey, from establishing an AI task force

178: ‘Empowering Strategic Thinking’, with Matt Cooper

A conversation with Matt Cooper.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 177

Exploring AI as a strategic partner in architecture, fostering future literacy for proactive innovation, and streamlining workflows to unlock more creative potential. Balancing tech adoption with data security for a resilient, forward-thinking practice.

Confluence podcast S2E8

Audacity, Antiquity, and AI In this episode of the Confluence Podcast, hosts Randall Stephens and Evan Troxel are joined by special guest Christy Chapman from the University of Kentucky to discuss how AI has unlocked antiquity. Watch this episode on YouTube Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube The discussion focuses

Leadership Edge: TRXL 176

The origins of Rhino, its rise in AEC, and the impact of Grasshopper on computational design. Plus, how Rhino.Inside redefines interoperability and why McNeel stays committed to perpetual licensing in a subscription-driven industry.

177: ‘The Digital Futures of Architectural Practice’, with Kristen Forward

A conversation with Kristen Forward.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 175

Real-time decision-making in AEC, adaptive generative design for healthcare, and architects reclaiming their role as master orchestrators. SLAM & Hypar redefine workflows, bridging concept to fabrication with precision, efficiency, and reduced waste.

Leadership Edge: TRXL 174

The Bluebeam Story: Enhancing collaboration, streamlining workflows for efficiency, and leveraging digital tools to bridge the gap between design and construction for seamless project execution.