Cultivating your Number One Asset: People

A unique conference occurs for the AEC community each spring in San Francisco, KA Connect. Founded by Chris Parsons, the leader of Knowledge Architecture, the conference gathers leaders from a variety of top AEC firms to share the latest in Knowledge Management & Strategy. And as Chris says, yes “Knowledge Management is a thing.” In a series of lectures, with plenty of time for questions and interactive group sessions, be prepared to learn and share while attending KA Connect.

How does Knowledge Management apply to an AEC Firm? Basically it’s how a firm grows and develops its number one asset – PEOPLE. It doesn’t happen by accident. Firms must be actively uncovering and sharing practice expertise to their rising employees. But how? 

Some ways we can share this critical knowledge is through mentorship relationships and various learning opportunities such as project pin-ups and reviews, site tours or lunch and learn opportunities. Passing on those “lessons learned” and best practices are what make each firm unique and thrive at its building design typology. 

One thing I have learned during my time at PAYETTE is that many of the most successful learning opportunities happen in person. Our firm makes it work visible to others, so that staff can see what our colleagues are developing for ideas in project research, innovating the way we practice and then share those results and findings for the collective benefit. On any given week, there are a number of opportunities to learn and develop professional knowledge.

Granted technology has accelerated the pace at which we communicate, but a lot of learning still has to happen by talking, sharing and showing best practices. Keeping up with the latest in building technologies and areas of expertise isn’t easy, and it’s best done by sharing that knowledge.

How does your firm or organization grow its staff and pass on its critical knowledge and best practices?

For more information on KA Connect, visit their website.

Chris does a tremendous job documenting KA Connect each and previous talks are available online.