In the world of architecture, knowledge is more than just power—it’s the lifeblood of a firm’s success. It’s the way architects access information, collaborate on ideas, and refine their processes. And, as the industry continues to evolve, so must the systems that manage this knowledge. One person at the forefront of this change is Christopher Parsons, the founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture (KA), a company that has become a key player in the development of knowledge management tools tailored for the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry.
In a recent conversation with Parsons on the EntreArchitect Podcast, we explored how KA’s innovative platform, Synthesis, has been changing the way architecture firms manage their knowledge. From its humble beginnings as an intranet platform to its current status as an AI-powered knowledge management system, Synthesis is reshaping how architects collaborate and share insights across projects. But the story doesn’t end with just technology—Parsons shared valuable insights on the importance of human-centered design in the knowledge management process, his personal journey to founding KA, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in architecture.
The Birth of Knowledge Architecture and Synthesis
Christopher Parsons’ journey into the world of architecture and technology began unexpectedly. As a history major at Wake Forest University, Parsons was drawn to the patterns and trends that shaped the world. Little did he know, this interest would eventually lead him to the intersection of technology and architecture.
After a brief detour into law, Parsons discovered the booming tech industry during the dot-com boom of the late 90s. Armed with an understanding of technology and a passion for problem-solving, he joined a technology consulting firm where he honed his skills before moving into the architecture sector. There, he worked for firms like SMWM and Steinberg Architects, where he began to see the challenges of managing knowledge in a growing architecture firm.
It was in these roles that Parsons became passionate about knowledge management—a field that had gained traction in industries like law and the military but was still relatively new in architecture. Parsons recognized that architecture firms, like any knowledge-based business, needed a more structured way to capture, store, and transfer information. This led to the creation of Knowledge Architecture in 2009 and the development of Synthesis, an intranet platform designed specifically for the AEC industry.
Synthesis acts as a central hub for knowledge management within a firm, making it easy to access key information, project histories, and expertise across teams. As Parsons explains, knowledge management in the AEC industry is about more than just technology. It’s about connecting people, processes, and information in a way that maximizes a firm’s collective intelligence.
The Importance of People, Process, and Technology
At its core, knowledge management in architecture is about people, process, and technology. While many architecture firms use tools like spreadsheets and folders to store information, Parsons advocates for a more intentional and structured approach. “You can’t just let knowledge float around. Some knowledge is more important than others, and you need to capture and transfer it,” he says.
In large firms with multiple offices, knowledge management becomes even more complex. Synthesis addresses this by not only creating a repository of essential content—like project standards, BIM manuals, and policy documents—but also connecting people with knowledge. The platform allows employees to easily find subject matter experts within the firm, making it simple to tap into expertise whether you’re in San Francisco or New York. In this way, Synthesis helps bridge the knowledge gap that often exists between offices, ensuring that no valuable information is siloed.
The result is a more collaborative, efficient, and informed work environment. Whether it’s sharing lessons learned from a previous project or accessing the latest project management guidelines, Synthesis allows architects to work smarter, not harder.
Transitioning to a Modern Knowledge Management Platform
As the world of technology evolves, so must knowledge management tools. Parsons and his team recognized that the traditional platforms they had been relying on—such as Microsoft’s SharePoint—were no longer suited for the modern needs of AEC firms. The platform’s limitations became increasingly apparent, and in 2018, Parsons made the bold decision to rebuild Synthesis from the ground up.
“We had to make a decision: Were we going to rebuild our platform on top of SharePoint Online, or were we going to build from scratch?” Parsons recalls. The team chose to start fresh, ultimately releasing the new version, Synthesis 6, in 2022. The rebuild was a massive undertaking, but it gave Knowledge Architecture the flexibility to create a modern, cloud-based platform with complete control over the code. This allowed the company to innovate and incorporate new features quickly, setting the stage for the next phase of knowledge management: the integration of artificial intelligence.
AI in Architecture: What’s Next?
With Synthesis 6 up and running, Knowledge Architecture is now leveraging the power of AI to take knowledge management to the next level. AI has the potential to revolutionize how architects access and use information, and Parsons is enthusiastic about its future applications.
One of the most exciting developments in Synthesis is the integration of AI-powered search. “You can now ask detailed, nuanced questions about your firm’s knowledge base, and the AI will pull together relevant snippets from documents, videos, and other resources to give you an answer,” Parsons explains. This is a significant improvement over traditional search systems, which often return a long list of links that require time and effort to sift through. With AI, architects can get immediate, actionable insights without wasting time on irrelevant results.
In addition to enhanced search capabilities, Synthesis is using AI to improve video transcription. By leveraging an AI model specifically trained for the AEC industry, the platform can transcribe project-related videos with high accuracy, making them fully searchable and accessible. This is particularly important for firms that rely heavily on video content for training, meetings, or project updates.
But perhaps the most exciting prospect for AI in knowledge management is the potential for AI-powered agents. Parsons envisions a future where AI can not only answer questions but also take actions on behalf of users. For example, an architect could ask the system to schedule a meeting with a subject matter expert or to gather data from various systems. This would save time and reduce the administrative burden on architects, allowing them to focus more on creative and strategic tasks.
The Community-Driven Approach
One of the key factors behind the success of Knowledge Architecture and Synthesis has been its deep connection to its community of users. Unlike many tech companies that develop products in isolation, Parsons has always taken a community-driven approach. “Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” he says. “We rely on our clients to help us understand what works, what doesn’t, and where we should go next.”
This commitment to community involvement is evident in the way Knowledge Architecture handles product development. Parsons has conducted multiple listening tours with clients, gathering feedback and incorporating it into the design and strategy of Synthesis. The company also hosts an annual conference, KA Connect, which brings together professionals in the AEC industry to share best practices in knowledge management. By fostering a collaborative environment, Knowledge Architecture has created a platform that truly meets the needs of its users.
What’s Next for Knowledge Architecture?
Looking ahead, Parsons is excited about the future of knowledge management in architecture, especially as AI continues to evolve. “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” he says. “In the next three years, we’ll see even more advanced AI capabilities, and our platform will continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of the industry.”
While the future of Synthesis is still unfolding, one thing is clear: Knowledge Architecture is well-positioned to lead the charge in transforming how architecture firms manage their knowledge. By combining cutting-edge technology with a human-centered approach, the company is setting a new standard for collaboration, efficiency, and innovation in the AEC industry.
For small architecture firms looking to stay ahead of the curve, embracing knowledge management tools like Synthesis can be a game changer. By making knowledge more accessible, shareable, and actionable, firms can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity, ultimately positioning themselves for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The future of architecture is not just about designing beautiful buildings; it’s about designing smarter ways to manage the knowledge that powers those designs. Christopher Parsons and Knowledge Architecture are leading the way, and their innovative approach is something every small firm architect should pay attention to as they navigate the future of their own practice.
For small architecture firms looking to stay ahead of the curve, embracing knowledge management tools like Synthesis can be a game changer. By making knowledge more accessible, shareable, and actionable, firms can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity, ultimately positioning themselves for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
To hear more about Christopher Parsons’ journey and insights on knowledge management, be sure to listen to the full episode at EntreArchitect Podcast Episode 590.
This is really interesting, I will listen to the podcast and will reach out to learn more. I’m setting up systems now for my new firm and this is a topic I’ve spent a lot of time on in the past and would love to refine from the get go. Thank you!!
Thanks for the comment Angela. It was a very interesting conversation. I learned a lot about this topic talking with Chris. He is very passionate about his work. I’d love to know what you think after listening to the episode.