Throughout January, we are revisiting the best podcast episodes of 2024, handpicked based on listener feedback and platform analytics, showcasing the insights and stories that have resonated most with our audience. In this episode, I sat down with Evan Troxel, a longtime friend, colleague, and industry thought leader, to discuss the evolving role of technology in the architecture profession and how small firm architects can prepare for the future.
Embracing Innovation: A Conversation with Evan Troxel
Evan Troxel is no stranger to the EntreArchitect community. A licensed architect in California, Evan has made significant contributions to the architectural profession through his podcasts, including Archispeak, TRXL, and now the Confluence Podcast. With over 25 years of experience spanning practice, technology, and education, Evan has been at the forefront of conversations about the intersection of architecture and emerging technologies.
During our conversation, we reflected on Evan’s presentation at The EntreArchitect Community Annual Meeting in Austin back in 2022. His talk focused on the impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the profession. At the time, AI was still in its early stages of mainstream adoption. Fast forward to today, and AI has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, both personally and professionally.
“The most significant change in the past year,” Evan noted, “is how much easier it has become to access and use AI tools. The barriers to entry are lower, and these tools are no longer reserved for researchers or tech enthusiasts. Now, anyone can start experimenting with AI.”
The Adoption Gap: A Persistent Challenge for Architects
One of the key themes Evan discussed was the gap between innovation and adoption in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. He described this gap as a growing chasm where technological advancements outpace the profession’s willingness to adopt new tools and processes.
“Innovation is spiking,” Evan explained, “but architectural adoption remains slow. This has been a consistent pattern throughout history. Whether it’s AutoCAD, Building Information Modeling (BIM), or now AI, architects have traditionally been hesitant to embrace change.”
This slow adoption can be attributed to several factors, including digital fatigue and the overwhelming amount of new tools and technologies being introduced. Evan emphasized the importance of picking battles and taking small, deliberate steps toward innovation.
“Pick a thing and get started,” he advised. “It doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. Small steps can lead to significant progress.”
The Human Element: Balancing Technology and Culture
While technology was a central focus of our conversation, Evan and I both agreed that the human side of architecture remains critical. The theme for The EntreArchitect Community Annual Meeting 2024 was “The Future of Architecture is Human,” reflecting our belief that the profession’s future lies in our ability to connect with people—clients, contractors, and colleagues.
“Technology will always be there,” I said during the episode. “But it’s our humanness that sets us apart. Architects have a unique ability to communicate and connect, which will continue to be a defining factor in our success.”
Evan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for firms to create a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining a human-centered approach. He shared stories from his time as a Director of Digital Practice, where he worked to bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and leadership within his firm.
“It’s about creating a high-tech subculture within your firm,” Evan said. “You want to put people on a pedestal who are excited about the future and allow them to share their passion for technology.”
Practical Steps for Small Firms to Embrace Change
For many small firm architects, the idea of adopting new technology can feel daunting. Balancing client demands, deadlines, and financial pressures leaves little room for experimentation. However, Evan provided practical advice for firms looking to take that first step toward innovation.
“You need to identify someone in your firm to lead the charge,” he suggested. “Whether it’s you or someone you hire, this person must be dedicated to exploring new tools and processes. It can’t be a side project.”
He also mentioned the value of bringing in external expertise through consultants or fractional roles, such as a Director of Innovation. This approach allows firms to benefit from specialized knowledge without the overhead of a full-time hire.
“Small firms already do this with accounting, legal work, and other areas,” I added. “Why not apply the same model to innovation? Hire a consulting company or a fractional Director of Innovation to evaluate your current processes and provide a path forward.”
Visioning the Future: What Architecture Could Look Like in Five Years
Toward the end of our conversation, I asked Evan to envision what the architecture profession might look like five years from now if we fully embraced technology. His vision was optimistic and inspiring.
“The business model will be completely different,” he said. “We won’t be competing on drafting anymore. That work will be automated. Instead, architects will focus on delivering unique experiences and synthesizing possibilities into reality.”
Evan emphasized that architects need to redefine their value proposition. Rather than lamenting that clients don’t understand the value of architects, we must take responsibility for communicating our worth.
“We have the power to change that narrative,” he said. “By embracing technology and focusing on human-centered design, we can demonstrate the unique value we bring to the built environment.”
The Importance of Leadership and Culture
A recurring theme in our discussion was the role of leadership in driving change. For technology adoption to be successful, firm leaders must set the example and create a culture that supports innovation.
“Leadership is about saying, ‘This is the direction we’re going, who wants to come with me?'” I said. “It’s about having a clear vision and rallying your team around that mission.”
Evan added that leaders must also be willing to invest in training and upskilling their teams. Raising the digital IQ of everyone in the firm ensures that technology adoption is sustainable and beneficial in the long run.
“It’s not just about hiring a tech-savvy person,” Evan said. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow.”
Take the First Step
As we wrapped up our conversation, Evan left our listeners with one key takeaway: take the first step.
“Pick a technology tool, like ChatGPT or an image generator, and start experimenting,” he advised. “Play with it, explore its possibilities, and see how it can enhance your practice. The important thing is to get started.”
For small firm architects, the path to embracing innovation may seem challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. By taking small, intentional steps, we can transform our practices and ensure that architecture remains a vital and thriving profession.
We invite you to listen to the full episode with Evan Troxel at entrearchitect.com/troxel. Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments. Are you ready to embrace change and shape the future of architecture? Let’s take that first step together.
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