In this episode of Welcome to KM 3.0, we sit down with Kate Grimes, Director of Knowledge at Snøhetta, for a wide-ranging conversation about how one of architecture’s most respected design studios is navigating the AI era—without losing what makes its culture special.
Since joining the firm in 2012, Kate has helped Snøhetta build its first knowledge management program from the ground up. She shares what it’s taken to build momentum with AI in a firm that prizes technological experimentation and innovation—while still prioritizing human connection.
We explore the tensions between speed and thoughtfulness, innovation and risk, structure and improvisation. From developing AI strategies that honor studio culture to reimagining learning and development through modular content, Kate shares a vision of KM that’s as much about people and values as it is about tools and data.
You’ll hear stories about how Snøhetta is using AI to augment its design process, bridge gaps in custom coding, and connect team members to the right knowledge at the right time. We also talk about how on-demand learning can create space for deeper human connection, and why being thoughtful about when and how to use AI might be the most important design decision of all.
Kate’s insights are thoughtful, pragmatic, and grounded in real-world practice. If you’re thinking about the future of knowledge, culture, or learning in your AEC firm, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.
I hope you enjoy it.
Best,
Chris
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Episode Highlights
Here are a some standout moments from the conversation:
17:52 - What Drew Kate Grimes of Snøhetta to Lead Knowledge Management
22:01 - How Snøhetta Balances AI Experimentation With Studio Consistency
34:55 - The Challenge of Adopting AI Tools While Preserving Studio Culture at Snøhetta
39:20 - Learning Where AI Amplifies the Design Process—And Where It Slows Us Down
44:38 - Can AI Help AEC Firms Innovate by Building Custom Tools—Without the Downside?
50:00 - Structured Data Drives Better AI: How Snøhetta Is Using Unstructured Data as a Bridge
58:37 - Measuring the Impact of Knowledge Management in an AEC Firm
1:04:25 - Reimagining Learning at Snøhetta: Modular Content, Knowledge Transfer, and AI
1:08:50 - How On-Demand Learning Can Make Room for Deeper Studio Culture in AEC Firms
1:17:37 - How On-Demand Learning Can Reignite Passion for Teaching in AEC Firms
About the Welcome to KM 3.0 Series
Knowledge Management has always evolved alongside technology. Today, powered by AI, a new golden era of KM is emerging — KM 3.0.
In this limited series produced by Christopher Parsons, CEO and Founder of Knowledge Architecture and Evan Troxel, host of the TRXL Podcast, we’ll profile a range of firms—each with a distinct approach to knowledge management. From program structure to measurable impact, we’ll explore how AEC firms are using knowledge management to get smarter in an AI-driven world.
You’ll hear from a CEO, a marketing director, a technology leader, a sustainability expert, and a dedicated knowledge manager. Each will bring a different lens—showing us how knowledge leadership can emerge from different corners of an organization and take shape in distinct ways.
In every episode, we’ll aim to get to the heart of how AEC knowledge management functions in practice—what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next.
About the TRXL Podcast
The TRXL podcast is a leading voice at the intersection of architecture and emerging technology, hosted by Evan Troxel. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with architects, technologists, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of the built environment. With a focus on innovation, practice, and the people behind the work, TRXL offers listeners an inside look at how architecture is evolving—one insight at a time.
In addition to the free weekly show, TRXL+ offers an extended experience with bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes commentary for subscribers who want to go deeper, ad-free episodes, and the Leadership Edge newsletter. You can explore the full archive and learn more about TRXL+ at https://trxl.co.