[169] How Knowledge Management Drives Firm Excellence

How can knowledge management promote sustainability, equity, and overall architecture firm excellence?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Corey Squire, associate principal and sustainability director at Bora Architecture & Interiors, member of AIA’s Strategic Council, and leader of the creation of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. As a national lecturer on sustainability, Corey offers an expert perspective on using knowledge management to elevate a firm’s performance and sustainability standards within the built environment. 

First, Corey shares his journey into knowledge management and sustainability. He explains the process of implementing a knowledge management system at a firm, highlighting the challenges and benefits of using an intranet platform.

Then, we discuss his approach to building team trust by ensuring the system is valuable to all team members. Corey explains the key principles for effective knowledge management and expands on benefits like gathering information, meeting goals, maintaining equity, diversifying applications, and improving communication within the firm. 

I always ask: How are your goals documented? Sometimes it’s an external website, which is fine. Sometimes it’s on a document in a server somewhere. But a goal is only so great as you have the resources and support to allow any individual in that organization to be empowered to act towards that goal. That’s what the interlinking, updated information, and flow paths we’re talking about within the internet allow for. – Corey Squire

To wrap up the conversation, Corey acknowledges the dual nature of knowledge management, balancing the initial time investment with long-term benefits. He shares his vision for the future of knowledge management in architecture and emphasizes the potential of a consistent framework throughout the practice.

Tune in next week for an episode about the intersection of fashion, design, and technology in the architecture field. 

Guests:

Corey Squire, AIA

Corey Squire, AIA an Associate Principal and Sustainability Director at Bora Architecture & Interior in Portland Oregon, and a member of the AIA’s Strategic Council. He lectures nationally on a range of sustainability-related topics and led the creation of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence and associated Toolkit, resources that are actively redefining excellence in the built environment. Corey is the author of the recently published book, People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide to Realizing Architecture’s Potential.  

📍 Show Links:  

Connect with Corey on LinkedIn

People Planet Design – Discount Code: PPD

📚Continue Learning:

KA Talk on Sustainability Knowledge Management 

AIA Framework For Design Excellence 

Bora Architecture & Interiors 

Guru 

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