In this episode, I talk with Nora Swanson, PE, Director of Innovation and Knowledge Management at JB&B, about how smarter knowledge management in AEC empowers collaboration across global teams. We dive into how she defines innovation and knowledge management, the transformational tools shaping today’s engineering workflows, proven strategies for change management, and how to evaluate new technologies. Whether you’re driving digital transformation, improving team communication, or scaling better project delivery, this conversation provides actionable insights to elevate your impact.
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Nora Swanson, PE:
- What path led to the role of Director of Innovation and Knowledge Management in an AEC firm?
- How does knowledge management in AEC support global collaboration and informed decision-making?
- What is a clear definition of knowledge management in AEC environments?
- How is innovation defined within the context of AEC work?
- What new technologies are making the biggest impact in innovation across the industry?
- What are the most effective strategies for driving successful change management across disciplines and locations?
- How can AEC firms determine which innovations to prioritize and measure their success?
- Can you share a real-world example where innovation significantly enhanced an AEC project?
- What advice would benefit AEC professionals looking to embrace innovation while juggling day-to-day responsibilities?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Knowledge Management in AEC Improves Project Outcomes
- Curiosity and continuous learning have driven a dynamic path from engineering to leading innovation in AEC. Prior roles across engineering, design technologies, and digital workflows have shaped a comprehensive approach to building smarter, more collaborative teams.
- Strong knowledge management in AEC enables firms to work seamlessly across geographies by organizing institutional wisdom and making critical resources widely accessible. This transparency drives better teamwork, speeds up decision-making, and improves project outcomes.
- Knowledge management is about capturing and sharing standards, best practices, and expert insights across teams so they’re easy to find, apply, and scale. It aligns daily operations with firm-wide clarity and consistency to deliver quality service at every step.
- Innovation is defined as improving existing processes in a way that meaningfully creates value and efficiency. It reflects both smart problem-solving and strategic vision that propels the industry forward.
- Reality capture and AI-driven tools are transforming how AEC professionals visualize, analyze, and act on site data. These technologies reduce rework, improve cross-team accuracy, and help everyone make smarter decisions faster.
- Effective change management requires relentless communication, empathy, and continuous support across every level of the firm. Leading change through custom learning programs builds long-term adaptability throughout the organization.
- Prioritization starts with listening to stakeholders and aligning innovative ideas with operational needs and long-term strategy. Success is measured by real outcomes like increased speed, accuracy, and satisfaction across projects and teams.
- Launching an internal AI chatbot to navigate knowledge bases helped teams access answers faster and more accurately, saving time and reducing frustration. Refocusing drawing standards through simplified visual communication also led to measurable time savings and stronger stakeholder engagement.
- Surrounding yourself with curious team members and dedicating resources to sustained innovation makes a measurable difference. Preparing proactively for technological and process shifts will position any firm for ongoing success in a rapidly evolving AEC landscape.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: Nora Swanson, PE
Nora Swanson is the Director of Innovation & Knowledge Management at JB&B, where she leads global teams in creating strategic plans and roadmaps that transform how organizations approach technology, collaboration, and learning. Her expertise spans automation, AI, workflow process improvement, and emerging technologies, combined with a strong focus on change management to ensure new initiatives are successfully adopted. Nora has built and launched learning management systems, developed impactful training content, and advised leadership teams by turning complex research and market trends into actionable business insights.
A published author, sought-after speaker, and smart building consultant, Nora also founded a 3D scanning and Scan-to-Revit service that supports design and construction optimization. Known for her infectious curiosity about AECO technologies and her talent for translating technical solutions into clear, actionable strategies, she is passionate about driving business transformation at the intersection of technology and the human experience.
About the Host: Nick Heim, P.E.
Nick Heim, P.E., is a civil engineer with nearly a decade of experience in the repair and restoration of existing structures. Nick is the host of the AEC AI & Tech Strategy Podcast, and co-founder of Trinovate Advisors – an advisory firm focused on human-centered innovation in AEC. In all of his endeavors, Nick brings practical insights and expertise to listeners and clients worldwide. Nick’s interests lie at the intersection between the built world and technology, and he can be found looking for the ever-changing answer to the question, “How can we do this better?
Sources/References:
JB&B
Revit
AutoCAD
Connect with Nora Swanson, PE, on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
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