TTF: Tools that Help (Not Hinder)

July 3, 2025

This weekly email is my curated selection of interesting and useful topics related to BIM, design, and technology. I aim to provide you with some good information and a few laughs along the way. So, what did I find interesting this week? Read down to find out!

Happy Thursday, everyone! I've been thinking a lot lately about the difference between technology that works for us versus technology we work for. You know what I mean – those tools that promise to revolutionize the world but create several new problems for everyone they solve. The good news? This week's links showcase technology that makes our professional lives better. From knowledge management systems that teams want to use to thoughtful approaches for integrating AI without losing our critical thinking skills, we're exploring tools and ideas that enhance rather than complicate. Let's dive in!

#1: Knowledge Management as a Competitive Edge

Have you ever wondered how a medium-sized firm scales to a large one without losing its soul? Ellen Bensky from Turner Fleischer Architects joins Christopher Parsons of Knowledge Architecture on the TRXL podcast to share their decade-long journey in knowledge management. Their approach to creating a "digital twin" of Ellen's practice is worth listening to. If you're struggling with information overload or trying to get your team to use your firm's knowledge base, this episode is pure gold.

Click here to listen to the episode at TRXL

#2: The Problem with Futuristic Buildings

This video from Steward Hicks explores how Centre Pompidou's radical design literaly and figuratively turned architecture inside out. What's particularly relevant is how this experiment in transparency and technological expression reflects our current debates about openness in design. It's a thought-provoking look at how architectural decisions embody cultural values and the unexpected consequences of radical transparency.

Check out the video on YouTube

#3: Upcoming AEC Events

From the Advancing Electrical Prefabrication Summit in Dallas (July 7-9) to BIM World Copenhagen (September 17-18), there's something for everyone in this comprehensive list of events from e-verse. The big one is Autodesk University in Nashville (September 16-18), where I'll be presenting. Mark your calendar! If you're looking for some good learning and networking opportunities, this roundup is your ticket

Visit e-verse for all the AEC event information

#4: Escaping the Urgency Trap

This detailed piece from Parametric Monkey takes aim at our industry's addiction to urgency and time-based metrics. Paul Wintour argues that we've confused being busy with being productive, and he's absolutely right. The article's comparison of three workers completing the same task – one burning the midnight oil, one finishing efficiently, and one creating an automation tool – perfectly illustrates how our current metrics reward the wrong behaviors. Good stuff!

Click here to read the full article at Parametric Monkey

#5: Does AI Make Us Lazy?

Cal Newport's latest piece examines new research showing that writing with AI reduces brain activity in areas associated with deep thinking and semantic processing. While he acknowledges AI's benefits for routine communication, Newport raises important concerns about its impact on learning and cognitive development. Lots to think about here!

Click here to read the full article at Cal Newport's blog

That's all from me. Hope you're having a great week!

Michael