Knowledge Architecture builds software, community, and best practices to help AEC firms evolve and grow.


Our flagship software product is Synthesis, an AEC intranet platform which integrates with common industry software like Deltek, Unanet, Newforma, and OpenAsset.

We run a client community of practice for Synthesis intranet teams called KA Community.

Founded in 2009 and serving over 130 AEC clients, Knowledge Architecture is privately-held, employee-owned, and passionate about co-creating and sharing best practices to advance the state of knowledge management in the AEC industry.

Knowledge Architecture is based in San Francisco, California.

Meet Our Team

Christopher Parsons
Founder and CEO

As Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, Christopher is responsible for product development, marketing, and organizational health. Christopher has been a technology leader in the AEC industry since 2002, including serving as the Chief Information Officer for Steinberg Architects and the Information Technology Director for SMWM (now Perkins+Will).

Christopher has a degree in History from Wake Forest University. He’s an avid reader, trail runner, birdwatcher, and cook.

 

Susan Strom
Chief Client Officer

As our Chief Client Officer, Susan ensures our clients have the resources they need to be successful. Those resources include best practices, training, documentation, and a team of Knowledge Architecture experts who guide our clients every step of the way.

During her time at Knowledge Architecture, Susan has led over 130 AEC intranet implementations, produced dozens of intranet case studies, and been instrumental in building our client community and client success program. Her previous roles in human resources, construction management, and engineering systems at Mazzetti and Gilbane Building Company allow her to draw upon a broad range of industry experiences to help our clients succeed.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Smith College, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and has taught principles of knowledge management at Columbia University.

Susan enjoys learning about the historical roots of current events, random acts of sewing, and spending time with trees.

 

Sarah Davies
Director of Client Success

As the Director of Client Success, Sarah strives to ensure Knowledge Architecture sets the gold standard for what it means to be a good technology partner. She thrives on working directly with clients to help them achieve the outcomes they seek. Sarah focuses on delivering an unparalleled client experience using all of the tools in our toolbox: intranet strategy, community, and best practices. In addition to her client facing work, Sarah is involved in Knowledge Architecture's community programming and uses her deep client insight to help guide our product roadmap.

Sarah holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from The American University of Paris and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Communications & Culture and French from Indiana University Bloomington (Hoosiers!). She enjoys traveling, cooking, dancing, exploring new and old world wines, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Sean Mahan
Director of Software Engineering

Sean leads the development team, and is responsible for software architecture and our technical roadmap. Prior to joining Knowledge Architecture, Sean worked as a freelance web developer and designed participatory games for museums. He previously worked in desktop support and systems administration roles at SMWM (now Perkins+Will), drawing on self-taught computer mastery gained while an English Language and Literature undergraduate at The University of Chicago. An inveterate tinkerer, Sean approaches software engineering as a creative and strategic practice.

A father of two and a recent migrant to Pittsburgh, PA, Sean devotes his free time to becoming a better cook, light home maintenance, and sneaking out for bike rides.

 

Chad Parsons
Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations for Knowledge Architecture, Chad is responsible for the technical infrastructure of Knowledge Architecture's software and services as well as overseeing corporate operations. Using his passion for process engineering and his technical depth, Chad works closely with the development and client success teams to provide the foundation for our intranet and integration services.

Prior to joining Knowledge Architecture, Chad was responsible for technical infrastructure and support services at LPA Inc., a California-based integrated design firm.

Chad has a degree in Computer Science from UC Santa Barbara where he developed a love for the ocean which he now cultivates in his hometown of Kansas City, MO.

 

Greg Moore
Senior Implementation Project Manager

As Senior Implementation Project Manager, Greg is responsible for delivering Knowledge Architecture’s proven implementation model to clients for a successful Go-Live. Before coming to Knowledge Architecture, Greg served as IT Director for SRG Partnership, Inc., Technical Services Manager for Newforma, and co-founded the AE IT Consulting firm PDX Consultants. Greg has helped clients with a broad range of process and technology initiatives aimed at scaling and improving operations.

Greg holds a degree in Business Management, LEED AP certification, and is a member of the Project Management Institute of America. He enjoys videography, cooking, microcontroller programming, and woodworking from his home in Portland, Oregon.

 

Jordon Thurmond
Senior Client Success Manager

As a Senior Client Success Manager, Jordan partners with our clients to understand their business challenges and empowers them to get the most out of their Synthesis intranet. He is enthusiastic about making software tools easy to use and enjoys getting to know what makes his clients’ organizations thrive. Jordan draws on over 10 years of experience with strategy and product optimization to help our clients achieve their goals.

Jordan holds a Business and Professional Leadership degree from Southeastern University. He enjoys reading a good book, cooking, baking, traveling, engaging in outdoor activities, and finding the best coffee and craft beer while on vacation.

 

Coe Hoeksema
Client Success Specialist

Coe helps our clients get the most out of their Synthesis intranets through her work on product documentation and community best practices. Prior to joining Knowledge Architecture, Coe worked on the marketing teams of several large New York Architecture firms, including Rafael Viñoly Architects, FXCollaborative, and Dattner Architects. Her interest in using technology to streamline operations led her to the role of Synthesis champion and the subsequent joy of joining Knowledge Architecture’s knowledge management community. As a former client, Coe has a deep understanding of how a well-designed intranet can improve the culture, efficiency, and depth of knowledge for any AEC firm.

Coe earned a degree from Wesleyan University with a focus on photography and digital media. After living in Brooklyn for 17 years, she still thinks of herself as a New Yorker, but now resides in Hartford with her husband and three sons.

 

Brian Campbell
Senior Software Engineer, Systems Integration Lead

With more than 10 years of experience working with Deltek, OpenAsset, Newforma, and SharePoint products, Brian leads the systems integration and search efforts for Knowledge Architecture's development team. Prior to joining Knowledge Architecture, Brian was the Business Information Systems Manager for Steinberg Architects, where he was responsible for planning, design, and integration of business-critical information systems. Long before starting his technology career, Brian was an Associate at SMWM, responsible for overseeing Project Management, Construction Administration, Risk Management, and Contracts. His passion for technology is always tempered by his experience as a leader on the practice side of the business.

Brian has a degree in English Literature from Ohio University. He and his wife own The Candy Store in San Francisco.

 

Paul Winn
Senior Software Engineer

Paul has been a part of the Knowledge Architecture development team since 2009.  Since then he has taken on the responsibility of front-end development for Synthesis on both web and Android platforms.  He is one of those nerds that loves coding and takes pride in his approach, even if he is the only one that will ever see it. Prior to joining Knowledge Architecture, Paul was responsible for resolving technical issues of architects and designers at Steinberg Architects. He was the go-to person for software rollout projects, server, and PC maintenance, and custom scripting. Paul brings to the table a 'make it happen' approach to software development, where any problem can be solved with enough ingenuity.

Paul has a degree in Computer Science from CSU Monterey Bay. He is a proud father of two feisty gingers and dabbles in beer making and liquor distilling.

 

Fred White
Senior Software Engineer

Fred is responsible for the engineering of Synthesis analytics components including Search Optimization, Content Optimization, and Post Analytics. He is a multi-faceted technologist who has worked in and around the architecture and engineering industry for most of his career. His expertise includes solution architecture, software development, data analytics, project management, and enterprise IT management. Prior to joining KA, he was a founder and software engineer at Practice Lab, a benchmarking application and service for A&E firms. He was also a co-founder in the consulting and research firm ZweigWhite.

Fred has a BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College, Boston. He enjoys cats, kids, music, technology, and sports.

 

Zac Littleberry
Software Engineer

Zac is a software engineer at Knowledge Architecture, specializing in frontend work and enhancing accessibility and the overall user experience for Synthesis. With a background spanning over a decade in nonprofits and technology companies like The Linux Foundation, Zac brings expertise in software development, data scraping, integration building, UI design, and accessibility improvements. He approaches his work with a problem-solving mindset, considering multiple perspectives to create effective solutions.

Zac studied at the University of Pittsburgh and currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, biking, and crafting digital and physical projects.