Redesigning Learning for the Next Generation of AEC Talent | Dan Hottinger and Kari Shonblom of BWBR

In this episode of the Smarter by Design podcast, I’m joined by Dan Hottinger, Principal and Director of Professional Services at BWBR, and Kari Shonblom, Knowledge Manager at BWBR, for a deep conversation about how their firm is redesigning learning to meet the realities of today’s AEC industry and the expectations of the next generation of talent.Dan and Kari take us inside BWBR’s Landmark Learning program, a decade-long effort to help emerging professionals build judgment, confidence, and technical fluency faster than experience alone would allow. We explore how BWBR uses quality assurance (QA) and construction administration (CA) feedback loops to identify recurring gaps in practice, translate real project issues into targeted learning, and continuously evolve what and how the firm teaches technical skills to emerging professionals.Along the way, we talk about how learning itself is changing. As the next generation of AEC professionals has grown up searching first, watching short-form videos, and expecting knowledge on demand, BWBR is rethinking traditional training models. Dan and Kari share how the firm is experimenting with shorter, more focused content while preserving the value of longer, story-driven sessions where context, judgment, and tacit knowledge can be shared.The conversation also explores a hybrid approach to learning: pairing on-demand resources with live discussion, designing learning paths that evolve across career stages, and connecting technical instruction with the softer skills—such as communication, leadership, and decision-making—that become critical over time. At the center of it all is a simple but demanding idea: learning only matters if it shows up as improvement in the work.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how learning, QA, and career development can be woven into a single system that allows BWBR to develop talent from within, adapt to changing expectations, and build resilient expertise over time.If you’re thinking about how your AEC firm can redesign learning for a new generation, connect knowledge management to real project outcomes, or move beyond training as a one-off event, this conversation is for you.GuestsDan Hottinger | Principal, Director of Professional Services, BWBRDan’s attention to detail has served him well throughout nearly three decades at BWBR. He specializes in projects that have highly technical requirements and logistical challenges, providing hands-on management on total project design and documentation, effectively orchestrating collaboration between the in-house design team, engineering/specialty consultants, and contracting partners. Dan brings his passion for teaching into the development of BWBR's learning initiatives such as the Landmark Learning Sessions.Kari Shonblom | Knowledge Manager, BWBRKari Shonblom is a Knowledge Manager at BWBR, where she leads intranet development and advances knowledge-sharing and learning initiatives across the firm. A systems thinker with a passion for data and process improvement, she bridges big-picture strategy with thoughtful, practical execution – connecting people to the resources they need to work better, faster, and smarter.Resources📺 Teach Them How to Fish: Enhancing Technical Learning with KM Strategies (KA Connect2017 Talk)📕 The Leadership Pipeline by Ram Charan, Stephen Drotter, and James Noel📕 The Specialist Pipeline by Kent JonasenCreditsHost: Christopher ParsonsExecutive Producers: Denise Parsons, Christopher ParsonsEditor: Coe HoeksemaTheme Song: “We Took the BART” — Written and Performed by The ParentsChapters(00:00) Introduction(04:04) Landmark Learning Program Structure and Evolution(12:20) Soft Skills for Emerging and Established Professionals(14:56) Curriculum Development and Content Curation(20:27) Using QA and CA Feedback to Identify Key Training Topics(26:57) The Right Knowledge at the Right Time(28:07) Reimagining AEC Learning for the Google Generation(37:38) Hybrid Approach: Pairing On-Demand Content with Story-Driven Sessions(40:45) Content Curation and Findability(44:37) Designing Learning Paths for Every Stage of an AEC Career(48:50) The Challenge of Knowledge Transfer(52:03) Draft and Develop: Building AEC Talent from Within(59:22) Reimagining AEC Career Development for a New Generation(01:12:32) Future Goals for Landmark Learning Learning at BWBR(01:16:16) How Has Your Perspective on the Program Changed?(01:19:49) Lessons Learned(01:25:38) Closing