Knowledge on Knowledge

Bruce E. Blackmer, FAIA, is President and CEO of Northwest Architectural Company, a firm of 120 specializing in architecture, planning, interior design, and capital facilities consulting, with offices in Seattle and Spokane, Washington, and Coeur d̂Alene, Idaho. With market focus in education, healthcare, laboratory, biotechnology, recreation, civic, hospitality, and extended care facilities, Northwest Architectural Company has been recognized internationally, with London‐based World Architecture ranking the firm 178th in the world for 2004. Bruce was instrumental in developing the American lnstitute of Architects' initiative to become a knowledge organization. He was a leading advocate for the knowledge agenda during his 1999–2002 term on the AIA National Board, and as Vice‐President of the Institute in 2003, he spearheaded the reengineering of the former Professional lnterest Areas into the current AIA Knowledge Communities. Bruce received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from North Dakota State University and Master of Business Administration degree from Gonzaga University. He is a licensed architect in five states, NCARB certified, a past Regent of the American Architectural Foundation, and incoming Director of the National Architectural Accreditation Board. Summary While this is a simplistic flow model, it helps in the understanding that each of the five functions is distinctly different from each other and requires actions that take uniquely different skill sets. Each function may well be the responsibility of different groups within the design professions. An adaptation of a diagram by Leonard and Swap, from their article “Deep Smart” in the September 2004 Harvard Business Review, helps in our understanding of methods for progressing toward increased knowledge (Figure 4). Each activity contributes in its own distinct way to raising the knowledge level of the profession. At brainstorming sessions during the April 2004 and 2005 AIA Knowledge Agenda Summit over 160 specific actions were identified that professional associations can undertake to begin to address the design professions' knowledge needs. Similar inter‐professional sessions by the broader stakeholders can begin to identify the many ways that we each can contribute to that effort.