How to Build a Real Innovation Culture in AEC

KP Unpacked

On this episode of KP Unpacked—the number one podcast in AEC—Jeff Echols sits down with Alan Montpellier, Principal and Chief Innovation Officer at PAE, to explore what it really takes to embed innovation into the DNA of an AEC firm.

Alan shares how PAE shifted from ad hoc ideas to a fully resourced innovation group, why innovation can't live in a silo, and how they prioritize experimentation—without sacrificing project delivery or profitability.

You’ll learn:

• How PAE structured its innovation group and budget
• Why innovation should come from everywhere—not just the “innovation team”
• How to balance client deadlines with long-term experimentation
• Real-world examples of tools, AI pilots, and failed-but-smart experiments
• What to do when PMs block innovation because of fees

This is a playbook for firms who want more than buzzwords—who actually want to build something new and better.

Ignite what's next

We're launching something new... It’s called Catalyst.

It’s a space for AEC forward-thinkers are reimagining what’s next. This is where the top minds in the industry are sharing ideas, leading change, and pushing the future of AEC forward.

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Check out one of our Catalyst conversation starters, AEC Needs More High-Agency Thinkers

Hope to see you there!

Chapters

1. How to Build a Real Innovation Culture in AEC (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to KP Unpacked (00:01:20)

3. Meet Alan Montpellier of PAE (00:02:15)

4. PAE's Vision and Sustainability Focus (00:04:15)

5. The Innovation Group: Theater Producers Not Actors (00:06:40)

6. Innovation Across All Business Areas (00:12:20)

7. Navigating Innovation Budget Barriers (00:18:35)

8. Cultivating and Funding Innovation Ideas (00:25:00)

9. AI Implementation and Transformation (00:34:55)

10. The Future: Value-Based Services Revolution (00:42:10)

11. Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-up (00:52:10)