Strategic Insights

Understanding Industrial Refrigeration: A Q&A with Chuck Taylor, PE

In 2018, Smithfield Foods celebrated the grand opening of a new cold storage distribution center that would serve the northeastern […]

7 Ways COVID-19 Will Change HVAC Systems of Medical Office Buildings

At the first sign of illness, most people will head to their primary care doctor or the nearest urgent care […]

The Future of Retail: Recovering from a Global Pandemic

If there’s one thing we know about the future of retail, it’s that there are still a lot of unknowns. […]

Inspiring the next generation: West Michigan’s first ACE Mentor Program

By: John Rizor, AIA “Founded in 1994, the ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE) is a free, award-winning, after school […]

Saving Money and Energy with Window Shading

By Kori Jager, PE Have you ever lowered a shade in your house or the office and instantly noticed a […]

Design Fuel Newsletter Fall 2017

The latest editions of Design Fuel, Progressive AE’s biannual company newsletter, are out! This time around we’ve produced two newsletters […]

Brightmoor Christian Church Wins National Design Award

Brightmoor Christian Church in Novi, MI, has received a national Solomon Award for excellence in design. The large expansion and […]

Commuting on Foot: Mixed use Trends on the Urban Front

One of the single largest contributing factors to our lifestyle is mixed use development. Shopping, dining, and workplaces accessible by short walks, public transportation, and a density that links them all, are fueling the renewal of existing urban places, and a genesis of new placemaking.

Transforming Spaces for Advanced Manufacturing Education

After a period of under-investment in technical training, community colleges and universities are now creating teaching environments that prepare their students for successful careers in today’s manufacturing workplace.

Worship Facility Discernment Toolkit

How do you know if it’s better to build new or expand your current facility?

Key Takeaways: PivotPoint Manufacturing Event

This past March we hosted an event for manufacturers featuring presentations from key leaders and professionals.

St. Mary Magdalen Church Wins National Solomon Award

By John Van Houten and Jamie Benvenuto We are thrilled to share that St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church has been […]

Getting the Most Out of Your Facility Assessment

Is your worship facility working for you? Will it still be working 20 years from now? Planning ahead can help […]

A Learning Facility’s Influence on Outcomes: Have You Assessed Yours Lately?

With shrinking resources and budget limitations, it is critical to understand the utilization and condition of your current facilities and infrastructure.

The Secret World of Engineering

The world of a structural engineer tends to be one of quiet, focused work. We are the ones after all who are responsible for the integrity of entire systems, including the building where you currently sit.

Applying Universal Design to Aquatic Environments

Taking the time to step back and look at how the space will be used, and who it will used by, can help determine the overall layout and degree of flexibility required for the space.

Understanding Thermal Comfort for Memory Care Residents

Having a clear understanding of how thermal comfort can affect those with dementia played a large role in the recent design for an HVAC system for a facility specializing in memory care.

The Road Less Traveled: How Rethinking Circulation Can Change Your User’s Experience

As designers, circulation (which refers to the way people move through and interact with a space) is often seen as […]

Use Somebody Else’s Money for Energy Projects? Yes, Please!

If you’re like me, borrowing money is not your favorite thing. Especially for investments with long payback periods, even if […]

Mary Free Bed YMCA First Building in the World to Receive Universal Design Certification

The new Mary Free Bed YMCA has received the world’s first Global Universal Design Certification from the Global Universal Design […]

Community Plumbing Challenge – Team USA Wins!

Well, I have very great news: the project was completed on time and Team USA came out victorious over Australia, […]

Community Plumbing Challenge – Day 2

Day 2 Construction started immediately this morning with a lot of unforeseen problems with the delivery of materials in a […]

Community Plumbing Challenge – Day 1

Day 1 School 125 received us with a welcome ceremony where the local public officials attended. I was invited to […]

Waterford Place Rehab Center Grand Opening

The building not only allows for state-of-the-art care to be delivered, but also provides a space for respite, socialization, reflection and a celebration of life.

Creating Value through Design

Research is growing and it is showing the positive impact architecture, planning and design has on learning environments and the associated outcomes.

Openness in Worship Spaces

Churches often have preconceptions about what their space needs, without understanding the impact space can have on the experience and performance of the environment.

Sustainability Solutions

Sustainability continues to be an important element in the retail industry, with 78.3% of all retail chains reporting the use of environmentally friendly material.

The Michigan Battle of the Buildings!

An energy reduction war, a crusade against kilowatts, a barrage against BTU’s.

So You Still Think Solar Energy is Too Expensive? Debunking in Three Graphs

In many cases, solar power is now cheaper than traditional grid electricity.

National Roll-out: Say it With Photos

Using images to capture details can be your team’s most powerful tool for progress.

Evolution of Sustainable Thinking

While “sustainability” means something different to everyone, there are underlying tenets that have become generally understood.