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Cleaning vs. disinfecting interior finishes; what’s the difference and why it matters
These are interesting times. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives. As designers, we’re working with clients to develop […]
Want to Take a Selfie? Social Media’s Effect on Design
Five trends that are here to stay. Authored by: Charity Atton, Jessica Bain, Chelsea Currah, Amanda Elliott, Margo Garcia, and […]
Progressive AE Named “Firm of the Year”
We are thrilled to announce that Progressive AE has been named “Firm of the Year” by the American Institute of […]
Five Things Higher Education Can Learn from Corporate Workplace
By: Jessica Griffis, Senior Interior Designer As designers, we are dedicated to understanding the needs of our markets, from healthcare […]
Designing Spaces That Work For a Multigenerational Workforce
As Millennials continue to flood the workplace and organizations are competing for new talent, many leaders have focused on changes to the work environment that will attract and appeal to the new majority.
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 […]
Design Trends: NeoCon 2017
As another NeoCon comes and goes, we take note of some of the top trends for 2017.
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.
The Future of Workplace
What does the future hold for trends in the workplace, and what have been the long-term effects of past trends?
The Impact of Local Culture on Workplace Design
Sharing “aha moments” from our work with MLive Media Group and the national roll-out with parent company, Advance Publications.
Seven Universal Design Changes You Can Make Today
By Mike Perry There is no such thing as “one-size fits all” when it comes to humans. According to the […]
Etiquette in the Age of the Open Office
By Melissa Powell Sheppard The first widely distributed reference on etiquette was written in 1922 when Emily Post authored “Etiquette […]
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 […]
Not Your Parent’s Dining Experience
Trends in On-Campus Dining
University dining halls have changed drastically over the past few decades, and the gap between them continues to widen. It’s amazing just how much it’s changed over the years.
Progressive AE Takes Home AIA Grand Rapids Awards
Three projects, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Mary Free Bed YMCA and Mercy Health St. Mary’s Cafeteria, brought home awards from AIA Grand Rapids.
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 […]
Competitive On-Campus Housing Solutions
According to “The American Freshman: National Norms Fall 2015,” an annual survey put out by UCLA, nearly 80 percent of incoming freshman lived in on-campus student housing last fall. And more than 40 percent of those same students said they chose their college…
Choosing Furniture and Fixtures in Memory Care
When choosing furniture for memory care facilities, special attention must be paid to the fabric, cushion and design of the piece. Choosing the correct furniture can help make daily life easier for both residents and staff.
Neocon 2016: Cue the Hollywood Music (and the line for the elevator)
By Jessica Griffis I first started attending NeoCon while in design school and quickly became enamored with what is arguably […]
Building for Transformation – DeVos Family Center for Scouting Renovation
The local Grand Rapids Boy Scouts chapter recently launched a campaign titled “Build Character Today, Lead Tomorrow” to expand the DeVos Family Center for Scouting.
More than Attraction: What Makes Employees Stay?
Employers are scrambling to identify the best ways to bring talent in and keep them engaged.
How Unique Spaces Are Helping Churches Reach New People
This is the second part of a three-part blog series focused around unique ways that worship facilities can work to attract new members.
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.
Tri County Area Schools Break Ground on Building Updates
School safety has become an important topic over the past several years. According to the National Center for Education […]
Designing Interiors That Work for Memory Care Residents
Throughout my career I’ve come to learn one very important thing: in order to create a space for someone, […]
A Lesson in Employee Satisfaction: What Healthcare Can Learn From Traditional Offices
Workplace studies have shown that engaged employees are more productive. Even a slight increase in staff performance can cover the initial cost of a better work environment.
Why Lighting Is So Important When Designing for Dementia Patients
Good lighting can help dementia patients by allowing them to easily see what is around them.
Interior Design or Decorating?
An interior design solution is functional, improves the quality of life, culture, health, safety and wellbeing of its occupants
The Great Commission – Fishing is More Than a Weekend Hobby
The most successful church expansions are ones that support specific ministry goals. Unique ways that worship facilities can work to attract new members. This is part one of a three-part blog series focused around unique ways that worship facilities can work to attract new members.
Building an Affordable City
When communities support the development of affordable housing, it spurs economic development and ensures people and families of all income levels have a place to live. That push for affordable housing in Grand Rapids is a major goal of the City’s new master plan.
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 […]
The Science of Choosing Colors
The use of color is central to all work in interior design. Whether the designer is a trained professional or […]
Design for the Digital Native
New technologies are immersive, even addictive. Environments saturated in these technologies can drain people’s energy and enthusiasm if employers aren’t […]
Meet Drew: Anticipating Workplace Needs and Styles
“I want to work in an environment that makes me happy – that inspires my curious mind, encourages my unique voice, and enables me to collaborate”
Celebrating Design Success with Saint Mary’s Foundation
The Progressive AE interior design team won the award for hospitality space under 10,000 square feet featuring Saint Mary’s Foundation project.