Progressive Companies

How does the design of space contribute to feelings of belonging? Design Architect Jamie Benvenuto, Sustainability Lead Matthew VanSweden, LFA, WELL AP, and Architect and Urban Designer Mausharie Valentine, AIA, NCARB, CSI teamed up recently at the University of Michigan's Multicultural Design and Inclusive Spaces Summit to discuss just that. Learn how biophilic design, universal design, trauma-informed design, and community engagement can all help support belonging in the built environment.

Insight - Harmonizing Spaces: Integrating Biophilic, Regenerative, and Universal Design to Promote Belonging Belonging means something different to all people. Feelings of belonging stem from and define a person’s experience, history, setting, vulnerabilities, and many more factors. The result of not belonging? —alienation, isolation, exclusion, detachment, and withdrawal. So how does design add or det...

We're so pleased to have been part of bringing this project to life for the students at Eastern Michigan University!

Eastern Michigan University unveils new student apartments Eastern Michigan University revealed on Wednesday its brand-new student housing complex featuring 400 beds.

We're thrilled to be recognized as West Michigan's largest architectural firm of 2024! Thank you to all of our clients, partners, and employees for your trust and hard work. Let's keep designing a bold new future, together!

West Michigan’s largest architectural firms are bucking a national trend The companies on Crain’s list of largest architectural firms in West Michigan experienced a nearly 17% median growth in annual billings from 2022 to 2023, defying nationwide softness in the industry.

In honor of , today's is the Kent District Library - Amy Van Andel Library in Ada, Michigan. Completed in 2021 as part of our collaboration on the Village's "Envision Ada" master plan, Amy Van Andel Library includes a podcast room, tutoring spaces, conference spaces, flexible multi-purpose rooms, and a central courtyard for visitors to relax and read outdoors. To learn more about this "library of the future", check out: https://www.weareprogressive.com/projects/amy-van-andel-library

Today marks the 9th annual , celebrated by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Progressive Companies would like to shoutout our incredibly talented Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, and Transportation Engineers whose dedication and attention to detail has delivered outstanding results, further supporting our mission of transforming spaces, empowering people. To learn more about our innovative engineering services and the markets we serve, check out: https://www.weareprogressive.com/search?query=engineering

Principal and Mixed Use Practice Leader Ryan Doherty was recently interviewed for Invest Charlotte, where he discussed key milestones for our company including the rebranding effort and expansion into new offices, the growth of our sports and entertainment sector, and hiring a new sustainability lead. He also shared his excitement for the growth of the Charlotte region. Check it out below!

Spotlight On: Ryan Doherty, Principal, Practice Leader, Progressive Companies 4 min read August 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Ryan Doherty, principal and practice leader of Progressive Companies, talked about several key milestones in the past year including

Last week, Urban Planning Practice Leader Suzanne Schulz, FAICP and Urban Designer Mausharie Valentine, AIA, NCARB, CSI had the honor of speaking at the American Planning Association’s Virginia conference!

Suzanne discussed "Revolutionizing Resilience in Danville," detailing the City's data-informed approach to resilience in their Comprehensive Plan. By focusing on historically disenfranchised communities, Danville is creating an equitable resilience framework. This holistic approach to environment, community, and culture inspired conference participants.

Mausharie presented on "PLAN Danville's All-In Community Engagement," where the City of Danville is transforming its planning process with innovative low-tech and high-tech methods. High-energy dialogues and revolutionary digital media feedback captivated attendees, setting a new standard for community involvement.

Other presenters included: Renee Burton, Larz Kegerreis, and Kendra Hyson

We're proud of the impactful work our team is doing to shape the future of urban planning!

Exciting news for Grand Rapids! Progressive Companies supported VIRIDIS Design Group on the new designs for the riverfront area next to the Acrisure Amphitheater. These plans feature extensive public trails and greenspaces. This development will provide our community with more opportunities for outdoor recreation and a stronger connection to nature right in the heart of the city. These enhancements are a big step towards sustainable urban development, making our city more vibrant and accessible.

Click the link below and see how this project will transform our riverfront!

New designs show reimagined public riverfront next to Acrisure Amphitheater City officials have unveiled new designs for riverfront trails and greenspace to surround the Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids, which tie in to broader plans for public access along the Grand River.

With the new school year right around the corner, today's is Ferris State University's North Hall! Completed in 2017, this residence hall sits in the heart of Ferris State University's Big Rapids campus. Complete with 200 suite style rooms, 3 dedicated classroom spaces, and game areas, North Hall offers a community centered freshmen experience that allows students to thrive.

To learn more, visit: https://www.weareprogressive.com/projects/fsu-north-residence-hall

Today we celebrate , commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Progressive Companies we believe today’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion goes beyond ADA, and companies and organizations are holding themselves to a higher standard. We are experts in Universal Design, which goes beyond ADA standards to help create truly inclusive environments where all people feel like they belong. Reach out today at weareprogressive.com/contact to learn more.


https://www.weareprogressive.com/insights/unleashing-the-potential-of-people-through-universal-design

Insight - Unleashing the Potential of People through Universal Design Organizations face numerous challenges when planning for the diverse needs of people who utilize their campuses and buildings. With newly expanded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments and a greater eye towards health and safety, today’s dedication goes beyond the Americans with Disab...

We are so excited to be working alongside Grand Rapids Community College to transform the downtown Learning Resource Center!

"The updated Learning Resource Center will cater to the hybrid way that most students take GRCC classes by having a mix of individual spaces with Zoom rooms and collaborative spaces for group work, as well as private or quiet study areas. In addition to library operations, the Learning Resource Center will also house GRCC’s counseling services, disability support services and the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs. A two-story addition for the Learning Resource Center will house a television studio and commuter cafe. Universal and ADA design improvements will also be added throughout the building."

Grand Rapids Community College to start $46M upgrades at 2 downtown buildings Grand Rapids Community College will soon start construction on about $46 million in renovations to two aging buildings at its downtown campus that will make recreational and learning spaces more user friendly and inviting for students.

Happy ! All of our interns have been hard at work this summer and are busy prepping for their final presentations next week. We are proud of their achievements and grateful for the value they bring to our firm and our clients through sharing their skills and passions. To learn more about the internship program at Progressive Companies, check out: https://www.weareprogressive.com/internships

In Michigan, we are blessed to be surrounded by the Great Lakes, along with thousands of inland lakes to enjoy. In honor of July being National Lakes Appreciation Month, we would like to shoutout our dedicated team of Water Resources professionals, who work tirelessly to conserve these precious resources through aquatic vegetation surveys, lake and watershed management plans, wetland delineation, and more. For more information, visit: https://www.weareprogressive.com/projects/michigan-lakes-and-streams

"In Universal Design, Light Reflectance Value (LRV) plays an essential role in enhancing the safety and independence of individuals with vision impairments," writes architect Cloudiya Ochoa, AIA. "By selecting colors with higher LRV values (>55), designers can improve the overall visibility and readability of elements within a space." Learn more about LRV below, and reach out to our Universal Design experts at weareprogressive.com/contact for more information!

Insight - What is LRV and How Do We Use it to Design Accessible Spaces? Have you ever ventured to the grocery store only to realize you left your glasses behind? The ensuing panic sets in as you struggle to decipher the tiny price tags and signs beyond arm's length. This scenario has puzzled me numerous times, prompting reflections on the experience of individuals with....

This is what our work is all about--putting people at the heart of everything we do. We're thrilled to see the positive impact the new Corewell Health long-term care facility is having on residents and staff!

Corewell Health patients, staff ‘really happy’ in new rehab & nursing center Corewell Health patients in need of long-term care have spent the past two months settling into their new home in Grand Rapids.

Members of our education team attended the International Living Future Institute Conference in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this year, where they learned about adopting a systems-level view on social and environmental impact through our work. In this blog, urban designer and team leader Joy Sportel casts a hopeful vision for universities and colleges to help lead the way in designing a brighter future and creating belonging for the next generation.

Insight - A Call to a More Regenerative Future on Campus Photo: Members of the firm's education team toured Georgia Tech's Kendeda Building during the 2024 Living Future Conference.

Congratulations to Director of Practice Development, David Krysak, on being named one of Crain's Detroit Business's Notable Leaders in Commercial Real Estate for 2024! With our firm's recent expansion to Detroit, MI, David has taken an active leadership role connecting to local business partners, building new relationships, serving existing clients, and recruiting talent in the region. Congrats David!

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/notables/meet-crains-notable-commercial-real-estate-leaders-2024

We are thrilled to be part of the "Reimagine Plainfield" project, an initiative aimed at enhancing the Plainfield Charter Township corridor. We're dedicated to creating sustainable and efficient urban spaces, and we value community feedback to shape this vision.

Check out the latest update below and share your thoughts on this transformative project!

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/traffic/reimagine-plainfield-construction-feedback/69-31c13a8d-045b-4007-8e5b-4b75c86507c2

Changes are coming to Plainfield Avenue, and leaders want your input In 2025, Plainfield Township and MDOT are going to be resurfacing and redesigning parts of the busy corridor to make it safer for traffic.

Congratulations to President and CEO Bradley Thomas on being named one of Crain's Grand Rapids Business's Notable Leaders in Commercial Real Estate! Brad has played an instrumental role in the development of the Acrisure Amphitheater and Grand Rapids Soccer Stadium, as well as serving on the board of the Grand Rapids Chamber and the executive committee for ONE Global Design. During his 20 years as our fearless leader, the firm has seen significant revenue growth, added presence in the southeastern United States, the opening of a Detroit, MI office, and increased workplace resilience through the pandemic. Congratulations Brad!

Bradley Thomas | Notable Commercial Real Estate Leaders 2024 President and CEO Progressive Companies Scope of work: Bradley Thomas runs all aspects of Progressive Companies and sets strategy for growth, including national reach, diversification, mergers and acquisitions, talent recruitment […]

We've once again been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies To Work for in the Nation! We were also named one of the Best and Brightest Companies in Wellness for our comprehensive employee wellness program. We believe company culture is a major contributor to employee satisfaction, engagement, and success. At Progressive Companies we're serious about a fun, inclusive, and engaging culture where people thrive. Check out more about our award-winning culture below:

https://www.weareprogressive.com/culture

Last week, our Grand Rapids interns spent some time helping out on the farm! Kids' Food Basket is a local nonprofit committed to abolishing childhood hunger by providing barrier-free meals to children in need. At Progressive, we remain committed to giving back to the communities we serve and we are so grateful to the folks at Kids' Food Basket for having us!

"Mothers are out in the world and with their hands full with more than diaper bags, car seats, and snack bags; they are out working, advocating for their community, running errands, conquering the world; and through all the roles they embody, mothers come with all kinds of different abilities and disabilities that are often overlooked when designing a space that is meant to be used specifically by them," writes Cloudiya Duba, AIA. Read her full blog on designing accessible lactation rooms below.

Insight - Designing Accessible Lactation Rooms In the past, lactation rooms were considered a privileged facility, and not many businesses and public spaces accommodated the need for a safe and private space to feed an infant or for pumping breastmilk. Lactation rooms have become more common and even considered a necessary amenity for mothers an...

We're making a BOLD move! The firm's Charlotte, North Carolina office is relocating and expanding to Camp North End, Charlotte's vibrant 76-acre hub for work, play, events, and community.

Read more below! https://www.weareprogressive.com/news/progressive-companies-makes-strategic-move-to-16-500-square-foot-office-at-camp-north-end

In June we proudly acknowledge our core value of diversity. The unique experiences and perspectives of our employees, clients, and partners within the LGBTQ+ community help shape the communities we love so much. Together, we design spaces and places where everyone belongs.

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day! Members of our Community Involvement Committee Megan Rice and Anne Driesenga took their lunch hour to visit Treetops Collective's brand new space and show support for the great work they are doing to empower refugee women and girls in Grand Rapids. We love being able to support the organizations that do so much for our communities each day.

Another great feature on Critter Barn's new Universal Design improvements! If you're interested in UD for your company or organization, contact us at weareprogressive.com/contact



https://www.woodtv.com/video/critter-barn-now-more-accessible-to-everyone/9669452/

Critter Barn now more accessible to everyone When you walk into the bathroom at the Critter Barn, you should notice how space’s size and the width of the sidewalks. But the less obvious details at the attraction are what earned it Silver Certification from the Universal Design Commission, the first farm in the world to have the designation. ...

We're excited to be a part of this transformative student housing project coming to Purdue University Fort Wayne's campus!

Gilbane Announces Public-Private Partnership with Purdue University Fort Wayne to Develop 600-Bed Student Housing Community | Gilbane FORT WAYNE, IN (June 4, 2024) Gilbane is proud to announce its partnership with Purdue University Fort Wayne (“PFW”) to address the university's need for

So exciting to see this project nearing completion!

Eastern Michigan University Lakeview is in the home stretch! These apartments will be ready to welcome students in the Fall!
| with Progressive Companies
| Check out our website to learn more about this student housing: https://www.avbinc.com/commercial-construction/projects/emu-lakeview/

This week the firm sent out 65 volunteers to organizations in and as part of the firm's Day of Service! Employees helped out at The Envision Charlotte Innovation Barn, The Bulb Urban Farm , Roof Above's Operation Sandwich, AYA Youth Collective, Beer City Dog Biscuits, and The Barn For Equine Learning. We're proud to be able to give back and support the work each of these organizations is doing for the communities we love.