Learning Environments are changing at a rapid pace. Experienced Professionals can bring insight to your project. Whether you're balancing the needs and expectations of students, preparing for an unknown future, or looking to align your project with institutional values and mission, we are here to help.
Our committed practice leaders are industry experts, thought leaders, and passionate about your learning environment. We are here to be an outside perspective, provide clarity that can help open eyes, understand problems, and solve for the unknown.
© Progressive AE
AMP Lab
Western Michigan University
13,000 SF
Completed in 2018
Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Lab
ADVANCING
academic excellence
The heart of any campus is the academic spaces where students and professors delve into topics, collaborate, and ask questions to solve problems and learn together.
We believe in the power of education — we have seen it firsthand working with more than 40 different higher education clients. We also know the role design plays in shaping experiences. Good design can inspire the mind, fuel discovery and promote engagement.
From advanced manufacturing centers to state-of-the-art science buildings, we work to create academic spaces that are flexible, sustainable and will remain relevant far into the future.
YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION
DESIGN EXPERTS
A COMMITMENT TO
the student experience
The majority of a student’s time is spent outside the
classroom. The experience of dining, housing and student amenities are paramount to creating a healthy, stimulating, and flexible environment that can meet the needs of all students.
Housing. It’s More Than a Place to Live.
Housing is personal. It is where life-long friendships are made. Creating spaces that are safe, comfortable, supportive, and encourage interactions among students are key to long-term success and can play a role in student retention. We have worked with clients throughout the country on a variety of housing projects — from renovating existing facilities, to designing new residence halls, apartments and townhomes.
Healthy Options in Dining and for the Environment.
Campus life often mirrors that of the greater world. As individuals and organizations continue to champion more sustainable practices in how and what we eat, those same ideals have found their way onto campuses. Similarly, students, visitors and staff are looking for dining options that are both healthy and diverse. Much like cafés and coffee shops, dining halls have become a destination for group and individual study, meetings between students and professors, and a catalyst for community engagement. Flexibility to use these spaces when and how they need is vital to today’s students.
We’ve worked with Progressive AE on several projects and it’s kind of like working with family. We trust them and they’ve worked well with us. This made Progressive AE an easy selection to help design and build the Hanson Technology Center.
– Ken Flowers, Dean of Career and Workforce Education, Lake Michigan College
JACK & MARY DE WITT CENTER FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Cornerstone University
42,000 SF
Completed in 2019
Science & Technology Center
WE ARE PASSIONATE
about the future of learning
The days of static campus buildings are long gone. Today’s students and faculty require flexible spaces that adapt to and actively support the learning process. They expect to see a school’s mission and values reflected in the places they learn and live. Creating a sense of belonging and purpose is more important than ever before.
Driving Performance Through Design.
We live by a fundamental philosophy that design drives performance. We will work with you to develop performance measures that drive each design decision to ensure our work ties-back to your strategic vision. It is not enough to say we will drive performance, we will prove it to you. At established checkpoints after you occupy the space, we will connect with you to monitor and evaluate the performance measures. We call this Performance Based Design. We believe in it so much we made it our mission.
Equity in Design.
Inclusive design, also known as Universal Design, is the act of creating spaces that can be used and accessed by everyone. In fact, it often goes further than the American’s with Disability Act to develop a sense of equality among users. We’re experts in the field of Universal Design and our work has been internationally recognized for its dedication to access for all.
HANSON TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Lake Michigan College
49,376 SF
Completed in 2016
Advanced Manufacturing & Skilled Trades
STEVEN C. ENDER HALL
Grand Rapids Community College
3,850 SF
Completed in 2020
Student Resource Center
Tod R. Stevens, FAIA, LEED AP
Learning Practice Leader
616.988.4891
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
We believe in sharing our expertise, insights, and research. If we can help solve a problem then that's a win.
Whether you're a client or not, we're here to help.
Is Universal Design the Future? Tod is joined by interior designer Jessica Griffis to talk with Dr. Peter Blanck about his work as a disability advocate and why he believes Universal Design can create a better future for everyone.
State of the Library. Lee Van Orsdel, Former Dean of Libraries, and Kristin Meyer, User Experience Librarian talk with host Tod Stevens about the Mary Idema Pew Library. Lee, Kristin, and Tod discuss how libraries are like malls, talk about user experience and permissions culture, and the importance of an adaptable service model.
What can design learn from anthropology? We talk with anthropologist Daniel Maldonado to understand how the study of human behavior intersects and informs the way we design spaces. Daniel shares his unique insights as a first-generation college graduate.
Featured Episodes
From the Blog
Benefits and Challenges of Adaptive Reuse in Higher Education
Student Housing Trends for 2021
What Remote Communication Tells Us About the Important of "Place" in Higher Education
Five Things Higher Education can Learn from Corporate Workplace
NORTH RESIDENCE HALL
Ferris State University
124,000 SF
Completed in 2017
Residence Hall
