Two West Michigan Design Firms Announce Merger

Two of West Michigan’s design firms, Progressive AE and Design Plus, announced that they have merged to create one of the area’s largest full-service design firms specializing in architecture, engineering and interior design. The combined entity brings together two respected and growing market leaders with nearly 85 years of experience, more than 150 full-time professionals, and annual revenues of more than $25 million. Financial details of the merger were not disclosed.

 

The combined company, which will be headquartered in Progressive AE’s 50,000-square-foot office, will retain the Progressive AE name. The company will be led by Progressive AE’s President and CEO Bradley Thomas, with a bolstered leadership team that will include senior members of the Design Plus team.  

 

Progressive AE and Design Plus previously partnered on projects and began discussions over the past year about the benefits of a merger. With common values, mutual commitments to community, a shared focus on responsible design and sustainability, and a core belief that design solutions should respond to and help drive their client’s business results, the principles of both firms ultimately determined they would be stronger together.

 

This merger will pave the way for the newly expanded firm to establish a stronger national practice by leveraging the distinct and complementary strengths of each partner.  Progressive AE brings the offerings of a national full-service design firm with a diverse portfolio and significant depth of expertise in multiple industries and service offerings. Industries served include healthcare, education, workplace, nonprofit, government, retail, and manufacturing.  

 

Design Plus is an industry leader in design and the use of cutting-edge technology, such as 3D building modeling, and has developed a strong niche in the area of student housing and dining projects, as well as expertise in higher education, developer partnerships, public and nonprofit markets. Both firms have successfully established long-term, loyal client relationships through their creative approach, and high level of service.