November 1, 2017
In
Announcements & News
ai Design Group Finalizes Merger with Progressive AE;
Officially Adopts Name
— Addition of Full-Service Engineering to Charlotte Office
Delivers Immediate Impact —
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 1, 2017) — Architecture and interiors firm ai Design Group has finalized its merger with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Progressive AE and will officially adopt their name, effective today. Their office on the top floor of the Chamber Building and local leadership team of Principals Wes Jones, Kim Marks and Ryan Doherty will remain the same. Jones now serves as managing principal of the Charlotte office and Marks is the firm-wide workplace practice leader.
“This merger comes at a time when both firms are in a position of strength, allowing us to accelerate our momentum together,” said Brad Thomas, president and CEO of Progressive AE. “By joining forces with a firm that shares our vision, both culturally and strategically, we‘re able to accelerate our 10-year growth plan by adding services, market sectors and staff.”
The combined organization has active work in all 48 contiguous states, a team of more than 200 professionals (50 in Charlotte) and over 65 years combined history as leaders in architecture and design. The firm now offers expertise in 10 market sectors: community, healthcare, housing, industrial, learning, retail, senior living, sports, workplace and worship. One of the most significant outcomes of the merger, with immediate impact to the Charlotte office, is the addition of full-service engineering capabilities that includes civil, landscape architecture, mechanical, electrical, transportation and structural competencies.
Locally, ai Design Group is best known for its work on the headquarters for MetLife’s U.S. retail division, Sonic Automotive and Barings; landmark mixed-use retail developments Ballantyne Village and RedStone; and motorsports facilities across the country including Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Z-Max Dragway.
High-profile Progressive AE clients include: Steelcase, Advance Publications, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Michigan State University, Kawasaki Motors, Arby’s and Smithfield Foods.
“While the ai Design Group brand is now part of our company history, we are a stronger, more diverse, full-service-firm and we look forward to working with clients under our new name, Progressive AE,” said Wes Jones, managing principal of the Progressive AE Charlotte office.
About Progressive AE
Progressive AE has provided innovative and sustainable architectural and engineering services for more than 55 years. Our work is guided by a fundamental and forward-thinking philosophy that spaces and environments should serve as strategic contributors that drive organizational change. The firm’s success has been achieved through a workforce that is a unique blend of creative people who think strategically, and strategic people who work creatively. Progressive AE has offices in Grand Rapids, MI, and Charlotte, NC. For more information, visit progressiveae.com.
