Designed in Michigan

Photo by Doug Coombe

Statewide collaboration allows redesign to reflects city’s ‘innovative by nature’ tagline

Through a statewide design collaboration, an aged half-mile stretch of a once-bustling Auburn Road received a new life with a recent streetscape redesign. The city of Rochester Hill’s tagline ‘innovative by nature’ is reflected in the project, which features rain gardens, lush flowers, shrubs, tree-lined median, benches and vibrant sculptural designs.

Photo by Christopher Slat
Ford Experience Center is reimagined to promote connection

A substantial renovation and redesign took place at the Ford Motor Company’s corporate campus in Dearborn. In partnership with Landscape Forms, Ghafari Associates and Zaremba & Company worked on transforming the indoor space to be modern, welcoming and timeless, while tying it together with the cohesive, multi-functional outdoor space.

Photo by Tommy Allen
Creating community and pride within the design scene in West Michigan

The design scene has grown organically in West Michigan over the past decade. Design industry contributors have continued to help in the rise of the design scene since the COVID pandemic, and more social events for designers in the region are coming up.

Courtesy
Advocating for STEAM opportunities this summer in West and SW Michigan

Throughout our region, supporting STEAM’D (science, technology, engineering, art, math and design) is the focus of organizations and programs that are working to encourage the next generation to pursue opportunities within these industries.

Courtesy of Tyler Herbstreith.
Rethinking design with a focus on restoration and regeneration

The 2023 Wege Prize provided an opportunity for students worldwide to create solutions to challenging social and environmental issues. Looking ahead, additional opportunities are available to continue the momentum and develop a more sustainable future.

Emily Carbonell-Ferguson works as an experience designer for BetterUp
West Michigan design is steeped in research and strategy

Emily Carbonell-Ferguson, Julie Lang and Bob Armbrister are local design leaders. They discuss how research, strategy and West Michigan influences their design work.

Carl Dunker works from his home office in Holland, Michigan.
Building relationships is at the heart of great design

Skot Welch, Julia Swenson and Carl Dunker are three designers who live and work in West Michigan. They share the ways they work to create a community where people belong.

Carl Dunker works from his home office in Holland, Michigan.
Building relationships is at the heart of great design

Skot Welch, Julia Swenson and Carl Dunker are three designers who live and work in West Michigan. They share the ways they work to create a community where people belong.

Sara Crookston directs a toy photo shoot.
How life is better in West Michigan for those designing our world

Sarah Crookston, Mimi Ray and David Allan are all leaders in design. While they could work anywhere in the world, they discuss why they choose to live and work in West Michigan.

Sara Crookston directs a toy photo shoot.
How life is better in West Michigan for those designing our world

Sarah Crookston, Mimi Ray and David Allan are all leaders in design. While they could work anywhere in the world, they discuss why they choose to live and work in West Michigan.

Our Partners

Allegan County Community Foundation logo
Disability Advocates of Kent County logo
On Point Allegan

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything West Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.