HED is honored to be ranked #117 on the 2025 Crain’s Detroit Business “Private 200”—an annual ranking of the largest privately held companies in Southeast Michigan.

As a firm with deep roots in Detroit and a growing national presence, this recognition is a meaningful milestone that reflects not only our continued business growth, but also the strength of our purpose-driven culture and the impact of our work across diverse markets and communities.

The Private 200 list highlights the top-performing businesses that fuel the region’s economy, from legacy manufacturers to innovative service firms. HED’s inclusion is a testament to our integrated, multidisciplinary approach to architecture, engineering, and planning—combining design excellence with forward-thinking strategy to create positive outcomes for people and place.

In recent years, HED has expanded its reach, enhanced its capabilities, and invested in the future—through strategic partnerships, sustainable design practices, and a continued focus on equity and resilience in the built environment. Our Detroit office plays a central role in that vision, contributing to transformational projects that advance the city’s progress while influencing design dialogues across the country.

As we celebrate this recognition, we extend our gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members whose trust and collaboration make our shared success possible.

We’re honored to share that HED has been recognized as a 2025 Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation, earning distinction in all evaluated categories by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). This national recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace culture where our people can thrive and make a lasting impact.

The Best and Brightest program honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional innovation in business performance and human resource practices. With only one in ten companies achieving this recognition, we’re proud to be among the few who are setting the standard for excellence in employee engagement, well-being, and corporate responsibility.

Our performance was evaluated by an independent research firm across a range of categories, including:
Compensation, Benefits & Employee Solutions
Wellness & Wellbeing Initiatives
Employee Engagement, Enrichment & Retention
Education & Development
Recruitment & Recognition
Communication, Leadership & Company Vision
Diversity, Inclusion & Work-Life Blend
Community Impact & Corporate Responsibility

This achievement celebrates the culture we’ve built—one where people come first, collaboration is key, and purpose drives everything we do.

“These companies have excelled by prioritizing their workplace culture,” said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of NABR. “By putting their employees first, this exceptional group of top-tier leaders has created a strong foundation that sets them apart.”

We’re proud to continue investing in our people, our communities, and our collective future.

HED is proud to announce that the Wacker Chemical Innovation Center and Regional Headquarters has been honored with an Engineering Merit Award from ACEC Michigan. This prestigious recognition showcases HED’s expertise in designing high-performance, innovative workplaces that attract top talent and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Designing for the Future of R&D Workspaces
Wacker Chemical’s commitment to building a state-of-the-art R&D facility in a highly desirable community has resulted in a workplace that is twice the size of the original facility. Working closely with Wacker, HED delivered a modern, upscale workplace designed to attract and retain top young talent, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the chemical industry.

The Wacker Chemical Innovation Center emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and collaboration, with cutting-edge features such as:

Flexible Lab and Office Spaces – Adaptable areas that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and allow for future growth.
Sustainable Design – Energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible building materials that align with Wacker’s sustainability goals.
Employee-Centric Design – Features that enhance employee well-being, foster creativity, and encourage interaction, ensuring a positive and engaging work environment.

HED is proud to announce that the H-STEM Health Technologies Complex at Michigan Technological University has been honored with an Engineering Honorable Conceptor Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Michigan. This prestigious recognition highlights HED’s commitment to designing cutting-edge research environments that drive innovation and improve human health.

Advancing Health Research Through Innovative Design
The H-STEM Health Technologies Complex is a transformative facility dedicated to interdisciplinary research in health science and engineering. Designed to facilitate groundbreaking work in areas such as biotechnology, medical devices, and rehabilitation engineering, this state-of-the-art facility provides researchers and students with the tools they need to develop next-generation health solutions.

The project was recognized by ACEC Michigan for its exceptional engineering solutions, sustainable design strategies, and its contribution to advancing STEM education and research. By integrating flexible lab spaces, collaborative work areas, and sustainable building features, the H-STEM Complex fosters an environment that promotes discovery, collaboration, and real-world impact.

A Commitment to Excellence in Engineering
HED collaborated closely with Michigan Technological University to ensure the H-STEM Complex met the highest standards of engineering innovation, sustainability, and functionality. Key features of the project include:

Adaptive Research Laboratories – Flexible spaces that accommodate evolving research needs and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Sustainable Building Design – Energy-efficient systems and materials that align with the university’s sustainability goals.
Advanced Infrastructure – Cutting-edge mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems that support high-tech research operations.