Since our inception in early 2009, Progress Design Studio has built a solid reputation and earned respect for adhering to our core philosophy: Provide extraordinary , forward-thinking design solutions in a client-driven environment from a team-member perspective.

It's a simple ideal. Your project is the culmination of substantial hard work, goals set and goals achieved. As an integral part of your overall vision, it deserves to be treated with the same high level of significance by your Architect. We’ll never allow your project to become part of a “pipeline.” We keep our project list manageable to ensure that we can continue to provide the highest level of service to you, our valued client.

Progress Design Studio is a multi-state, award-winning architectural firm specializing in multifamily housing and design. Our career portfolio range includes:

  • Student housing
  • Senior apartment homes
  • Family apartment homes
  • Tax credit/affordable housing
  • Market rate housing
  • Mixed use development
  • Site development
  • Project feasibility studies

We look forward to partnering with you to transform your project from concept to the final expression of your original vision . That’s how we Progress. Progress. By Design.

Meet the Architect

Michael Haynes, Managing Principal

Michael Haynes

Managing Principal

In 2009, Michael established an award-winning design firm, Progress Design Studio, PLLC, with a primary focus on the design and construction of exceptional affordable housing and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) communities. Since that time, the firm has collaborated closely and fostered an excellent working relationship with Housing Finance agencies throughout the southeastern United States. In addition, through repeated hands-on experience the firm has developed a comprehensive understanding of, and overall familiarity with, the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) process and the specific design standards it encompasses. The combination of our accumulated knowledge and experience has ultimately driven the creation of award-winning communities which residents are proud to call home.

Working in the architectural profession since 1995 and as a licensed architect since 2009, Michael has achieved wide-ranging proficiency in the design and construction of multifamily projects. A Registered Architect in eight states, his design aptitudes include market rate apartment communities, senior living, mixed use, student housing , and affordable housing/LIHTC. Michael’s primary responsibilities as owner and principal of Progress Design Studio include schematic design and construction document management, business development, corporate management, navigating complex tax credit requirements that differ from state to state, on-site construction observation, and daily operations.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). As a partner, he is actively involved in marketing the services of the firm and represents Progress Design Studio in business, community, charitable, and professional activities His goal is to continue to develop Progress Design Studio into the architectural firm which clients turn to again and again for professional service, aesthetic design principles that redefine current multifamily housing norms, and the blueprint for a positive, straightforward project path.