KALAMAZOO, MI–Seven Generations Architecture & Engineering announced that Karl Kowalske has joined the Kalamazoo, MI-based architectural firm as its new president. As of Sept. 8, Kowalske oversees the day-to-day operations of the business.
“I am honored to join Seven Generations A+E at this critical juncture in the firm’s exciting story,” says Kowalske. “The firm continues to enhance its expertise, add personnel, and expand its geographic footprint, and I am looking forward to furthering our extension throughout Indian Country, federal contracting, and the important work we’re doing here in Kalamazoo and the area.”
Kowalske, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP, EDAC, NCARB, joins Seven Generations A+E following a successful six-year career with Progressive AE. His most recent position with Progressive AE was as director of practice development.
At Seven Generations A+E, Kowalske will be responsible for the firm’s overall operations. He will drive 7GAE’s upward trajectory in terms of new business, client services, and team development.
“Having worked in the Kalamazoo, MI, area for 20 years, I have known about Seven Generations A+E’s stellar reputation for excellence,” says Kowalske. “When I was presented with the chance to join this incredible team of talented employees with the same kind of passion that I have, I knew I could not pass up the opportunity.”
Seven Generations A+E has also earned more than $50 million in federal contracting during the last four years, illustrating the firm’s expertise in implementing architecture, engineering, and design for the United States Armed Forces, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Parks System, and other federal government agencies.
Kowalske is the latest addition to the Seven Generations A+E team that has experienced a surge in hiring as a result of continued growth for the firm. Since last year, 7GAE has added over 30 new members to the firm and relocated its headquarters to a new and expanded space in The Foundry in Kalamazoo’s River’s Edge district.
“We are built on the tribal belief that today’s generation is responsible for the prosperity of generations to come, and we take that very seriously,” says Jeremy Berg, outgoing president of Seven Generations A+E. “I know the firm is in good hands under Karl’s guidance.”
With the appointment of Kowalske to president, Berg will fully transition to head of Professional Services within the Mno-Bmadsen Family of Companies, a job he has been executing while simultaneously overseeing Seven Generations A+E for the last two years. Mno-Bmadsen is the non-gaming investment arm of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians that created Seven Generations A+E in 2012. The Professional Services Group is comprised of Mno-Bmadsen’s growing portfolio of architecture, engineering, and design businesses.
Prior to joining Progressive AE, Kowalske spent more than eight years with Diekema Hamann Architecture, most recently as a principal. He was also an intern architect for more than five years with Architects Incorporated. Kowalske earned his Master of Business Administration, with honors, from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University (2020); his Master of Architecture, with distinction, from the University of Michigan (2004); and his Bachelor of Science in architecture from the University of Michigan (2002).
