Michael Denz

As a Design Principal in FGMA’s PK-12 practice, Mike is driven by the belief that school environments have the power to inspire, engage and energize students. Reflecting on his own school experience — marked by uninspired classrooms — Mike recognizes the profound impact that well-designed spaces can have on learning. “It’s amazing to see how far educators and school architects have come in creating inspiring, collaborative, healthy and inclusive environments,” he says. Being part of that evolution is what motivates him every day.

Mike approaches every project with a focus on thoughtful, high-performing design — spaces that are functional, intentional and exciting. Grounded in evidence-based design and sustainable practices, he designs healthy learning environments that support student success. For Mike, great design starts with active listening and close collaboration with educators, administrators and the broader learning community. His goal is to maximize the value of every dollar spent while creating environments that empower students and teachers of all abilities.

Early in his career at FGMA, while working on the design of Hickory Creek Middle School, Mike was struck by the school’s innovative design — curved walls, open commons and courtyards filled with natural light that connected students to the outdoors. It challenged his assumptions about what schools could be and sparked his drive to create environments that truly inspire learning.

Mike’s passion for design doesn’t stop at the office. In his free time, he loves diving deeper into architecture, exploring new ideas and expanding his knowledge. He also enjoys traveling with his family, finding inspiration in new places and recharging through hands-on DIY and woodworking projects around the house.