AE Tech Design is proud to announce that we’ve been named a recipient of the Top A&E Project 2025 award, presented by Motorola Solutions. The award honors our technology design of a districtwide security system for Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS) — one of roughly 80 firms in the running this year for a recognition that spotlights standout architectural and engineering technology design.
The project
The $3.5 million project brings security-focused technology to every educational building in the district, including updated cameras, door-access controls, weapons detection, and vaping detection. BCPS is starting the construction and installation phase this month, with the system expected to be fully operational by the start of the 2026-27 school year.
“AE Tech has been a steady, trusted partner as BCPS modernized our CCTV and access control systems — no shortcuts, no noise, just disciplined execution,” said Herb Hayden, Senior Director of District Operations for Battle Creek Public Schools. “Roger, Clayton, and Lisa consistently brought clarity, responsiveness, and follow-through to a complex lift, helping us move from an often-malfunctioning, antiquated system to smarter, more secure operations without losing momentum. That kind of work earns confidence, and confidence earns long-term partnership. Thank you for being our partner.”
“Working with a great partner like Battle Creek Public Schools is an honor itself, so it’s nice to see that partnership affirmed with this recognition by Motorola Solutions,” said Roger Ferworn, president of AE Tech Design.
Why it matters
“The more secure we can make school facilities, the safer it is for our students and staff,” Ferworn said. “That means a better learning environment in our schools, and peace of mind for families and the community.”
Founded in 2019 as a spinoff of Secant Technologies, AE Tech Design designs facility and information security systems and provides managed technology services for schools and universities, government, nonprofits, health care, and corporations across Michigan.
“Every organization depends on technology, and that need will only increase,” Ferworn said. “We help them use technology better in their work environment, and we’re proud to help them optimize those tools — especially for our schools and the students they serve.”
What’s next
We’ll keep doing what got us here: assessing honestly, designing around real-world needs, and sticking around to maintain what we build. If you’d like to see what that looks like on your own project, schedule a free consultation.