# Michael Hein

> Michael Hein is the Nashville-based co-founder and CEO of The HFW Companies, a national architecture and engineering network founded in 2020 with Daniel Forguson and Matthew Westphal. Trained in geography, architecture and urban planning, he combines design-industry experience with a focus on operations, leadership and growth partnerships that preserve member firms’ brand identities.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at The HFW Companies
- **Organizations:** The HFW Companies, KAI Design & Build, Jacobs, Bunge, MW Hein & Company, Inc., American Institute of Architects, United by Design
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Geography, with emphasis in cartography and economic development, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Bachelor of Architecture, The City College of New York, Master of Urban Planning/Architecture, The Graduate Center, City University of New York
- **Known for:** Co-founded a national architecture and engineering network in 2020., Led HFW as its network reached No. 169 in ENR’s 2026 Top 500 ranking, with $117.4 million in combined prior-year revenue., Established a growth model intended to preserve partner brands and operational independence while providing shared resources.

## Career timeline

- **1990s** — Operated a small architecture practice and later described difficulty expanding beyond one person.
- **2017** — Appointed chief integration officer at KAI Design & Build.
- **2020** — Co-founded The HFW Companies with Daniel Forguson and Matthew Westphal.
- **2021** — HFW announced VSS backing and its first member firm, Miller Legg, on November 9.
- **2023** — HFW debuted at No. 281 in ENR’s Top 500 ranking.
- **2024** — KUO became HFW’s eighth partner; HFW reached No. 242 in ENR’s ranking.
- **2025** — HFW added its tenth strategic partner and reached No. 203 in ENR’s ranking.
- **2026** — HFW reorganized growth and operations leadership, established Dallas headquarters and reached No. 169 in ENR’s ranking.

## Achievements

- Co-founded a national architecture and engineering network in 2020.
- Led HFW as its network reached No. 169 in ENR’s 2026 Top 500 ranking, with $117.4 million in combined prior-year revenue.
- Established a growth model intended to preserve partner brands and operational independence while providing shared resources.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Discussed his early solo practice, Nashville base and cycling with United by Design in Rusk O’Brien Gido + Partners’ mid-year executive outlook.
- **2026-05** — HFW announced its move to Dallas headquarters and No. 169 position in ENR’s Top 500 ranking.
- **2026-01** — HFW announced Matthew Westphal as chief growth officer and Steven Summers as chief operating officer; Hein remained CEO.

## Links

- Website: https://www.hfwcompanies.com/team/michael-hein/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hein-aia-014200b

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-hein
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-09