“Nasario’s recognition is a testament to his talent and dedication,” said Sloan Harris, VLK CEO | Chairman. “He represents the best of our next generation of architects as a thoughtful leader who is committed to advancing the profession and serving his community. We’re grateful to have him on our team and excited to see what he’ll accomplish throughout his career.”

Arreguin, based in VLK’s San Antonio office, exemplifies the qualities the award recognizes. His contributions to the design profession, coupled with his commitment to professional service and community engagement, have set him apart among his peers. Through his work and professional involvement, Arreguin has demonstrated the leadership and innovation that define professionals making lasting impact in the architecture industry. He contributes to various industry organizations such as the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), the ACE Mentor Program, AIA San Antonio, and internally on VLK’s internal Culture + Visioning Syndicate, as a VLK Ambassador, and as an Associate.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Arreguin. “Thank you to everyone who has challenged, supported, and believed in me along the way. I look forward to continuing to serve our profession and the community.”

The award was celebrated at the 2026 People + Place Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, July 28, at The Carlos Alvarez Theatre at the Tobin Center in San Antonio. The ceremony recognized professional achievement of AIA San Antonio chapter members, design excellence of award-winning projects, and community leadership.

About VLK: VLK provides architecture, planning, and interior design services to automotive, K-12, higher education, corporate, and institutional clients, delivering innovative solutions for their specific needs. For more information, please visit our website: www.vlkarchitects.com or contact marketing@vlkarchitects.com.

About AIA San Antonio: AIA San Antonio serves the professional needs of more than 600 architect and associate members; and over 85 Allied companies working in fields related to architecture, design and construction in the greater San Antonio area and 22 surrounding counties. Since its founding in 1953, AIA San Antonio has been the leading voice for architecture in the San Antonio region. For more information visit www.aiasa.org.

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“I am truly honored to receive this prestigious award from the Fort Worth Chapter of CSI. My involvement with CSI has been both meaningful and deeply rewarding, giving me far more than I could have imagined when I first began contributing to the organization,” said Tracy Loftin. “Through CSI, I have had the privilege of meeting many generous and knowledgeable professionals in the architecture and construction industry who have enriched my learning and supported my career over the years.”

CSI is an association that brings together professionals across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to improve the communication of construction information and elevate facility performance. Each year, CSI’s Fort Worth Chapter honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in support of that mission with the Albert S. Komatsu Award. Komatsu, a Fort Worth architect known for his midcentury modern work across the city and civic projects such as the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 97. He leaves behind a legacy defined by decades of design excellence, community investment, and mentorship across the architecture and construction industries. The award honors that legacy by recognizing those who carry it forward.

In her 39 years with VLK, Loftin has been a foundational presence, joining in the firm’s earliest years and growing alongside it into the respected resource she is today. Known across the firm as an authority on specification writing, she is equally valued as a mentor to those navigating the field. Her contributions extend well beyond VLK; within the Fort Worth CSI Chapter, Loftin has served in multiple leadership roles over the course of three decades, including as Secretary and Awards Chairman, and has been recognized with the Outstanding Professional Member Award, Chapter Commendation Award, and Certificate of Appreciation. Outside the industry, she remains equally committed to her community through longstanding involvement in the arts, a reflection of the same dedication she brings to her professional work.

“This is an incredible accomplishment and a much-deserved honor for Tracy,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Chairman of VLK. “Tracy’s expertise and commitment to service and mentorship within our profession have made her an invaluable resource to VLK and the broader design and construction community. We are proud to see her receive this prestigious recognition.”

About CSI: Founded in 1948, CSI is a national association of more than 8,000 experts in building construction and the materials used therein. They are dedicated to improving the communication of construction information through a diversified membership base of allied professionals involved in the creation and management of the built environment. Their mission is to advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance.

About CSIFW: FWCSI does more than provide networking – expect high-quality education programs and events that help members share real-world solutions and better understand the roles and responsibilities of each member of the construction team.

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This recognition reflects VLK’s continued growth and longstanding commitment to supporting public schools, from architectural services to a wide range of consulting services that help understand public education from every angle. Community engagement initiatives, comprehensive creative services, leadership development and training, and strategic communications services all position VLK as a trusted partner to the districts and communities it serves.

In addition to this ranking, VLK was recognized by Engineering News-Record for ranking No. 158 on the 2025 Top 500 Design Firms list and No. 33 among Texas and Louisiana design firms. The Zweig Group Hot Firms list placed VLK at No. 8, No. 34 among firms with 200+ employees, and No. 14 among architecture firms. These honors reflect VLK’s focus on purposeful growth, exceptional client partnerships, and ongoing investment in people and innovation.

“Being ranked #2 among all K-12 architecture firms in the nation is not just recognition,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Chairman at VLK. “It’s validation of our belief that excellence in design begins with service, partnership, and purpose. At VLK, we don’t chase rankings; we chase impact. This honor reflects the trust of our clients, the dedication of our people, and the unwavering belief that when we elevate education, we elevate our communities.”

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VLK was proud to receive the “Best Craftsmanship” Award at IIDA Houston City Center’s Product Runway 2025: The (Design) Eras Tour, held on May 2, 2025 at POST Houston. The award recognized VLK’s innovative and meticulously crafted design inspired by the era of Architectural Minimalism. This annual competition brings together architecture and design firms from across the region to showcase creativity through fashion constructed from architectural materials.

Now in its 17th year, Product Runway challenges design teams to create garments inspired by a designated theme. This year’s event spotlighted the theme The (Design) Eras Tour, a nod to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, celebrating iconic periods in design history through wearable art. Beyond the runway, the team had to create an original art piece to be auctioned for $600. VLK also chose to contribute to the event as a gold sponsor. Proceeds from the event raise funds for the Houston Furniture Bank, the Texas Association for Interior Design (TAID), and the IIDA Education Fund. A distinguished panel of industry leaders and design professionals evaluated entries on creativity, craftsmanship, and innovative use of materials.

VLK’s team translated architectural principles of balance, rhythm, and functionality into an elegant, structural garment to represent the era of Minimalism. The submission showcased sustainable materials and innovative detailing with the support of garment sponsors. Additionally, the team volunteered at Houston Furniture Bank and participated in Zero Landfill at LaNova Warehouse to sort miscellaneous material samples donated by various firms. Materials included in VLK’s final design included layered, recycled polyester textiles from J. Tyler , used as the gown’s base and structural support; a focal angular collar created from PVC edge banding provided by Design One Source; and custom heat-fashioned steel accessories from Cronan & Agility, designed to guide the viewer’s eye across the gown’s silhouette.

The final design debuted at IIDA Houston City Center’s Product Runway, an inspiring showcase of industry talent and dedicated philanthropy. VLK is honored to receive this award, which reflects the firm’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and community impact.

About IIDA TX OK Chapter: IIDA is a professional networking and educational association supporting design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients. Their vision is to support culture, enhance business value, solve problems, and positively impact the health and wellbeing of people’s lives through a greater understanding of interior design.

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Despite an economic landscape of ongoing fluctuations in global markets and uncertainties surrounding trade policies, VLK has accelerated its growth trajectory by pursuing new opportunities and strategically positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

The ENR ranking is based on 2023 revenue of $126.4 million. The dramatic jump in ranking spotlights VLK’s organic growth, both by adding new clients and additional projects from existing clients, rather than growth through acquisition.

Through investments in people and technology, VLK is reimagining everyday business processes, continuously improving the employee experience, and redefining how its services are delivered. Three of five of its Texas offices are undergoing office space expansion to accommodate significant headcount growth.

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(Fort Worth, Texas) – VLK Architects has been recognized for both its outstanding business performance and as a top firm to work for by AEC industry publications.

Zweig Group annually ranks AEC firms based on criteria including workplace practices, employee benefits, and employee retention rates. For 2023, VLK is ranked No.7 among architecture firms, up three spots from last year’s ranking. Zweig also ranks VLK as the No.22 firm with over 200 employees, up 12 spots from 2022.

VLK is further recognized by Engineering News-Record, which ranks VLK as No. 7 in its Texas/Louisiana Top Design Firms list and No. 282 on its National Top 500 Design Firms list.

Full list of VLK’s awards and recognitions through June 2023:

• ENR Top 500 Design Firms: Ranked #282
• ENR Texas & Louisiana Top Design Firms by Market Sector 2023: Ranked No.7 in Architecture
• Zweig Group Best Firms to Work For: Ranked No.7 for Architecture and No.22 for firms with over 200 employees
• Zweig Group Hot Firm Award: Ranked No.82

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