“For 51 years haggard middle school has held a special place in Plano ISD’s story,” said Dr. Theresa Williams, Plano ISD Superintendent. “It has been a place where students have learned, grown, discovered their strengths, and formed lasting connections. This new building honors that legacy while opening the door to a new era. It gives Haggard students the spaces, resources, and the opportunities they need to learn collaborate and prepare for what comes next.”

The new Haggard Middle School sits on 11-acres of an existing 90-acre site adjacent to the former middle school and Plano Senior High. The 187,873 sf, multi-level facility was designed to serve as a next-generation learning environment that honors Haggard Middle School’s legacy while preparing students for the future. The building features two separate academic wings, one two-story and one three-story, positioned on the west side of the property, while shared facilities including fine arts, cafeteria/auditorium, athletics, and gymnasiums are located on the east side.

The campus design prioritizes student learning and community connection. A main corridor running east to west includes a three-story monumental stair that connects all grade levels and overlooks the main library, with a glass façade visible from the front of the building. The central gathering space provides access to administration and shared facilities while creating a visual heart for the campus. The school includes specialized learning spaces for CTE courses, special education, and deaf education programming.

“Haggard Middle School is an integral part of the Plano community,” said Ross Rivers, Managing Principal at VLK. “We’re honored that Plano ISD put their trust in us to design this storied project and look forward to decades of student success to come from this campus.”

Beyond the school building, the campus will feature athletic facilities including a 300-meter track and four new tennis courts supporting Haggard’s tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics.

The post VLK joins Plano ISD for Rededication of Haggard Middle School appeared first on VLK.

Most recently, Dr. Noonan served as Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools, where he led the division to be named the top-ranked school system in the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2018 through 2025. During his tenure, he successfully passed the largest bond referendum in Falls Church history and oversaw the construction of a new high school, delivered on time and on budget. Before Falls Church, he served as Superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools and as Chief Academic Officer for Fairfax County Public Schools, where he provided leadership oversight for 200 schools serving more than 172,000 students in the nation’s 11th-largest school system.

“Peter’s arrival gives our Virginia clients something rare — an educational planner who has sat in the superintendent’s chair when the bond referendum passed and the ribbon was cut,” said Dr. Dalane Bouillion, Chief Development Officer at VLK. “That’s the caliber of leadership now at the table with our districts, collaborating and helping to guide decisions that benefit the students and communities we serve.”

Dr. Noonan holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of New Mexico, and has served as adjunct and affiliate faculty at both George Mason University and Virginia Tech. He also serves as Executive Director of the Washington Area Superintendents’ Study Council, a regional network supporting superintendent leadership and collaboration across member school districts. Throughout his career, he has presented and facilitated professional learning at the division, state, and national levels, and has been recognized with numerous honors including the 2024 Educator of the Year Award from the United States Distance Learning Association and the 2020 Virginia State Superintendent of the Year.

“I am so excited and honored to be working alongside the incredibly talented team of architects in VLK’s Arlington, Virginia studio, building our collective capacity to design schools that meet the needs of today’s learners – and tomorrow’s,” said Dr. Noonan.

The post VLK Welcomes Dr. Peter Noonan as Educational Planner in Virginia Office appeared first on VLK.

“We’re grateful for the relationship we’ve built with Liberty Hill ISD, and this campus is the product of that,” said Tim Kunz, Managing Principal at VLK. “Lariat Trails Elementary is a thoughtfully designed campus that demonstrates what happens when a school district, community, architect, and builder work together with a clear vision. Every design decision was made to support student success and operational excellence.”

The design process began in early 2024 fitting the campus to the unique site, on heavily sloped terrain, with approximately 54 feet of elevation change from northwest to southeast. Rather than work against this natural topography, the design embraces it, creating a split-level campus that follows the contours of the land. The building entry sits at the main level, with classrooms and learning spaces stepping down naturally to the lower level. This two-story design maximizes efficiency, creating a smaller footprint while allowing for ample parking and pedestrian circulation.

The gym and cafeteria are strategically located at the front of the building to provide convenient access for after-school events, games, performances, and community gatherings. This placement also reduces sound transfer to classroom spaces during the typical school day. Classroom environments serving grades K-5 are organized in distinctive wings that create small learning communities for each grade level, fostering connection and collaboration among students and staff.

The library serves as the heart of Lariat Trails Elementary, providing a centralized location where all students gather to access resources, collaborate, and develop their passion for learning. The flexible, inviting space is designed to encourage exploration and shared learning. An adjacent makerspace fosters hands-on creative innovation within the library neighborhood. The library connects directly to an outdoor balcony that leads to an enclosed courtyard, extending learning opportunities beyond the building and into the outdoor environment.

The new elementary school will open its doors to students on Wednesday, August 12 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Photos from the Lariat Trails Elementary School Ribbon Cutting:

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 Liberty Hill ISD: Liberty Hill Independent School District is a 5A public school district in the scenic Texas Hill Country, just 30 miles northwest of Austin, serving more than 10,000 students, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across 14 campuses. The district’s mission is to build future-ready graduates empowered to be the best version of themselves through a commitment to building champions in academics, character, and community.

The post VLK Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Lariat Trails Elementary School in Liberty Hill ISD appeared first on VLK.

“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.

The post VLK’s Nasario Arreguin receives AIA San Antonio Young Leader Award appeared first on VLK.

“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.

The post Tracy Loftin, VLK Spec Writer, Awarded Albert S. Komatsu Award by Fort Worth CSI appeared first on VLK.

The James R. Wooten Service Award is presented to an AIA Fort Worth member who best exemplifies sustained, consistent, and effective service in advancing the goals of the chapter. Hiles has demonstrated this commitment through his longstanding involvement with AIA Fort Worth, including serving as President and Treasurer, as well as through his continued leadership and advocacy for the profession at both the local and state levels. He currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer on the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and as a member of NCARB’s Licensure Research and Development Task Force, underscoring his commitment to growing the profession.

“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful for the recognition,” said Justin Hiles, Chief Information Officer at VLK. “It is an incredible honor to serve the architectural profession, to advocate for its advancement, and to mentor the next generation of talented individuals. This acknowledgment inspires me to continue giving back and supporting our community.”

Hiles has nearly 25 years of experience at VLK, where he now serves as the firm’s inaugural Chief Information Officer. In this role, he leads the strategy and implementation of technology and data systems across VLK’s six offices, aligning innovation with the firm’s broader design and operational goals. His background in architecture and firm leadership, including previous roles as Architecture Director and Chief Operations Officer, informs a holistic approach to advancing both internal performance and client outcomes. His depth of industry knowledge continues to shape the strategies guiding VLK through an evolving technological landscape.

“Recognition like the Wooten Service Award from AIA Fort Worth speaks to the impact Justin has made on our profession,” said Sloan Harris, CEO and Chairman of VLK. “As shapers of the built environment, it’s incumbent on us to play a role in our industry and our community. Justin’s passion for architecture is abundantly evident in his service to VLK’s clients, his leadership in our firm, and his involvement in industry organizations.”

The post VLK’s Chief Information Officer Awarded AIA Fort Worth Honor Award appeared first on VLK.

Alex Nelson, AIA, NCARB

In his nine years at VLK, Nelson has continuously proven himself as a leader in the Austin office. Known for his strategic approach and attention to detail, he maintains a collaborative mindset that helps ensure projects reflect the client’s vision and uphold VLK’s commitment to impactful design. His collaborative style makes him a natural mentor, and he serves as a trusted and respected resource to clients.

Nelson joined VLK in 2017 as an Emerging Professional with a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University. He became a licensed Architect in 2020 and was named an Associate at VLK in 2021 for his contributions to the growing Central Texas market.

Signature projects such as Legacy Ranch High School in Liberty Hill ISD and High School No. 2 in Hutto ISD highlight Nelson’s resume. Outside of the office, he is involved in important industry organizations as an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and this year is serving on the Board of Directors for the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Central Texas Chapter.

“Alex represents the very best of our firm’s culture and values,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Chairman of VLK. “His dedication to client service, leadership within our teams, and passion for design strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful solutions for our clients and the communities they serve.”

The post VLK Promotes Alex Nelson to Senior Associate appeared first on VLK.

Stephen Olson, AIA, NCARB

As Practice Technology Director, Stephen Olson leads a firm wide effort to connect people, process, and technology to improve our efficiency and quality of work. With a background in project architecture and BIM leadership, he brings a strong understanding of practice operations and a thoughtful approach to innovation. Olson is known for supporting the growth of those around him, taking time to listen and invest in the development of his team members and colleagues. His leadership approach strengthens collaboration across VLK and helps others do their best work.

Amanda Reyes, AIA, NCARB

Amanda Reyes works across a variety of project types in our Central Texas market, leading teams throughout the design process as a Project Architect. Reyes has become deeply involved in supporting the communities she serves and is known for establishing strong connections with her clients. She brings a proactive and enthusiastic approach to her work that is promising to clients and uplifting for team members. Her presence in our Austin office exemplifies our core values of building strong relationships, focusing on the client, and being passionate about every project.

Chris Ortiz, RID, NCIDQ, IIDA

Chris Ortiz has nearly 20 years of experience as a project designer, with a background spanning both client and consultant roles across multiple states. His work ranges from national retail brands to K-12 and higher education facilities, shaping projects from early concept through construction. Chris is known for pushing design beyond expectations while staying grounded in what clients truly need. His perspective and creativity make him a trusted contributor to his teams and clients.

“At VLK, our continued success is driven by the strength of our people,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Chairman of VLK. “Stephen, Chris, and Amanda have each demonstrated a strong commitment to our clients, our culture, and our craft. Their advancement to Associate reflects the important role they play in shaping the future of our firm and making a lasting impact through our work.”

The post VLK Names Three New Associates appeared first on VLK.

Warren Ranch High School’s design is deeply rooted in the legacy of the historic Warren Ranch, honoring its longstanding values of pride, hard work, ethics, and innovation. Established in 1883, the ranch has remained a meaningful part of the community for generations, with deep ties to Waller ISD and a lasting impact on its growth. As the district transitions from a single high school model, the campus design builds on the foundation established at Waller High School to maintain a cohesive district identity.

Designed to support Waller ISD’s continued growth, Warren Ranch High School will serve 3,500 students and offer a comprehensive educational environment with robust academic, athletic, and fine arts programs. The campus includes a main high school building, agriculture barn, stadium complex, baseball and softball fields, and a field house, along with a mechanical central plant designed to support future facilities. Learning spaces are intentionally planned to support CTE pathways, with strategic adjacencies and opportunities to showcase student learning throughout the campus.

Made possible by the voter-approved November 2024 bond program, Warren Ranch High School is anticipated to open in the fall of 2028 and will support Waller ISD’s continued growth, serving future generations of students.

The post VLK Joins Waller ISD to Celebrate Groundbreaking of the District’s Second High School appeared first on VLK.

“This indoor facility represents so much more than just a building,” said Dr. John Moore, Superintendent of Galena Park ISD. “It’s an investment in the future of our young people.”

North Shore Senior High School’s athletics program is among the most competitive in Texas, with its football team winning UIL 6A Division I state championships in 2003, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2025. The updated facility will support continued growth across the district’s athletic programs and provide a dedicated space for training and development.

The Multi-Use Indoor Facility is designed as a centralized training environment that supports multiple athletic and fine arts programs, reflecting the community’s investment in student opportunity and growth. The 117,000 sf project is designed for daily use and includes a new indoor 120-yard practice football field surrounded by natural light filtering panels and a strength and conditioning weight room addition with panoramic views and seamless access to the practice field, along with renovations to the existing football fieldhouse, creating dedicated training spaces while improving the overall functionality of the campus’s athletics facilities. Architectural features include exterior masonry accents and multi-colored accent lighting, a new Champion’s Plaza recognizing athletic achievements, and an additional family activity plaza inside the stadium, designed to promote school spirit and provide the ultimate game day experience.

“It has been an honor to support the vision of Galena Park ISD on a project that reflects the strength and pride of the North Shore community,” said Monika Castillo, Principal at VLK. “This multi-use facility is designed to support student growth and performance —providing a multi-functional, year-round environment for both athletics and fine arts programs.”

The post VLK Joins Galena Park ISD in Celebrating the Start of Construction for the North Shore Multi-Use Indoor Facility appeared first on VLK.