VLK Architects Welcomes New Principal in San Antonio

VLK Architects recently announced the addition of a new Principal to its staff in the San Antonio, Texas, office. A news release reports that Michael Martinez has almost 40 years of architecture experience and 23 years of K–12 architecture experience, and he has contributed to more than $1.6 billion and six million square feet of projects.

“We are excited to have Michael join the firm,” said Sloan Harris, CEO and Partner at VLK Architects. “His experience and passion in public education design and planning is a wonderful addition to VLK and will be instrumental in servicing our clients in the San Antonio region. I am looking forward to the leadership Michael will bring to our staff and clients there.”

The news release reports that at VLK, Martinez will lead projects and oversee the design, construction documentation, and project delivery process. He’ll serve as the point of contact with clients to make sure that quality projects are delivered on deadline and within the expected budget.

In previous roles, Martinez has worked as a Principal, a Senior Project Manager, and an Office lead. He as a long career of experience with maintaining client relationships and building project teams, as well as mentoring young architects in creating learning environments that support students and faculty both.

“I feel so very fortunate to have the opportunity to become part of the VLK team,” said Martinez. “VLK’s reputation with clients, consultants, and contractors as a trusted partner in educational design is exceptional. Sloan and Todd’s vision regarding advancements in educational design, the profession of architecture, and the growth of the firm are what excite me about becoming a VLKer.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • school building with glowing circuit board patterns

    AI Is Coming to Schools — But Most School Buildings Still Run on Institutional Memory

    As school districts race to introduce AI into classrooms, administration, and curriculum planning, another conversation is happening behind the scenes: How prepared are school facilities themselves for the operational demands AI will create?

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • Lawrence Group Announces Three New Hires

    Integrated planning and design firm Lawrence Group, based in St. Louis, Mo., recently welcomed three new staff members, according to a news release.

  • Health & Science Building

    Health & Science Building

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The College of Western Idaho's Health & Science Building has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.