VLK Architects Adds New Principal to Houston Office

VLK Architects recently announced that it has added a new principal, David Valerius, to the staff of the VLK Houston office, according to a news release. Valerius has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Texas Tech University and more than 30 years of architectural experience in the commercial and educational verticals.

“David has had a long career in the Houston K–12 education market, and we are excited to welcome him to VLK,” said VLK Architects Managing Partner Todd Lien. “His knowledge and experience from the perspective of the architect as well as from working on the owner’s side of the fence makes him a great addition to our firm.”

Valerius has extensive experience in leading teams and building consensus among stakeholders, the news release reports, as well as in planning, developing, and delivering major construction and renovation projects for facilities. His previous work includes projects with Spring Branch ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Santa Fe ISD, and more.

“I have a passion for designing learning environments, and for me joining VLK, a longtime leader and innovator in the K–12 space, feels like a natural fit for me,” said Valerius. “I’ve always valued building lasting relationships throughout my career, and that is a cornerstone of VLK’s philosophy.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • From Approval to Opening: Inside Travis Unified School District’s Fast Tracked Campus Expansion

    The Travis Unified School District (TUSD) in northern California includes several elementary and high schools serving over 5,400 students. In 2024, the TUSD Board approved the addition of sixth grade to the Golden West Middle School campus for the 2025–26 school year, setting in motion an accelerated effort to bring new facilities online in less than a year.

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.

  • William Penn Charter School

    Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Richard A. Balderston OPC’69 Lower School has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of New Construction.