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

  • Designing for Every Mind

    Learning environments have the power to shape not just what students know, but who they become. When a school is designed with genuine empathy—for the full range of ways students think, sense, and engage with the world—it becomes more than a building. It becomes a catalyst for growth, confidence, and belonging. That is the animating idea behind neurodiverse design, and it is one that is transforming how more architects and designers are thinking about school design.

  • Phoenix School District Breaks Ground on New Prep Academy

    The Creighton Elementary School District near Phoenix, Ariz., recently broke ground on a campus replacement for Biltmore Preparatory Academy, according to a news release. The new space will allow the school to expand its enrollment by 50 percent for K–8 students and accommodate modern, collaborative learning styles.

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • S4L Announces 2026 Education Design Showcase Winners

    Spaces4Learning is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Education Design Showcase! Now in its 27th year, the annual awards program honors innovative solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction across K–12 and higher education.