Pfluger Architects Hires New Higher Ed Practice Leader

Pfluger Architects, based in Houston, Texas, recently announced Christopher Laack as its new higher education practice leader, according to a news release. Laack has more than 20 years of experience as a licensed architect and most recently served as the Principal and Commercial Practice Leader for VLK Architects. In his new role at Pfluger, his responsibilities will include maintaining client relationships and driving strategic growth in the firm’s partnerships with colleges and universities across Texas.

Laack’s professional experience includes architecture, master planning, and urban design in education, office, residential, retail, hospitality, civic, and community development projects, among others. His Bachelor of Architecture comes from the University of Detroit Mercy, and he is NCARB Certified and a Licensed Architect in the State of Texas.

“I believe in pushing the boundaries of design to create inspiring, thoughtful buildings and places that contribute to the built environment and to communities,” said Laack. “As a firm dedicated to inspiring communities and creating a more meaningful human experience, Pfluger provides me with opportunities to engage with campus leaders and understand the needs that campuses have right now and in the future.”

At Pfluger, Laack will lead the firm’s five Texas locations in its work with state universities, colleges, community colleges, and vocational institutions. He will also take over the firm’s current projects like the San Jacinto Biotechnology Center, Texas Lutheran University’s Lundquist Student Activities Center, and more.

“Chris brings expertise to our higher education team, from planning campuses to designing facilities that work,” said Chris Lammers, the current higher education practice director at Pfluger. “His genuine connection with people makes him a great fit for our team and the clients we serve.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • Spaces4Learning Launches 2026 Education Design Showcase Awards

    Spaces4Learning has opened submissions for the 2026 Education Design Showcase! The awards program launched in 1999 with the goal of celebrating innovative, practical solutions in the planning, design, and construction of K–12 and higher-education facilities. EDS recognizes new developments that help achieve optimal learning environments, as well as the architecture firms that brought the ideas to life.

Digital Edition