Akalkotkar Joins VLK as Principal

Gopinath “Gopi” Akalkotkar has joined VLK Architects as its new principal. VLK offers architecture, planning and interior design services to K-12 and higher education institutions (and other sectors) in Texas. According to VLK, “Akalkotkar will be responsible for leading VLK’s efforts in San Antonio and the South Texas market.”

Akalkotkar Joins VLK as Principal

Photography Courtesy of VLK Architects

“We are excited that Gopi has decided to join VLK. His experience in our profession is substantial to say the least and I am eager to see the leadership and mentorship he’ll bring to our firm. His passion for architecture and gracious demeanor could not be a better fit for our culture and all of us at VLK are looking forward to working with him,” said Sloan Harris, CEO|Partner of VLK Architects, in a prepared statement.

For more than 30 years, Akalkotkar has been involved in numerous projects in K–12, higher education and other areas and has held roles in business development, design and project management, operations and administration at several firms, including ArchWert, Stantec, Parsons (then 3D/I) and Munoz & Co. (then Kell Munoz Wigodsky). He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Further information can be found at vlkarchitects.com.

 

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • Barbara Vick Western Branch

    Barbara Vick Western Branch

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Barbara Vick Western Branch has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of Renovation.

  • Western Kentucky University, Gilbane Announce “Elevate WKU” Partnership

    Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., recently announced that it has reached the financial close on a on a public-private partnership (P3) with Gilbane Development, according to a news release.

  • Washington State District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Cheney School District No. 360 in Spokane County, Wash., recently announced that construction has begun on a new elementary school, according to local news. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 in Airway Heights for the yet-to-be-named school, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027.

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.