Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Architecture Firm Celebrates Project Completions for New School Year

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/06/22

VLK Architects recently announced that it has completed a series of projects on a wide variety of K–12 campuses in Texas in time for the new school year. Against the background of supply chain issues and construction delays, VLK’s partnership with districts, consultants and contractors led to the successful completion of new constructions, renovations and additions across more than 20 school districts that serve more than 500,000 K–12 students.

“The anticipation of a new school year is always an exciting time, and we look forward to it with the same passion as our clients,” said Todd Lien, VLK Managing Partner. “Whether this is a renovation of an older campus or a brand-new school to address the tremendous growth that our clients are experiencing, we work with them to provide innovative, imaginative, and cost-effective solutions for their communities. Seeing these projects come to life on the first day of school is a highlight for us.”

One of the completed projects is Cherry Elementary School for the Royse City Independent School District in Royse City, Texas, located in the northeast part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The project broke ground in November 2021, according to local news, and consisted of building a brand-new campus for the existing school.

“The team at VLK took the vision of our community and created an absolutely beautiful and intelligent learning environment for the students at Ruth Cherry Elementary,” said Royse City ISD Superintendent Kevin Worthy. “From added safety features in classrooms, to breakout learning spaces and creative aesthetics, I am so proud of the final product. Most importantly, I know that our amazing educators will use the space to build meaningful relationships with students and families for years to come.”

According to a VLK press release, other notable projects finished include:

  • Allen ISD: Ereckson Middle School
  • Austin ISD: Brentwood Elementary School
  • Brazosport ISD: Brazoswood High School
  • Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD: Perry Middle School
  • Crowley ISD: Sports Complex
  • Denton ISD: Denton High School and Carrico Athletic Complex
  • Katy ISD: Robertson Elementary School
  • Lamar CISD: Maxine Phelan Elementary School
  • Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD: Eagle Stadium
  • Waller ISD: Waller High School

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Virginia Tech Tops Out New College of Engineering Building

    Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of Mitchell Hall, which will soon stand as the largest College of Engineering building on campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with Skanska on the 285,500-square-foot facility, which has an expected completion date of winter 2028.