VLK Architects Principal Named to School Safety Group

VLK Architects recently announced that Principal Lauren Brown was recently named a 2023 Co-Chair for the Texas Society of Architects School Safety Work Group, according to a news release. The committee was founded after the 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School as a means to address issues that state leaders put forward as means to prevent further incidents of violence in schools.

“Emotional and physical safety is a basic human right that can be fortified by the actions and abilities of those who can inspire change and implement proactive measures to protect the most vulnerable,” said Brown. “Engaging in conversations with like-minded peers in the School Safety Work Group is an opportunity to be that instrument of change in this ever-changing environment. As co-chair, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to build upon school safety resources and share perspectives from a bevy of school district clients and first responders, as well as best practices.”

The Texas Society of Architects School Safety Work Group engages in activities like researching school violence and potential solutions like state laws and regulations, and also engages in conversations with state officials.

“Lauren’s dedication to responsible environmental design for public education leaves no stone unturned as it pertains to the safety of all students and teachers,” said Sloan Harris, CEO and Partner of VLK Architects. “Her passion for safe and secure schools and experience in school design brings great contribution to this council.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.

  • restroom sinks

    CSU Dominguez Hills Standardizes Plumbing to Improve Restroom Maintenance and Efficiency

    At California State University, Dominguez Hills, facilities leaders have taken steps to standardize restroom fixtures as part of a broader effort to improve maintenance efficiency and control long-term costs.

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.