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

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).

  • El Paso District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Canutillo Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recently announced that construction has begun on a 119,000-square-foot elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects, and LDCM Solutions on the new Davenport Elementary School, which has an expected completion date of 2027.

  • 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.