Six Named as New Principals at VLK Architects
Fort Worth, Texas- VLK Architects proudly announces the election of new Principals to the firm. These new Principals include Lauren Brown AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Melissa Fleming, John Klein AIA, LEED AP, Tim Kunz AIA, NCARB, Ross Rivers AIA, and Clinton Schiver AIA, NCARB, LEED AP. VLK Architects elected these new principals in response to the outstanding effort of each individual and in recognition of the leadership roles both outside and inside the firm. Through efficient and effective project management, creative problem solving, extensive knowledge of processes and resources, and respected representation at community, school board, and participation in various other client meetings and events, their contributions have made a huge impact on the success VLK is experiencing today.
Lauren Brown AIA, LEED AP BD+C graduated from Norwich University and has worked at VLK since 2000. She has served such clients as Fort Worth ISD, Crowley ISD, Rockwall ISD, and White Settlement ISD as Project Director. She has led the development of VLK's science laboratory designs and ensures current laboratory codes and guidelines are met. With notable projects such as TCC Northwest Campus Indoor Firing Range, Arlington ISD's CTE, Allen STEAM, and science labs at Denton ISD's Braswell High School, she has been responsible for many of VLK's most impressive projects. A graduate of Leadership Grand Prairie, Ms. Brown has the unique ability to measure, organize, and delegate responsibilities that match her team's unique skillsets.
Melissa Fleming has been with VLK for 8 years and has served College Station ISD, Waller ISD, Katy ISD, and Clear Creek ISD as Project Director. She has been essential in mentoring the Houston staff and in providing counsel to firm leadership regarding the Houston market. She has a bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University with notable projects such as Cy-Fair ISD's Pope Elementary, Clear Creek ISD's McWhirter Elementary, and College Station ISD's College View High. She is a member of A4LE Gulf Coast Region. Ms. Fleming has the unique ability to assuredly multi-task while making certain that all of her projects are properly developed and managed.
John Klein, AIA, LEED AP, has been with VLK for over 25 years serving such clients as Dallas, Denton, Ft. Worth and Keller ISD as a Project Director. Currently, he is managing the Ysleta ISD Bond Program as the Program Manager for the district. During John's tenure at VLK, he served nine years as Director of Production in our Fort Worth office. During this time he was essential in authoring many of our construction document processes which also included the scheduling, hiring and training of staff to produce thorough and complete construction documents. Recently he helped to develop and administer much of our bond assessment protocol, which has led to the current program management role in our El Paso office. John exhibits a unique ability to think linearly and apply his extensive architectural project development experience to project management. A graduate of Texas A&M University and registered architect since 1999, he is passionate about community service. In the past he served as the Dad's Club president and was on the Building & Grounds Committee for the Barbara Gordon Montessori School in Colleyville. Currently John is on the City of North Richland Hills Construction Board of Appeals and is a Charter Member of the Golden Triangle Rotary Club in Keller.
Tim Kunz AIA, NCARB has a Masters of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Texas Tech University and has worked for VLK for 11 years serving clients such as Katy ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, and Houston ISD as Project Director. Katy ISD's Katy High School West Campus, Houston ISD's Condit Elementary, and Cy-Fair ISD's Janet Brennar Hoover Elementary School are a few of his most notable project successes. He has undertaken opening the Austin office and has been actively involved in strategic planning in his role as Senior Associate. A member of A4LE Gulf Coast Region, Tim exhibits a unique ability to demonstrate patience and thoughtful counsel to his clients and project team.
Ross Rivers, AIA has worked at VLK for 16 years and has served Aledo ISD, Aubrey ISD, Tioga ISD, Midlothian ISD, and Plano ISD as Project Director. He has worked as Director of Operations for the Houston office and has been actively involved in strategic planning in his role as Senior Associate. Ross exhibits a unique ability to solve complex problems and to generously mentor and develop younger team members and interns. With a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, he has been responsible for such key projects as Jerry Durant Auditorium at Weatherford High School, Weatherford ISD, Aledo ISD's Bearcat Stadium, Montgomery ISD's 9th Grade Campus, Keller ISD's Caprock Elementary and Midlothian ISD's Dolores W. McClatchey Elementary. He is a member of the Texas Society of Architects and a registered architect in Texas and Colorado.
Clinton Schiver AIA, NCARB, LEED AP has worked for VLK for 12 years and has served clients such as Keller ISD, Denton ISD, Azle ISD, Sherman ISD, Socorro ISD, Navarro Community College, and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD as Project Director. With a Masters of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University, he has been responsible for such key projects as Aledo ISD's Don Daniel Ninth Grade Center, NTCC's Elizabeth Hoggatt Whatley Agricultural Center, additions and renovations to Keller High School in Keller ISD, Career and Technology Education and Competition Gymnasium additions to Azle High School, Azle ISD, Denton ISD's Bettye Meyers Middle School, and Socorro ISD's Purple Heart Elementary School. He has served as VLK's IT Manager and has been essential in maintaining and developing our IT protocol. Clinton has the unique ability to creatively solve complex technical problems. His leadership style instills trust and confidence.
'These individuals have followed a path to leadership by taking on challenging projects, managing large teams, learning the diverse aspects of our business, and contributing to strategic planning,' said Leesa Vardeman, VLK Architects Principal. 'They represent VLK's core values and shall be an extension of our unique culture to new clients and new markets.'