ESI
HISTORY OF VLK DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR PROJECT’S FULL POTENTIAL
VLK MISSION
We guide clients through process, collaboration and imagination to realize exceptional environments to work, live, learn and play.
Driven by innovation, purpose, and design excellence, VLK is a multidisciplinary architecture firm whose practice areas include Commercial, Municipal, Education, and Automotive market sectors. With over 40 years of experience and a robust team of architects and supporting staff, VLK has the size and experience to service clients and projects of any size. Our business and project delivery processes have been recognized regionally and nationally multiple times, including Zweig Group; Building Design + Construction’s Annual Giants 300 Report; and by Architectural Record as a Top 300 Architecture Firm.
Our development and commercial clients experience designs that are influenced and informed by extensive regional, national, and international experience. With six offices, we have formulated deep community roots, experiences, and relationships with all of our clients.
Firm Information
Office Locations: Commercial Project Types:
Austin
2700 Via Fortuna, Suite 230 Austin, TX 78746 | 512.807.3145
Dallas
Legacy Town Center III 5801 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 100 Plano, TX 75024 | 972.265.1885
Fort Worth
1320 Hemphill St., Suite 400 Fort Worth, TX 76104 | 817.633.1600
Houston
20445 State Highway 249, Suite 300 Houston, TX 77070 | 281.671.2300
San Antonio
250 W Nottingham, Suite 115 San Antonio, TX 78209 726.208.4450
Alrington, VA
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 501 Arlington, VA 22203 | 703.463.9056
Shell Office and Medical Office Buildings
Mixed-Use
Adaptive Re-use and Renovation
Mid-Rise and High-Rise Office Towers
Multi-Family Residential
Development Planning and Strategies
Corporate Interiors
Transit Oriented Development
Feasibility Studies and Analysis
Municipal, Civic and Cultural
Destination/Lifestyle Retail
Sports Facilities and Fields
Hospitality and Resort
Restaurant/Food and Beverage
Light Industrial
"VLK was able to understand our wants and needs and come up with a design that is extremely functional yet unique and beautifully artistic in a cost effective way. The space reflects the personality of Enilon as the Digital Agency we have grown to become, and I could not be happier with the way it turned out.”
Jeff Ireland CEO & Co-Founder Enilon
SCAN TO VISIT VLK’S WEBSITE
Local Team Experience
County Public Schools
Academies
*Completed with previous firm
Falls Church City Public Schools
Meridian High School
*Completed with previous firm
Loudoun
of Loudoun
701 W. Magnolia Mixed-Use
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Cost:
$15,000,000
Project Completion:
Under Design
The 701 W. Magnolia Project is a mixed-use development of Office and Retail uses on a 1.54 acre site located in Fort Worth, Texas at the southwest corner of Hemphill and West Magnolia Avenue. The mixed-use project includes a multi-level level parking structure of approximately 90,000 s.f., an Office building of approximately 35,000 s.f. and ground level Retail of approximately 10,000 s.f. Additionally, a separate two story Retail building of approximately 3,500 s.f. located at the corner of Travis and Magnolia along with a thirty-five foot wide exterior Pedestrian Mall is included.
The Project site is located within the Near Southside overlay district of the City of Fort Worth and subject to additional requirements and approvals that have been secured by the Developer. The site is also the location of the historic La Cava building which will remain along with two other buildings deemed historic in nature. These three buildings are not part of the project but the site improvements will that will interface with each building are included.
The Developer has also secured a TIF for a portion of the Project that includes the Pedestrian Mall area and public right-of-ways that abut and/or adjoin the Project Site.
Cushman Wakefield Turtle Creek Concept
Project Information
Project Location:
Dallas, TX
Project Cost:
N/A N/A
Project Completion:
VLK Architects was retained by Cushman Wakefield to analyze the existing site at 2525 Turtle Creek Avenue in Dallas, Texas respective to potential multifamily development. The primary objective of this initial study was to attempt to maximize density ‘by-rights” within the existing zoning of the site. The option shown has a parking structure/configuration and a street-facing lower portion of the building mass envisioned as low-rise, market rate for-rent units facing onto Enid Street. The street-level area along Enid could be also considered for light retail/office amenities such as a coffee shop, dry cleaner or even live/work units.
Dodson Development Urban Union
Project Information Urban Union comprises roughly 4 blocks of properties near Downtown Arlington. It is a district with a variety of uses and building types: residential, small commercial, warehouse and office. The intent of the Urban Union PD is to re-capture the spirit of the area and its buildings as vigorous and divers live / work community. In order to do that, the requested revisions embrace and enhance the existing building forms and materials, and give opportunities for surprising and delightful additions, all in a walkable environment.
Project Location:
Arlington, TX
Urban Market Hurtado BBQ Sugarbee Sweets
Salter Bros Coffee
500 E. Front Retail Union Worx
4 Kahunas Tiki Bar
Tipsy Oak Legal Draft
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort And Spa
Project Information Located along the banks of the Lower Colorado River, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa features 491 guest rooms and 405 acres of outdoor terrain with activities like golf, horseback riding, hiking and river kayaking.
Project Location:
Ohana Real Estate Investors acquired this property in 2021 and engaged MultiDiscipline Design Team including VLK to help renovate and refresh all of the restaurants, bars and coffee shops at the resort. Our efforts include the renovation, reconfiguration and rebranding of existing venues that includes Modern Roadhouse, Pecan Tree Bar, Primrose Path and Hill Country Dining Hall.
Cedar Creek, TX
Project Information
Square Feet
George Popstefanov, Founder and President, 817.420.9970 14,004 sf
VLK has partnered with this fast-growing, close-knit company for six phases of PMG’s continuing evolution since 2010 as the company experienced exponential growth, and have assisted in multiple studies to help develop growth strategies. The design of each phase has evolved with the company’s changing needs; the tech-industrial nature of each project offers a variety of settings that deliberately blur the line between formal and informal spaces to foster a culture of innovation and creativity. A variety of spaces are offered – including private workstations, phone booths, restaurant-style booths, open and closed conference spaces, and multi-functional coffee bars that also serve as charging stations and working bars for after-hours activities, as well as plenty of spaces for immersive brainstorming – allow employees to seamlessly transition from one work environment to another to suit their individual or team needs.
VLK Architects Dallas Office
$1,100,000
VLK’s Dallas office was designed with our employees in mind. The office creates a flexible environment – including private workstations, phone booths, restaurant-style booths, open and closed conference spaces, and multi-functional coffee bars that also serve as charging stations and working bars for after-hours activities, as well as plenty of spaces for immersive brainstorming. VLK’s employees are able to seamlessly transition from one work environment to another to suit their individual or team needs.
VLK Architects New Headquarters
VLK relocated its Fort Worth headquarters from the Cultural District to the burgeoning, historic Near Southside in 2022. The office was developed using VLK’s proprietary VLK ANALYTICS and VLK | LAUNCH processes, in which the team studied employees’ work patterns and proximity needs, and members of the firm participated in a collaborative charrette process to guide the design of the new space. The resulting office is an open and collaborative environment, centered around a destination lobby space/coffee bar and flexible conference rooms with stunning views of downtown Fort Worth. Leadership workstations are strategically located throughout the floor plan, further encouraging communication between all levels of project teams. There are also twelve Focus and Huddle rooms with monitors and TV screens to allow ample space for small group work, private space for video calling, or a quiet workspace.
American Paint Horse Association Headquarters
Project Information
Project Location:
Project Cost:
Project Completion:
When Fort Worth-based American Paint Horse Association decided to relocate the headquarters to a more vibrant and visible location, the Stockyards District was an ideal choice. Perfectly aligned to its Western aesthetic, the new offices will be located in a restored century-old mule barn. The design brings APHA’s strong brand into the experience by showcasing the barn’s existing clerestories, exposed ceilings, original clay tiles, and exposed brick walls. Design elements such as sliding barn doors, industrial steel finishes, reclaimed wood, concrete floors, natural textiles, and art with accent colors derived from paint horse scenery,and even a grain bin theater and stair were intentionally incorporated. “Our greatest priority was to capture the association’s authenticity,” said Interior Designer, Haley Thurston. The new space accommodates intriguing new learning and retail components that celebrate the organization’s collection of Western art and artifacts.
Mercantile Partners Gourley Plaza
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Cost:
$2,500,000
Project Completion:
2018
VLK was asked to update a tired office building lobby into an impactful entry experience. Renovations included finishes, lighting systems, and furnishings.
iProspect Tenant Finish Out/Adaptive Re-Use
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Completion:
2014
iProspect is a leading, global digital marketing agency with a 25,000 sf Fort Worth office offering employees a modern and flexible work space. The design intent intertwines familiar and historical elements of Fort Worth with the sleek high-tech industry that iProspect serves. The rehabilitated warehouse features an open layout, allowing employees to focus on group orientation and collaborative team building. The design team used sustainable strategies wherever possible by working with the building owner in advance to use existing walls for partitions and reclaimed wood for the new sliding barn doors. These elements merge with modern components such as writable glass wall surfaces and high-tech A/V systems to create a unique work environment for employees.
SCM Bios Partners Tenant Finish Out
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Cost:
$875,000
Project Completion:
Situated along University Drive and the banks of the Trinity River in central Fort Worth, the concept for Steelhead Capital Management’s corporate office rises to meet the fresh, high-energy feel of its WestBend location. VLK’s Interior Architecture team engaged the venture capital firm to co-create an ideal scenario for an 8,600 sf blank slate that realizes their vision and programmatic needs.
Through this collaborative process, VLK and Steelhead developed an imaginative design concept that synthesizes the organization’s elegant tech culture with a vibrantly open atmosphere. The crisp gallery feel is an ideal foil to showcase bold spots of color that align with vibrant art pieces, including works from local artist John Holt Smith. A unique preserved moss wall adds a striking organic contrast to the industrial atmosphere for a play on nature, art, and architecture.
Marquis Executive Suites
Marquis Executive Suites is a co-working space where businesses from a freelance photographer to a law firm can set up a home base. VLK designed a space for creativity, collaboration, and inspiration to thrive. Located in North Fort Worth off of 287, the offices are located in an area that is growing quickly with people bringing a lot of diverse and unique businesses with them. The space was designed to have an aesthetic that would complement any business working there. Everyone has access to shared spaces in the office, including a bright and open common area featuring a snack counter, hospitality bar, as well as conference rooms, phone rooms, a podcast and video studio. 10,000
Unbound Drop-in Center
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Completion:
2020
Unbound is a non-profit, international, anti-human trafficking organization that specializes in combating Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking through prevention and awareness efforts, survivor advocacy and transitional support. This project was the creation of a drop-in center/dormitory to provide temporary lodging for those in immediate need in the Fort Worth area. It will also meet a need locally for a short-term safe place for at-risk youth; as shelters and other services are set up for mid to long-term care. The drop-in center is a safe place where children and young adults through age 22 can safely shelter and rest for 24 hours. In this safe place they can sleep in privacy, get a meal, unwind through recreational means, and have the opportunity to receive services as they plan their next step; which may be returning home (for a run- away), a rehabilitation clinic, a shelter, or walking back out onto the street…. their choice. VLK Architects provided their services, organized and managed the A/E team for the project 100% pro bono, and helped to engage with a builder.
GrowCo Tenant Finish-Out
Project Information Riding the crest of a health care surge, GrowCo took advantage of the availability of a 17,000 s.f. two story office shell to consolidate its 5 businesses under one roof. The project as designed puts leadership easily accessible to all divisions. The space is organized by division, with a particular eye out for future consolidation and divestment. Modest offices are supplemented with small, medium and large informal gathering spaces marked with spanish cedar trellises and accent colors. A large breakroom and the largest conference area are open to each other through a moveable glass partition to allow for an “all hands” meeting and gathering space. The space also includes a video studio for the in-house graphics and marketing department The timeline was tight for the project and the contractor was able to make the space available on schedule.
16,953 sf
Reference Contact
Josh Robertson, Owner; 817.769.6900 Square Footage
Services Provided
Space Planning
Interior Design
Brand Visioning
Lighting Design
Finish Selection
Construction Administration and Contractor Coordination
Furniture Selection and Dealer Coordination
UNT Health Science Center General Services Building Renovation
Footage
Jason Hartley; 817.735.5181
Services Provided
25,000 sf Workplace Analytics Design Charrette Schematic Design
Design Development
Lighting Design
Branded Graphics
Custom Fixture Design
The University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Central Services, Operations, and Facilities Management Divisions were split between two adjacent yet disconnected buildings. The physical rift resulted in an operational detachment and an inefficient building organization. The full staff was engaged first in VLK Workplace Analytics and then a robust VLK Launch® that included Spanish language and sign language interpreters, to best understand the kind of “home” would best serve their needs. VLK’s design process embraced the staff’s expertise and utilized their knowledge of facilities maintenance and operations to the fullest extent possible. This guided decisions including space planning, finishes, and mechanical and electrical systems.
The new design physically connects the two buildings through a maker space with tiered seating that doubles as a full-staff “family” gathering space. Building organization maximizes functional relationships and workflows among staff. Shops, including wood, print, paint, and 3D printing are designed to be open for use by the school’s faculty and students as a hub of creative energy. Exterior modifications include a new, welcoming front entrance that faces the rest of the campus, and the introduction of natural light in key locations around the building.
Fort Capital Office Tenant Finish-Out
Project Information Fort Capital is a real estate developer company looking to expand their current office to have enough space to grow their firm. In their new office, Fort Capital wanted to use more natural and raw materials such as exposed brick and reclaimed wood, giving it a rustic industrial feeling. They also collaborate in a variety of ways and host large events, so the floor plan provides multiple break out spaces for collaboration and socializing.
Square Footage
8,0000 sf
Construction Cost
$900,000
Lonestar Resources Tenant Finish Out
Square Footage
27,000 sf
Construction Cost
$1,541,687
Shana Crawford, Director of Development, 817.887.9370
Services Provided Reference Contact
Space Planning
Interior Design
Brand Visioning
Lighting Design
Finish Selection
Construction Administration and Contractor Coordination
Furniture Selection and Dealer Coordination
Project Information When Lonestar Resources relocated its Fort Worth headquarters, they challenged VLK to design a clean, highly functional 21,538 sf space tailored to its departments and clients. The relocation offered an ideal opportunity to design a fully optimized environment, customized for Lonestar’s business process. For the new headquarters, visual references to the natural resources industry, local heritage, and the company brand are incorporated. Hallways showcase bold brand statements in balance with artwork featuring images of Texas landscapes and oil fields. VLK developed the furnishings, fixtures, and lighting selections, providing every department with tailored options that maintain the timelesscontemporary aesthetic throughout the space.
Bridget Easton; 817.921.1889
Services Provided Reference Contact
Space Planning
Interior Design
Lighting Design
Finish Selection
Construction Documentation
Construction Administration and Contractor Coordination
FF&E and Dealer Coordination
Environmental Branding Design
Mad Hatter Neighborhood Pub
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Completion:
2014
This small bar is only 14’ wide. It has the intimacy of an old Irish bar, something it’s native Irish owner specifically requested. Even though much of the space is open to the structure, the warm wood bar and canopy create an intimate seating area. The bar features a handsome wood bar back and a long counter along the far wall.
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Completion:
2019
The landmark Neil P. Anderson Building’s roof deck is an ideal place for stunning urban views. The owners of the penthouse asked VLK to create an engaging series of spaces for entertaining and private enjoyment on the rooftop. Entering the rooftop, guests emerge under the building’s original water tank to enter an open deck area with a central bar. The newly restored tank acts as the centerpiece of the deck, offering access to even better views from its high perch. Intimate seating areas nestle around the edge of the deck.
Neil P. Anderson Rooftop Terrace
& Sons Taproom
Project Information
Project Location:
Fort Worth, TX
Project Cost:
$15,000,000
Project Completion:
Under Design
Rahr and Sons is a pioneer in craft beer production in North Texas. They’ve established a reputation for quality beers. Their home in Fort Worth’s Near Southside is a local asset and a tourist destination. With an attendance of over a thousand at some of their weekend and mid-week tours, Rahr looked to create a more permanent experience for its visitors.
The taproom features historic Rahr memorabilia, reaching back to before Prohibition with Fritz Rahr’s grandfather’s brewery in Minnesota. The large courtyard is illuminated with festoon lights, fire pits, and generous seating areas.
Rahr
Sugar Bee Sweets
Sugar Bee Sweets turned an inward facing auto dealership office around to face the street. This was accomplished with a large tower at the entry, brightly painted fascias, and distinctive awnings. The result is a lively and engaging addition to the Urban Union development in Downtown Arlington. It offers an improved and enlarged facility for the popular wedding cake bakery. Arlington, TX
$300,000
Dodson Development Tipsy Oak Craft Yard
Project Information
Project Location:
Project Cost:
$500,000
Project Completion:
The developer had a vision for this small parcel dotted with beautifully mature oaks and saw its potential as an urban oasis with timeless appeal. The restaurant-bar concept offers a modest building footprint to accommodate generous outdoor seating amidst shade of the trees. Designed as a nod to the old neighborhood that once defined the area, the structure features board and batten siding and a soft gray metal roof. The structure’s covered porches and wood trellis extends the hospitable environment beyond the interior. Outside and inside further connect through an indoor-outdoor bar.
Bull Lion Winery Long Term Planning
Project Information
Project Location:
Various Locations
Bull Lion Winery was designed with long term planning in mind. This phased project is located in the Texas Hill Country – Phase 1 includes dual bars with a tasting area and reception. Phase 2 will convert it into the “bunkhouse,” when the larger building is completed. It will then have a shared kitchen, restrooms, and a couple of private rooms, and room for up to 20 bunks.
The larger building includes the winery itself, with a wine production area, tank and bulk storage area, and a barrel cellar for 70+ barrels. Guests are welcomed with a three-story tower with a private lookout perch at the main entrance, which doubles as a merchandising area. A large dual-sided fireplace serves the tasting room with a bar and commercial kitchen on one side and a party room on the other. These rooms open out onto a large patio, and the party room has a visual connection to the barrel room. Eight guest rooms are on the second floor, which are arranged around an atrium to allow all guests to have beautiful views, as well as a connection to the wine production process. Guests share a recreation area which overlooks the tasting and party rooms below and a balcony.
VLK has partnered with Bull Lion for two additional projects as they have expanded their operations, including space planning for their Granbury wine bar, and a historic building conversion from a former gas station into a wine bar in Grapevine.
Hico Winery, Tasting Room, and Guest House
Grapevine Wine Bar
Phase 1 Tasting Room
Granbury Wine Bar
Grounds & Gold Adaptive Re-Use/Renovation
Project Information
Project Location:
Worth, TX
Project Completion:
Micah Ahern, TCU’s “Never Give Up” inspiration during their 3 trips to the College World Series, left a lasting impression as a child superhero. His father, pastry chef Maurice Ahern, honors his memory along with his wife and family in their Grounds and Gold Coffee Shop. Ahern, nominated as one of the top 10 pastry chefs in DFW, keeps the bakery cases full of a variety of pastries, sandwiches and treats, with many different dietary offerings. His company also caters out of the kitchen for outside events, including the famous purple birthday cakes for the TCU baseball coach. The coffee and bakery filled an empty spot in southwest Arlington and has become a popular spot for conversation, for small group meetings and for live music.
Brazoswood ISD CTE Center
At the new Brazoswood CTE Center, the community’s belief in the importance of CTE is stressed as past of the new facility, replacing outdated learning environments. The design embodies the intended “Education with Purpose”empowerment for high school students and their career-focused success. Committed staff, key leaders, community partners, and students created the vision. A deep analysis determined how to best situate programs to ensure instructional greenspace on the main campus. The Exhibition Hall, running throughout the building, illuminates student achievements and can host a variety of catered events with the support of the Culinary Arts Bistro. Specialized spaces for Rocketry and STEM Robotics utilize high-bay spaces and are supported with roll-up doors for optimal connectivity.
Owner Contact and Phone Number
Learn About Brazoswood CTE Center
Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center
The design concept for AISD’s Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center is based on the vision of “Exhibiting Opportunity”; exposing students, educators and visitors to every career program the center has to offer. The academies are organized in a manner that creates synergy between the programs. Students are both visually and physically exposed to all programs through open collaboration spaces and shared resources. The design of the building facilitates the district in optimizing the student’s path for self discovery.
Owner Contact and Phone Number
Kelly Horn, Director of Plant Services
682.867.7615
Address
Browning Dr, Arlington, TX 76010
2018 Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction Caudill Award Finalist
Learn About Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center Scan me!
Houston ISD Energy Institute High School
Energy Institute High School is the newest magnet school in the Houston Independent School District and the first “energy” school in the Nation. Project based learning (PBL) is utilized in the pathways of the geo sciences, alternative energy, and offshore technology for this 800 student campus. Working with the community based Project Advisory Team (PAT) which includes energy sector businesses, VLK Architects and Houston ISD organized a design charrette to establish the goals, priorities, and initial design concept for the project. The resulting concept features a campuslike setting, mimicking many of the corporate campuses where energy students visit and intern during their high school education. PBL is supported through a variety of spaces including small classrooms, project rooms, and various collaboration spaces. An outdoor courtyard is the center of the campus with a shaded tiered collaboration area and outdoor instructional spaces. The design supports a technology rich Campus that is part of the PowerUp 1:1 initiative and all instructional spaces are equipped with smart interactive monitors.
Owner Contact and Phone Number
Lori Lambropoulous, Principal 713.802.4620
Facility Address
3501 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
2019 Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction Design, Value & School Transformation
Crowley ISD Bill R. Johnson CTE Center
The design concept is focused on the placement of collaboration and transparent flexible spaces at any area to encourage a college-like environment for the students. Sustainable features were used throughout the building to help simulate research and development facility types across the country. The programs have real world learning spaces, such as a hospital or emergency care clinic replica for students to gain confidence in these settings. An outdoor courtyard is located at the center of the campus with multiple collaboration spaces and outdoor instructional spaces.
Owner Contact and Phone Number
Randy Reaves, Chief Operations Officer 817.297.5942
Facility Address
4500 Longhorn Trail, Crowley, TX 76036
Learn About the Bill R. Johnson CTE Center Scan me!
Katy ISD Katy High School CTE Additions
and Renovations
Additions and renovations to Katy High School to include upgraded CTE spaces designed to meet the growing needs of the CTE programs. This facility will provide a home for the existing and expanded programs currently housed in the existing high school including welding, culinary arts, horticulture, ag mechanics, floral design, photography, and manufacturing in a new two story addition.
Owner Contact and Phone Number
Lisa Kassman, Executive Director of Facilities Planning and Construction
281.396.2307
Facility Address
6331 Hwy Blvd, Katy, TX 77494
Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Pecos High School CTE Center
As part of the complete replacement of Pecos High School, VLK is working with PBT ISD to create a full CTE facility on the high school site that will be connected to the main building via a sky-walk bridge. This new building includes a multitude of new programs for the district, ranging from medical sciences to a full-blown e-sports program with a streaming studio. Students will fill the facilities bistro with their own creations from the culinary program, and the community will have the opportunity to interact with students in the program through the cosmetology, vet tech, and automotive programs.
Owner Contact and Phone Number
Brent Jaco, Superintendent
432.447.7201
Facility Address
1201 S Park St, Pecos, TX 79772
Allen ISD STEAM Center
The design team and district representatives researched and benchmarked comparable STEM facilities around the country. Tours of STEM Academies and Microsoft in the Seattle area along with DFW museums and arboretums contributed to consideration of the potential learning opportunities, curricular approaches, and specialized learning environments, realized in the design. Emerging from a community charrette the design features and interlocking two-story design where the K-8 learning studios overlook into the high school classes. Natural daylighting is provided throughout the building in all spaces. The intersection of the interlocking design features a tiered learning environment tied to exchange collaboration spaces providing functional scalable space for, student presentations, industry presentations, career and college fairs and community events. The building is certainly not the only place where learning occurs on this campus - the rich site provides trails, wetland zone, and natural creek, and all of these have become daily learning environments.
2020 Exhibit of School Architecture Stars of Distinction Caudill Award Winner