DALLAS, TX — The criteria to become a Senior Associate at VLK are individuals with significant experience and qualifications relative to their role within the firm. Senior Associates are self-motivated leaders who consistently take the initiative and use their capabilities, talent, and commitment to assume significant leadership roles.

As Project Director, Blanks designs and produces large-scale and complex projects. He has specialized experience designing and delivering ideal environments for learning, on time, and within budget.

Blanks received a Bachelor of Architecture from Mississippi State University and has been at the Dallas office for almost four years. He has worked on many of VLK’s projects, such as the Frisco ISD elementary school playground renovations and the Denton ISD projects.

“Jason has shown incredible initiative in serving our clients and managing projects for VLK," said Sloan Harris, CEO | Partner of VLK Architects. "He never ceases to seek out knowledge that benefits his development as an architect and the growth of our firm."

As Project Director, Condon oversees many of VLK's largest and most complex projects. Condon received a Bachelor of Architecture from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and is a Registered Architect in Indiana, Michigan, and Texas.

He is considered a K-12 expert and has worked in the education practice sector since 1993. Condon’s experience has been a significant part of the Azle ISD bond projects and overseeing the Arlington ISD and Fort Worth ISD projects. He is currently working on the Keller ISD bond.

“Lloyd has exhibited an incredible amount of resilience in managing a large platform of projects for some of our most valued clients," Harris said. "He’s been highly successful in navigating very complex issues on large-scale projects and understands the service we provide our clients communities."

Ewing received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and has been with VLK Architects since 2008, becoming a Senior Designer within the firm. In addition, Ewing consistently represents VLK with his involvement as a mentor to high students in the Houston area enrolled in architectural-related classes since 2010.

Managing VLK Houston area architectural photography for VLK Architects’ portfolio, Ewing is a leader in design mentorship concerning preliminary design and environmental graphic design. Ewing’s notable projects include the Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center and the prototype elementary schools within Katy ISD and Brazosport ISD.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Brad for many years, and he has always been one of the most dedicated and imaginative designers that we have on staff," said Todd Lien, AIA, Managing Partner of VLK Architects. "His enthusiasm and ability to not only solve the design problem but to mentor and educate his team members is what makes Brad one of the people we rely on at VLK to guide our clients through our process."

Novak received a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University and has been an essential part of the VLK Architects for over 12 years. He has produced many construction documents for projects such as Katy ISD’s Catherine Bethke Elementary School, Houston ISD’s Condit Elementary School and Energy Institute High School, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s Sue Gratehouse Pope Elementary School.

Novak is responsible for pre-construction meetings, construction progress meetings, field observation, communication with the contractor, application for payment review and approval, contract compliance, punch lists, and project closeout.

“John Novak personifies leadership, integrity, and trust amongst his team, contractors, and clients across the state," said Tim Kunz, AIA, Principal of VLK Architects. "His professionalism in administering our projects in the field is consistently met with gratitude, creating an environment for success."

Starks has emerged as a mentor and leader for almost five years at VLK. With a Bachelor of Arts in architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University, he elevates relationships for significant school districts, such as Cypress Fairbanks ISD and Lamar CISD, as a Project Architect and Director. Starks is a member of the National Council Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and has served on the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties membership committee.

“Rudy’s commitment to mentoring everyone on his teams from bottom to top is just one of the many reasons he is considered a leader in our firm," Lien said. "From our most important long-term clients to the newest emerging professionals in our firm, Rudy is a trusted resource and advisor to everyone on his teams."

Wallace is an Architect at the VLK Dallas office, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in architectural studies from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. He has more than 26 years of experience designing K-12 and higher education projects. Wallace brings fresh concepts to large-scale projects within Allen ISD, Keller ISD, Dallas ISD, Denton, ISD, and Arlington ISD over the last two years.

“Jim is a thoroughly experienced architect with a passion for designing engaging learning spaces," said Jonathan Aldis, AIA, Principal of VLK Architects. "He has invested his career in serving educational clients and has helped to create award-winning solutions for a variety of project types."