San Antonio, Texas (April 27, 2021) – VLK Architects is pleased to announce that Gopinath “Gopi” Akalkotkar, COA, AIA, LEED AP, has joined the firm as Principal. Akalkotkar will be responsible for leading VLK’s efforts in San Antonio and the South Texas market.

 “We are excited that Gopi has decided to join VLK. His experience in our profession is substantial to say the least and I am eager to see the leadership and mentorship he’ll bring to our firm. His passion for architecture and gracious demeanor could not be a better fit for our culture and all of us at VLK are looking forward to working with him,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Partner of VLK Architects.

 After receiving his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Akalkotkar led dozens of large and complex international projects at firms like ArchWert, Stantec, 3D/I (now Parsons), and Kell Munoz Wigodsky (now Munoz & Company). He has served numerous market sectors, including K-12, higher education, medical, commercial office, and mixed-use. His leadership experience includes the full spectrum of responsibilities such as business development, operations, administration, and design and project management for architectural and master planning projects.

 He brings more than 30 years of global-scale experience with architecture and urban design firms in India, Switzerland, New York, and San Antonio. His most recent role was serving the San Antonio community as the City Architect, where he was responsible for the delivery of the 2017 municipal bond projects and several non-bond projects, including airport upgrades.

 Akalkotkar has also served the San Antonio community as a Technical Advisory Committee member for the City’s Planning Commission. He is a current board member of YOSA (Youth Orchestra of San Antonio), which is committed to changing children’s lives through music. He was part of the Chamber of Commerce’s leadership class LSA 33 and was a steering committee member of LSA 34. He has served on various committees of the local chapters of ULI and AIA as well.

 “VLK is rapidly growing due to the team’s commitment to providing great service to Texas-wide clients through collaboration, thought leadership, and technical competence. I am excited and honored to join VLK to help manage this awesome growth in the San Antonio and South Texas regions,” said Akalkotkar.