(Fort Worth/Dallas/Houston/Austin, Texas) - VLK Architects proudly announces that Kent Leach, Alex Nelson, Amy Routh, and Marissa Tang have been promoted to associates positions. To become an associate, individuals must be self-motivated and consistently demonstrate the initiative, talent, and commitment of assuming additional responsibilities and leadership roles. Associates exhibit a wide knowledge of all architectural industry facets, develop and strengthen relationships with clients and business associates, guide and enhance staff development and contribute to the advancement of VLK Architects.

Kent Leach, AIA, LEED

An exceptional design and technical leader, Kent Leach has over three decades of education, administration, and athletics facilities experience, ranging from the additions and renovations stage to beginning with all new construction.

With a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University, his project expertise and depth of knowledge with Building Information Modeling technology offer a superior service to clients in the DFW areas.

Leach is an invaluable mentor for VLK's emerging professionals and has continued to impress clients with his work on Denton ISD, UNT, and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD projects.

"Kent is a fantastic part of our team. He is a wealth of knowledge and is extremely conscientious when it comes to client requests and needs. He is a problem solver and seeks to improve both himself and our architectural processes for the betterment of the firm. Kent sees problems as opportunities; because of this, he frequently solves problems in ways that others cannot. He is truly talented and quite funny! If you don't know him, spend some time with him," said Dalane Bouillion, Ed. D., Principal of Educational Planning of VLK Architects.

Alex Nelson, NCARB, AIA

With a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M, Alex Nelson has offered the highest level of service and skill as a project architect for more than four years in the Austin office. Nelson delivers daily optimal solutions to our clients with his proactiveness. He is a gifted project manager and designer, strongly motivated to create a memorable experience for clients and stakeholders throughout the project process.

"Since joining the firm in 2017, Alex Nelson has grown into an effective leader, demonstrating commitment and expertise. He manages projects that exceed client expectations and develops organic relationships built on quality work and attention to detail. I'm proud of his contributions to our growing Central Texas region," said Tim Kunz, AIA, Principal of VLK Architects.

Amy Routh

Acting as VLK's architectural administrator at the Fort Worth office, Amy Routh is a critical partner in conveying our architectural designs throughout the construction process. A part of VLK for more than 23 years, the scope of Routh's experience and established knowledge in specifications continues to be remarkable. Almost every VLK project goes through her hands before completion. The most memorable project to Routh was working on the Allen ISD STEAM Center.

"In her more than 23 years at VLK, Amy has exhibited and championed VLK's office culture. More recently, she has taken the initiative to improve our onboarding process and permeate the culture throughout the firm. Her commitment to the firm and leadership made it an obvious choice for promotion to Associate," said Justin Hiles, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Chief Operations Officer of VLK Architects.

Marissa Tang, RID, NCIDQ, IIDA

Resourceful, influential, and dedicated to delivering solutions uniquely tailored to our client's needs, Marissa Tang is an expert in establishing thorough, operational, and eye-catching environments. She was an essential part of designing the new international American Paint Horse Association (APHA) headquarters, ensuring that the interior design was seamless in incorporating the historic nature of the barn and the story of APHA.

With a Bachelor of Interior Design, Tang takes her excellent design capabilities and vast knowledge of products and materials to impact design spaces that promote a healthy mental setting. She is a member of the Texas-Oklahoma Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). She was also the 2019 IIDA Volunteer of the Year.

"Marissa constantly exhibits the dedication to client service that makes VLK successful. Her extraordinary performance and commitment to excellence make a significant impact on each project she works on. We are thrilled to recognize her as an Associate based on these qualities and her leadership in the firm," said Hiles.

At VLK, we value our employees and realize that they are our single greatest asset. In appreciation of that, we strive to provide a work environment that fosters professional development and allows our staff to excel in architecture practice. Click here to learn more.