VLK is proud to share that Chief Information Officer Justin Hiles received the 2025 James R. Wooten Service Award at the annual Honor Awards hosted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Fort Worth Chapter. AIA Honor Awards recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the profession and community.
The James R. Wooten Service Award is presented to an AIA Fort Worth member who best exemplifies sustained, consistent, and effective service in advancing the goals of the chapter. Hiles has demonstrated this commitment through his longstanding involvement with AIA Fort Worth, including serving as President and Treasurer, as well as through his continued leadership and advocacy for the profession at both the local and state levels. He currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer on the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and as a member of NCARB’s Licensure Research and Development Task Force, underscoring his commitment to growing the profession.
“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful for the recognition,” said Justin Hiles, Chief Information Officer at VLK. “It is an incredible honor to serve the architectural profession, to advocate for its advancement, and to mentor the next generation of talented individuals. This acknowledgment inspires me to continue giving back and supporting our community.”
Hiles has nearly 25 years of experience at VLK, where he now serves as the firm’s inaugural Chief Information Officer. In this role, he leads the strategy and implementation of technology and data systems across VLK’s six offices, aligning innovation with the firm’s broader design and operational goals. His background in architecture and firm leadership, including previous roles as Architecture Director and Chief Operations Officer, informs a holistic approach to advancing both internal performance and client outcomes. His depth of industry knowledge continues to shape the strategies guiding VLK through an evolving technological landscape.
“Recognition like the Wooten Service Award from AIA Fort Worth speaks to the impact Justin has made on our profession,” said Sloan Harris, CEO and Chairman of VLK. “As shapers of the built environment, it’s incumbent on us to play a role in our industry and our community. Justin’s passion for architecture is abundantly evident in his service to VLK’s clients, his leadership in our firm, and his involvement in industry organizations.”