VLK Announces Multiple Promotions to Senior Associate
(Fort Worth, Texas) – VLK Architects proudly announces Sara Koprowski, Scott Wilcox, Jennifer Workman, Kent Leach, Marissa Tang, and Tosin Kusa are promoted to Senior Associate positions. Senior Associates have significant experience and qualifications and are self-motivated leaders who consistently take the initiative and use their capabilities, talent, and commitment to assume significant leadership roles. These dedicated individuals constantly serve and demonstrate the importance of participation in the community, making their professional and personal contributions to national organizations and meaningful industry causes.
Sara Koprowski, M.Ed. - Sara joined VLK as an Educational Planner in 2021 and immediately became a driving force ensuring the success of VLK’s K-12 projects. As Educational Planner, Sara is responsible for ensuring that the design solution meets the needs of the district’s educational program and that all spaces align with the curriculum. She studies district tools, plans, and goals as well as state educational data to scaffold a project team’s understanding of the client’s needs and desired outcomes for learning.
Sara received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Training from Appalachian State University and her Master of Education from Gardner-Webb University. Prior to joining VLK, she spent 15 years as a teacher and administrator giving her the familiarity with the Texas public school system necessary to ensure VLK’s architectural solutions align seamlessly with a district’s teaching and learning goals. One of Sara’s greatest talents is keeping project teams focused on a client’s educational needs as they imagine unique and innovative spaces to serve future generations.
Tosin Kusa, AIA, NCARB - Since joining VLK in 2020, Tosin has been responsible for managing the design and production process, coordinating consultant documents, leading client meetings, and overseeing the project team in the documentation of project deliverables and permitting. His VLK project experience is highlighted by his work on Braswell High School Additions and the LaGrone Academy Additions for Denton ISD, Ereckson Middle School Renovations for Allen ISD, and a replacement Dallas ISD Middle School.
Kusa received both his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture degrees from Mississippi State University. With each project he has undertaken, he has proven his dedication to our clients in not only producing a quality set of documents but also providing exceptional service throughout the project. His mindfulness and sense of urgency in doing the right thing for his clients is just a part of what makes Tosin a valuable member of the VLK team.
Kent Leach, AIA, LEED AP - Kent Leach was promoted to Associate in 2021 after just two years at VLK and his hard work and excellence in leading project teams has only continued to rise, leading to his newest title as Senior Associate. An exceptional design and technical leader, 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.
Leach received his Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University. He is an invaluable mentor for VLK's emerging professionals and has continued to impress clients with his work on Denton ISD, University of North Texas, and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD projects.
Marissa Tang, RID, NCIDQ, IIDA - Resourceful, influential, and dedicated to delivering solutions uniquely tailored to VLK’s client needs, Marissa Tang is an expert in establishing thorough, operational, and eye-catching environments. She has a talent for exceeding client expectations regardless of size, budget, or market sector. From workplace to K-12 designs, she exhibits the dedication to client service that makes VLK successful in projects like the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) headquarters, Ruth Cherry Elementary School in Royse City ISD, and VLK’s Fort Worth headquarters.
Tang earned her Bachelor of Interior Design from the University of Arkansas and is an active member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). Her volunteer and mentorship efforts in and outside of the office are a shining example of VLK’s core values and the leadership of a Senior Associate.
Scott Wilcox - Throughout his nearly two-decade career, Scott Wilcox has served as Operations Lead, Project Director, and now as Architecture Director for VLK’s Central Texas offices. He has a talent for working alongside firm leadership to establish and implement strategy, manage resources and workloads, and motivate and mentor architecture staff.
Wilcox earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Mercer University. Since joining VLK just over a year ago, his guidance has led to significant growth and development in the Central Texas region. He is highly effective at assembling effective project teams and mentoring staff through complex issues to ensure clients receive the exceptional client service VLK is known for delivering.
Jennifer Workman, AIA - Few architects can demonstrate the extent of achievements and recognition Jennifer Workman has earned in her two decades of professional experience. As Architecture Director for VLK’s Dallas office, Jennifer applies a keen perspective and depth of insight to steward the productivity and processes of its design teams. Relentlessly curious and devoted to contributing new knowledge to the canon of the architecture industry, Jennifer is extensively involved in the local industry community, having served as a board member with AIA Dallas, Texas Society of Architects, and AIA National. Recognized for her dedication to the industry, she received the TxA 2016 Award for Young Professional Achievement and the 2004 AIA Dallas Associate of the Year Award.
Workman earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. With 20 years of design experience across a variety of market sectors, she has become an accomplished speaker and published professional.
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About VLK Architects: VLK Architects provides architecture, planning, and interior design services to automotive, K-12, higher education, corporate, and institutional clients, delivering innovative solutions for their specific needs. For more information, please visit our website: www.vlkarchitects.com or contact [email protected].