Pfluger Architects, a premier Texas-based architecture firm with extensive experience in educational facility planning, design, and construction administration, welcomes licensed architect Christopher Laack as the firm’s higher education practice leader. He brings over 20 years of experience designing and managing projects in a range of market sectors and global locations. At Pfluger, he will be responsible for nurturing the firm’s client relationships and driving strategic growth in the firm’s work with higher education institutions across the state.
A versatile leader in architecture, urban design, and master planning with a focus on delivering complex projects for discerning clients, Laack has expansive global experience navigating clients and leading the design of multiple project types, including education, retail, office, hospitality, residential, mixed-use, civic, cultural, urban community development, and master planning. Based in Houston, he most recently served as Principal and Commercial Practice Leader for VLK Architects, developing and implementing growth strategies while also providing project leadership to teams across five Texas locations.
As Pfluger’s higher education practice leader, Laack will play a crucial role in leading the firm’s work with colleges, universities, community colleges, and vocational institutions across Texas, working with Pfluger’s teams in all five locations to create engaging learning environments, design campus communities, and inspire meaningful human experiences.
“Chris brings expertise to our higher education team, from planning campuses to designing facilities that work,” said Chris Lammers, Pfluger’s higher education practice director. “His genuine connection with people makes him a great fit for our team and the clients we serve.”
In addition to working with Pfluger’s clients on developing new projects, Laack will engage new clients throughout Texas and contribute to current Pfluger work, including San Jacinto College Biotechnology Center, Texas Lutheran University Lundquist Student Activities Center, Collin College campus renovations, and more.
A graduate of University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Laack is a Licensed Architect in the State of Texas, NCARB Certified, and a member of the American Institute of Architects, Urban Land Institute, and Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects. Over the last 20 years he built his expertise as a principal and practice leader with some of the world’s noted firms, expanding and diversifying market sectors in each role and leading several high-profile, award-winning projects. A frequent presenter, jurist and guest lecturer at industry conferences, awards, and design schools, Laack encourages knowledge sharing, innovation, and connection to engage future generations of designers.
“I believe in pushing the boundaries of design to create inspiring, thoughtful buildings and places that contribute to the built environment and to communities,” said Laack. “As a firm dedicated to inspiring communities and creating a more meaningful human experience, Pfluger provides me with opportunities to engage with campus leaders and understand the needs that campuses have right now and in the future.”
