Pfluger Architects’ Post

Schools often face the challenge of modernizing on tight budgets. This month, we are showcasing some creative solutions that make a big impact. Built in the 1950s, San Antonio ISD's Highlands High School auditorium needed a major update. Instead of starting from scratch, the design team saw potential in the existing structure. By preserving the building's bones, they saved costs, but the real genius? Transforming the old auditorium chairs into acoustic panels. Linking old and new, these repurposed chairs now improve sound quality while keeping school memories alive. Sometimes the best ideas are sitting right in front of us! #meaningfulexperiences #k12design

We are teaming up with San Jacinto College to create a biotechnology training center at their North Houston Generation Park campus. Opening May 2025, this project is all about opening doors for those eager to enter the biotech workforce. An exciting part of this initiative is the college’s partnership with NIBRT National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training in Dublin, Ireland. This makes San Jacinto the exclusive provider of NIBRT-licensed training in the southern U.S. and the only provider in Texas. Originally planned as the campus's central plant, the building's design now prioritizes flexibility with adaptable lab spaces that can evolve with the curriculum. We're working closely with Page , who designed the shell and site, and Tellepsen Builders to meet the tight completion timeline. Biotech is crucial in medicine and healthcare, and it's a big deal in Houston. The training at San Jacinto College is key to keeping the local industry strong and moving forward. Congratulations to San Jac. More updates to come! #meaningfulexperiences #highereddesign

Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School is one of the oldest and smallest campuses in San Antonio’s North East ISD. The 1950s-era construction on 27.2 acres is home to not one, but four distinctive schools: LEE High School, North East School of the Arts, the STEM Academy and the International School of the Americas. What started as a new lobby for the campus’s gym became a partnership between Pfluger and NEISD that would span a dozen years and counting. Respecting iconic campus features cherished by alumni, the transformation successfully blended LEE’s rich history with modern functionality. Former students still recognize the bones of their alma mater, now elevated with innovative design elements that support current teaching methods. #k12design #meaningfulexperiences

Last week, we celebrated the start of something special in Dripping Springs with a groundbreaking ceremony for Elementary School #6! It was important to this hill country community that the school reflect the environment. Carefully selected materials will echo local architectural styles and complement nearby landmarks. The heart of the school will feature vibrant, collaborative spaces and engaging outdoor areas, providing diverse environments for students to explore and learn. Inclusivity is a priority, with special education programs integrated into every academic neighborhood to ensure all students grow together. Community is key here, with spaces designed for events and gatherings that bring everyone together. Set to welcome about 850 Pre-K to 5th graders in the 2025-26 school year, we can't wait to see this school come to life. A big congrats to Dripping Springs ISD—here's to a new chapter! 🎉📚 #k12design #meaningfulexperiences

If you’ve ever worked with Jessica, you already know her unique talent for crafting educational spaces that engage and inspire students. We’re excited to share that she has now earned the Association for Learning Environments Accredited Learning Environments Planner designation. This designation is no small feat; it marks a significant achievement in our industry, recognizing leaders who are reshaping how students experience education. Jessica's dedication and expertise have made a notable impact in the Austin area and beyond. Congratulations, Jessica!

We have expanded our community engagement and bond planning consulting team with the addition of Dr. David Young as Communications and Engagement Manager. A retired superintendent and educator for 29 years in the Texas public education system, Young brings significant experience in community engagement, board communications and bond planning, and he will serve as a firm-wide leader based in the Dallas office. With school bond elections on the horizon for Spring 2025, Young has already begun working with schools, like Odessa College, to prepare their communications and engagement strategies to build public trust and bring communities together to pass bonds for districts that need the funding. Welcome to the Pfamily David!