2 min read July 2023 — Invest: was joined by Isabel Corsino, managing principal of Pfluger Architects’ Dallas office, to discuss the innovative spaces they have designed for K-12 and higher education institutions. “Architecture isn’t just about buildings. It’s about the people who will occupy them and what those people need to accomplish. We listen to our clients and find ways to engage their community uniquely. Then we use that information as a foundation to design a built environment that is flexible and functional,” she said.
What sets Pfluger Architects apart from competitors?
We’re becoming, more and more, a research-based firm and we’re always looking for innovative strategies in our project approach. But innovation alone doesn’t set us apart. The strength of our Pfluger brand is our people and our core values — honesty and a commitment to doing what’s right, (even when it’s hard), never settling, and working every day to make a difference in this world. Those values, lived out through our people, that’s what sets us apart.
What are some of your most impactful projects right now?
The Game Development & Design School at Burleson ISD has been hugely impactful for the Burleson community. This unique school caters to students who might not thrive in traditional school settings. Using the modern classrooms project instructional model, the students are empowered to take charge of their own learning journey. The results have been remarkable, with testing indicating that these students are flourishing. The school offers programming for graphic design, coding, and game development—providing students with a significant head start on their future careers. A one-of-a-kind school deserves a one-of-a-kind design, so we looked to industry and designed the school to the kind of work environment these students might find themselves in after graduation.
Another project that will impact a community is the new prototype elementary school we are designing for Denton ISD. We’ve collaborated closely with the district and the community to design a new prototype that takes the district’s requirements and the community’s vision and turns all of it into something special. We are about ready to start construction on the first of the three new schools, and we’re excited about using a prefabricated exterior wall panel system, which will significantly reduce construction time. Imagine this: the shell of the school arrives on a truck, and once attached to the structural frame, the exterior wall is complete — brick and mortar, windows, everything! The school surrounds a central, secure courtyard, ensuring that students and teachers can enjoy outdoor views from almost every classroom. This might seem like a small detail, but research has shown that access to outdoor views can enhance performance and well-being.
These are just a couple of our projects that have had or will have a positive impact on communities.
How is Pfluger Architects enabling technology to advance your work?
Architecture has become a technology-heavy profession, and each platform can help us collaborate in one way or another. Revit is the workhorse for building information modeling (BIM). Now that it’s integrated with the Autodesk Construction Cloud, we can collaborate with our internal team and external consultants in real time from anywhere.
A hands-on technology everyone is using these days, drones, have been a game-changer for architects. But other photography tools also help us communicate. For instance, the Insta360 camera, when combined with a program called Matterport, can produce 3-D walk-throughs of existing facilities. We also have a Leica laser scanner to help us generate as-built models that are accurate to within a ¼ of an inch.
Those are examples of technology on the architect/engineer side, but we also incorporate technology to help clients visualize a project’s potential. With virtual reality, we can show clients spaces in scale that they can scrutinize, critique, and provide input in real-time. VR goggles are one way, but there are also portable domes that can be used to communicate a design. An innovative man in the Metroplex has built a facility where you can walk through a 1:1 floor plan. We recently took Denton ISD there to walk through the floor plan of their new elementary school. They were able to “kick-the-proverbial tires” of the new facility before a single foundation pier was poured.
Ultimately, technology helps us better communicate with our peers and our clients.
What is Pfluger’s approach to hiring and retaining top talent?
Attracting talent has been a challenge because the market is so competitive. We’re not just trying to hire the brightest and best. We want the right kind of person who can fit into our culture. We’re looking for those who care and will go the extra mile. We want people who get inspired by doing the right thing. The K-12 sector isn’t just a job, it’s a passion, and we want people who are excited and fulfilled with that passion. We also try to support personal growth in the industry. We have developed seven research and benchmarking teams that not only benefit the participants, but the firm as a whole. If someone wants to become an expert in sustainability we’ve got a team for that. If their passion is fine arts or safety and security, there are teams for that, too. We love to watch our people grow in knowledge and confidence. We look for people who care about making positive impacts on the community and inspiring others to create a more meaningful human experience.
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