For more than five decades, RVK Architecture has helped shape the spaces where San Antonio lives, learns, and works. Founded by San Antonio natives and still proudly headquartered here, the firm brings a deeply local perspective to projects across the region. RVK’s work reflects a belief that good design strengthens communities, expands opportunity, and respects place. In this month’s Investor Spotlight, we take a closer look at RVK, why San Antonio matters to them, and how their work continues to leave a lasting impact.
We spoke with RVK's president, Judy Zimmerman, about the firm's growth story, which began in San Antonio.
Tell us about RVK Architecture and the work your company specializes in.
Founded in 1971, RVK is a multidisciplinary architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture firm proudly headquartered in San Antonio. For more than five decades, we’ve partnered with public, private, and institutional clients to design spaces that enrich lives and strengthen communities. This includes new construction and renovations. Our work spans 10 diverse market sectors from commercial, civic, and public safety facilities to K-12 and higher education, aviation, industrial, and workplace environments. As a fully integrated practice, RVK brings architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture together under one roof to create thoughtful, sustainable, and human-centered solutions.
What attracted RVK Architecture to San Antonio, and how has the region supported your growth?
RVK was founded in San Antonio by natives of San Antonio. Our founders include Ken Rehler, George Vaughn, and John Koone. We chose to stay rooted here because of the city’s authenticity, diversity, and collaborative spirit. San Antonio’s culture, business climate, and long-standing commitment to strategic growth have created an environment where design innovation is encouraged, and strong relationships flourish. Over the years, the region’s supportive ecosystem, local partnerships, repeat clients, and shared investment in community progress have allowed RVK to grow into one of the city’s most trusted and enduring architectural firms.
Can you share a reflection of how a specific RVK project positively impacted the San Antonio community and helped shape the city's identity?
One of RVK’s most meaningful contributions is the recent completion of the Rio Grande Building at Palo Alto College, a testament to our long-standing partnership with the Alamo Colleges District dating back to 1988. This transformative project expands access to high-quality education in one of San Antonio's fastest-growing areas and reinforces the region’s commitment to workforce development. The facility includes an advanced manufacturing and public service center. The programs will consist of teaching and lab spaces for dental hygiene, computer labs, physics, geology, welding, robotics, makerspace, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and a simulated courtroom. By elevating the student experience with modern, flexible, and technology-rich learning environments, the Rio Grande Building helps prepare the next generation of talent, whether students are entering in-demand careers or continuing toward a four-year degree. Its impact extends beyond the campus, strengthening the educational pipeline that fuels San Antonio’s future prosperity.
What motivated RVK Architecture to invest in greater:SATX?
RVK believes that strong communities are built through shared vision and partnership. Investing in greater:SATX aligns with our mission to support regional economic development, attract and retain top talent, and contribute to San Antonio's long-term prosperity. We view our investment as helping shape the future of the city we’ve called home for 55 years, ensuring that local businesses, organizations, and families continue to thrive. We know that greater:SATX is committed to seeking opportunities that have a lasting impact on the community and businesses. We applaud greater:SATX for its efforts to bring companies to the region and are proud to be the architect for JCB.
What sets the San Antonio architectural landscape apart from other major cities, and how does RVK's work reflect that uniqueness?
A rare blend of cultural heritage, environmental sensitivity, and forward-looking growth defines San Antonio. Unlike cities that lean heavily on a single architectural style, San Antonio’s landscape celebrates both its historic roots and its evolving modern identity. At RVK, we embrace this balance by creating designs that respect context, prioritize sustainability, and authentically reflect the communities they serve. Whether we’re designing a municipal campus, an educational facility, or a public space, our approach is centered on harmony between old and new, built and natural, identity and aspiration.
Is there anything else you would like to share about RVK Architecture's presence in the Greater San Antonio community?
RVK is more than a design firm; we’re an active member of the Greater San Antonio community. Through philanthropic initiatives like RVK Operation Kindness, volunteerism, educational partnerships, and professional leadership roles, our team is committed to giving back and uplifting the region we serve. Our efforts have included workdays for the San Antonio Food Bank, Snack Pak 4 Kids, ACE Mentor Program of America, collections for SA Food Bank, the unhoused, Kerrville Floods, Angel Tree, The Children’s Shelter, gift bags for Teachers, blood drives, and meals for local fire departments, to name a few. For 55 years, RVK has grown alongside San Antonio, and we remain deeply invested in supporting its people, places, and future.
To learn more about RVK, visit their website.