Jared Smith, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has been promoted to Principal at SmithGroup’s Dallas office. With over two decades of experience, Jared specializes in higher education design and has led major projects across Texas and Oklahoma. His expertise spans science and technology, recreation facilities, and hospitality. Jared holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University and is a Registered Architect in Texas.

Cushman & Wakefield added Travis Overall as managing principal in its Houston office.

In his new role, Overall will lead Cushman & Wakefield’s advisory business in Houston, where the firm has more than 250 employees, including 60 brokers, and a property management portfolio of 34 million square feet. Additionally, he will be charged with recruiting emerging and industry-leading talent to Cushman & Wakefield’s Houston team.

Overall joins Cushman & Wakefield from Brookfield Properties, where he served as Executive Vice President for the firm’s Houston office business and had oversight for all aspects of the region’s activities, including leasing, operations, property management, legal, accounting, development and construction. Prior to joining Brookfield in 2017, Travis spent 19 years with Hines, where he was responsible for the acquisition, disposition, development and management of Class A commercial real estate valued at over $2 billion.

He is a past President of the Houston NAIOP chapter and currently serves on the boards of Texas Medical Center, Boys & Girls Country, Central Houston and the University of Houston School of Architecture Advisory Council. He has previously served on the Children’s Fund, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s board and the Houston Downtown Management District board. Overall received his BBA from the University of Texas and his MBA from the University of Houston.

Allensworth announced Jack E. Byrom as partner, effective January 1, 2026. A board-certified construction lawyer, Jack brings strong legal acumen and 360° view of complex matters to achieve efficient resolutions aligned with clients’ business goals. He represents owners, contractors, and design professionals in matters from lien and bond claims to commercial and industrial construction disputes. The firm looks forward to his continued leadership, mentorship, and strategic insight in this role.

Allensworth announced Katherine L. Beran as partner, effective January 1, 2026. An adept construction litigation attorney, she is marked by her forward-thinking approach and tactful guidance in complex design defect and delay claims. Katherine identifies risks early and develops a strategic course of action for architects and engineers on public and private infrastructure and vertical projects. The firm looks forward to her continued leadership and distinguished advocacy in this new role.

Sara Ibarra has joined HDR’s global architecture practice as a civic principal in Austin. With a focus on community engagement, placemaking and collaboration, Sara will grow the firm’s presence in Central Texas leveraging her 20+ years of experience and strong network across public and private sectors. Sara serves as board chair for the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership (HCEDP), chair elect for the San Marcos Industrial Foundation and sits on the ULI Austin Advisory Board.