Architecture firm KAI promoted James Lawrence to a new role as Architectural Studio Leader at its Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, office. Lawrence joined KAI in 2022 as a Senior Project Manager.

In his new role, Lawrence is set to elevate the architectural studio to greater heights where he will manage the team of architects and designers; provide leadership and direction on projects; and collaborate with team members to ensure design projects are completed on time and within budget.

With more than 30 years of project management expertise in retail, mixed-use, multi-family residential, government, corporate and transportation sectors, Lawrence has successfully navigated all phases of the project lifecycle from pre-design to construction administration. His proficiency extends to coordinating diverse consultant teams, and he possesses extensive skills in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Cloud Computing Systems.

Before joining KAI, Lawrence held the role of Senior Project Manager at MEL/ARCH Architectural Studio and served as a Senior Project Leader for GFF Architecture & Planning, both located in Fort Worth, Texas.

Among his diverse project portfolio, Lawrence contributed as both Project Manager and Project Architect for notable developments, including The Solomon mixed-use, multi-family development in Austin, Texas; The Ferro multi-family development in Plano, Texas; and the Arlington Life Shelter renovation and expansion in Arlington, Texas.

Lawrence, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, is an advocate of Public Interest Design and sustainable design practices through his membership in the Social Economic Environmental Design (SEED) Network. He has served as Committee Chair for the AIA Fort Worth Affordable Housing Committee, contributed 25 years as a volunteer project manager with Trinity Habitat for Humanity and is a member of Strong Towns. Lawrence is also a LEED Accredited Professional and a registered architect in Texas and Washington.

Lawrence and his wife Marti have a son named Carter. In his spare time, Lawrence enjoys windsurfing, kitesurfing, cooking, gardening and building with Habitat for Humanity.

JLL has added Jim Eagle to its Fort Worth, Texas, office as senior vice president.

With an impressive 46-year career in the industry, Eagle will focus on multiple business lines including sales, acquisitions and leasing, aligning seamlessly with JLL’s growth strategy.

Eagle, who has completed over 900 transactions throughout his career, brings a diverse background in commercial lease deals and property sales, spanning commercial and single-family real estate developments.

Prior to joining JLL, he served as President and Partner at Red Oak Realty, then as Partner, Development Consultant, and Director of the Commercial Division at Hammond Eagle Realty Group, LLC. He also held the position of Director/City Leader at Trammell Crow’s Fort Worth headquarters.

CBRE announced today that Russell Hodges has been promoted to Senior Managing Director for Investor Services in the company’s Houston office. In this role, he will lead CBRE’s investor leasing, capital markets and property management business lines. 

Mr. Hodges will replace Mark Taylor who has served in the role since 2007. Mr. Taylor, who spent the last 40 years in the commercial real estate industry, will retire in March. 

“Russell is highly regarded by his peers and clients for his deep market knowledge and his strong leadership abilities,” said Peter Mainguy, CBRE’s Houston Market Leader. “I am confident that his expertise and strategic mindset will be a differentiator to our team and clients as he builds on the legacy left by Mark Taylor.”

Mr. Hodges has 19 years of commercial real estate experience, most recently as an executive vice president on CBRE’s Investor Leasing team in Houston.

“Our office continues to be a place where top industry professionals thrive, and I’m excited for the opportunity to partner with and serve all of our teams and clients in this regard,” said Hodges. “Our teamis second to none, and we are well-positioned to expand our leading regional market share and provide exceptional service to our clients.”

Senior Managing Director Todd Marix of Berkadia Houston Investment Sales retired at the end of last year after 36 years in the commercial real estate industry. Todd is Houston’s longest tenured broker and has successfully negotiated sales in excess of $22 billion in 700 transactions totaling 223,000+ units throughout the United States.

Todd began his career working at Greystar and small brokerage firms, before finally joining with Craig LaFollette and Todd Stewart at CBRE in 1998 and starting the first large multifamily focused investment sales team in Houston. Since then, the team has grown to 16 members. The team moved to HFF in 2009, which was then acquired by JLL in 2019, and then moved to Berkadia in 2021. Todd’s team has been #1 or #2 in market share in Houston for the last 25 years.

“In reflecting on my start in the industry back in 1987, I remember facing challenging market conditions, much like today,” said Marix. “I hope this serves as a reminder for younger producers to stay in the business and work hard because the market always comes back.”

Todd built deep long-standing relationships with all of his clients. His major clients include Gables Residential, Hines, and OHT Partners. Some of his most significant transactions include the Gables Sugar Land Portfolio (1,410 units) in 2011 and Gables West Ave in 2018. Todd and his team represented Hines in the disposition of their first multifamily development, WaterWall Place in 2018, and their first portfolio of suburban assets in 2021. Furthermore, the team represented OHT Partners in four transactions since 2018, including Lenox Clear Lake in 2022.

“Todd’s been a prolific broker in this market for 36 years,” said Senior Managing Director Chris Curry. “He played a huge role early in my career as a mentor, a great partner, and a trusted friend. Todd’s been through multiple cycles, including the rise of apartments to the number one asset class for real estate investors – he’s really seen it all. His presence will be missed.”

“Todd’s exceptional leadership and the legacy he has built has not gone unnoticed in Houston,” said Senior Managing Director Tucker Knight. “He has fostered a strong collaboration between investment sales and mortgage banking, truly acknowledging our ‘One Berkadia’ values.”

Todd plans on staying connected to the industry, hopefully investing and continuing relationships with the very smart and hardworking people he has met along the way. He looks forward the most to spending more time with his wife and family.

“I am honored to have worn the Berkadia badge and been a part of such a hardworking team in Houston,” said Marix. “I am very proud of the team we’ve built, and the young, seasoned group taking it forward.”

The Greater Houston Builders Association proudly announces Matthew Reibenstein as its 2024 President. Matthew served on the GHBA Executive Committee from 2022-2023 and on the GHBA Board of Directors in 2017 and 2015. His leadership with the GHBA dates to 2012, serving on the Northern Counties Builders & Developers Division Board of Directors. As President of Royal Build Design, Matthew has been building & developing custom homes and communities throughout Montgomery County and beyond since 2006.

Welcome Group is thrilled to announce Cody Smith, CPA, as its new Chief Financial Officer. With over two decades of CFO experience, Mr. Smith is well-poised to contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization. He began his career in public accounting and moved his skill set to multiple industries before joining Welcome Group. He has earned a reputation for building and inspiring strong teams across disciplines, and we look forward to experiencing his strategic leadership.