Despite uncertainties, student housing market remains a resilient one

Demand for student housing continues to grow, which resulted in an active transaction market for this sector, according to the latest research from Yardi Matrix.

In its May 2025 National Student Housing Report, Yardi Matrix said that 27 student housing properties had sold this year through the end of April, a similar number as during the same period in 2023 and 2024.

The sales price per bed came in strong at $74,207 as of the end of April. Yardi Matrix also recorded two large portfolio sales that came in at more than $100,000 per bed.

It’s not surprising that investors are interested in student housing. The demand from students for units remains high. Yardi Matrix said that preleasing for its Yardi 200 schools averaged 73.2% in April, 140 basis points higher than in the same month a year ago.

Rental rates did fall from March to April, but increased on a year-over-year basis. Yardi Matrix said that advertised monthly rental rates for its Yardi 200 schools stood at an average of $917 per bed in April. This represents rent growth of 2% on a year-over-year basis. That pace of growth is down from a year-over-year increase of 6.4% during the last two leasing seasons, Yardi Matrix said.

The enrollment growth for 189 schools in the Yardi 200 averaged 1.8% in the fall of 2024. That’s up from enrollment growth of 1.1% for the fall of 2023 and a dip of 0.6% in the fall of 2022. Yardi Matrix did report that schools are concerned that changes to immigration policy and school funding could impact enrollment growth in the coming years.

Moody Rambin promotes Susan Lazar and Nneka Kimble to Senior Property Manager roles

Moody Rambin is pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Lazar and Nneka Kimble to the role of Senior Property Manager within its Property Management division. Both individuals have made significant contributions to the company and demonstrated outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional service to tenants and property owners alike. 

Susan Lazar began her career in leasing in 2003 before transitioning into commercial property management in 2006. Today, she leads a dedicated team managing Moody Rambin’s newest office high-rise developments in Town & Country Village—Town Centre One and Town Centre Two. Her portfolio spans 421,000 square feet across two Class A, LEED Gold Certified buildings. Under her leadership, Susan and her team consistently deliver top-tier service and are regularly recognized for achieving high satisfaction ratings. 

Nneka Kimble has been in the commercial property management industry since 2010. She currently oversees a team responsible for managing 527,000 square feet of office space and a retail property across the West Loop, Greenway Plaza, and Southeast Houston submarkets. 

“Nneka has been a rising star since joining the Moody Rambin team in 2024,” said Husin Karim, Asset Manager at Koswood Investment Corporation for 1455 West Loop South. “Nneka is the best property manager with whom I have worked.” 

These promotions reflect Moody Rambin’s continued commitment to recognizing talent from within and fostering a culture of excellence, leadership, and service. We’re proud to have them on our team and look forward to their continued success in their new roles. 

For more information about Moody Rambin’s property management services, visit www.moodyrambin.com. 

About Moody Rambin Moody Rambin is one of Houston’s largest locally owned, full-service commercial real estate firm. Since 1969, the company has provided expertise in investment, leasing, and management services for office, retail, and industrial properties. Moody Rambin is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and tailored real estate solutions that drive success for its clients. For information, visit www.moodyrambin.com.

Parallel adds Jennifer Davila as Accounting Manager

Parallel, an Austin-based real estate development firm, recently hired Jennifer Davila as Accounting Manager.

Ms. Davila brings over 20 years of development and multi-family accounting experience to the Parallel team. Before joining Parallel, she started her career in 2003 at LYND as a multi-family staff accountant, working her way up to Director of Accounting – Development & Investment. In 2015, Ms. Davila joined Kairoi Development, where she advanced her career to Senior Director of Development Accounting. Ms. Davila and her team were responsible for all aspects of development accounting, ranging from JV/land/loan closings to the construction and disposition of assets. During her time there, she led the accounting team on more than 30 projects, totaling over $3.8 trillion in development transactions.

More information about Jennifer Davila is available at the company’s Meet the Team page at //www.parallel-co.com/meet-the-team

Greg Sherman promoted to Director of Engineering at HOK

Based in Houston, Greg Sherman, PE, LEED AP BD+C is promoted to HOK’s director of engineering and will oversee the Engineering practice. Greg contributes to projects around the world, including the Texas Facilities Commission Capitol Complex Phase II, the Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse and a confidential net-zero headquarters in Guyana. Consulting – Specifying Engineer Magazine named him to its 40 Under 40 in 2024. Licensed in 38 states, Greg also serves on HOK’s Global Decarbonization Taskforce.

Gil Staley hired at Origin Bank

Staley joins Origin as Director of Business Development at the newly opened loan and deposit production office in The Woodlands. While Origin will continue to operate The Woodlands Banking Center nearby, this new location will be home to their growing commercial team. Staley holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Stephen F. Austin State University. He brings more than 45 years of experience, including a previous stint as CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership.

Method Architecture expands ownership group with addition of new partner

Corryn Williams joins the firms ownership group as 5th partner

Method Architecture, Texas-based architecture and interior design firm, has announced the addition of Corryn Williams to its ownership group. The strategic expansion reinforces Method Architecture’s commitment to growth, innovation, and investing in the future of the firm. This addition will bring the firm’s shareholder group to five.  

Williams, who has been an integral part of the firm, brings her expertise in marketing, business development, communications, and strategic growth to the leadership team. Since joining Method Architecture, Williams has made a significant impact with the firm’s growth leading the brand and client relations strategy through four acquisitions and three new geographic market expansions. Her ability to connect with clients, develop creative solutions, and contribute to the firm’s evolution has positioned them as a rising leader in the industry. 

“Since joining Method Architecture, Corryn has been a dynamic leader and a driving force in strengthening our brand across all our markets,” said Partner and Principal of Design Services, Eric Hudson. “Her strategic vision in setting firm-wide goals, business development and client relationships has been instrumental to our success. I’ve learned so much collaborating with her, and I’m thrilled to welcome her as a Partner as we continue to grow and innovate.” 

“Corryn has been instrumental in helping Method grow strategically, navigate multiple acquisitions, boost our digital presence, and scale our business in our industrial and tribal sectors,” said Managing Principal, Jake Donaldson. “She is a creative, passionate, and visionary leader.  Method is fortunate to have her as a part of the executive team, and now as a Partner.” 

Williams joined the firm in Houston in 2017 as the Marketing Communications Manager. In 2018, she moved to San Antonio and began laying the foundation for firm’s local office while supporting the Austin office with the acquisition of Architecture Plus and later in 2023 with the acquisition of GSC Architects. She directly oversees the marketing and business development functions of the firm while also playing a key role in the firms’ senior leadership team responsible for the strategic vision and growth of the firm. 

This leadership expansion comes as Method Architecture continues to grow its presence within Texas, working on diverse projects in industrial, manufacturing, retail, and federal sectors. 

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About Method Architecture  
Method Architecture is a uniquely ego-free architecture firm specializing in tenant finish and ground-up projects encompassing industrial, breweries, retail, tribal, and more. Method has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. For more information, please visit methodarchitecture.com.