HOUSTON--Transwestern Development Co. has expanded its reach, hiring two professionals, each of whom has 17 years of experience in the industry.

Jeff Knowles has joined the firm as managing director of equity placement in a national role and Doug Dawson has been appointed vice president of construction in Houston.

“Jeff and Doug are both well-experienced with long track records of success,” says Sean Suffel, managing director.  “Each will play a key role in broadening and elevating our development platform.”  

Knowles will lead Transwestern's equity platform nationwide. Most recently he served as senior vice president of investments at Asset Plus Companies Inc., which specializes in private development of student housing and multifamily projects. Before that, he worked at Bank of America, as well as HFF LP.

“Transwestern has an excellent reputation and a strong platform across multiple property types,” Knowles told GlobeSt.com. “I am enthusiastic about joining the development team and working with clients in different markets.”

Dawson will provide construction management services, focusing on Houston projects. He joins the firm from Linbeck Group LLC, where he served as a senior project manager. Previously, he worked at Brookstone Construction, as well as W.S. Bellows Construction.

In other Transwestern news, its Houston headquarters has been selected as the exclusive leasing agent for Valley Ranch Commerce District, a new office park development that will be located at the intersection of the Grand Parkway and Highway 59, just north of Kingwood. Single- and multi-tenant opportunities will be available in the 70-acre, master-planned office park, with plans for up to a total of 1.5 million square feet of office space, a full-service hotel and conference facilities. Transwestern vice president Greg Tilton will lease the property on behalf of the owner, The Signorelli Co.