“Evaluate how property developments/investments are conceptualized, designed, delivered, and managed to maximize their value and return on investment.”

Achieved and evaluated through semester projects created in each core class. My achievements here include leading a team in conceptualizing a new mixed use development in College Station in LDEV 668 Land Development Practice (linked here and pictured above), the creation and modeling of a flex space development in LDEV 669 Income Property and Land Development, and the Mixed Use Multifamily development we are creating in our Capstone course.

“Evaluate market analysis tools and techniques that underpin property development and investment feasibilities and establish the highest and best use of property assets.”

The most stressed component of MLPD, LDEV 664 Market Analysis first introduced the theory and practice. At least two courses per semester stressed the practice of some form of Market Analysis and included it as a core of their end of term project. Income Property Land Development required the calculation of likely lease and takedown rates, Land Development Analysis stressed the importance of looking past NOI and Cap Rates to observe the fundamental demand and value of products, Land Development Practice required the calculation of takedown rates by looking at comparable properties and calculating their relative attractiveness, and Capstone requires a live fire determination of highest and best use of the given site.

“Evaluate all elements of property asset design and documentation both in their component parts and as an integrated project to establish their alignment with market need, cost, efficiency, utility, performance, and compliance with regulatory agency requirements.”

While multiple courses contained elements of design, my greatest exposure was leading TAMU’s 2022 Hines Student Development Competition effort, and acting as the developer on one of our two competition team. There I worked with three architects and one real estate market analyst to create a functional, attractive, and efficient plan for developing eight Oakland city blocks in accordance with the city’s set DA terms.

“Evaluate all elements of property asset delivery, marketing, and management both in their component parts and as an integrated project to establish their alignment with market need, cost, efficiency, utility, performance, and compliance with regulatory agency requirements.”

Heavily covered for Multifamily in Design and Development Economy, and covered for Single Family in Land Development Practice. (Links to Presentation and ProForma)

“Create property deal structures using legal entities and vehicles with differing forms of ownership, capital stacks, acquisition, and management methods.”

Proficiency at underwriting and it’s components are what allowed me to receive my internship and eventual offer. Employers frequently stress that financial skills are the single most important component of our education, and being able to create a deal structure is a necessary component. Here is one example of an integrated portfolio structure project.

“Create property development budgets, cash flows, and feasibilities that model income and expenditure, risk, and return sensitivities over the term of the development/investment deal and to establish property value.”

The second component of underwriting. Stressed in at least two classes per semester. Here is an example of a custom proforma made for the Hines competition.

“Evaluate the law and contract provisions that impact and secure property value with respect to property rights and obligations, public private partnerships, conveyance, ownership structure, leases, liens, mortgages, property finance, rights of way, easements, covenants, and other legal and contract provisions.”

Covered primarily in LDEV 651, it was also touched on in Land Development Practice and Project Management as part of contract evaluations.

Here is an example of our weekly case summaries for Legal.

“Evaluate the elements of the regulatory process that impact the form, entitlement, and financial performance of developments and investments, and alternative methods and techniques to provide cost-effective infrastructure provision.”

Primarily taught in LDEV Practice with a focus on the creation and utilization of utility districts. Here’s an example of how those impacts could be calculated.

A large component of my internship was working with municipalities to negotiate Development Agreements, MUDs, and a PID

“Evaluate the latest knowledge and innovations in Sustainable Development to ascertain how property value and returns can be maximized.”

Heavily stressed in LDEV 661 Site Analysis, however LDEV 687 Design Feasibility was taught by Professor Noh, who did his doctoral study on the value of sustainable development. The Tarpon Pointe project conclusions are linked here. The presentation for that product is linked here.

“Create property development and investment opportunities in the form of “real world” land and property projects.”

Used heavily over my summer internship first as an analyst underwriting deals and later as an associate developer working with our engineering and design teams to identify and create the highest and best use for land under contract.

“Employ critical thinking and evidence-based problem-solving skills in making decisions.”

Utilized at work daily through land plan decisions, presenting weekly updates and future timelines to lender and equity partners, and analyzing viability and optimal finance structures for new projects.

“Demonstrate the capacity to think, react, and work in an imaginative way characterized by a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, calculated risk taking, and entrepreneurship.”

Another Skill and Value best showcased by our competition team product. We had to balance city needs of low income housing, homelessness support, connectivity, and education with investors and stakeholders profit requirements. This resulted in a unique and innovative model that was both incredibly beneficial to the city and financially viable.

“Demonstrate the ability to acquire and interpret knowledge, and then use appropriate technologies to present conclusions orally and in writing.”

Presentations of semester projects in 6 courses as well as my previous history as a broker have proven my presentation skills. I also coached debate and competitive government teams, reaching the state or national level.

“Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively in teams and exercise leadership skills.”

Real Estate Development is a team sport, and MLPD embraces this. I work with teams in all classes, and coordinate information flow and assignments between industry professionals at work. This leads to beautiful results that any one of us could not produce alone.

“Demonstrate resource stewardship and professional ethical behavior.”

By far the hardest to quantify of the skills and values. LDEV 661 Covered Real Estate Law and Ethical Business Classes, while LDEV 661 (Site Analysis) and LDEV 687 (Design and Development Economy) both stressed the importance of resource conservation. My best example of resource stewardship is the use of reclaimed and refurbished containers to house the homeless in the Hines Development Competition.

“- Demonstrate civic responsibility, global awareness, and a commitment to service.”

I act as the treasurer for TAMU’s Real Estate Development Association, a student org associated with the University that hosts site tours, speakers series, and other professional development events. This takes 6 to 20 hours weekly. We also host service events in partnerships with TAMU Build. I personally also participate in other service and program assistance activities such as the LAUP school career fair.

“Practice the skills necessary to acquire, apply, analyze, evaluate, create, organize, re-organize and re-vision based upon new knowledge as part of a process of lifelong learning.”

This is a critical part of the research tasks that exist behind all facets of our industry. This is shown through our Capstone Site Analysis.