Deepak Ahuja, M.S., P.E.

TDLR has rolled out some important changes to the Texas Architectural Barriers online System (TABS) that will affect project registrations. ✅ Project Registration Projects must now include the County Appraisal District (CAD) number at registration. A PDF copy of the CAD record (with owner info, legal description, or map) must be uploaded before a project number is issued. Owner info on the CAD record must match the owner info in registration. ✅ Ownership Documentation For LLCs, LLPs, or LPs, a Limited Liability Ownership (LLO) form is now required, along with the Article of Formation or a Texas SOS record showing the parent/umbrella entity. These updates are meant to keep project records accurate, enforceable, and transparent. If you need help navigating these new requirements or making sure your projects are registered correctly in TABS, feel free to reach out. That’s what we do every day.

1

Ramy Elmasri analyzes recent amendments to key Texas statutes governing construction contracts. The updates to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and Texas Business and Commerce Code significantly limit the enforceability of out-of-state forum selection and choice of law provisions. Under the revised framework, disputes from Texas construction projects must generally be brought in the Texas county where the project is located, regardless of contractual language selecting another state’s venue or governing law. https://lnkd.in/g5-D5NbN

13

DLR Group’s momentum in Texas keeps building! Growth like this creates more room to collaborate, test ideas, and deliver work that’s grounded in place and purpose.

20

Sugar Land is taking a major step forward in the redevelopment of the historic Imperial Sugar site. City Council has approved a contract with Houston-based Urbano Architects to begin preservation design work for the 100-year-old Char House, a key milestone in transforming the 40-acre site into a mixed-use district. ⭐Learn more: https://ow.ly/mGa750XuVxe

141

3 Comments

Planning a commercial building project in Texas? Choosing the right project delivery method can determine whether your project stays on schedule and within budget. That’s why many owners are turning to the design-build approach. SLI Group is a Texas commercial design-build firm that integrates architecture, engineering, and construction management into one unified team. This streamlined approach helps clients reduce risk, control costs, and improve project efficiency from concept through completion. Our design-build services include: • Site feasibility and development analysis • Preliminary space planning and programming • Budget and scope definition • Preconstruction planning • Commercial construction delivery By managing both design and construction under one contract, we provide single-source accountability and clearer project outcomes for clients across Texas. We work with you throughout the process to help your organization plan and build with confidence. #TexasDesignBuild #CommercialDesignBuild #DesignBuildFirm #CommercialConstructionTexas #DesignBuildServices #PreconstructionPlanning #ConstructionManagement #TexasCommercialConstruction

11

1 Comment

Clay Development & Construction is developing 835,000 SF of manufacturing space on NE side of Houston https://lnkd.in/g8AH-JNn

31

A familiar Dallas real estate name is building a broader services platform. Masterplan Consultants CEO Dallas Cothrum has acquired Dallas-based USA Engineers, expanding civil engineering and surveying capabilities across North Texas. https://lnkd.in/eFQ_DqBS Masterplan Consultants, A Cothrum Company • USA Engineers #DallasRealEstate #NorthTexasDevelopment #CivilEngineering #DallasBusiness #ProfessionalServices

10

Don't miss out on this upcoming webinar! Designed for building owners, property managers and engineers, construction and development teams, architects, contractors, and anyone involved in project permitting and compliance. Webinar: Understanding TDLR’s Updated Architectural Barriers Registration Requirements The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) recently implemented updated documentation requirements for registering construction projects under the Architectural Barriers (EAB) program. These changes require Articles of Formation or Secretary of State filings for projects owned by LLCs, LLPs, or LPs before a TABS number can be issued. These updates have prompted questions from owners and managers on how to navigate the new documentation requirements, particularly when working with complex ownership structures. To help clarify the process and give the commercial real estate industry an opportunity to engage directly with the agency, Texas BOMA is hosting a statewide virtual training session with TDLR’s Architectural Barriers Program Supervisor, Marsha Godeaux. During this one-hour session, TDLR will: Walk through the updated registration and documentation requirements Clarify what ownership information must be provided and why Explain compliance responsibilities under the Texas Accessibility Standards Share examples of common registration gaps and practical ways to avoid delays Answer questions submitted by Texas BOMA members This session is designed for building owners, property managers and engineers, construction and development teams, architects, contractors, and anyone involved in project permitting and compliance. Available Sessions Wednesday, January 14, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 18, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Register at https://lnkd.in/gB8aETdE

10

HNOMA proudly announces the 2026 Board of Directors, a dynamic group of leaders committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within architecture, design, and the built environment. As the Houston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, HNOMA serves as a S.O.U.R.C.E. of support for its members through Solidarity, Opportunity, and Unity - providing Resources, Connections, and Engagement that empower minority architects and design professionals to reach their full potential and advance in their careers. Through advocacy, mentorship, professional development, and community engagement, this board will continue the organization's mission of creating pathways for underrepresented voices to lead, thrive, and shape the future of the industry. Here's to a year of impact, service, and continued progress for the profession and the communities it serves. Learn more: www.houstonnoma.org/about #Architecture #DesignLeadership #MinorityArchitects

165

Texas Development Strategy: Navigating the Regulatory Dichotomy For builders and developers eyeing the Texas market for container-based housing, understanding the jurisdictional split is critical for project viability. The Professional Reality: Texas presents a unique regulatory environment where the "Wild West" reputation clashes with sophisticated municipal oversight. Unlike states with a uniform statewide residential code, Texas delegates enforcement to local jurisdictions. Three Critical Factors for Texas Projects: 1. Jurisdictional Authority: In unincorporated areas, counties generally lack the statutory authority to inspect residential construction (excluding fire code for commercial/multi-family). However, Extraterritorial Jurisdictions (ETJs) allow cities to extend their subdivision ordinances miles beyond city limits. 2. Windstorm Engineering: For projects in the 14 coastal counties (Tier 1), compliance with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Windstorm Inspection Program is mandatory for insurability. This requires specific engineering for wind loads often exceeding 140 mph. 3. Utility Integration: While building permits may be non-existent in rural areas, On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) are strictly regulated by the TCEQ. A failed perc test can render a "permit-free" lot unbuildable. We've authored a comprehensive technical guide addressing this issue with: ✓ Analysis of Local Government Code Chapter 233 ✓ WPI-8 Certification process for coastal builds ✓ Engineering requirements for varying soil plasticity (common in Texas) ✓ Cost breakdowns for rural vs. city development Full guide: https://lnkd.in/d3-HrpJh #ConstructionManagement #TexasRealEstate #LandDevelopment #ContainerArchitecture #CivilEngineering #TCEQ #UrbanPlanning

1

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) held a ribbon cutting Friday to mark the completion of the $53.2 million widening and roundabout project along LA 70, a major improvement designed to support increasing traffic demands and long-term economic development in Ascension and St. James parishes. “This project isn’t just a huge win for St. James Parish, it is significant progress for our region and state,” said Parish President Pete Dufresne. “I would like to thank DOTD and our state legislatures for making this critical investment in supporting economic development, industrial growth, and our growing population.” Construction on the project began in 2023 and included the installation of a new roundabout at the intersection of LA 70 and LA 3125, replacing a traffic signal to improve safety and reduce congestion at one of the corridor’s busiest intersections. The project also widened LA 70 from the LA 22 interchange in Sorrento to the base of the Sunshine Bridge on the east side of the Mississippi River. Crews constructed a separate two-lane roadway parallel to the existing two-lane road, creating a four-lane divided highway built to accommodate both current and future travel. https://bit.ly/4rUKHd7

3

Land development is more than preparing a site — it’s shaping the framework for future communities. Across Texas, our Community Development & Infrastructure (CD&I) professionals support projects at every stage, from feasibility and entitlement through infrastructure design and delivery. At Matrix Design Group, Inc., we collaborate with public and private partners to ensure developments are functional, resilient, and aligned with long-term community needs. Thoughtful planning and integrated engineering help transform raw land into places where businesses grow and communities thrive. Questions about land development in the Greater San Antonio region? Jared Bratz, PE, CD&I Regional Director – San Antonio, welcomes the conversation. Shown in photo: San Felipe Creek restoration/accessibility project, Romenelli Park, Del Rio, Texas. #LandDevelopment #GreaterSanAntonio #CreekRestoration #CommunityDevelopment

17

☀️ Kaizen Development Partners, LLC has started working on Chalk Hill, a $370 million mixed-use project in Uptown Dallas: https://lnkd.in/eUDZhH8j

2

POST FLOOD GLOBAL COLLABORATIVE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS 'under one roof" Providing Design and Remediation Compliance services and emerging teaming innovative engineering services that support post-flood mitigation compliance for property owners: Key Engineering Services for Post-Flood Compliance. FEMA LOMR/CLOMR Support Our Firm specializes in navigating FEMA’s Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) and Conditional LOMR processes. These services will help owners revise floodplain maps after land alterations or infrastructure improvements, potentially lowering insurance costs and easing development restrictions. Seeking National partnerships ibnorton@msn.com Certified Floodplain Management & Resiliency Planning SOCOTEC offers integrated flood compliance and mitigation services, including dry/wet floodproofing, inspections, and FEMA documentation. They also assist with flood emergency plans and post-event recovery strategies. Advanced Flood Modeling & Risk Mapping The team will use 1D/2D predictive modeling to simulate rainfall-runoff scenarios and assess vulnerabilities. This is especially useful for municipalities and developers planning resilient infrastructure. Stormwater & Green Infrastructure Solutions We will partner with firms that provide erosion control, bioswales, rainstorm water harvesting, and permeable pavement systems — all of which contribute to long-term flood mitigation and regulatory compliance. Flood Control Infrastructure Design Our partnering engineers’ design and build levees, floodgates, pump stations, and shoreline protection systems. Their services span from feasibility studies to construction oversight, often in coordination with federal and local agencies. #collaborative #marine #PE #flood #solutions #AIdocumentation #AIsolutions #proactive #prepared #SFHA #compliance #partnering #MA #ROI #LiDAR #wetlands #blackstoneBREIT #saltcity #capital #investment #P3 #merger #contegra #1111 #innovationhub #natrix #natural #mitigation #stewardship #collaboration #NFIP #postdisaster #climatechange #shoreline #postevaluations #designbuild #floodinsurance #remediation #FEMA #bioengineering #section438 #stormwatersolutions #recordretention #securityact #guardian #spirit #mwn #marinesolutions #infrastucture #civilengineering #ecomarinetech #modeling #riskmanagement #recovery #emergency #proactive #riskmapping

8

In the 1950s and 60s, industrial development in areas like the Dallas Design District was driven by extreme efficiency. Developers often poured contiguous slabs across entire blocks, using demising walls to create 50-foot bays. Today, as these properties are "chopped up" into different ownerships, we still find the architectural fingerprints of that era—like encased openings that once served as forklift thoroughfares between now-separate buildings. These small details don't just tell a story of the past; they inform how we approach modern adaptive reuse and property division today. It’s a reminder that even the most "standard" industrial building has a unique structural legacy.

2