The most recent hire, John Boyd, director of real estate development, will be responsible for development projects in Phoenix, Tucson and Albuquerque, including oversight and acquisition activities. In recent months, Kent Foster was named director of national business development; Claire Janssen, CFO; and John Greer, executive vice president.

"We're looking at doubling the size of our activity," says Tom Roberts, Opus West's president and CEO. He adds the company is anticipated to generate revenues approaching $500 million to $600 million by the end of this year, with projections that income could break the billion-dollar mark by 2007.

Roberts says Boyd's experience in multifamily development with the Magellan Group, will be of particular assistance as Opus West attempts to gain a foothold in the multifamily market with projects under way in Scottsdale and Tucson. Current projects include the $200-million Scottsdale Waterfront Residences, a 198-unit condo project; the class A, 240-unit Alexan at Paradise Lane; and 163-unit Alexan at Bella Vista; and 223-unit McDowell Village Apartments, an independent living facility for individuals 55 years and older. "We have several more projects along those types in the pipeline as well," Roberts adds.

The added staff in Arizona, California and Texas will help to expand Opus West's product category into medical office properties, lifestyle retail and mixed-use properties. In the meantime, Roberts is satisfied with the management staff in place for Opus West. "We've positioned ourselves well, from a management perspective, for the next five years," he says. "But we're hiring a lot of people in the field, such as construction and development people. Overall, though, our corporate infrastructure is in place to grow a billion-dollar company."