However, Steven Biegel, Studley's executive vice president and co-branch manager tells GlobeSt.com that bringing Kelley and McCarthy on board was more about adding quality people to the staff, rather than any mandated expansion. "Kyle is someone most of us knew well. We'd worked with him before and had been interested in having him join our team for some time," Biegel comments.

McCarthy, in the meantime, had partnered with Kelley for years, and was also well--known to Studley's staff. "We have the highest regard for their professional capabilities as brokers and are delighted to have them join our team," Biegel comments.

Kelley, who has a more than two-decade career in tenant representation, worked with Trione and Gordon for 17 years before the company was acquired by CB Richard Ellis in 2003. During his career, he has negotiated more than 14 million square feet, representing clients in Europe, South America and Asia as well as the United States.

McCarthy came on board with Kelley at CB Richard Ellis in 2002 from his job as manager of real estate for Enron Corp. While with Enron, McCarthy made strategic real estate decisions for the various Enron business units. While with CB Richard Ellis, he collected a roster of notable clients. As a team, Kelley and McCarthy negotiated deals for Enbridge (264,000 square feet) and Winstead Sechrest & Minick PC (100 square feet).

Kelley and McCarthy are the fourth and fifth hires by Studley since the beginning of the year. Russell Hodges, formerly with Colvill Office Properties came on board earlier in the year, while Justin Leighton left Cushman & Wakefield of Texas Inc. in spring to join Studley. Jim Bell, formerly with Jones Lang LaSalle, joined the firm in July.

Biegel says there is no mandated goal, no quotas, in terms of hires for Studley. The company is opportunistic, seeking quality brokers that provide the right fit with the team currently in place. Biegel acknowledges Studley has passed on a number of talented brokers because they weren't the right fit.

But Biegel acknowledges the remainder of 2009 could see more names added to the Studley Houston office roster. "We have the potential to add a few more senior, very strong guys," he adds.