SEATTLE-Atlanta-based Wood Partners LLC, an infill multifamily and mixed-use developer, has hired Steve Orser to run its new local office, the company’s 16^th national location. Orser previously was a director of development at Harbor Properties.

Frank Middleton, director of Wood’s West Coast division, said the company has been eyeing a local office here for four years. “This is the natural next step as we continue on our West Coast expansion that we started five years ago,” he said in a statement. “Capital is coming back, and we couldn’t be in a better position to expand here. We are going to give Orser our full focus and attention to aggressively build a portfolio in this market.”

He said the company is interested in deploying capital in Seattle and Portland, and expects to have first project announcements in the next few months. Nationally, the firm plans to close the year with 2,000 units under construction and a growing pipeline of deals, Middleton said.

Orser said he was impressed with the company’s desire for growth and expansion despite the economic downturn. “The company is particularly well-matched for this market because of its strong interest in environmentally-sensitive building and proven ability to develop complex and exciting projects in urban communities,” he said in a statement. The area also hasn’t had much development in the past three years, allowing demand to start to override supply, Orser said.