Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: He is a member of the Texas Association Sports Officials Hall of Honor for basketball officiating.

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Bio:
Dr. Cothrum serves as CEO of Masterplan and LaBarba Permit Service. He joined Masterplan in 2003 as a consultant supporting hundreds of business owners and municipalities prior to assuming his current role in 2009.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Cothrum has worked on numerous politically charged and technically difficult cases. He directed the efforts on Rosewood Court, many types of multi-family projects, and self-storage locations. Over the past decade, he and Karl Crawley, President, have worked more cases in Oaklawn and Dallas Uptown than any others.  

He is responsible for consulting with and advising clients on requirements for zoning and permit applications for various area municipalities. His practice includes significant experience in public presentations before community groups, municipal boards, commissions, and councils concerning zoning changes, variances, and plats.  

Dr. Cothrum typically assists clients from due diligence and site selection through the entire zoning and building permit process, culminating with a certificate of occupancy.  

He was previously a tenured professor in the University of Texas System. He received a doctorate from Texas Christian University and completed postdoctoral work at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is also an alumni member of Leadership Dallas.  

With a great passion and commitment to serving the community, Dr. Cothrum spends his spare time supporting numerous non-profit organizations. He places an active role through his involvement as a member of the Board of Directors of Dallas Academy, the McWhiney Foundation, City Hospital at White Rock, C.C. Young Senior Living, and is the President of the Highland Park Education Foundation.  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Karl’s grandfather, Karl F. Hoefle, was director of Dallas Water Utilities during the drought of the 1950’s and was instrumental in having water piped from the Red River to Dallas to keep the city supplied.

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Bio:
Mr. Crawley currently serves as the president for Masterplan, overseeing the operations for the firm. Karl joined Masterplan in 1998 and over the past 23 years has helped hundreds of clients across Texas with their zoning and land use needs. A resident of the Dallas area for more than 40 years and a Dallas ISD alumni, Mr. Crawley is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a master’s degree in urban planning.  

He has developed Comprehensive Plan documents for several small Texas cities, developed several hundred single-family residential lots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and has been involved with zoning projects from both the public and private sector sides.  

Mr. Crawley has been the most frequent presenter at the Oaklawn Committee over the past decade and has developed an expertise in the Dallas Development Code.  

Prior to joining Masterplan, Mr. Crawley was the Senior Zoning Planner for the City of Dallas. His involvement with the city of Dallas included working on several large private development projects and the initial DART rail line.  

During his tenure with the City of Dallas, he was also the Intown Housing Director and was instrumental in obtaining federal loan approval for the initial development of housing in downtown Dallas.  

Since joining Masterplan, Mr. Crawley has been involved in all aspects of obtaining approval for development projects throughout North Texas as well as the approval of all Dallas ISD projects for the past three bond programs.  

He previously served as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Rowlett. He currently serves as President of the Rowlett Housing Finance Corporation  

Office Location: Frisco

Fun Fact: Maxwell is a foodie, and he has two pugs which he adores.

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Bio:
Maxwell Fisher has a true dedication to his craft and is recognized as a leading zoning and land use consultant in the state of Texas. Since joining the firm in 2012, Maxwell has assisted landowners and developers with hundreds of requests for land use diligence, zoning changes, subdivision platting and permitting endeavors. Maxwell puts his clients first and strives to work through challenges faced in the city development review process. In addition to working in Dallas, Maxwell handles a large portion of Masterplan’s zoning entitlement services in the DFW suburbs. He also leads Masterplan’s efforts on due diligence reports for speculative development projects and for lenders.  

Maxwell’s education in local government management plays a pivotal role in success as a consultant and helping clients achieve their entitlement pursuits and real estate development goals. Prior to joining Masterplan, Maxwell administered the zoning and land development process as Principal Planner for the City of Garland, and previously worked as an urban planner for the City of Galveston. This service includes staff liaison for zoning board of adjustments, planning and zoning commissions, city council, and a landmark commission. His decade of experience on the “inside” as a city planner is invaluable using knowledge of the inner workings and political dynamics of government to navigate the entitlement process, giving his clients the best opportunity for success.  

Maxwell also played a key role in creation of a unified development code and has conducted several analyses pertaining to land use data and development standards for code amendments. Maxwell previously served on the Garland Plan Commission where he reviewed and voted on zoning, platting and other land use proposals that came before the city. Mr. Fisher is a certified planner and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners as well as a member of the American Planning Association.  

Office Location: Austin

Fun Fact: Before settling in Austin in 2006, Karen resided or worked in 13 different Texas cities, providing her with a general familiarity in many of the communities that Masterplan serves.

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Bio:
A long-time central Texas land use and zoning leader, Karen Wunsch brings more than 25 years of real estate industry experience and leadership to her role as Managing Director of Masterplan’s Austin office. Since joining Masterplan in 2014, she has helped clients navigate zoning, platting, and permitting processes to get projects approved and completed.   

Mrs. Wunsch’s local experience and knowledge allows Masterplan to provide Austin area clients with the same quality of service that has established the company’s reputation for customer satisfaction over the past 40 years.  

She began her career in municipal government working for planning departments in Houston and Garland, which provided an opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of land use planning and development.  

After relocating to Austin in 2006, Mrs. Wunsch worked as a planner and client services manager for Pate Engineers, which gave her an even greater appreciation for how to manage the physical, political, and economic influences that impact the business of land development.  

After leaving Pate Engineers, she continued to provide clients with zoning, platting, and land development services by starting her own business.  

Mrs. Wunsch continues to offer these services to clients, existing and new, along with the additional expertise, resources, and institutional knowledge of the Masterplan team. She has done zoning and land use throughout the state of Texas. She is also actively involved in numerous industry organizations including Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), the Texas Chapter of American Planning Association (APA), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA).

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: He has sailed over 3,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic and Caribbean.

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Bio:
With nearly three decades of experience across diverse sectors, Eric is responsible for developing new strategies and initiatives, building new relationships while maintaining existing client and partner relationships, and advising clients on housing developments. As a licensed commercial real estate agent, Eric uses his expertise and experience within the real estate, finance, and consulting industries to develop relationships with owners and developers to identify solutions that match their goals and ensures and positive client experience.   

Eric began his career in finance and investments, moving on to real estate, business development and advising roles working with Fortune 500 clients across the United States. He has more than 20 years of experience working with business owners, investors, developers, and local municipalities. Most recently, he worked with the City of Dallas Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Department on several new initiatives for the city involving mixed income housing.   

As an active member of his community, Eric serves on the Board of Directors and Treasurer for Project Unity, serves on Southeast Dallas Now committee, attends St. Paul United Methodist Church, and is a coach and trainer for youth basketball.   

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Wes enjoys taking analog photos of old buildings, signs, and landmarks that represent a bygone era of Dallas

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Bio:
As a Client Engagement Executive, Mr. Hoblit is focused on building strong relationships with clients and industry partners. Since joining Masterplan, he has helped position Masterplan as an industry leader in land use and zoning matters. Working closely with the senior consultant team, he uses his extensive knowledge of the industry to work with clients and develop solutions that ensure a positive client experience. Wes brings hands-on expertise managing liquor and hospitality roadblocks.  

Mr. Hoblit began his career with Masterplan as an intern while still enrolled at Texas Christian University. During his tenure he has worked for both Masterplan and its sister company, LaBarba Permit Service, gaining knowledge and experience with zoning application management and permit expediting, including alcohol permitting. Mr. Hoblit successfully led an effort to make Princeton wet and worked to change zoning rules in that city.  

Wes brings a sincere passion and commitment to his community. He is actively involved in numerous non-profit and industry organizations including the YMCA Properties Committee Board, Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC), The Real Estate council (TREC), and 24HourDallas.   

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Ethel has never met a stranger. If she has met a stranger, they haven’t remained a stranger for long. Her laid-back personality makes her a quick friend to those in both her personal and professional life.

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Since joining Masterplan in 2017, Mrs. Green has worked closely with the firm’s clients to improve execution and drive project efficiency on highly complex accounts. Bringing 34 years of experience with the City of Dallas, she specializes in permit processing, certificate of occupancy, and zoning-related solutions.  

Her entire career was in City of Dallas Building Inspection where she started when she was a VOE student. She worked her way up the ranks, starting as a secretary, then permit clerk, and on to senior plans examiner reviewing residential and commercial plans.  

 Later she served as Assistant Manager of the One Stop Permit Center. In her last position as Multi-Technical Manager, she oversaw the staff of the Residential Team and the Conservation District Senior Planners. Today, Ethel’s deep technical understanding of City of Dallas land use and zoning is something clients have come to count on in this continuously evolving market.   

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: In the last few years, Raj was able to participate in three twin tower projects: Park District, 8111 Douglas, and 3001 Maple.

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Bio:
Mr. Sharma joined the firm after more than 25 years in city service, including as Building Official for the City of Dallas. He also served as the Building Official in Calgary and was responsible for all the 1988 Winter Olympic venues, including the opening of the Saddledome.  

Mr. Sharma is a recognized expert on all matters of building code, green code, energy code, accessibility standards, and similar services and frequently serves as an expert witness. He also brings deep relationships and acts as a liaison with city senior staff, including engineering staff. He was a founding member of the World Organization of Building Officials, has chaired the Greater Dallas Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, and has previously served as a faculty member in the University of Texas system. 

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: Laura was on the state champion soil judging team in High School.

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Bio:
Laura Evans joined Masterplan in 2021. She previously worked with the City of Fort Worth, Development Services Department as an expert of zoning and land use regulations. Laura has experience analyzing and interpreting complex planning, zoning, and land use issues at the local level. Her knowledge of emerging land use, urban design concepts, and best practices allow her to provide a professional level of service to all of her clients.   

Laura has worked in various planning and development roles with the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department, City of Dallas Sustainable Development & Construction Department, City of Pearland Community Development Department, and The Goodman Corporation. Laura has a passion for urban planning, urban design, and customer service. Her combination of experience and education brings a specialized skill set that allows for creative solutions and successful outcomes.  

Office Location: Dallas

Fun Fact: In her spare time, she enjoys running and has recently started trail running with Team Dirt and Vert.

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Bio:
Danielle R. Mathews joined Masterplan in 2021. She previously worked with the City of Arlington and the City of Dallas as an expert of zoning and land use regulations. With nearly 10 years of experience in the development industry, she is adept at managing her client’s zoning, land use, and permitting needs.   

In Danielle’s role, she is responsible for interpreting municipal codes, drafting planning and zoning commission and Board of Adjustment presentations, reviewing development and site plans, and managing the permitting process on behalf of clients.