Real Estate 2023: STEVE LAWSON

CHAIRMAN, LAWSON COS., NORFOLK

Published August 30, 2023 by Virginia Business

A third-generation builder and developer, Lawson served as president of the 190-person multifamily real estate development, construction and management firm for 17 years, until he was named chairman in 2016.

For more than two decades, Lawson has promoted equitable and affordable housing policies through leadership positions with the National Association of Home Builders. He has testified before Congress on three occasions and briefed the last three Federal Reserve chairs on challenges facing the nation’s housing stock.

A Duke University graduate, Lawson is a donor and adviser to philanthropic funds held at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, including the Lawson Family Foundation and the Nancy Bush Lawson Memorial Fund.

In June, Lawson Cos. completed Market Heights, a new 164-unit apartment community in Norfolk, and the company has projects underway in Richmond, Lynchburg, Woodbridge and Roanoke.

STREAMING SHOW I’VE ENJOYED: Reruns of “Kung Fu,” starring David Carradine

ONE THING I’D CHANGE ABOUT VIRGINIA: Zoning codes (to allow enough housing to be built to solve the affordability crisis in which we find ourselves)

    Subscribe to Virginia Business.   Get our daily e-newsletter.