Spotlight On: Tina Khatri, CEO, TDK Construction
May 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Tina Khatri, CEO of TDK Construction, discussed the company’s focus on modernization and also the growth across Houston’s booming real estate market. “Over the next few years, my focus is on growth, modernizing operations, building relationships, and staying engaged with the broader commercial real estate community,” she said.
As the recently appointed CEO of TDK Construction, how do you envision leading the company?
Stepping into the role of CEO has given me the opportunity to shape the future of a company I’ve helped build for nearly two decades. TDK is a family-owned business founded by my father 32 years ago, and I’ve worked alongside him for the past 17 years. As of early 2024, I’ve officially taken the lead, and with that, I’ve been able to move forward with changes I’ve long envisioned.
What surprised me most is how much the title itself shifted perceptions. It changed how clients engage with me and even how my father interacts with me. But more importantly, it’s allowed me to lead with clarity and intent. My father has been incredibly supportive, he sees the direction we’re heading and the dedication behind it.
Today, we’re modernizing not just how we operate, but how we think, staying adaptable, building for the long term, and aligning with a fast evolving market. My vision is to continue growing the business while honoring the values that built it: integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.
What have been some of the highlights or major projects over the past year?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve led was the construction of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston—the first Gandhi museum in the United States. It was an honor to be selected as the builder, and I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the board throughout the process.
We secured a $3.5 million federal grant through Congressman Al Green and $450,000 from Fort Bend County. After the project, I was invited to join the board, and now help promote the museum as well.
Our portfolio covers a broad spectrum of commercial sectors, including retail, multifamily, industrial, and self-developed projects. We recently completed an office warehouse complex in Spring and are now planning a 10-acre mixed-use development in Alvin. Current projects range from gas stations and a car wash to multifamily apartments and a yoga and wellness center. We’ve been intentional in building a pipeline that is diverse, strategic, and positioned for long-term momentum.
As a Houston native and Houston-based company, what makes this market ideal for TDK Construction?
Houston is constantly expanding. Harris County recently became the third most populous county in the U.S., growing by over 100,000 people in the last year alone. That kind of rapid growth drives demand across the board for housing, retail, gas stations, hotels, and infrastructure. We’re seeing a lot of momentum in Greater Houston areas like Dayton, Crosby, Hempstead, and Columbus, regions experiencing both population and industrial growth. For example, Apple is building a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston, which will create even more demand for supporting services.
The transportation network around Houston also plays a key role. We’ve had great success building large-format truck stops and small hotels that cater to long-haul drivers and travelers. These facilities often include restaurants, showers, sleeping quarters, and even theaters. Overall, Houston’s size, diversity, and continued expansion make it an ideal environment for construction and long-term development.
What other sectors are driving demand for your services?
Retail remains a strong focus, and industrial development is rapidly picking up, particularly in areas just outside Houston’s core. In the city, we’re seeing a shift back to urban living, with demand for multifamily housing and high-end retail. One of our upcoming projects is a central Houston apartment complex designed for luxury renters.
We’ve shaped our portfolio to be intentionally broad, supporting long-term clients across sectors whether that’s gas stations, wellness centers, or boutique hotels. At the same time, we remain deeply invested in purpose-driven projects that strengthen communities. That balance between business and mission is a big part of what drives us.
What trends are you seeing in commercial real estate, particularly around client expectations or design preferences?
Across the board, whether it’s multifamily, retail, or even gas stations, people want nicer finishes. In Houston, especially in the inner city, there’s growing demand for upgraded features and luxury touches. Developers are responding by focusing on design and quality. For example, two retail centers we just completed turned down multiple potential tenants because they wanted to maintain a certain standard. The apartment complex we’re about to build is called “Luxury One,” so that tells you what kind of audience we’re targeting. Even basic gas stations now want modern design, upscale lighting and upgraded ceilings. Office space, for example, took a hit during the pandemic, but now companies are moving back in and they want luxury. The mediocre spaces aren’t leasing, but the upgraded ones are in high demand. We’re experiencing that ourselves. We’re moving into a new office we built and designed to reflect the same elevated standards our clients are asking for.
How are you staying connected to the community and preserving Houston’s identity as the city grows?
For me, staying involved is key. I’m an extension of the company, and I believe in being connected. After building the Gandhi Museum, joining their board has allowed me to stay engaged. I also co-founded the South Asian Women’s Entrepreneurial Alliance, focused on supporting South Asian women in business. Entrepreneurs face unique challenges, and it’s been powerful to create that space for connection.
I’m part of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), which is huge in our sector. There are about 500 of us, and the group includes professionals from all parts of the industry. We meet monthly with guest speakers who share insights on development trends, infrastructure updates, port growth and any other market trends. Organizations like these help me stay connected, learn and contribute. It’s not just about work, but also about relationships and community. Balancing everything is tough, especially now with taking over the company, but I find value in cutting back on social time so I can stay connected to the people who are building and shaping this city.
What challenges are you facing, and how are you planning for the future in a fluctuating economy?
There’s a lot of uncertainty in today’s environment. With tariffs in place and interest rates still elevated, everyone’s watching to see how the market settles. We’ve already felt the impact, which is why we’ve prioritized a balanced approach, taking on both client projects and our own developments.
Being project owners ourselves helps us better understand the pressures our clients face, from rising costs to changing timelines. At the same time, having our own developments gives us more consistency and control.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on building the right team and continuing to modernize our operations. Growth is still on the horizon, but it has to be thoughtful. For us, that means strengthening relationships, staying agile, and remaining engaged with the broader commercial real estate community.
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