Austin’s Capitol Market Research Announces Leadership Changes

Capitol Market Research, a well-known real estate market research firm based in Austin, has announced new leadership after the death in March of Charles Heimsath, its founder and president.

Camiel DeSmet, who has been with the firm for more than eight years, is the new CEO. Kathryn Heimsath, daughter of the late founder, is the company’s new chief operating officer.

"I grew up around this company that was a lifelong passion for my father, and I’m dedicated to honoring his work and preserving the value he provided to the real estate market across Central Texas," Kathryn Heimsath said. "Charles was more than just a hard and passionate worker, he was a friend and confidant to those he worked with."

Founded in 1986, Capitol Market Research has provided data-driven insights and market intelligence to real estate professionals across the five-county Central Texas region stretching from Georgetown to San Marcos.

DeSmet has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s data analytics capabilities and client service operations, the company said. She has worked on hundreds of multifamily, single-family, mixed-use and market feasibility studies for the company's clients.

"Known as ‘The Professor’ around the office, Charles was a wonderful mentor, and I’m grateful that I was able to spend years learning this business from the very best," DeSmet said. "I am honored to carry his legacy and high standards forward."

Kathryn Heimsath will manage day-to-day operations and handle financial planning and reporting.

The company "has always been about people — our clients, our team, and the communities we serve — and I look forward to playing a role in its continued success," she said.

Stuart Shaw, chief executive officer of Bonner Carrington, a Texas-based apartment developer, has hired Capitol Market Research for market reports many times over the past 20 years and has worked directly with DeSmet.

"Under the intentional mentorship of Charles Heimsath, Camiel DeSmet became a leader within the company, ably guiding research projects alongside Charles," Shaw said. in a statement. "I am 100% confident in Camiel’s ability to continue in Charles’ footsteps, now alongside Kathryn Heimsath."