Newport Beach, CA – [May 14, 2026] – As commercial real estate projects shape growth across coastal Orange County, demand is increasing for education that connects classroom learning with real-world development. Steve Economos, founder of Economos DeWolf, recently contributed to that effort by serving as an adjunct professor at Chapman University, providing students with direct exposure to active development projects and industry insights.
The program gave students behind-the-scenes access to the development of Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach, where they engaged directly with developers, operators and project leaders involved in bringing the project to life. The experience reflects a broader shift in real estate education toward hands-on learning tied to active deals across the region.
Students also heard from industry leaders, including Bob Olson, owner of RD Olson Development, whose firm is one of the leaders of the Dana Point Harbor redevelopment. The discussion connected classroom concepts to one of the region’s most significant coastal projects, while also introducing plans for a reimagined hospitality concept in Dana Point known as Dana House.
The experience included:
- Direct engagement with development and operations teams
- Exposure to financial analysis, entitlement strategy and city approval dynamics
- Insight into how preparation and local relationships influence development outcomes
- A comprehensive view of hospitality development, from concept and design to food and beverage strategy and operations
- Visibility into nearly $100 million in coastal Orange County transactions and more than 20 recent property sales
Through the program, students gained a clearer understanding of how large-scale hospitality projects move from concept to execution while building connections with professionals actively shaping the region.
The experience supports Chapman University’s continued focus on preparing students for real-world roles by embedding them directly into the projects driving Southern California’s coastal growth.
“Students benefit most when they can see how projects actually come together, not just how they’re described in a textbook,” said Bob Olson, Owner of RD Olson Development.
“Giving students access to real projects changes how they understand the work,” said Steve Economos. “It allows them to see how many moving pieces are involved and what it takes to move something from an idea to something that’s actually built.”
Economos’ involvement reflects a broader effort to connect education with active development work, with similar opportunities expected to expand as demand grows for industry-ready talent.
About Economos DeWolf
Economos DeWolf provides extensive commercial real estate services in Orange County, CA, offering expertise in investment sales, strategic leasing and owner-user sales. With decades of industry experience, the firm is committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service that prioritize client needs. Through a combination of deep market knowledge and a collaborative approach, Economos DeWolf creates meaningful value for every project and builds long-lasting relationships in the commercial real estate industry.
For more information about Economos DeWolf and its services, visit economosdewolf.com.
Photo caption:
(L-R): Steve Economos, Co-Founder of Economos DeWolf; Robert (Bob) Olson, President and CEO of R.D. Olson Development, developer/owner of the Lido House; Alex Hayden of the Alexander E. Hayden School of Real Estate in The George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics at Chapman University; Steven Ames, Executive Director, Alexander E. Hayden School of Real Estate