Guardedly, Noble expects "more sporadic growth—until banks ease up on lending requirements and our clients feel more comfortable investing in capital projects."

Education specialist SHW Group of Plano, Texas, recently designed the $108-million Klein High School in Harris County, Texas, as well as the $120-million Texas A&M University Veterinary Research Building in College Station. Additionally, breaking ground imminently is the 93,000-sq-ft net-zero energy Pflugerville Elementary School project, which will include photovoltaic solar cells, ultra energy-efficient wall and roof systems as well as innovative mechanical-electrical-plumbing systems.

"We are optimistic about the state of the market but acknowledge its potential volatility due to the politics of funding at the state and local levels," says Marty Sims, project manager for SHW.

On a positive note, a strong housing market has boosted the need for more school activity in the last 18 months, Sims adds. The firm's 2012 Texas revenue was $33.53 million, up 13% from the $29.63 million it reported for 2011.

Sims notes that many K–12 clients are still conservative regarding money, but public funding is starting to improve.

"Pent-up demand is driving some growth, with clients proceeding on projects that have been needed but delayed due to the concern about the dip in the economy and public perception," he says.