REAL Awards 2025

Award Categories and Criteria

SMALL PROJECT OF THE YEAR (20,000 SQUARE FEET OR LESS)

This award honors a project in the Chicagoland area that demonstrates innovation in design, use of real estate, functionality, and/or technology that has supported the organization's mission and contributed to its successful position in the market.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Project must be located in the Chicago tri-state area (Chicagoland) covering Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
• Project team must have project leader located in Chicago tri-state area or majority of project team located in Chicago tri-state area.
• Project team must include at least one member of CoreNet Chicago.
• Project must be completed (a certificate of occupancy should have been received by client) between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025.
• Project can NOT be nominated in more than one CoreNet Global Chapter Awards program (i.e. Service Provider project and POY).
• Project of the Year must be submitted only once with entire team (i.e. GC and Architect will not submit same project separately).
• If a nomination is submitted by a service provider, the service provider must have written approval from the end user (client) for such nomination and use of photos.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• Implemented thoughtful and unique approaches to achieve, or exceed in achieving, the end user's (client's) objectives. Demonstrated abilility to consistently deliver and exceed client expectations. (30%)
• Applied new solutions and innovative approaches to solving familiar and emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement. Demonstrated design excellence, creating a workplace environment that is inspirational, inclusive, and/or demonstrates WELL building standards and sustainable practices. Incorporated new and innovative and sustainable materials. (20%)
• Contributions to the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. (20%)
• Produced quantifiable outcomes that demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment. (20%)
• Acts as an example of team collaboration with best practices and methods. (10%)

Submissions must include the following:

• Include the project size, full address of the project location, AND client's name.
• All team member information must be provided and is limited to the following groups: Design Firm, Brokerage Firm, Project Management Firm, General Contractor, MEP, Lighting Designer, and Furniture Dealer with company names.
• Include Firm Logos.
• Include up to four (4) project images.

Questions to be answered and criteria for selection of winner (Max 400 words per question):

1. How did the nominee implement thoughtful and unique approaches to meet or exceed the end user’s (client’s) objectives? In what ways has the nominee demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver high-quality outcomes and exceed client expectations? (30%)
2. What new or innovative solutions has the nominee applied to address familiar or emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement? How does the nominee’s design approach create workplace environments that are inspirational, inclusive, and/or aligned with WELL being standards? What innovative and sustainable materials were incorporated into the project, and how did they contribute to the overall outcome? (20%)
3. What contributions has the nominee made toward advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging? Please provide specific examples and impacts on these efforts. (20%)
4. What measurable outcomes were produced as a result of the nominee’s work? How did these outcomes demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment? (20%)
5. In what ways does the nominee serve as an example of effective team collaboration? What best practices and methods were applied to support teamwork and project success? (10%)

MEDIUM PROJECT OF THE YEAR (20,001 - 50,000 SQUARE FEET)

This award honors a project in the Chicagoland area that demonstrates innovation in design, use of real estate, functionality, and/or technology that has supported the organization's mission and contributed to its successful position in the market.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Project must be located in the Chicago tri-state area (Chicagoland) covering Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
• Project team must have project leader located in Chicago tri-state area or majority of project team located in Chicago tri-state area.
• Project team must include at least one member of CoreNet Chicago.
• Project must be completed (a certificate of occupancy should have been received by client) between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025.
• Project can NOT be nominated in more than one CoreNet Global Chapter Awards program (i.e. Service Provider project and POY).
• Project of the Year must be submitted only once with entire team (i.e. GC and Architect will not submit same project separately).
• If a nomination is submitted by a service provider, the service provider must have written approval from the end user (client) for such nomination and use of photos.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• Implemented thoughtful and unique approaches to achieve, or exceed in achieving, the end user's (client's) objectives. Demonstrated abilility to consistently deliver and exceed client expectations. (30%)
• Applied new solutions and innovative approaches to solving familiar and emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement. Demonstrated design excellence, creating a workplace environment that is inspirational, inclusive, and/or demonstrates WELL building standards and sustainable practices. Incorporated new and innovative and sustainable materials. (20%)
• Contributions to the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. (20%)
• Produced quantifiable outcomes that demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment. (20%)
• Acts as an example of team collaboration with best practices and methods. (10%)

Submissions must include the following:

• Include the project size, full address of the project location, AND client's name.
• All team member information must be provided and is limited to the following groups: Design Firm, Brokerage Firm, Project Management Firm, General Contractor, MEP, Lighting Designer, and Furniture Dealer with company names.
• Include Firm Logos.
• Include up to four (4) project images.

Questions to be answered and criteria for selection of winner (Max 400 words per question):

1. How did the nominee implement thoughtful and unique approaches to meet or exceed the end user’s (client’s) objectives? In what ways has the nominee demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver high-quality outcomes and exceed client expectations? (30%)
2. What new or innovative solutions has the nominee applied to address familiar or emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement? How does the nominee’s design approach create workplace environments that are inspirational, inclusive, and/or aligned with WELL being standards? What innovative and sustainable materials were incorporated into the project, and how did they contribute to the overall outcome? (20%)
3. What contributions has the nominee made toward advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging? Please provide specific examples and impacts on these efforts. (20%)
4. What measurable outcomes were produced as a result of the nominee’s work? How did these outcomes demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment? (20%)
5. In what ways does the nominee serve as an example of effective team collaboration? What best practices and methods were applied to support teamwork and project success? (10%)

LARGE PROJECT OF THE YEAR (50,001 SQUARE FEET OR MORE)

This award honors a project in the Chicagoland area that demonstrates innovation in design, use of real estate, functionality, and/or technology that has supported the organization's mission and contributed to its successful position in the market.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Project must be located in the Chicago tri-state area (Chicagoland) covering Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
• Project team must have project leader located in Chicago tri-state area or majority of project team located in Chicago tri-state area.
• Project team must include at least one member of CoreNet Chicago.
• Project must be completed (a certificate of occupancy should have been received by client) between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025.
• Project can NOT be nominated in more than one CoreNet Global Chapter Awards program (i.e. Service Provider project and POY).
• Project of the Year must be submitted only once with entire team (i.e. GC and Architect will not submit same project separately).
• If a nomination is submitted by a service provider, the service provider must have written approval from the end user (client) for such nomination and use of photos.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• Implemented thoughtful and unique approaches to achieve, or exceed in achieving, the end user's (client's) objectives. Demonstrated abilility to consistently deliver and exceed client expectations. (30%)
• Applied new solutions and innovative approaches to solving familiar and emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement. Demonstrated design excellence, creating a workplace environment that is inspirational, inclusive, and/or demonstrates WELL building standards and sustainable practices. Incorporated new and innovative and sustainable materials. (20%)
• Contributions to the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. (20%)
• Produced quantifiable outcomes that demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment. (20%)
• Acts as an example of team collaboration with best practices and methods. (10%)

Submissions must include the following:

• Include the project size, full address of the project location, AND client's name.
• All team member information must be provided and is limited to the following groups: Design Firm, Brokerage Firm, Project Management Firm, General Contractor, MEP, Lighting Designer, and Furniture Dealer with company names.
• Include Firm Logos.
• Include up to four (4) project images.

Questions to be answered and criteria for selection of winner (Max 400 words per question):

1. How did the nominee implement thoughtful and unique approaches to meet or exceed the end user’s (client’s) objectives? In what ways has the nominee demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver high-quality outcomes and exceed client expectations? (30%)
2. What new or innovative solutions has the nominee applied to address familiar or emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement? How does the nominee’s design approach create workplace environments that are inspirational, inclusive, and/or aligned with WELL being standards? What innovative and sustainable materials were incorporated into the project, and how did they contribute to the overall outcome? (20%)
3. What contributions has the nominee made toward advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging? Please provide specific examples and impacts on these efforts. (20%)
4. What measurable outcomes were produced as a result of the nominee’s work? How did these outcomes demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment? (20%)
5. In what ways does the nominee serve as an example of effective team collaboration? What best practices and methods were applied to support teamwork and project success? (10%)

 

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a community development and/or commercial real estate project in the Chicagoland area that has contributed significantly to the enhancement of the community. Projects will be evaluated for impact on the community and the extent to which they involved them in the planning process, ability to meet local needs and overcome obstacles. Lastly, innovation in design, creativity in finance, use of real estate, functionality, and/or technology that has supported the organization’s mission and contributed to its successful position in the market.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Project must be located in the Chicago tri-state area (Chicagoland) covering Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
• Project team must have project leader located in Chicago tri-state area or majority of project team located in Chicago tri-state area.
• Project team must include at least one member of CoreNet Chicago.
• Project must be completed (a certificate of occupancy should have been received by client) between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025.
• Project can NOT be nominated in more than one CoreNet Global Chapter Awards program (i.e. Servie Provider project and POY).
• Project of the Year must be submitted only once with entire team (i.e. GC and Architect will not submit same project separately).
• If a nomination is submitted by a service provider, the service provider must have written approval from the end user (client) for such nomination and use of photos.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• Contributions to the advancement of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. (30%)
  • Please provide examples of the impact on the community and the extent to which they were involved in the planning process, how local needs were met and any obstacles overcame throughout the project including creative solutions on financing.
• Implemented thoughful and unique approaches to achieve, or exceed in achieving, the end user's (client's) objectives. Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver and exceed client expectations. (20%)
• Applied new solutions and innovative approaches to solving familiar and emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement. Demonstrated design excellence, creating a workplace environment that is inspirational and inclusive. (20%)
• Acts as an example of team collaboration with best practices and methods. (10%)
• Produced quantifiable outcomes that demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment (20%)

Submissions must include the following:

• Include the project size, full address of the project location, AND client's name.
• All team member information must be provided and is limited to the following groups: Design Firm, Brokerage Firm, Project Management Firm, General Contractor, MEP, Lighting Designer, and Furniture Dealer with company names.
• Include Firm Logos.
• Include up to four (4) project images..
• Include mission statement about the community or non-profit organization involved in project for recognition.

Questions to be answered and criteria for selection of winner (Max 400 words per question):

1. In what ways did the nominee implement thoughtful and unique approaches to achieve, or exceed in achieving, the end user’s (client’s) objectives? How has the nominee demonstrated the ability to consistently deliver and exceed client expectations? (20%)
2. What contributions has the nominee made to the advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging? Please provide examples of the impact on the community and the extent to which they were involved in the planning process, how local needs were met, and any obstacles overcome throughout the project including creative solutions on financing. (30%)
3. What new solutions or innovative approaches has the nominee applied to address solving familiar and emerging challenges such as sustainability, corporate responsibility, and enterprise engagement? How does the nominee demonstrate design excellence in creating workplace environments that are inspirational and inclusive? (20%)
4. How does the nominee exemplify team collaboration, including the use of best practices and effective methods? (10%)
5. What measurable outcomes were produced as a result of the nominee’s work? How did these outcomes demonstrate improvements or enhancements to the core business and/or workplace environment? (20%)

 

CORPORATE REAL ESTATE (CRE) EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes the Corporate Real Estate (CRE) executive who made outstanding and distinguished contributions to his/her company and to the industry. It is aimed at acknowledging the achievements of the nominee within the past year. CoreNet Global seeks to recognize: 

• The nominee's achievements in contributing to company success
• The nominee's contributions for elevating the practice of corporate real estate (CRE)
• The nominee's contributions to the CRE industry as educator or leader
• Current CoreNet Global membership

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Member of CoreNet Global for at least three (3) continuous years, and a CoreNet Global Chicago Chapter Member in good standing.
• Actively engaged member (examples of engagement: Chapter leader, attended a Summit, earned MCR or SLCR designation, speaker at a CoreNet Global event, contributed to the content of a Chapter program/event, participated in Chapter special programs, provided content for Leader magazine, participated in research project, etc).
• End User (occupier) for minimum of 3 years.
• Current CoreNet Chicago Board members are not eligible for this submission.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• The Award is aimed at acknowledging the achievements of the nominee within the past year. Submissions should only highlight accomplishments achieved by the individual during this time-frame.
• Nominees are encouraged to review the 2024 winning submission. You can see the submission HERE.
• Provide balanced responses to each section.
• Ensure nominations are supported by clear and concise evidence of the nominees' achievements and inputs provided from a diverse audience of peers to ensure all achievements are noted, if relevant to the submission. Remember the nominations will be reviewed by senior members of the corporate real estate profession and the quality of nomination should reflect this.
• Submissions need to be uploaded on our online platform, and bio or CV and photo needs to be included.
• Supporting documents, videos or attachments are not allowed.
• Finalists will need to make themselves available for an interview.

Questions to be answered and criteria for selection of winner (Max 400 words per question):

1. Involved in innovative strategies and/or projects that changed the conversation with the C-Suite and other buinsess leaders with the goal to align the objectives of the organization. Describe the solutions and how these were implemented as part of your organization's CRE strategy. (35%)
2. Demonstrated a diverse set of skills that helped the CRE function gain status as an equal partner in a collaborative role either with key support functions in the company, e.g. HR and IT and/or business groups within the enterprise. (35%)
3. Developed and implemented strategic initiatives and goals that have companywide impact, such as fostering an inclusive workplace culture, advancing environmental sustainability, leveraging innovative technologies like generative AI, and adopting transformative practices in corporate real estate. Describe the implementation and the impact. (30%)

Submissions must include the following:

• Bio or CV
• Headshot image

YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a Young Leader who showed a dedication and enthusiasm for his/her work, exemplies excellence, and should be considered ‘one to watch’ in the broad field of corporate real estate (CRE) in any member category.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Paid Young Leader Member of CoreNet Global Chicago Chapter (must be 35 years of age or younger by October 2025).
• Actively engaged member over the previous 12 months (examples of engagement may include but are not limited to: attended a Summit, MCR candidate or other designation (LEED, registered architect, surveyor, ...), contributed to the content of a Chapter program/event, committee member. 
• Current CoreNet Chicago Board members are not eligible for this submission.

SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• The award is aimed at recognizing a real estate professional (Young Leader) age 35 or younger by October 2025 who has demonstrated leadership and exemplified excellence in CRE.
• Nominees are encouraged to review the 2024 winning submission. You can see the winning submission HERE.
• Provide balanced responses to each section.
• Ensure nominations are supported by clear and concise evidence of the nominees' achievements and inputs provided from a diverse audience of peers to ensure all achievements are noted, if relevant to the submission. Remember the nominations will be reviewed by senior members of the corporate real estate profession and the quality of nomination should reflect this.
• Submissions need to be uploaded on our online platform, and bio or CV and photo needs to be included.
• Supporting documents, videos or attachments are not allowed.
• Finalists will need to make themselves available for an interview.

Questions to be answered and criteria for selection of winner (Max 400 words per question):

1. Developed and implemented initiatives that positively impacted the profession and how you used them in your current role. (35%)
2. Demonstrated quantifiable achievements that contributed to the employer's success. (15%)
3. Actively involved in real estate industry organizations and/or CoreNet Global over the previous 12 months. What was the biggest takeaway or learning achievement you experienced? (15%)
4. Actively pursuing professional development. Provide 1 goal or more you would like to achieve. (15%)

Submissions must include the following:

• Bio or CV
• Headshot image