BOSTON, MA — The Boston Real Estate Times, New England’s leading multimedia platform covering the commercial real estate industry, today announced the recipients of its prestigious 2025 Excellence Awards—a celebration of the individuals and organizations transforming the region’s built environment.
This year’s honorees will be celebrated at the Annual Excellence Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 11, 2025, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA. The event, now a cornerstone of the region’s real estate calendar, will bring together hundreds of industry leaders for a night of recognition, networking, and inspiration.
“The 2025 recipients represent the best of what our industry has to offer,” said Upendra Mishra, Publisher of Boston Real Estate Times. “At a time of both challenges and transformation in commercial real estate, these winners reflect a bold future—and the leaders building it today.”
From forward-thinking developers and architects to finance pioneers, sustainability champions, and community-driven innovators, the 2025 Excellence Award winners span every corner of the industry. Their work not only elevates skylines—it redefines what’s possible in cities, towns, and communities across New England.
Each year, the Boston Real Estate Times Excellence Awards highlight those setting new standards in design, construction, development, investment, and impact. The gala offers a rare opportunity to honor excellence while forging new connections in a rapidly evolving market.
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Here is the full list of this year’s recipients
Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Stephen N. Faber
Executive Vice President
Related Beal
With more than four decades of visionary leadership in real estate investment and development, Stephen N. Faber, Executive Vice President of Related Beal, is the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award—an honor recognizing a career defined by innovation, impact, and enduring influence on the built environment.
Over the span of 40+ years, Faber has helped shape skylines and redefine communities, bringing a strategic and human-centered approach to some of the most complex and high-impact real estate projects. At Related Beal, he leads the firm’s life sciences portfolio—one of the most dynamic and transformative sectors in real estate today—while overseeing acquisitions, dispositions, and asset management across a diverse commercial portfolio.
Faber’s expertise spans life science, office, retail, multi-family, and large-scale mixed-use developments, managing assets in over seventeen major markets nationwide. His ability to balance long-term vision with market foresight has made him a trusted leader in both private development and civic strategy.
Prior to joining Related Beal, he served as Vice President at The Rubin Organization in Philadelphia and Director of Asset Management at Liberty Real Estate in Boston, overseeing extensive multi-state investment portfolios and building the foundation for what would become a career of national influence.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Faber is a dedicated civic leader. He currently chairs the Greenway Business Improvement District Board, and actively serves on the Seaport Leadership Committee of A Better City, as well as professional organizations including MassBio, NAIOP, Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District. His leadership has helped forge stronger links between business, innovation, and community in the heart of Boston and beyond.
Faber’s lifetime of work exemplifies not just excellence in real estate, but a deep commitment to thoughtful development, urban vitality, and economic sustainability. His projects are more than buildings—they are catalysts for progress, connection, and opportunity.
As we honor Stephen N. Faber with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, we celebrate not just a career of accomplishments, but a legacy of shaping spaces that shape lives.
Architecture Firm of the Year 2025
Bergmeyer
Rachel Zsembery
CEO
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Bergmeyer is honored as Architecture Firm of the Year for its groundbreaking approach to design and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven innovation. What began in 1975 as a traditional architecture and interiors practice has evolved into a bold, omni-disciplinary design collaborative that continues to push the boundaries of experiential, people-centered design.
With offices in Boston, Los Angeles, and Columbus, Bergmeyer has become a national leader in placemaking, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design, and was recently certified as a B Corporation, joining a global movement to use business as a force for good. This milestone affirms the firm’s longstanding dedication to transparency, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Under the leadership of CEO Rachel Zsembery, Bergmeyer has cultivated a people-first culture rooted in inclusion, creativity, and strategic foresight. The firm’s evolution into a full-service, cross-disciplinary team empowers it to deliver transformative solutions that resonate across markets and communities.
Whether reimagining retail, hospitality, education, or civic spaces, Bergmeyer brings process excellence, social impact, and joy to every project. As it looks ahead to the next 50 years, Bergmeyer remains committed to designing meaningful experiences that shape the built environment—and the future—with intention, collaboration, and integrity.
Brokers of the Year (Multifamily Investments) 2025
Simon Butler & Biria St. John
Vice Chairmen
CBRE
The 2025 Brokers of the Year Award in the Multifamily Investments category is awarded to Simon Butler and Biria St. John, Vice Chairmen at CBRE, for their unparalleled leadership, performance, and impact on New England’s multifamily real estate market.
Together, Simon and Biria co-lead CBRE’s New England Multifamily Investment Sales team, collectively amassing over $24 billion in multifamily transactions totaling more than 122,000 units. Their clients include institutional investors, developers, family offices, REITs, and syndicators. Over the past year alone, they have closed several high-profile transactions across Massachusetts and the broader region, including a 508-unit luxury community in Boston, a 787-unit property in Hamden, CT, and a 640-unit community in Manchester, NH.
Simon brings decades of experience and has consistently ranked among CBRE’s top national producers. Biria, a specialist in both market-rate and affordable housing, has also led over $550 million in affordable housing sales in recent years, showcasing his depth and range in multifamily investment.
Their unmatched market knowledge, deep client relationships, and strategic deal execution have made a lasting impact on the region’s multifamily landscape—cementing their place as two of the most accomplished brokers in the country.
Commercial Broker of the Year 2025
Bob Richards
Executive Managing Director
JLL
With over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, Bob Richards stands as a true industry leader—renowned for his unmatched expertise in the life sciences sector. Throughout his career, he has advised some of the most prominent names in biotech and healthcare, including Pfizer, Moderna, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School.
Bob’s deep market knowledge, strategic acumen, and client-first approach have made him a trusted advisor on complex, high-stakes transactions. His work has not only shaped Greater Boston’s thriving life sciences ecosystem but also earned him widespread recognition. He is a recipient of numerous industry honors, including the prestigious Commercial Brokers Association’s McCall Leadership Award and multiple Life Science Deal of the Year accolades.
A respected voice in the field, Bob is frequently featured in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, WBZ Radio, and NECN. Before entering the real estate world, he spent five years as a sportscaster with CNN in Atlanta—an early testament to his communication skills and poise under pressure.
Bob Richards’ career reflects excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact on the commercial real estate industry. This award celebrates his continued legacy of success.
Corporate and Interior Design Firm of the Year 2025
SGA
Gable Clarke
Partner and President of Interior Design
The 2025 Corporate and Interior Design Firm of the Year award is proudly presented to SGA, a nationally recognized leader in architecture, interior design, and planning. Known for delivering dynamic, sustainable, and human-centered spaces, SGA continues to push boundaries across life sciences, commercial, academic, and mixed-use sectors.
At the heart of SGA’s design excellence is Gable Clarke, LEED® AP, NCIDQ, Partner and President of Interior Design. As an equal majority owner of the firm, Gable has been instrumental in shaping both SGA’s award-winning design practice and its vibrant workplace culture. With over 20 years of experience, she is known as a trusted industry leader and a dedicated mentor, steering SGA’s growth through a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and strategic vision.
Gable’s leadership was key in designing SGA’s new 20,000-square-foot Boston headquarters—an inclusive, biophilic, and neurodiverse-friendly space that reflects the firm’s culture of innovation and collaboration. Her contributions have earned her honors such as the IIDA New England Leadership Award of Excellence and recognition among the Boston Real Estate Times’ 10 Outstanding Women in Commercial Real Estate.
Under Gable’s guidance, SGA’s interior design practice continues to thrive, making it a clear standout for this prestigious 2025 award.
Construction Firm of the Year 2025
Suffolk
John Fish
Founder & CEO
The 2025 Construction Firm of the Year award is presented to Suffolk, a national leader in building, innovation, and investment, recognized for its pivotal role in some of Boston’s most transformative projects—including the landmark South Station Tower development.
Currently under construction above Boston’s historic transportation hub, the 51-story, 680-foot South Station Tower is a bold example of Suffolk’s expertise in managing complex, large-scale developments. Blending high-performance office space, luxury residences, and retail, the tower is not only reshaping the city’s skyline but also redefining how infrastructure, sustainability, and urban living can co-exist. The building is pre-certified for LEED Gold and targeting WELL Gold certification, underscoring Suffolk’s commitment to sustainable and people-centric design.
Suffolk is more than a builder—it’s a national enterprise with over $8 billion in annual revenue and more than 3,000 employees. Headquartered in Boston, Suffolk’s reach spans across the U.S., with projects in healthcare, life sciences, aviation, and beyond. Its vertically integrated model includes real estate investment, design services, cutting-edge construction technology, and innovation through Suffolk Technologies.
At the helm of this growth is John Fish, Suffolk’s visionary Founder and CEO. A tireless advocate for Boston’s economic and civic vitality, Fish has led Suffolk from a regional contractor to a national powerhouse, guided by a bold mission to “prove impossible wrong.”
For its leadership, scale, and bold vision for the built environment, Suffolk rightfully earns the 2025 Construction Firm of the Year honor.
Housing Champion of the Year 2025
Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative
Michael Mattos
President & Executive Director
The 2025 Affordable Housing Champion of the Year award is presented to Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. (AHSC) for its unwavering commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing throughout Massachusetts.
Since its founding in 2001, AHSC, under the leadership of its president and executive director, Michael Mattos, has played a vital role in delivering more than 2,500 affordable units across 30 projects, including 179 supportive housing units for formerly homeless veterans.
AHSC’s mission goes beyond housing development—they focus on enhancing quality of life for residents by creating stable, accessible, and dignified communities. In the past year, AHSC has celebrated major milestones, including the launch of Walnut Knoll in Foxborough, a two-phase project that will bring 200 much-needed affordable rental units for seniors to a town that previously had few options for this vulnerable population.
Additionally, AHSC led the revitalization of Prospect Estates in Webster, acquiring and upgrading 25 units of affordable housing while preserving long-term affordability. This effort included an occupied rehabilitation that improved living conditions without displacing residents.
For their leadership, innovation, and impact in addressing Massachusetts’ housing crisis, Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative exemplifies what it means to be a true champion of affordable housing.
Law Firm of the Year 2025
Ropes & Gray LLP
Jack Creedon
Partner
Ropes & Gray LLP is named Law Firm of the Year for its exceptional leadership and impact in the real estate legal sector. With a multidisciplinary team of more than 100 legal professionals, including over 60 attorneys with a core focus on real estate, the firm continues to guide clients through some of the most complex, high-stakes transactions globally.
With 145 offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Ropes & Gray advises private equity firms, REITs, pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices, offering a fully integrated approach to real estate, finance, tax, ERISA, environmental, and private equity law. The firm’s $50+ billion in complex financings across multiple asset classes over the past five years underscores its market dominance and deep transactional experience.
Under the leadership of Jack Creedon and Dan Stanco, Ropes & Gray’s team-based model delivers practical, innovative strategies tailored to client goals. Whether it’s acquisitions, leasing, capital markets, or equity/debt structuring, the firm identifies opportunities and manages risk with precision and foresight.
Recognized by Chambers USA and Legal 500, Ropes & Gray’s unwavering excellence and global reach make it a standout recipient of the 2025 Law Firm of the Year award.
Multifamily Excellence Award 2025
Redgate Capital Partners
Damian Szary
Principal
The 2025 Multifamily Excellence Award is presented to Redgate Capital Partners for their transformative development, Gibson Point in Revere, MA. As a firm known for its vision in uncovering untapped investment potential, Redgate exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and community-building in the multifamily sector.
Szary is a founding principal of Redgate. He leads all aspects of Redgate’s multifamily investment and development platform as the managing director of Redgate Capital Partners.
Gibson Point is a pioneering 291-unit waterfront community that redefines urban living through wellness-focused design and environmental stewardship. As the first development of its kind in the region, it delivers a robust health and fitness amenity package—including thermal cycling, a spa recovery room, a Zen Garden, and integrated wellness programming—all supported by a dedicated lifestyle management app.
The property also sets a regional sustainability benchmark with its 5,700-square-foot Living Roof—the largest on a residential building in New England—and an upcoming EV shuttle connecting residents to transit hubs.
Beyond amenities, Gibson Point revitalizes Revere’s waterfront by creating a true community destination, anchored by a new restaurant, Mila’s, and enhanced public space within Gibson Park.
Redgate’s thoughtful placemaking, focus on well-being, and commitment to sustainability make Gibson Point a standout model for the future of multifamily living. For these reasons, Redgate Capital Partners is the well-deserving recipient of this year’s award.
Organization of the Year 2025
Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA)
Briam Doherty, CEO
The 2025 Organization of the Year award is presented to the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) for its exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults across the Commonwealth.
The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) represents nearly 90% of the professionally operated assisted living residences across the Commonwealth. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass-ALA is dedicated to supporting housing and services for individuals with varied needs and income levels.
Through advocacy, education, and operational support, Mass-ALA serves as the voice of assisted living in Massachusetts, promoting person-centered communities that honor each resident’s dignity, privacy, independence, and freedom of choice.
For its tireless work to protect and expand access to high-quality care and services for older adults, Mass-ALA is a deserving recipient of this year’s Organization of the Year award.
Real Estate Banking Leader of the Year 2025
Ian Brandon
EVP/Chief Commercial Banking Officer
Cambridge Savings Bank
Ian Brandon, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer at Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB), has been named Real Estate Banking Leader of the Year, honoring his leadership and impact across Greater Boston’s dynamic lending landscape.
Brandon brings more than 25 years of experience and has closed over $10 billion in transactions throughout his career. At CSB, he has led the expansion of the bank’s commercial portfolio—particularly in commercial real estate (CRE), asset-based lending (ABL), and commercial and industrial sectors—through a relationship-first, high-touch approach.
Cambridge Savings Bank, founded 191 years ago, is one of the oldest and largest community banks in Massachusetts. A full-service mutual bank with $7 billion in assets, CSB is committed to improving the quality of life for its employees, customers, and the communities it serves. The bank offers a full suite of individual and business banking services through a strong branch network across Massachusetts and robust digital platforms.
Brandon is also deeply involved in the professional and civic community, serving on the financial advisory board at the Winchendon School and supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Presidents Circle. He lives in Boston with his wife and daughter.
Real Estate Development Leadership Award 2025
Damien Chaviano
Co-President & Principal
Samuels & Associates
The 2025 Development Leadership Award is presented to Damien Chaviano, Co-President and Principal at Samuels & Associates, for his visionary leadership and exceptional impact on Greater Boston’s real estate landscape.
Damien exemplifies the rare ability to balance strategic investment insight with a deep commitment to community-building. At Samuels & Associates, he has been instrumental in driving some of the region’s most transformative mixed-use developments, including Pierce Boston, Van Ness, Continuum, The Verb Hotel, and the revitalization of Landmark Center. His leadership continues to help shape vibrant, connected neighborhoods in the Fenway and Allston areas.
With a career spanning all facets of real estate—from capital sourcing and underwriting to design, permitting, and execution—Damien brings both precision and purpose to every project. His previous work at Mark Development included managing a pipeline of over 2 million square feet and nearly $1 billion in project costs.
Beyond his professional achievements, Damien is deeply engaged in civic and philanthropic efforts, serving on the board of Milagros Para Niños at Boston Children’s Hospital and actively contributing to the Urban Land Institute.
For his forward-thinking leadership and enduring contributions to the built environment and the community, Damien Chaviano is a most deserving recipient of this year’s award.
Transformational Strategist in Real Estate Award 2025
Shelley Balanda
Founder and Managing Principal
Footprynt
Shelley Balanda, Founder and Managing Principal of Footprynt, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Transformational Strategist in Real Estate Award. This honor recognizes her exceptional leadership, vision, and ability to drive meaningful change for some of the industry’s most vertically integrated operators and investment firms.
With more than 20 years of experience in acquisitions, capital formation, portfolio management, and corporate development, Shelley brings deep institutional knowledge and a reputation for execution. Her decision to launch Footprynt in the midst of the global pandemic was a bold move — one that has since delivered powerful results for her clients.
Her model is simple but rare: work closely with just a few clients at a time, embed deeply, and design practical, impact-oriented solutions tailored to each organization’s needs. Footprynt’s integrated partnership approach helps real estate platforms identify their blind spots, optimize revenue, and execute on long-term strategic priorities.
Shelley’s career reflects a singular focus on helping companies reach their full potential — not just through theory, but through results. This award celebrates that mission and her remarkable impact on the commercial real estate industry.
