Weekly Briefing

Realcomm | IBcon Announces Its 2025 Digie Award Winners

The 2025 Realcomm | IBcon Digie award winners were announced on June 3 at the Savannah Convention Center, recognizing outstanding companies, projects, technologies, and individuals driving progress in commercial and corporate real estate. Now in its 27th year, this prestigious industry award honors those advancing the built environment through innovation, automation, and forward-thinking solutions.

Here are the 2025 Digie award winners leading innovation and setting new standards in real estate technology and the built environment.

REALCOMM

Best Use of Automation

Commercial Real Estate: Boxer Property

• Pioneered a data-driven decision-making approach by integrating Yardi Data Connect with Microsoft Power BI, unlocking seamless data visualization and collaboration across business units.
• Enhanced operational forecasting and scenario planning with AI and ML models, leading to more reliable predictions and improved strategic outcomes.
• Fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, positioning Boxer Property as a leader in real estate automation and analytics.

Retail Real Estate: Woolbright Development

• Leveraged advanced automation tools to unify operational processes across their retail real estate portfolio, improving data accessibility and real-time insights.
• Demonstrates a commitment to data-driven decision-making, fostering a culture that embraces digital innovation for operational excellence and tenant satisfaction.
• Positioned as a forward-thinking leader in retail real estate automation, driving continuous improvements in efficiency and transparency.

Corporate Real Estate: McKesson

• Revolutionized corporate real estate operations by implementing advanced automation strategies that streamline processes and improve service delivery.
• Embraces data-driven innovation to enhance operational transparency, optimize asset utilization, and deliver superior workplace experiences.
• Serves as an industry leader in adopting cutting-edge automation tools to boost efficiency and support organizational agility.

Investment Management: New York Life Investors

• Unified front-to-back office operations across a 30M SF portfolio by integrating comprehensive tools such as Construction Manager, Forecast Manager, and Debt Manager.
• Eliminated disparate systems and reconciliation challenges, providing one source of truth from investor reporting to asset operations.
• Positioned as a model for how investment managers can leverage automation to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and drive operational excellence.

Multifamily | Residential: The Preiss Company

• Continues to embrace cutting-edge automation solutions to enhance operational efficiencies and resident experiences within their multifamily portfolio.
• Promotes a culture of innovation, testing new technologies, such as humanoid robots.
• Recognized for leveraging automation to deliver measurable improvements in property management processes and tenant satisfaction.

Best Use of AI

Commercial Real Estate: Primaris

• Actively explores AI coding tools and autonomous assistants to unlock new possibilities for innovation and operational excellence in commercial real estate software development.
• Cultivates a forward-thinking approach that seamlessly integrates AI into core SDLC workflows, enhancing predictive insights, coding efficiency, and project outcomes.
• Recognized for fostering a culture of digital transformation, driving continuous improvement in AI adoption and leveraging advanced AI capabilities to elevate code quality and reduce errors.

Commercial Real Estate: Phillips Edison & Company

• Launched a suite of AI-powered projects, including Agentic AI, predictive analytics, and document extraction tools, to accelerate property acquisitions, optimize budgeting, and drive ESG progress.
• Leveraged an advanced Azure-native architecture, orchestrated micro agents, and an enterprise RAG layer to automate complex tasks, cutting manual work by up to 80%.
• Recognized for adopting an AI-first approach that enhances data accuracy, streamlines back-office operations, and continuously improves decision-making across its portfolio.

Best Tech Innovation

Commercial | Corporate Real Estate: Altus – Benchmark Manager

• Transformed data management with Benchmark Manager, creating a seamless, integrated platform for tracking and evaluating real estate performance.
• Delivers automated insights and data-driven performance metrics to support strategic decision-making and maximize asset value.
• Recognized as a cutting-edge technology solution that empowers real estate leaders to make informed, data-backed decisions.

Best AI Tech Innovation

Commercial Real Estate: PremiseHQ – Digital Employee

• Introduced intelligent AI Digital Employees to automate real estate operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on human labor.
• Leveraged Agentic AI for autonomous task execution across languages, platforms, and data types, setting a new standard for operational scalability.
• Demonstrates measurable impact through improved tenant service, operational cost savings, and a future-ready workforce strategy.

Rising Star Award

Devon Newton

• Exemplifies an unwavering commitment to innovation and creative problem-solving within the real estate and technology sectors.
• Demonstrates the ability to bridge complex challenges with practical, transformative solutions that drive organizational success.
• Recognized for her visionary approach to digital transformation and her role in advancing the future of real estate technology.

Julie Devine Digital Impact Award

Jim Carr

• Set new benchmarks for real estate innovation through transformative initiatives in proptech, ESG, and operational tech.
• Actively shares insights and mentors peers, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking industry culture.
• A visionary leader whose work has advanced the broader real estate ecosystem.

Soheil Pourhashemi

• Champion of digital transformation and innovation, driving measurable advancements in real estate technology.
• Demonstrates a steadfast commitment to shaping a future-ready real estate industry through thought leadership and collaborative innovation.
• Valued for inspiring teams and fostering a culture of digital excellence across the industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Patrick Ghilani

• Celebrated for a career dedicated to propelling digital transformation and technological innovation within the real estate industry.
• Recognized as an industry leader and collaborator, driving the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that elevate performance and sustainability.
• An enduring advocate for aligning technology with strategic business goals, delivering long-lasting impact across the built environment.

Industry Impact Award

Jim Whalen

• Renowned for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on real estate technology, setting new benchmarks for digital excellence.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration that advances both his organization and the wider real estate industry.
• Recognized for his enduring commitment to harnessing technology as a catalyst for growth, sustainability, and tenant-centered experiences.

IBCON

IBcon Most Intelligent

Office Building: 1 Elizabeth

• Australia’s first integrated station development, blending world-class transport infrastructure with premium-grade office and retail environments.
• Features state-of-the-art smart building systems, from automated lighting and climate controls to an advanced digital workplace ecosystem.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and occupant comfort through 100% renewable power, cutting-edge air quality management, and adaptive workplace design.

Office Portfolio: The RMR Group

• Revolutionized portfolio operations with the Connected Buildings platform, a secure, cloud-based system that provides advanced analytics and remote control capabilities.
• Empowers engineers and property managers to optimize energy usage, enhance comfort, and proactively manage building performance.
• Showcases a mobile-first, data-driven approach that exemplifies RMR’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

Corporate Headquarters: Lockheed Martin Rotary & Mission Systems Division

• Pioneered a comprehensive Industrial IoT and Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) program, achieving substantial energy and maintenance savings.
• Integrated cutting-edge technologies like real-time vibration monitoring, smart lubrication, and drone-based inspections to maximize asset longevity and occupant comfort.
• Recognized for setting a new standard in predictive maintenance and sustainable building operations within a complex corporate environment.

Digital District: The Well

• Integrated advanced data connectivity and smart technology across a vibrant urban district, enhancing resident and tenant experiences while leveraging the thermal well system beneath the buildings to support sustainable energy use and optimize operational efficiency.
• Fosters sustainability and operational excellence through comprehensive digital infrastructure, automated building systems, and the use of underground thermal resources to reduce energy demands and carbon footprint.
• Demonstrates a visionary approach to modern district development, delivering a connected, adaptable, and inclusive community that sets a new standard for sustainable urban design.

Retail: World Showroom

• Redefines retail environments by seamlessly blending immersive experiences with operational data and analytics.
• Integrates advanced IoT and AI solutions to deliver real-time insights and a dynamic, data-driven retail experience.
• Recognized for pushing the boundaries of retail innovation through a commitment to creating intelligent, engaging spaces.

DC-Powered Building: Disney

• Embraces state-of-the-art DC power architecture to enhance energy efficiency and reliability across their iconic building portfolio.
• Pioneers the application of next-generation power distribution systems to support future-ready smart buildings.
• Sets a new standard for sustainable and intelligent building operations within the global entertainment industry.

Multifamily | Residential: Drewlo Holdings

• Champions advanced building management systems to optimize resident comfort, energy efficiency, and operational transparency.
• Embraces data-driven insights and real-time monitoring to ensure continuous improvement in multifamily residential operations.
• Demonstrates a commitment to tenant-centric innovation and sustainable practices across its residential portfolio.

Higher Ed: Cal State University Dominguez Hills

• Implemented a comprehensive strategy to elevate energy efficiency and building intelligence across campus – achieving an impressive 70% energy savings over the past five years.
• Continually advances new and smarter technology solutions, integrating AI, smart energy systems, and innovative solar thermal and nanofluid technologies to create one of Southern California’s most energy-efficient campuses.
• Recognized as a leader in intelligent campus operations, sharing best practices and inspiring peers across the CSU system to pursue continuous improvement and sustainable innovation.

Best Use of AI

Intelligent Buildings: CBRE

• Harnesses AI-driven analytics to transform operational processes within intelligent building environments.
• Leverages advanced data processing capabilities to optimize building performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve occupant satisfaction.
• Recognized for setting a new benchmark in integrating AI with smart building management practices.

Best Tech Innovation

DC Power: VoltServer – Tetra Digital Electricity

• Redefines energy distribution by delivering safe, efficient digital electricity to power building systems with unprecedented precision.
• Supports dynamic building management with modular, adaptable infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact.
• Recognized for pioneering the next generation of energy-efficient, intelligent building technologies.

Best AI Tech Innovation

Intelligent Buildings: facil.ai – Chiller Optimization AI-Agent

• Achieved breakthrough energy efficiency improvements in central plant operations through real-time, autonomous AI decision-making.
• Deploys AI agents that go beyond model-based approaches, dynamically optimizing chillers and central plant performance at record-breaking levels.
• Sets a new standard for AI-driven building system management, unlocking significant operational cost savings and environmental benefits.

Intelligent Buildings: Visitt – AI Platform

• Revolutionizes property operations by introducing AI Agents that automate complex workflows like Certificate of Insurance (COI) management.
• Empowers teams with intelligent, autonomous tools that surface operational risks, improve tenant engagement, and free staff for higher-value work.
• Recognized for establishing a fully AI-driven property operations platform that delivers measurable value across commercial real estate portfolios.

Best Tech Innovation

Intelligent Buildings: Kimberly-Clark – Onvation

• Empowers facility teams with real-time data to streamline restroom servicing and optimize resource utilization.
• Reduces waste, improves guest experiences, and enhances operational efficiency across diverse real estate sectors.
• Demonstrates a practical and impactful innovation that improves daily building operations at scale.

Intelligent Buildings: Bueno – Smart Building Analytics

• Unlocks actionable insights through advanced building data analytics, driving measurable improvements in energy performance and operational efficiency.
• Simplifies complex building data, empowering operators with user-friendly tools to optimize building performance in real-time.
• Recognized for advancing the standard of intelligent building analytics through innovation and actionable data insights.

Julie Devine Digital Impact Award

Fred Gordy

• A recognized thought leader in building cybersecurity, championing best practices and advancing secure smart building operations.
• Actively shapes industry standards and fosters collaboration to address emerging cybersecurity challenges within the built environment.
• Celebrated for his mentorship, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to advancing secure, resilient smart buildings.

Nicholas Stello

• Exemplifies a visionary approach to digital transformation within the real estate sector, consistently driving innovation and data-driven solutions.
• Recognized for his leadership in bridging technology and business outcomes to deliver measurable value and operational excellence.
• A trusted advisor and mentor within the industry, dedicated to advancing best practices and digital innovation.

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