CoreNet Carolinas CORE Awards 2026
The 10th Annual CoreNet Carolinas CORE Awards was truly an evening to remember. Thank you to the CORE Awards Committee, our Board of Directors, and all of our guests for being part of such a special celebration. Congratulations to all of our CORE Award winners and nominees—we are proud to recognize your outstanding achievements.
The CORE Awards honor the excellence and impact of Corporate Real Estate (CRE) professionals across the Carolinas, celebrating exemplary contributions and bringing together the CoreNet community for an evening of recognition and connection.
Event photo gallery
Congratulations To Our 2026 CORE Award Winners!
Katten Charlotte, nominated by Gensler is the winner of the CoreNet Carolinas Innovative Project of the Year under 50K SF! This project redefines the modern workplace—blending hospitality, flexibility, and thoughtful design to create a highly efficient, people-centered environment that strengthens culture while significantly reducing its footprint. Through innovative planning and strong collaboration, the team delivered a space that elevates both client experience and day-to-day connection.
Project Team: Alfred Williams & Company, Balfour Beatty Construction, CBRE, Gensler, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
We are excited to announce that Vanguard Horizon, nominated by Vanguard is the winner for the CoreNet Carolinas Innovative Project of the Year over 50K SF! Vanguard transformed a large-scale campus into a unified, future-ready workplace—bringing thousands of employees together in a highly collaborative, amenity-rich environment that reflects a strong sense of culture and purpose. Delivered on an accelerated timeline through innovative planning and exceptional teamwork, the project sets a new benchmark for scale, adaptability, and employee experience.
Project Team: Balfour Beatty Construction, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, JLL, PMC Commercial Interiors, WSP
Original Campus designed in 2023 by LS3P in collaboration with Clayco.
Congratulations to Foust Elementary Gaming & Robotics Magnet School, nominated by Gensler for the award of 2026 CoreNet Carolinas Judges’ Choice Award. This school stands out for reimagining education through innovation and community impact—creating a first-of-its-kind learning environment where technology, design, and curriculum come together to inspire the next generation. By transforming a legacy site into a vibrant, future-ready school, the project empowers students, strengthens community pride, and sets a new standard for equitable access to opportunity.
Project Team: Barnhill & Holt Brothers, CMTA, Gensler, Guilford County Schools, Stewart Engineering
We are excited to announce that Rob Vail of TIAA is named the CoreNet Carolinas Corporate Real Estate Executive of the Year 2026! Rob is recognized for visionary leadership in transforming global real estate portfolios—driving innovation, operational efficiency, and meaningful cost savings while elevating the workplace experience across diverse markets. Through strategic thinking and a deep commitment to mentorship and community impact, he continues to shape the future of corporate real estate.
Congratulations to Sarah Sheilds of Coverings Group for the award of CoreNet Carolinas Service Provider of the Year 2026! Sarah has demonstrated a client-first mindset, building trusted partnerships across the Triangle, and driving operational excellence that consistently elevates both team performance and client experience.
We are thrilled to announce that Monica Jones of Redgate is named CoreNet Carolinas Young Leader of the Year 2026! Monica has rapidly built a diverse foundation across design, project management, and workplace strategy, earning a reputation for technical excellence, proactive problem-solving, and strong leadership on complex projects.
Congratulations to all our 2026 CORE Awards Nominees!
Thank you to our 2026 CORE Awards Judges!
Amanda Kaleps, Principal | Wolcott Architecture, Los Angeles CA
Amber Wernick, Director of Interiors | HOK, Dallas TX
Angela Ryan, Principal | Ware Malcomb, San Diego CA
Fernando Pa, SVP of Design & Master Planning | NBCUniversal | Los Angeles, CA
Lynn Deegan, Rocky Mountain Lead, PDS | JLL | Denver, CO
Noelle Via Borda, Senior Manager Workplace Design + Innovation | Adobe
Thank you to our 2026 CORE Awards Committee!
Hana Dorani, MillerKnoll | 2026 Core Awards Co-Chair
Anna Deshazier, CBRE | 2026 Core Awards Co-Chair
Monica Jones, Redgate
Vince Antkiewicz, Nora by Interface
Diana Rhodes, CoreNet Carolinas
Reem Elzebir, CoreNet Carolinas
Thank you to our Event Sponsors!
Cocktail Sponsor:
AV and Valet Sponsor:
Trophy Sponsor:
Registration Desk:
Supporting Sponsors:
Barringer Construction, Casey Creative, DIRTT, Interface, Little, Mohawk, and TIAA
To learn more about the CORE Awards and to view our past winners and event photos, please follow these links: