Celebrating Excellence in Corporate Real Estate

A Night with Australia’s Workplace Leaders

The energy was palpable at Ilumina, Sydney, on 3rd September as hundreds of Australia’s most influential corporate real estate and workplace professionals gathered for the CoreNet Global Australia Chapter Annual REawards.

What struck us most wasn’t just the calibre of the projects and people being celebrated, but the genuine sense of community amongst attendees – a perfect blend of corporate occupiers and service providers united by a shared passion for creating spaces and places that truly serve people.

As proud sponsors of the CRE Executive of the Year Award, we witnessed firsthand the exceptional leadership driving innovation across Australia’s corporate real estate sector. Our Design Director and NSW State Leader, Petrunda, had the honour of presenting this prestigious award to Lisa James-Holmes, Associate Director of Global Workforce Strategy & Enterprise Services ANZ, Asia Pacific for MSD (Merck & Co). Lisa’s recognition reflects the strategic thinking and people-first approach that defines excellence in our industry today.

The calibre of finalists was remarkable, with Helen Hecker, Director of Real Estate & Facilities Management Asia Pacific for Marsh McLennan, also recognised for her outstanding contributions to workplace strategy. Both women exemplify the sophisticated, data-driven approach to workplace design that’s reshaping how organisations think about their built environments.

A Community of Purpose

What stood out most during the evening was the openness of the conversations. Professionals from across industries were candid about the pressures and opportunities they face – whether adapting hybrid models, reshaping office footprints, or planning for future growth. The common ground was clear: a shared commitment to creating workplaces that support both people and performance.

This is precisely the kind of thinking that drives PMG’s approach to workplace consulting. Through our committee members Kate and Leona’s active involvement with CoreNet over the past year, we’ve gained invaluable insights into the strategic challenges facing corporate real estate leaders across Australia. Their contributions help ensure PMG remains connected to the evolving needs of workplace decision makers, not just as service providers, but as strategic partners in creating purposeful built environments.

Beyond the Building

The evening reinforced something we’ve long believed: exceptional workplaces aren’t just about beautiful interiors or efficient construction delivery. They’re the result of deep strategic thinking, comprehensive feasibility analysis, and design solutions that respond to genuine human needs. The award winners celebrated that night embody this holistic approach – they’re strategists first, space planners second.

This philosophy aligns perfectly with PMG’s evolution as workplace consultants. We’ve spent nearly three decades understanding that the most successful workplace projects begin with thorough strategy and feasibility work, followed by design solutions that support organisational goals, and finally, commercial delivery that brings these visions to life without compromise.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on an evening spent amongst such accomplished workplace professionals, we’re reminded of the privilege of working in an industry that directly impacts how millions of Australians experience their working lives. The CoreNet Global community represents the very best of strategic thinking in corporate real estate, and we’re proud to contribute to their mission of advancing excellence in workplace creation.

The conversations that night reinforced our belief that the future belongs to those who approach workplace challenges with both strategic rigour and genuine empathy for the people who’ll inhabit these spaces every day.

If you’re currently experiencing workplace challenges and seeking guidance to understand their root causes, along with data-backed recommendations to address them, our Workplace Strategy team would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support your organisation’s goals.