Category: News

A Tailored Approach to Client Success at Every Scale

Early education centers, while modest in size, quickly prove they are far from simple buildouts, bringing a unique mix of regulatory, operational, and stakeholder coordination that demands a highly adaptable and hands-on approach from day one.

Early education facilities require an equal level of precision, comparable to much larger developments. Success depends not on square footage, but on early alignment of the team and disciplined execution across design, construction, and operational readiness.

Establishing governance structures, decision-making pathways, and approval processes is often a critical early step. Clear accountability, defined escalation procedures, and structured stakeholder engagement provide the foundation for predictable outcomes. Aligning the project team with a client’s current operational guidelines and capacity ensures that delivery strategies reflect current realities, rather than relying on assumptions based on past or typical projects.

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A Year of Recognition: CoreNet Awards and Leadership Milestones at Northstar

Recognized for Project Excellence

We’re excited to share that Northstar has had a standout year, receiving recognition from the CoreNet Global New England Chapter. These honors highlight the dedication of our team and the impact of our work across the corporate real estate industry. Every year, the CoreNet Global New England Chapter’s Awards of Excellence gala brings together end users and service providers to celebrate the people and projects making a difference in the built environment.

This year, three projects supported by Northstar earned CoreNet Awards, showing how our work makes a difference in some of the region’s most complex workplaces and life sciences spaces. The winning projects were Biogen‘s 75 Broadway Global Headquarters (Deal of the Year), Sanofi M Station (Best New Workplace Outside of New England), and Takeda Pharmaceutical‘s Global Learning Center (Best New Small Workplace).

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Northstar Celebrates Kerry Logue’s 10-Year Anniversary

Kerry is a skilled Senior Project Manager who has more than 17 years of experience in design, construction, and real estate. She brings a unique perspective to her work, with insight into communication, enabling her to thoughtfully support effective client relationships and team collaboration. A trusted partner, Kerry is known for the genuine relationships she builds and her ability to connect with people in ways that foster trust.

Kerry’s Northstar journey began with a variety of projects, from corporate tenant interiors to ground-up construction and capital improvements. She’s been involved in several notable projects, including a 21-story residential building for American Campus Communities at Northeastern University, the relocation of 2,000 Akamai Technologies employees, and AEW Capital Management’s headquarters. Along the way, Kerry has become known for her thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit, and knack for navigating complex challenges.

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Nick Dunn Named a NEREJ Ones to Watch – Rising Star

Northstar’s Nick Dunn was recently featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s Ones to Watch – Rising Stars issue.

Below is an excerpt of what he shared about the professional milestone he is most proud of, a challenge he has overcome, the advice he would give to someone starting out in owner’s project management, and the individuals who played a pivotal role in his development, along with what our president, Kirstin Brown, had to say about Nick.

What inspired you to pursue a career in commercial real estate, and what path brought you to your current role?

My educational background is in engineering, but I was always drawn to the people and collaboration behind the work. I’ve always been motivated by the idea of creating spaces that bring people together and support how they live and work. To me, that is what commercial real estate is all about. Working with developers, owners, designers, contractors, and end users to solve challenges, build relationships, and ultimately bring a shared vision to life. No two projects are the same, so the opportunity for learning and building connections is limitless.

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A Conversation with our Intern, Danielle Flaherty: Her View from the Construction Site

Northstar is committed to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of talent with a passion for pursuing careers in project management. As part of our internship/co-op program, we collaborate with institutions such as Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and CREST (Commercial Real Estate Success Training) to identify exceptional candidates.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Danielle Flaherty to our team for the past three months. Danielle is from Wilmington, Massachusetts, and is a rising Senior at Wentworth Institute of Technology studying Construction Management with a minor in Business Administration. In her spare time, she loves teaching Pilates and spin classes, dancing, traveling, and hanging out with friends.

During her time with us, she was actively involved in Harvard University Housing’s 100 South Campus Drive project. Danielle attended weekly meetings, participated in punch list items, supported functional commissioning, and assisted with close-out activities. She maintained key project trackers, including schedules, punch lists, and other close-out documentation. In addition, she joined site tours for other projects, including an office fit-out and Nan Fung Life Science’s project at 470 Atlantic Avenue.

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Northstar Promotes Daniel Govoni and Lisa Hamilton to Associate Principal

Northstar is taking on new and challenging owner’s project management assignments across the real estate landscape. To support this growth, Daniel Govoni and Lisa Hamilton have been promoted to associate principal in recognition of their proven leadership, client impact, and ability to deliver results across large-scale projects.

Both Dan and Lisa have been with Northstar for nearly 15 years, building long-standing relationships and earning the trust of clients and colleagues through hands-on leadership. Their ability to guide projects from early planning through completion reflects Northstar’s value at every stage of a project.

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Patrick Burns Featured in NEREJ’s Spring Preview Spotlight

Pat Burns was recently featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s Spring Preview Spotlight issue, where he shared insights into market activity, what projects are keeping the team busy, and what challenges are shaping the commercial real estate landscape over the next couple of months. Below is what he had to say.

What trends or market activity are you seeing as we move into the spring season?
As an owner’s project manager, my primary focus over the past few years has been the fit-out of office space. There is a growing trend toward enhancing the workplace experience, aiming to create an office worth commuting to. These enhancements can range from high-end coffee machines in office “pantries” to an entire floor dedicated to a full-service restaurant offering significant discounts to employees.

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Celebrating Five Years: Peter Arsenault’s Impact at Northstar

Northstar is proud to celebrate Peter Arsenault’s five-year anniversary with the firm. In this time, Peter has become an indispensable member of the Northstar team, contributing over 17 years of project management expertise across life sciences, healthcare, R&D, capital improvements, tenant interiors, and ground-up development. 

As a Senior Project Manager, Peter has overseen projects from initial planning and design through construction and close-out, consistently achieving exceptional results on schedule and within budget. His experience includes work with life science clients, educational institutions, commercial developments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, often on challenging, high-profile projects requiring precision, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the construction process. 

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Redefining Project Leadership: Celebrating Women in Construction

As Women in Construction Week continues, we’re shining a spotlight on three inspiring voices: Pratiksha Gade, Kerry Logue, and Olivia Pedro. Over the course of the week, they’ve offered insights on leadership, opportunity, and the evolving landscape of building a career in owner’s project management.

Now, we’re bringing their reflections together to highlight the projects they’re most proud of, the opportunities they believe are shaping the industry, and the advice they would offer to the next generation of women in construction.

From meaningful project milestones to lessons learned along the way, their responses provide a thoughtful perspective on how leadership, collaboration, and curiosity are driving progress across the industry.

Read on for their insights and the perspectives that are shaping the future of construction.

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Leading the Way: Women in Construction at Northstar

For Women in Construction Week, we honor the remarkable women of Northstar who are driving our projects and reshaping industry leadership.

This year’s theme, ‘Level Up, Build Strong,’ celebrates career advancement and stronger, more inclusive futures for women. Nearly 40% of Northstar’s team are women, leading projects, mentoring future professionals, and driving innovation through diverse perspectives. From driving complex developments to mentoring the next generation of professionals, their impact extends far beyond individual projects. Their diverse background and perspectives fuel innovation, strengthen collaboration, and enhance the value we deliver to our clients.

In recognition of this year’s theme, we invited our team members to reflect on two questions: Who or what has inspired you to level up and embrace leadership roles in construction? And how has your role as an Owner’s Project Manager strengthened the industry?

At Northstar and as Owner’s Project Managers, we are dedicated to assembling strong teams whose diversity enables us to drive the best possible solutions and results for our clients. We believe progress happens intentionally, through mentorship, advocacy, accountability, and a culture that empowers every voice at the table.

Join us as we celebrate the insights, experiences, and accomplishments of our talented team members, who share stories of leadership, growth, and impact.

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Kerry Logue Featured in NEREJ’s Women in Construction Spotlight

Kerry Logue, one of Northstar’s talented owner’s project managers, was recently featured in the Women in Construction Spotlight issue of the New England Real Estate Journal. In the article, Kerry shares her perspectives on the accomplishment she is most proud of, what she wishes more women knew about opportunities in the construction industry, the emerging opportunity that will shape the industry, and a piece of advice she offers to women beginning their construction careers. 

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Below Grade to Big Picture: Dave Girard’s Untraditional Path to Principal at Northstar

Welcome to Northstar’s article series, ‘Meet the Partners of Northstar: Guiding Our Strategic Vision & Company’s Success.’ In this series, we explore the experiences and journeys of our partners who have played a pivotal role in shaping Northstar’s trajectory over the past fifteen years.

An Untraditional Path to Being a Principal at Northstar   

Dave Girard’s career journey began in the maze of Boston and Cambridge’s city infrastructures. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in geotechnical engineering, Dave tackled complex below-grade projects in urban environments, which drove his need for creativity and precision in problem-solving. His early days were spent overseeing the below-grade portions of multiple large-scale developments. 

Dave honed his experience working on geotechnical and environmental projects at GEI Consultants and later with Haley & Aldrich. Advancing from engineer to senior engineer and senior project manager, he quickly moved up the ranks into management and mentorship as he obtained his professional engineering license. His portfolio includes managing complex below-grade, multi-building structures on Boston’s historic waterfront, where the buildings sit partially on land and overwater, coordinating up-down construction for a sensitive multi-use building with four levels below grade and five above; and overseeing the top-down construction of a 695-car, flat-slab, post-tensioned below-grade parking garage. Each project taught Dave something new and helped him become a critical thinker and problem-solver.  

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The Northstar Journey: A Story of Growth and Progression for Five Newly Promoted Team Members

At Northstar, success goes beyond completing projects or meeting deadlines; it’s defined by continuous growth, collaboration, and leadership at every level. Our culture is rooted in learning, responsiveness, meaningful relationships, and guiding both clients and project teams toward predictable, successful outcomes.

Leadership remains committed to fostering a mindset centered on thoughtful decision-making, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We believe in fully integrating into our clients’ cultures, delivering exceptional service, and approaching each challenge as an opportunity to grow. Every project is a chance to elevate our work and the people behind it.

This year’s newly promoted team members exemplify these values in action. Through their commitment to development, collaboration, and leadership, they have gone beyond their roles to contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the Northstar experience.

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Mentorship Matters from Day One

At Northstar, more than 80% of our team participates in mentorship not because they have to, but because it matters. Mentorship is a core component of how we develop leaders, strengthen culture, and empower people at every stage of their careers. Through mentorship, growth is intentional, supported, and shared.

According to Vice President | Shareholder Dan Govoni, “I can’t overstate the impact of mentorship on my journey at Northstar. My success, and by extension, the success of my clients and my team, is a direct reflection of the continuous support I’ve received. Our mentorship program builds on that organic foundation, scaling it to break down silos between teams and create space for the natural, career-changing relationships to thrive.”

Northstar’s Mentorship Program embodies our core belief that being “Invested in Your Success” isn’t passive. It means actively helping people grow. Every new employee, regardless of level, becomes a mentee during their first year and is paired with a thoughtfully selected mentor outside of their project team. This pairing ensures conversations focus on development rather than day-to-day task management. Mentees drive their own growth by setting goals, preparing for conversations, and acting on feedback.

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Northstar Celebrates Danica Woo’s 5-Year Anniversary

Northstar is proud to celebrate Danica Woo’s five-year anniversary with the firm.

Since joining Northstar, Danica has brought her background in design and construction to her role as an owner’s project manager, with a strong focus on higher education projects. She began her career at Northstar working on the Harvard University Housing (HUH) team, where she built a strong foundation in managing complex academic and residential projects.

After three successful years on the HUH team, Danica transitioned to Northstar’s Dartmouth College client team, supporting Dartmouth’s long-term vision to deliver 1,000 new beds for students, faculty, and staff over the next decade. She initially served as project manager for the 285-bed Russo Hall project during the planning, design, and permitting phases and then transitioned to a similar role helping drive the 37-43 West Wheelock projects. This apartment-style student housing project will provide approximately 405 new beds and is scheduled for delivery in Summer 2028.

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Lisa Hamilton Featured in NEREJ’s 2025 Year in Review Issue

Lisa Hamilton is featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s 2025 Year in Review issue, where she reflects on a meaningful year for both the firm and the New England commercial real estate market. As Northstar celebrated its 15th anniversary, Lisa shares perspectives on the projects that helped define 2025, the firm’s continued focus on delivering exceptional client service, and how office and life science strategies are evolving.

She also looks ahead to 2026, offering insight into the trends shaping advisory-led investment and development decisions across Greater Boston and the region.

Looking back at 2025, what deal, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New England CRE market this year?

With return-to-work initiatives continuing, I was thrilled to support Clarion Partners with repositioning its office/lab building at 245 First Street. Tenants have an abundance of real estate options, and landlords are increasingly required to take a forward-thinking approach to offering more than just an office. Through the development of high, medium, and low-intervention designs, Northstar produced budgets and schedules that enabled Clarion to make an informed decision. The resulting project will deliver amenity enhancements, system upgrades, and a dramatic transformation of the entry experience.

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Dan Govoni Featured in NEREJ’s Ones To Watch – Industry Leaders Spotlight

Dan Govoni stands out as a leader at Northstar, bringing a strategic vision that elevates every project. He not only manages tasks but prioritizes mentorship and continuous learning, encouraging colleagues to strive for excellence in owner’s project management. Dan creates an environment that values collaboration and personal development. His approach ensures that everyone is focused on success.

Dan was recently featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s Ones To Watch – Industry Leaders Spotlight issue, where he shared insights into his leadership philosophy, project accomplishments, and commitment to developing the next generation of talent. Below is what he had to say.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? The professional initiative I am most proud of is my role as OPM for the 75 Broadway development. The accomplishment lies in assembling and supporting a phenomenal team of top-tier professionals (developers, tenants, design team, contractors) who are the best in their fields. My role is to serve as a member of the central nervous system, proactively solving complex problems—from managing approvals to brokering technical consensus—to keep the project on schedule and within budget. The success of this initiative provides essential risk mitigation for the client’s investment, significantly elevates the firm’s reputation, and ultimately injects economic vitality into the community through a future landmark structure.

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Leading with Vision: Celebrating Kirstin Brown’s Recognition as a Top Woman in Commercial Real Estate

We are proud to celebrate Kirstin Brown, who has been honored by Connect CRE as one of the Top Women in Commercial Real Estate this year. Her recent appointment as President in 2024 not only highlights her significant contributions to Northstar’s long-term strategy but also reflects her unwavering dedication to the people she works with, both clients and team members.

A Vision Built on Relationships

With over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and an impressive portfolio exceeding $2 billion in complex developments, Kirstin has helped shape some of the region’s most transformative projects, from MIT’s 675-bed graduate housing complex to Northeastern University’s 23-story mixed-use tower at 840 Columbus Avenue, and BioMed Realty’s multi-phase Assembly Innovation Park in Somerville.

At her core, Kirstin is a “project junkie” who believes that real estate is fundamentally about people. This mindset shapes everything she does at Northstar. She loves the work she does, and every project has at least two people on it, and one of them is always a principal or shareholder, ensuring senior-level oversight on every project.

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Repositioning Real Estate Assets with Highest & Best Use Studies

What is a Highest and Best Use Study?

A Highest & Best Use (HBU) study is a structured analysis used to evaluate the most profitable use of a real estate asset based on its physical condition, location, regulatory environment, and market demand. These studies are particularly valuable when an existing asset is underperforming, vacant, or approaching a natural transition point in its lifecycle. The objective is to assess viable alternatives for repositioning or redeveloping the property to optimize returns.

These studies are beneficial to owners, brokers, or asset managers who need to make informed decisions. Brokers may use them to propose creative solutions when a listing is failing to lease or sell. Asset managers may seek HBU studies when market fundamentals shift, such as remote work driving down demand for traditional office space or new housing policies unlocking development potential.

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Milestone Achievement: Janet Tse’s 10-Year Journey at Northstar

Northstar is proud to celebrate Janet Tse’s 10th anniversary with the company.

With over ten years of experience in the AEC industry as an owner’s project manager, Janet has worked on a variety of capital and operating projects from planning through closeout. Her work includes projects in the pharmaceutical and higher education sectors across Greater Boston. Currently, Janet is managing the interior finish renovations in two occupied buildings, along with an 80,000 SF two-floor tenant fit-out for a pharmaceutical client headquartered in Cambridge Crossing, overseeing all phases from schematic design through project closeout. Before joining Northstar, Janet began her career as a structural engineer in the oil and gas sector.

What does Janet love about being an owner’s project manager? The versatility of the role. Whether she’s working on client presentations, managing budgets and schedules, reviewing design documents, or overseeing the progress of construction, each day is a new adventure. She enjoys collaborating with clients and project teams to solve problems and finds it rewarding to see the project completed. Continue reading Milestone Achievement: Janet Tse’s 10-Year Journey at Northstar

Northstar Celebrates 15 Years of Growth, Vision, and Exceptional Service

Today, Northstar celebrates a significant milestone, 15 years since its founding on October 28, 2010. This marks a proud chapter in the company’s continued journey of delivering trusted project management services, building lasting client relationships, and cultivating a standout company culture.

Northstar was established because its founders believed the Greater Boston market needed something different: a high-touch, client-focused consulting firm built on trust, collaboration, and results. With that mission and an entrepreneurial spirit, the firm quickly secured its first client, Harvard Real Estate Services. Their vision has grown into something bigger than they could have imagined, forging a new path in owner’s project management

What began as a small, dedicated team in Cambridge has grown into a dynamic, industry-recognized company known for its expertise, culture, and commitment to excellence.

“Our goal from day one was to do things differently, putting clients first, delivering exceptional service, and creating a place where people genuinely want to work,” said co-founder Tom Fanning. “Fifteen years later, that mission still drives us.”

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Chris Packard’s Journey: From Bridge Construction to Commercial Development

Welcome to Northstar’s article series, ‘Meet the Partners of Northstar: Guiding Our Strategic Vision & Company’s Success.’ In this series, we explore the experiences and journeys of our partners who have played a pivotal role in shaping Northstar’s trajectory over the past fifteen years.

Laying the Groundwork for a Future in Real Estate

Chris Packard’s journey to Northstar began in 1997 when he served as a construction superintendent on the iconic Zakim Bridge during its four years of construction. From developing work plans, managing union trade resources and coordinating with subcontractors Chris thrived in this high-pressure environment while guiding his team to a successful project delivery.

His hands-on experience and leadership steered Chris forward in his career, where he met people in the commercial real estate industry. As he transitioned to working at JLL, Chris brought his wealth of knowledge and expertise and worked with some of the founding partners of Northstar. This laid the groundwork for a successful partnership and provided invaluable insights and connections that set the stage for his eventual transition to Northstar. 

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A Conversation with our Intern, Ciara Donlan: Her View from the Construction Site

Northstar is committed to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of talent with a passion for pursuing careers in project management. As part of our internship/co-op program, we collaborate with institutions such as Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and CREST (Commercial Real Estate Success Training) to identify exceptional candidates.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Ciara Donlan to our team for the past six months. Ciara is from Pelham, New Hampshire, and is a Sophomore at Worcester Polytechnic Institute studying Management Engineering with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming as well as playing pickleball and lacrosse.

During her time with us, she was actively involved with Dartmouth College’s student housing project, attending various weekly meetings and on-site visits, and supporting reviews of the drawing sets and project schedules. Beyond that, for Biogen, she helped manage multiple coordination spreadsheets and put together deliverables regarding the building’s utility buildout and usage forecasts. In addition, she supported the Harvard University Housing team, making progress schedules, reviewing drawings, and visiting on-site. She was also helping ACC’s 840 Columbus team with various other tasks.

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Cameron Feeley Featured in NEREJ’s Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight

Cameron Feeley, one of Northstar’s owner’s project managers, was recently featured in the Women in Commercial Real Estate issue of the New England Real Estate Journal.

In the article, Cameron shares her perspectives on her most rewarding project, what drew her to commercial real estate, what challenge she faced early in her career, and the advice she would give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate.

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