Tag: owners project management

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 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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Setting Sail: Anthony Warren’s Path to Project Management

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.

Charting a Course to Project Management

Meet Anthony, a man who steered his career to Northstar Project & Real Estate Services. Raised in Bermuda, his nautical roots run deep. Initially setting his sights on a career in architecture at the University of Arizona, he realized after his first year that his interest lies more in the physicality of real estate than its design. decided to transfer to Wentworth Institute of Technology to pursue construction management, where he discovered his calling – building buildings rather than designing them. Little did he know this decision would shape his path in project management. Starting as a Clerk of the Works, Anthony’s career took flight when he joined Mead Consulting, where he learned the ropes of owner’s project management (OPM). This was just the beginning of Anthony’s adventure, leading him to co-found Northstar, a client-focused project management firm. 

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Northstar Celebrates Katie Eichel’s 5-Year Anniversary

Northstar is proud to celebrate Katie Eichel’s five-year anniversary with the company. Since joining Northstar, Katie has made an impact as an owner’s project manager in the AEC industry, bringing over five years of hands-on experience and leadership to a wide variety of projects.

Katie has supported initiatives across several industry sectors including life sciences, office interiors, student housing, and ground-up core and shell developments. Currently, she is managing several interior office and laboratory improvement projects for a major pharmaceutical client. Her work includes lobby, executive office, boardroom, and lab renovations spanning over 800,000 SF across the client’s headquarters buildings. One highlight includes the fit-out of the newly opened Bitty & Beau’s Coffee café in Cambridge Crossing. 

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Forty Years of Impact: Lee Burneson’s Journey in Project Management Focused on People, Not Just Projects

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.

A Career Defined by Relationships, Not Just Buildings

In the project management business, careers are measured by the projects. But for Lee, it’s not the buildings that are important; it’s the people he’s worked alongside that have left lasting impressions as he has moved through in his career.

The Early Years

Lee’s journey began at the tender age of 17 when he crossed paths with Jerry Bosch, a good friend who introduced him to his father and who subsequently hired him as a construction laborer, setting the stage for a career that spans nearly half a century. The hard work over those early years was worth the effort. In 1984, Lee walked out of Purdue University with a master’s degree in civil engineering and was driving to New England to start working for Gilbane Building Company on his first full-time job in the post-graduate workforce.

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A Conversation with our Intern, Julian Herzing-Burkard: His 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, and CREST (Commercial Real Estate Success Training) to identify exceptional candidates.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Julian Herzing-Burkard to our team for the past six months. Julian is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is a rising Senior at Northeastern University studying international business. In his spare time, he plays and writes music, having released an instrumental album on Spotify, and plays in a rock cover band called “Hell on Heels” with his parents. He also enjoys playing soccer and other sports with friends.

During his time with us, he was actively involved in American Campus Communities 840 Columbus student housing project, attending various weekly meetings and on-site visits and supporting reviews of the drawing sets, project cost estimates, and project schedules. Additionally, he helped manage multiple coordination spreadsheets and put together deliverables regarding the building’s utility buildout and usage forecasts. He was also involved in projects for Sanofi’s headquarters, which involved punch list administration and direct coordination with consultants and the construction team to open new completed floors and prep spaces for construction. In addition, he supported the Biogen team and the Harvard University Housing team with various other tasks.

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Justin Caron Named a Rising Star

Northstar’s Justin Caron was recently featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s Rising Stars Ones to Watch 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 Justin.

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Enhancing Workplace Efficiency: The Role of Occupancy Sensors in Modern Offices

With the reimagining of workplaces in the post-COVID era, many corporate clients are opting to install occupancy sensors in their newly renovated office spaces. The goal is to understand how their new workplace strategies, revitalizing spaces with a revised ratio of community, innovation, and focus areas, along with the introduction of attractive amenities, are being utilized. This data helps assess whether these efforts are successfully encouraging employees to return to the office.

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