2026 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Christine Nebiar, Brand Urban

What trend or change in commercial real estate do you believe will have the biggest impact over the next five years?

Authenticity is already a differentiator, but I believe its next evolution is becoming a meaningful underwriting factor through place identity. As expectations for where people live, work, shop, and spend time continue to converge, a place’s identity will increasingly influence demand and asset value. What was once a qualitative advantage will become a measurable contributor to performance and long-term value. I expect identity to become the next layer of asset evaluation, much like walkability is today. Just as developers and tenants use access, visibility, and foot traffic metrics to assess a location’s potential, they will increasingly evaluate a place’s authenticity and ability to create lasting community.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women entering commercial real estate?

Don’t wait until you feel like the expert to contribute your perspective. Ask questions, be prepared, and remain relentlessly curious. That mindset earns you the trust of people willing to invest in your growth, not just your output. Sponsorship is what truly builds careers. It’s not enough to work hard quietly; you need people advocating for you when you’re not in the room. Invest in mentors, and when it’s your turn, become one. Life is long, and your reputation and relationships will always be your biggest assets.

What was the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in the past 12 months, and why?

The most rewarding project this year has been MADE at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park. We came on before the campus opened to help shape its positioning, build partnerships and create a long-term value strategy. Securing Public Records to create the anchor concept was pivotal — after the announcement, office leasing inquiries surged, momentum accelerated. This proved activation-first placemaking works: pop-ups, events, and our Community Classroom program generated measurable foot traffic and market demand, de-risked leasing decisions, built community engagement and doubled MADE’s social following.