Insights on the future of CRE from Summer 2025 interns

From ‘Insights on the future of CRE from five diverse interns’ – Building Design & Construction

As the commercial real estate industry evolves in response to shifting market demands, environmental concerns, and economic pressures, a new generation of emerging professionals is stepping up with fresh ideas and renewed purpose.

Below are the perspectives and experiences of five standout interns who are shaping the future of the field. From affordable housing development and adaptive reuse to construction site operations, property accounting, and design innovation, these students are gaining hands-on experience while confronting the industry’s biggest challenges.

Maria Palasz
Hiffman National – Property Accounting

Palasz focused on preparing the monthly financial reports for three client properties. Her reports reflected monthly transactions, NOI, and cash flows using property accounting software (MRI). She was also responsible for preparing bank reconciliations, supporting schedules, and journal entries on a weekly basis to run respective financial statements ensuring timely reports to clients.

Lessons Learned + Insights for the Future of CRE

“I chose to work in property accounting this summer to get hands on experience within a specific field of accounting,” said Palasz. “I plan to achieve my CPA, but I wanted to diversify my experiences and try out different aspects of what type of career I would like to pursue within accounting.”

“My favorite part of the internship was going on property tours,” Palasz continued. “I enjoyed learning about the different aspects of Hiffman as a company and seeing the portfolios I had been working on. I also appreciated being able to broaden my knowledge of the different pieces that go into commercial real estate and property management beyond the work at my desk.”

Brandon Reng
Hiffman National – Project Services

Reng worked on capital improvement projects by helping make space plans and coordinating with workplace solutions teams. He also assisted with selecting materials for office space interiors and aligning finishes with branding and functionality.

Additionally, Reng spent time building code research, especially around life safety requirements and helping calculate rentable square footage using BOMA standards.

Lessons Learned + Insights for the Future of CRE

“One of the interesting things I learned during the internship is how crucial a role architects, civil engineers, and project managers play in commercial real estate,” said Reng. “Every building managed by a commercial real estate firm requires more than just leasing, it also involves expert input on how to design appealing spaces for potential tenants, as well as managing and maintaining the building itself.”

“As an architecture intern, I’ve noticed a key challenge in commercial real estate is aligning the financial goals of the client with the architectural vision of the project,” Reng continued. “It is important to design spaces that are not only functional but also financially viable. Strong project management plays a critical role in balancing design intent with cost considerations, ensuring projects stay within budget while also delivering quality results.”

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About NAI Hiffman:

NAI Hiffman is one of the largest independent commercial real estate services firms in the US, with a primary focus on metropolitan Chicago, and part of the NAI Global network. We provide institutional and private leasing, tenant representation, capital markets, project services, research, and marketing services for owners and occupiers of commercial real estate. To meet our clients’ growing needs outside of our exclusive NAI Hiffman territory, we launched Hiffman National, our dedicated property management division, which provides facility management, accounting, lease administration, lender services and project services across the country. NAI Hiffman | Hiffman National is an award winning company headquartered in suburban Chicago, with more than 275 employees strategically located throughout North America.

About Hiffman National:

Hiffman National is one of the US’s largest independent commercial real estate property management firms, providing institutional and private clients exceptional customized solutions for property management, project management, property accounting, lease administration, marketing, and research. The firm’s comprehensive property management platform and attentive approach to service contribute to successful life-long relationships and client satisfaction. As a nationally bestowed Top Workplace, and recognized CRE award winner, Hiffman National is headquartered in suburban Chicago, with more than 275 employees nationally and an additional six hub locations and 25 satellite offices across North America.