Best of the best

Virginia Business’s 2026 Top Projects & Real Estate Deals honors projects and transactions that significantly contribute to the commonwealth’s built environment, considering factors such as scale, complexity, creativity, innovative construction techniques and sustainability efforts. This year we’re proud to showcase the top companies that brought those projects and deals to life the contractors, developers, architects, interior designers, engineers, brokers and subcontractors whose expertise, collaboration and execution made each achievement possible. These honorees were chosen based on significant achievements made in 2025. Virginia Business is honored to present the following awards:

Top Developer/Project Owner : Venture Realty Group

Venture Realty Group is a Virginia Beach-based full-service real estate firm with deep roots in Southeastern Virginia and more than 30 years of regional market expertise. The firm leverages that experience across four disciplines — build-to-suit development, regional shopping centers, strategic mixed-use projects and joint venture partnerships — backed by a team that is, in its own words, grounded in teamwork and battle-tested. Venture Realty Group provides development, leasing, brokerage, property management, asset management and tenant representation services throughout Hampton Roads.

Venture Realty Group is recognized as Top Developer/Project Owner for its work on Atlantic Park.

Top Architect: WDG

Based in Washington, D.C., WDG has been producing award-winning commercial architecture since 1938. Across eight decades and hundreds of major buildings, the firm has built its reputation on a straightforward mission: creating buildings that reflect each client’s unique identity and aspirations. With a staff of more than 150 and expertise spanning hospitality, mixed-use, multifamily, office and institutional projects, WDG brings the discipline of balancing art and science to every commission — turning complex design challenges into inspiring spaces.

WDG is recognized as Top Architect for its work on JW Marriott Reston Station.

Top Contractor: W.M. Jordan Company

W.M. Jordan Company delivers construction management and design-build services across commercial, industrial and institutional markets. Projects emphasize safety, schedule discipline and collaborative problem solving to ensure high-quality outcomes. A culture grounded in accountability, craftsmanship and professional development has established W.M. Jordan Company as a trusted partner for complex builds throughout Virginia and the Carolinas.

W.M. Jordan Company is recognized as Top Contractor for its work on Atlantic Park.

Top Interior Designer: Michael Graves Architecture and Design

Princeton, New Jersey-based Michael Graves Architecture and Design has a long history of imagination, invention and innovation. Founded in 1964, the firm has dedicated itself to designing the built environment around human experiences — connecting people and places. That philosophy shapes every project Michael Graves undertakes, producing sophisticated spaces that reflect both timeless design principles and contemporary luxury.

Michael Graves Architecture and Design is recognized as Top Interior Designer for its work on JW Marriott Reston Station and BLVD Haley.

Top Engineering Firm: Timmons Group

Since 1953, Richmond-based Timmons Group has helped shape communities through thoughtful planning, engineering and design that enhance the beauty, safety and functionality of the built environment. Working across civil engineering, landscape architecture, stormwater management and integrated public space design, the firm brings a collaborative approach to complex, multi-stakeholder projects — and a genuine investment in the communities it serves. At Springline, that investment was literal: Timmons Group relocated its own headquarters to the development it helped engineer.

Timmons Group is recognized as Top Engineering Firm for its work on Springline at District 60 Phase I.

Top Broker: Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer

Founded in 1913, Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is a leading provider of comprehensive commercial real estate services in Virginia. Rooted in local market expertise and backed by the global resources of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance, the firm’s nearly 100 broker professionals operate from seven offices statewide — bringing discipline, collaboration and execution to complex transactions.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is recognized as Top Broker for its work on the Longwood Industrial Portfolio and Eastport Industrial Park.

Subcontractor of the Year: Mackey Electrical Services

Laurel, Maryland-based Mackey Electrical Services has spent 25 years building a reputation for large-scale electrical construction that combines high-quality installations with field-level craftsmanship. Specializing in multifamily, hospitality, senior housing and educational facilities, the firm brings more than 150 electricians to the field and the capacity to serve a wide range of commercial electrical scopes regionally.

Mackey Electrical Services is recognized as Subcontractor of the Year for its work on the Monument Drive Parking & Commuter Transit Center.