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Gerald D. Hines, founder and chairman of the Hines real estate company, was the 2002 recipient of the Urban Land Institute J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development. Now in its 45th year, Hines’ highly respected firm—one of the world’s largest, controls properties worldwide valued at more than $13 billion.

Hines, 77, has always believed in quality, and the concept of “a little something extra” quickly became a standard in his projects. He is widely regarded as an industry visionary who raised the bar for commercial real estate in the last half of the 20th century, by commissioning top architects to design structures that would leave a distinctive imprint on the skyline.

His commitment to being the best and offering the best while remaining fiscally responsible has created a brand of excellence for the company: the Hines name has become synonymous with excellence in architecture, building materials, sustainability and business operations.

While the Hines’ organization’s products and services have expanded and diversified, its original philosophy remains unchanged: “Buildings of superior quality and architectural merit backed by responsive, professional management attract better tenants; command higher rents; and retain their value longer despite the ups and downs of real estate cycles.”

Gerald D. Hines has forever changed the urban landscape by creating not just buildings, but places—places around the globe that people will remember and cherish.