BCO chief executive Samantha McClary honoured with Built Environment Award
Sam McClary took home the headline Built Environment Award for 2025 joining the hall of fame
October 10, 2025 
We are pleased to share that our chief executive, Samantha McClary, has been honoured with the Built Environment Award at the newly renamed awards event, previously known as the Property Awards – reflecting the University’s refreshed identity and vision.
The headline Built Environment Award was presented to Sam in recognition of her two decades of impact across the property and workplace sectors. Before joining the BCO, Sam spent 20 years at Estates Gazette, where she served as editor until January.
Since 1987, University of the Built Environment has presented its annual Built Environment Award (formerly the Property Award) to a person or organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to the property industry.
In her acceptance speech, Sam said:
“It’s really humbling to pick up an award that has been given in a former guise to so many phenomenal human beings. The imposter syndrome in me says that I’m just a journalist, just doing a job and trying to nudge this industry along in the right direction, so it’s really wonderful to be recognised for that.”
Widely regarded as both a champion and challenger within the sector, Sam has been a driving force for diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and innovation – from launching the Future Leaders programme to serving on the advisory board of Black Women in Real Estate. Since taking the helm at the British Council for Offices in May, she has continued to shape the debate during a pivotal moment for the workplace sector.
We are proud to see Sam’s leadership and contribution recognised through this award and extend our congratulations to all nominees and winners who continue to drive excellence across the built environment.
Photos courtesy of The University of The Built Environment.
By BCO Media 
