MIAMI—Jorge Pérez is an icon in Miami. Now, he's getting recognition from Cornell University. Cornell Real Estate Review (CRER) has picked Pérez, CEO and chairman of Related Group, to receive its Real Estate Industry Leader Award for 2014.

The award recognizes people who have demonstrated transformational leadership in the real estate industry. Cornell says it's CRER's top honor, given to exceptional leaders whose influence and integrity have created a lasting legacy within the industry.

"Jorge Pérez is the perfect choice for this distinguished award,” says Kent Kleinman, the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning at Cornell. “He has not only brought leading architects to design projects that have transformed urban communities, but is a force for advancing cultural activity nationally. As a past board member of the NEA, a renowned collector, and a dedicated patron of the fine arts, Mr. Pérez is rightly considered a visionary for our urban future."

As the brains and muscle behind the nation's largest multifamily real estate development firm, Cornell sees Pérez at the forefront of luxury high-rise development and visionary mixed-use urban centers. He was born in Argentina to Cuban parents and first made a name for himself in South Florida's affordable housing market with a strong focus on creating quality living environments.

“Jorge Pérez is a true industry leader—an inspirational innovator who understands how to develop real estate projects that breathe life into their surrounding communities,” says Michael D. Johnson, dean and E. M. Statler professor at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. Related has built and manage more than 80,000 condo and apartment units across major Florida markets since 1979 including Portofino Tower, Yacht Club at Portofino, Murano at Portofino, Murano Grande, Icon South Beach, and Apogee South.