REjournals frequently profiles younger commercial real estate professionals who are already making an impact in the industry. Here we look at the thriving career of Annaliese Poliner, commercial landscape designer with the Nashville, Tennessee, office of Baker Barrios Architects.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
Annaliese Poliner: I am from a suburban area 10 minutes north of Orlando, Florida. I got my bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture with focuses on sustainability and environmental ethics at the University of Georgia. During my time at UGA, I did an exchange abroad at the University of Canberra in Australia.
How did you get your start in the CRE industry?
Poliner: I have always had a passion for art and design, problem-solving and the natural world. Growing up, my father was a civil engineer and I loved spending time with him on job sites and watching him draft projects. This naturally progressed to my interest in the engineering and architecture world, and when I found out that there was a profession within this industry that included plants and the outdoors, I knew that I would become a landscape architect.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
Poliner: Growing up, my parents have always been my greatest support and mentors. They instilled a high work ethic and a drive to go after my dreams and I credit them for all my successes. Since starting in this field, my father has become even more of a mentor for me. I’m so grateful for his wisdom and support, and it has been so special to have him by my side as I embarked on my career. Since joining Baker Barrios’s Nashville office in 2022, I’ve found many mentors and support within the Architecture industry. Some of these mentors include past and current colleagues and professors: Julian Bernal, Camille Goodin, Beth Bartlett, Jessica Fernandez and Alfie Vick.
What does an average day at work look like?
Poliner: I like to start each day by going over my schedule to make sure any calls or meetings I have are top of mind and I get any prep work for those done first thing. One of my favorite parts of my job—and what drew me to this industry—is that there is no true ‘typical’ day. I have the amazing opportunity to work across a wide variety of project types, including healthcare, multifamily and higher education. Some days I could be rendering a project for a client, drafting plans to send to engineers or presenting in a department meeting. After work, I typically will go work out to destress and then spend the nights curled up with my cats reading or hanging out with my friends.
What do you like most about your job?
Poliner: I love the impact – socially, environmentally – that landscape architecture can have. My work can have a direct positive effect on important issues like climate change, preserving resources or mitigating flooding, for example.
I also am inspired by the idea that thoughtfully designed landscape architecture has the unique power to bring people together, fostering an organic connection among the people who use it – regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender, age or abilities.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to work on/achieve that you haven’t already?
Poliner: When I look to the future, I am a licensed Landscape Architect, as well as a LEED- or WELL-certified associate. I hope to have the opportunities to work onprojects within our country’s state and national parks, and projects that preserve and expand the natural landscape. No matter the project, I know that I will continue using design to promote biodiversity, enrich communities and increase native wildlife within modern landscapes.
How do you spend your time away from the office?Poliner: I spend most of my time away from the office working out, reading and volunteering across Nashville. I am an active member of my community and enjoy activities that help me grow and further develop my skills outside of my career. I pride myself on having a wide array of interests and love experiencing new things, and, of course, exploring the wild places around Nashville and the Smoky Mountains.