INTERIOR DESIGN
ANNA POLK
Hello, I am Anna Polk, a fourth-year Interior Architecture student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. My work reflects a strong foundation in design thinking, technical development, and an interest in how the built environment shapes human experience.
I am particularly drawn to projects that integrate wellness, sustainability, and cultural context. My academic work is informed by both creative exploration and technical rigor, with experience spanning concept development, documentation, and research-informed design. I approach design as a service-driven practice that prioritizes clarity, functionality, and long-term impact.
423.326.4402
annapolkdesign@gmail.com
linkedin: anna-polk
EDUCATION EXTRACURRICULAR
2019-2026
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• B.S. Interior Architecture
• Minor: Construction Management
• Interior Architecture & Design Collective -
Programming + Events Board Member
• ASID - student member
• NKBA - student member
• CSI - student member
• Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
• Habitat for Humanity- Volunteer
EXPERIENCE
2020-Present
Server
Mikes Tavern
Chattanooga, TN
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Communicate clearly with clients and team members
• Deliver detail-oriented, client-focused service
Summer Intern 2025
CNC Programmer + Designer
Mountain View Custom Cabinetry
Chattanooga, TN
• Designed custom cabinetry and closet systems within client + budget constraints
• Coordinated with fabricators, installers, and project teams
• Programmed CNC machinery and produced shop drawings
• Delivered detail oriented, client focused service
• LEED Green Associate - December 2025
• NCIDQ Examination – IDFX scheduled April 2026
2021-2024
Design Consultant + Sales Associate
Mangos Decor
Chattanooga, TN
• Managed client relations, payments, and financing
• Led home and retail staging projects
• Conducted FF&E selections and delivered detail oriented, client focused service
01 HONOKA HOTEL
PR OJECT B RIEF
Honoka Hotel is a hospitality project located in Kyoto, Japan, that integrates traditional Japanese values with contemporary wellness and sustainable design strategies . The main level is organized around a central atrium that anchors key public programs, including the Saku Brasserie, Sai Wellness Center, and Cultural Zen exhibit. The plan prioritizes wayfinding, accessibility, and clear transitions between public and semiprivate spaces. Material selection, spatial sequencing, and program adjacencies are informed by principles of balance, cultural reverence, and biophilic design to support guest well-being and operational clarity.
HOTEL LOBBY
SAI SPA/WELLNESS CENTER
SAKU BRASSERIE
BACK OF HOUSE/STAFF
HOTEL LOUNGE
PUBLIC RESTROOMS
CULTURAL TEA ROOM
ZEN EXHIBIT
BUBBLE DIAGRAM
GOALS + OBJECTIVES
• Design a wellness-focused hospitality environment rooted in cultural engagement and biophilic principles.
• Establish circulation with fully ADA-compliant accessibility across public spaces.
• Integrate sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems at both architectural and interior scales.
• Provide a diverse range of accommodations to support varying guest needs.
• Maximize natural light and views to promote circadian wellness in all guest spaces.
• Celebrate local culture through materiality, texture, and community art integration.
LOBBY ZEN GARDEN
SAI SPA
The restaurant’s design blends Japanese culture and nature , inspired by cherry blossoms and the Higashiyama mountain range to symbolize growth and renewal Natural materials reflect b amboo forests and mountains , while river views, live greenery, and traditional craftsmanship create a harmonious, eco-conscious dining experience.
Biophilic strategies are applied to strengthen the relationship between interior spaces and Kyoto’s natural landscape. Design elements such as biomorphic forms, natural materials, curated plantings, and sensory stimuli are used to support restoration, stress reduction, and spatial identity . Areas of refuge are incorporated within wellness zones and the cultural tea room, while the restaurant utilizes texture, organization, and material contrast to create a dynamic yet composed dining environment.
DINING + BAR
RESTARAUNT ELEVATION
CEILING + LIGHTING DESIGN
The ceiling evokes the quiet elegance of traditional Japanese Shoji screens , soft light filtering through a custom washi paper-inspired material, casting a warm, ambient glow. Acoustic panels hush the echo of tall ceilings, allowing the space to breathe in serene, sculpted stillness.
MEZZANINE
PRIMROSE VILLA
PR OJECT B RIEF
Primrose Villa is a 2,400 square foot coastal residence located on a waterfront site in Bay County, Florida. The home is oriented to maximize water views and access while maintaining a defined southern entry. Designed as both a longterm vacation residence and future retirement home, the project integrates aging-inplace strategies, sustainable systems , and durable material selections . The spatial organization supports multigenerational use while maintaining a refined and livable residential character.
GOALS + OBJECTIVES
MAIN LEVEL FLOOR PLAN
• Maximize ocean views and coastal connection
• Integrate discreet aging-in-place strategies.
• Enhance daylight, ventilation, and indoor air quality
• Support wellness through intentional planning and materials.
• Blend Art Deco elegance with modern coastal living
• Use symmetry and geometric expression inspired by Art Deco.
FF&E SELECTIONS
PLUMBING WALL ELEVATION
Inspired by the Art Deco era , Primrose Villa fuses the horizontal emphasis of Streamline Moderne with the tropical expressiveness of Miami Modern . Low, flowing forms and a symmetrical composition reference ocean currents, reinforced by ziggurat-style steps, expansive glazing , and strong horizontal banding . A flat roofline and stucco exterior evoke Deco’s aerodynamic legacy, while curved interior walls and a rich yet playful palette balance glamour with coastal ease. Periodappropriate furniture and artwork were carefully selected and integrated throughout the interiors to reinforce the historical narrative, grounding the architecture in authentic Deco craftsmanship while allowing the space to feel curated rather than themed. Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and geometric tilework further celebrate the rhythm, symmetry, and vibrancy of classic Deco design reinterpreted for contemporary coastal living.
03 THE HEALING HOUSE
The Healing House is a research based women’s recovery campus in Chattanooga inspired by metamorphosis , symbolizing growth, healing , and transformation . The site is organized around three primary buildings that support intake, recovery, and reintegration into daily life.
This project addresses both emotional and practical aspects of healing , with a focused design approach for the auxiliary building. The auxiliary space blends private offices with spaces that support healthy habits, routine, connection, and personal empowerment .
TRAUMA INFORMED DESIGN
MAIN LEVEL FLOOR PLAN
CLASSROOM/ COMPUTER ROOM
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STRATEGIES
• Natural light allows for artificial lighting to be used less, saving energy and providing natural heating during the cold months.
• Functional windows and doors allow for natural ventilation , which can help reduce cost and energy usage for heating and cooling systems.
• Reclaimed and local materials used throughout to reduce environmental impact and support life-cycle costs
• LEED and WELL building requirements are used in the overall design, materials, and mechanical systems.
• Reduced hardscape areas improves stormwater management and mitigates the Urban Heat Island Effect
UPPER LEVEL FLOOR PLAN
LOBBY
