Andrea Lachmann began her career in commercial real estate about 10 and a half years ago, working as an administrative assistant for a real estate investment trust based in Southern California.

Since then, she has worked her way up the career ladder — and the West Coast — to become a senior real estate manager for asset services at CBRE Inc. in Redmond.

“As opportunities arose, I made sure I seized the opportunity to take on new responsibilities,” Lachmann said.

The 36-year-old moved to Redmond six years ago and has been at her current company for eight months.

In her position, she oversees the leasing and management of commercial buildings in Redmond and the Eastside for a CBRE client. Through the leasing side of her job, Lachmann leases space to companies ranging from startups to large corporations who may be looking to add satellite operations. On the property management side, she said she works with a variety of vendors and contracts to ensure the buildings are well maintained, safe and “exude a professional appearance.”

It’s a lot of work and Lachmann said it is definitely a team effort.

“This volume of work is not done alone,” she said. “Assignments are accomplished with the help of my CBRE co-workers in the Redmond office.”

Lachmann received a bachelor of arts degree in environment and resource studies with a focus in public policy from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. She also holds a real property administrator accreditation from the Building Owners and Managers Institute and is a licensed broker in Washington state.

For Lachmann, one of the biggest challenges she has faced has been juggling the demands of her career with her family and civic duties. The mother of two — whose children are 8 and 3 — has been involved in the Redmond business community since she and her family moved to Washington. She said this involvement has contributed to the achievements and advancements in her career she has experienced, but it has not been easy, especially as commercial real estate — specifically property management and leasing — is more than a “9-to-5 job.

“Juggling all of those important pieces can often be tricky,” she said.

Lachmann said she has received a lot of support from her family, her company and more, which has made the juggling easier. She added that CBRE also promotes a work-life balance.

“They do more than just promote it,” Lachmann said. “They actually back it up and equip you to do so.”