Cierra Higgins is a native of Kansas City Missouri. She is an only child who at an early age developed a love for music, art and architectural design.  Her love of music was developed throughout her formative years as a student at Grandview Middle School and Grandview High School (2011).  She is an accomplished percussionist and received awards throughout her middle school and high school career in regional and state competitions playing Snare and Marimba.  Cierra continued her love of percussion playing Snare & Tenor drums with the Grandview Marching Band and was a Bass Drummer with Marching Mizzou throughout her years as an undergrad at the University of Missouri – Columbia. 

 

Along with music Cierra developed a love for architecture.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Missouri - Columbia and worked for 1 year as an Architectural intern there up until her graduation in 2016.  

 

Cierra is currently pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design at Washington University in St Louis.  She holds the position of Vice President of Architecture on the Graduate Architecture Counsel at Washington University and is a member of NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects).  She has been selected to attend Harvard Universities 2nd Annual Black in Design Conference 2017 and the 46th annual NOMA Conference 2017 in Houston.  Cierra intends to pursue a career in architecture that aims to give a voice and open opportunities for those who would otherwise have no power in the architectural development of their communities.