Bio:
The great Architect, Zakiya Wiggins is a licensed architect, artist and advocate in Raleigh, NC. She serves as the Vice President of the NC Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NCNOMA) and as a Board Member of [Diversify Architecture]. Zakiya was in the 2019 cohort of the AIAVA Emerging Leaders in Architecture Program, and a 2017 recipient of the prestigious Alpha Rho Chi Medal from Morgan State University where she received her Master of Architecture. She is also a proud NC State alumna.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I did not formally learn about architecture until a career research project during my freshman year of high school. As I began pursuing this path, NC State University’s immersive Design Camp solidified my decision to move forward.

What do you do?
I am a licensed architect in North Carolina. Thus far in my career, my work has been primarily federal and local public safety projects across the country, as well as higher education. I have also been the LEED AP of record for numerous projects.

What excites you in the work you do?
What excites me most about my work is being able to bring my client’s vision to life – particularly at the planning, schematic design and construction phases. Seeing a building rise from its foundation is an irreplaceable feeling.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Professionally, I am inspired by my fellow members of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Since 2017, I have met some incredible friends and mentors that strive to impact our world regularly through their advocacy and design excellence.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest achievement is becoming a licensed architect on International Women’s Day 2021, at age 27! It was important to me that I accomplished this milestone early in my career so that I could inspire other young BIPOC designers to do the same.

Featured Project Name: 
The Veteran Ability Center
 
Featured Project Location: 
Baltimore, MD
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
Unbuilt Thesis Project

Role in Featured Project: 
Sole Designer
 
Featured Project Description:
The Veteran Ability Center (VAC) improves the quality of life of veterans with limb extremity amputation by focusing on accessibility, circulation and form to create a place of mental, physical and social healing. The main circulation of the VAC is a multi-level exercise ramp that travels from the ground level to the rooftop. The main spaces include a pool for reflection and fundamental strength building, athletic courts, strength training rooms, individual and group counseling rooms and a greenhouse.

Photography Credit:
Renderings by Zakiya Wiggins

Featured Project Name: 
Alamance Community College Biotechnology Center of Excellence

Featured Project Location: 
Graham, NC

Featured Project Completion Date: 
June 2022

Role in Featured Project: 
Architectural Drafter

Featured Project Description:
The Alamance Community College Biotechnology Center of Excellence is a 33,000 SF state-of-the-art life sciences building that features flexible study spaces, offices, classrooms and laboratories for Biotechnology, Histotechnology, and AgBio. The building will be highly visible to one of the busiest interstate corridors in North Carolina, Interstates 85/40, and will serve as a beacon to the college’s future in biotechnology and life sciences.

Photography Credit:
Clark Nexsen