Kate Hier, AIA

Kate Hier, AIA

As the daughter of a physician and a scientist, Hier’s interest in science began at an early age. Exposure to her parents’ work opened up a world of discovery, and she grew up exploring medical illustrations and using Petri dishes to grow cultures she collected from around her house. As she pursued her undergraduate and graduate studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hier began experimenting with architectural design, inspired by concepts such as biomimicry in building skin composition, rhizomatic philosophy applied to urban planning, and a hybrid infrastructural system that relies on the innovative use of algae. In 2012, her work was recognized in Algae Industry Magazine’s international competition, and she was a finalist for the prestigious Ken Roberts Memorial Delineation Competition.

After completing her studies, Hier began an internship with Clark & Enersen in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2009 and has remained there since. She has focused on advancing the firm’s innovative work in the fields of technology, science, and health, and she rose to principal and board member, the youngest in firm history, in just six years. As the leader of the firm’s science and technology market sector, she has expanded its client base in new regions, including the East Coast and Europe. In addition, she manages her team members’ workload across multiple offices and co-chaired the firm’s rebranding in 2019.

As a designer, Hier’s work has included the planning and design of medical education buildings, veterinary health complexes, a first-of-its-kind precision agriculture facility, and the nation’s only federal quarantine unit, which treated the country’s first suspected COVID-19 patients. She has been a vital partner for universities as they pursue grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence. Her uncanny ability to understand the complex processes and requirements of such projects has positively impacted numerous institutions across the nation.

Hier’s work with AIA began early in her career. As AIA Lincoln’s associate director, she engaged with fellow young professionals to support their career growth and licensure. After serving as a director for AIA Nebraska, she became AIA Central States’ regional associate director and chair of its Emerging Professionals Committee. In that role, she led nationwide initiatives that supported more than 1,000 students and young professionals. On the national level, Hier was part of the AIA Intern Titling Working Group in 2016, which analyzed survey results from 3,000 participants about the best ways to pursue licensure.

Hier is a recognized industry leader in an incredibly complex and challenging arena. Inspired by the possibilities of discovery and invention, she is able to synthesize scientific and clinical considerations and articulate a clear vision to stakeholders.