Talent Spotlight: Jones Guo
International Women's Day 2023
Name: Jones Guo
Role: Senior Project Manager, Senior Associate
Studio: Shanghai
What’s something a well-designed building or space can’t exist without? A well-designed building or space can’t exist without a clear understanding of the function and purpose of the space, as well as the needs and desires of the intended users. It also needs an effective balance between form and function.
What’s a question you ask almost every client? The question I ask almost every client is the one that helps me to understand the client’s needs and expectations, and to design a space or building that meets their requirements and exceeds their expectations.
What’s the proudest moment in your professional life? As an architect, the proudest moment is seeing a building I participated in finally come to life and be used by the public.
Where does inspiration come from? Inspiration can come from any combination of sources that inspire and inform creativity. It might come from nature, the environment, other buildings, and structures, works of art, and even the people who will use the space. It also might come from historical and cultural references.
What’s the highest compliment a client could give you? As an architect, the highest compliment a client could give is recognition of the architect’s ability to turn their vision into a reality, while creating a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable building. It could also be acknowledging the architect’s ability to understand and effectively communicate the client’s needs, and working collaboratively to find creative solutions that exceed their expectations.
What makes a successful team? I think that the following factors can contribute to a successful team:
First, each team member should have a clear understanding of their role and what they are working towards. This helps to ensure that everyone is aligned and working together towards a common goal.
Secondly, good communication is key to a successful team. Team members should be able to express their ideas, thoughts, and concerns in an open and respectful manner. Trust and collaboration are also very important to a successful team. Team members should be willing to work together and should trust each other to do their jobs, share ideas, and support each other when needed. Additionally, diversity allows the team to bring a wider range of ideas and solutions to the table. Teams with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives tend to be more successful.
Finally, a strong leader can help to keep the team on track, provide guidance and support, and create a positive working environment. Overall, the success of a team depends on the sum of its parts, and all the above factors contribute to creating a high-performing team that can achieve great results.