America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

Hi readers! It’s #FutureArchitectFriday. A day to celebrate those pushing themselves to becoming licensed architects.

Name:

Jessica Jones, professionally JexTheArtist

Hometown:

Lithonia, Ga

Educational Status:

Bachelors in Business Administration

How would you describe your experience as a Black Architecture student?

I haven’t started grad school yet for Architecture, however as an Intern for Eric Corey Freed and Architectural Mentee at UWG, my experience thus far has been inspirational and motivating. I’ve learned so much about building alternatives, design, biomimicry, recycling alternatives, functionality, and more!

Why do you want to get your license?

I will pursue becoming a licensed architect because not only is it a requirement, it will also provide me with architectural and creative freedom to design in all of my licensed states and contribute amazing, beautiful, and functional buildings for God’s children to join in unity, love, amusement, and meditation.

Biggest inspiration/influence?

Zaha Hadid and Norma Merrick Sklarek are my BIGGEST inspirations in the ArchiWorld. Zaha for her confidence and resilience, along with ground breaking, innovative ideas that go far past designing buildings. She showed me it possible to accomplish so many things and still add Architecture to her inquiries. For example, furniture, kitchen appliances, jewelry, purses, shoes, art, and even wrote books. Norma Sklarek, was an inspiration for me because she was an African American female architect, like myself, who had many accomplishments herself. By far my favorite is her airport in Tokyo, Japan! So I see myself as a combination of both, with a dash of Oprah Winfrey!

How important is representation?

Representation is EVERYTHING! As an artist, businesswoman, and aspiring Architect, I must constantly brand myself accordingly and professionally. Yes, I like to have fun like everyone else, but I still conduct myself as a woman of class, high standards, and great humor. I will not partake in ANYTHING that will jeopardize my future self, current inquiries, or reputation. So I make sure to keep good company or no company at all.

Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?