We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jade Royer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jade below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jade with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is deeply influenced by my diverse experiences spanning three continents — Hong Kong, Rennes in France, and Los Angeles in the United States—as well as my academic journey at Woodbury University and the array of jobs I undertook while studying.
Collaboration lies at the heart of my approach. During my time at school, I engaged in the Solar Decathlon Build Challenge 2023, where I collaborated with a team of students, alongside consultants, partners, and construction workers, to construct Southern California’s first permitted, net-zero, 3D-printed house. This collaborative effort was a testament to the incredible power of teamwork and the kindness of those involved.
Optimism is my fuel. Since I was little, I have always had a positive attitude, probably due to my parents who were always supportive of any decisions. I continue with this approach especially when times can get tough. There are always obstacles that make life more exciting and make us enjoy our successes more. Being able to have experiences like my last semester of school, I had 3 jobs. I was working as a tutor on campus for math, science, and software, as a teaching assistant for the new construction management program, and in an architecture firm. During that time, I was also working on my thesis where I decided to design a 3.5-acre post-anthropocentric park. It was also the final step of the Solar Decathlon build challenge where we were building the house from the foundation to completion even with the 14 atmospheric rains that happened in California and several other black swans. While attending other required classes and maintaining a social life. I gained confidence and optimism in knowing that anything is possible and to never give up. It goes hand in hand with reliability because I learned how to deliver work on time even though there is a lot. After all, anything is possible.
Adaptability and resilience from living 8 years in Hong Kong, Asia, 10 years in France, Europe, almost 6 years in Los Angeles, America, and traveling in 20-30 different countries has brought me a new way of thinking and doing. Navigating unfamiliar territories have taught me to embrace change, confront challenges, and forge connections with new people. This adaptability is seamlessly integrated into my work ethic, enabling me to quickly, acquire new skills and approach problems from unconventional perspectives.
Creativity emerges as my problem-solving tool. My background and experiences in traveling made me more open-minded and able to learn from others which helps a lot in my creativity. My affinity for subjects like computer science, math, and physics has equipped me with a meticulous attention to detail and a penchant for seeking unique solutions. Actively engaging with individuals from diverse fields enriches my creativity, enabling me to come up with unique solutions and to overcome obstacles.
My work ethic is a constant work in progress, but the foundation is strong. It’s built on collaboration, being optimistic, reliable, flexible, resilient, creative, and a problem solver. These qualities allow me to tackle any challenges, to bring a positive energy to the workplace and social life, and continuous growth and learning.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently work in architecture, at DCM Designs, an architecture firm that specializes in designing data centers in the United States. What truly captivates me about architecture is its endless possibilities. For several years, we have been dealing with global climate change, this is why the focus at the moment is to build sustainability. It is a challenge but an interesting one where our creativity and problem-solving skills are put to the test. The integration of cutting-edge technology adds another layer of excitement to our work, like virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and more. The field is constantly evolving, offering new avenues for exploration and growth, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Currently, alongside my full-time job, I’m actively pursuing my architecture license by preparing for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) exams. I am also learning how to use different AI to learn the different tools that we nowadays have.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that were the most impactful in my journey are to embrace challenges, to enjoy learning, and finally to have patience. Firstly, embracing challenges and confronting fears head-on has been instrumental. This mindset proved invaluable during intense deadlines, where perseverance ensured successful completion. A notable example is our participation in the Solar Decathlon Build Challenge, where despite adverse weather conditions and logistical delays, we delivered the first permitted, net-zero, 3D-printed house in Southern California. From designing and researching several innovative details and using new technology to completing the construction within a tight timeframe. Our commitment to innovation and resilience in the face of adversity set a remarkable precedent for future endeavors.
Secondly, a passion for continuous learning and an open-minded approach have been pivotal. From a young age, I’ve relished the opportunity to acquire new skills, explore diverse fields, and absorb insights from various sources. This eagerness to learn has enriched my problem-solving abilities, allowing me to leverage cross-disciplinary knowledge to tackle complex project requirements effectively. Moreover, proficiency in diverse software tools enables clear communication of ideas to clients, promotes collaboration and facilitates informed decision-making.
Lastly, cultivating patience has been a transformative skill, honed through experiences such as working as a tutor in math, science, and software and teaching assistant in the new program for construction management at Woodbury University. Interacting with a diverse range of learners, including those with disabilities, underscored the importance of understanding individual learning paces. This appreciation for diversity and adaptability serves as a key role in working collaboratively, learning, and teaching.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My foremost challenge presently revolves around effective time management. As mentioned earlier, my eagerness to learn and engage in diverse pursuits often leads to a multitude of commitments, ranging from mastering additional AI software to obtaining my architecture license, alongside my professional responsibilities and other personal projects I have in mind. However, I recognize the importance of setting clear priorities and establishing a structured approach to effectively tackle these endeavors. By prioritizing them according to their significance and urgency, I can efficiently devote time and resources, ensuring progress and then transitioning to the next on my list.
Contact Info:
- Website:Jaderoyer.com
- Instagram: @jade._.royer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-royer-5314611b8?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
