Jen Jones

Sometimes what can seem like a failure ends up being the key to a different sort of success.

That’s the story Jen Jones tells about not making it into the University of Auckland’s School of Architecture and Planning, a setback she turned to her advantage by enrolling instead in a Bachelor of Property degree.

One thing led to another – she went on to do a Master of Engineering Studies – and now nearly 15 years into a career as a construction manager she is changing course again. In 2023 she self-funded and launched Auckland Design Week (ADW), which she says has grown into the country’s largest multidisciplinary design event, after being staged in 2024 and again this year.

Interviewed by The Post ahead of ADW 2025, Jen said not getting into architecture was “one of the best things that ever happened to me. I found myself in this place where I’m still able to interact with creatives and appreciate their skill and capability”.

With this year’s event behind her she is now balancing a contract role at Auckland Airport with building ADW into a nationally significant platform, as well as preparing to raise capital later this year for a tech start-up.

“I always knew I’d work for myself, but if you’d told me it would be running a design event I definitely would’ve laughed,” Jen says.

ADW is one of her latest ventures in a varied career and busy life – she has two children aged three and five. After footing it in the male-dominated construction sector – she delivered large-scale commercial projects from retail centres to airports and infrastructure to fit-out – she changed tack to residential work during Covid-19.

“I created a platform for upskilling homeowners in how to renovate sustainably and without budget blowouts,” says Jen. 

She was a brand ambassador, hosted a renovation podcast with radio DJ Duncan Heyde and was the sustainable construction expert on TVNZ’s My Dream Green Home – and is now behind ADW and a complementary tech start-up.

“One of the biggest challenges has been learning to back myself when there’s no blueprint. Launching ADW has meant building something from scratch in an industry I am not originally part of, with no safety net, so no option for it not to work.

“That has forced me to get clear on my own decision-making and to trust my gut, but also ensure it is sustainable. I’ve had to learn when to hold the vision tight and when to let go of control.

“Two other lessons: momentum comes from consistency, not perfection; and recognising my strengths and weaknesses and surrounding myself with the right people is way more powerful than any personal skillset, as long as there’s no ego.”

Her biggest influences are people who lead with both clarity and generosity. 

“I’m also inspired by women who make brave decisions in complex environments – whether in design, business or leadership – especially those balancing ambition with family life. They remind me that success doesn’t have to look one way.”

Asked to name names, she lists Karen Walker, Fashion Quarterly’s editor-in-chief and publisher Sarah Murray and Jacinda Ardern. 

“They’re all incredible examples of this, yet have very diverse personalities and backgrounds. I have a few extraordinary women in my ADW family who I now can’t imagine operating without – they’re like limbs I didn’t know I was missing.”

What she’s most proud of about ADW is the community it’s built. 

“It is a platform that connects industry, emerging talent and the wider public in a way that celebrates and strengthens Aotearoa’s creative sector. It is a huge economic opportunity for all, and I have big plans for where I am going to take it.”