2017 Women in Building Services: Jane Williams, JW Studio International

Name: Jane Williams
Title: President
Company Name: JW Studio International
Years in real estate: 20

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?
CREW NY

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career?
I am in the field of architecture and design. I have always believed in my ideas and expressed them passionately. I often told myself “I am not for everybody, there will be people who disagree with me and so be it.” The higher obstacles are in fact opportunities to show how architecture and design are a tool to solve problems and make people lives better. Make people believe in my ideas has been the most rewarding challenge.

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career?
Be who you are. Most people respond positively to people who don’t pretend to be someone else. I also know how to delegate to people who are better than me in a particular field. I am better at seeing the big picture and looking ahead, strategy and communication are my best traits. That is why I became an entrepreneur.

What trends are you seeing so far this year?
I hope to see less demolition and more reuse, renovations and restauration. The evolution in 3D technology will help to use materials more efficiently, and re-imagine the spaces without tearing them down.

What do you do for fun?
Figure skating and drawing cartoons.