Meet Jade Royer | Junior Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jade Royer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jade, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
My ultimate goal is to help as many people as I can. That’s why I’m passionate about architecture. It offers countless opportunities to make significant contributions to society. Whether it’s finding affordable housing solutions for the homeless, assisting developing nations, or preserving wildlife habitats due to urban expansion. Architecture provides opportunities for impactful change. Furthermore, I’m committed to addressing environmental concerns through innovative sustainable design approaches. By reducing energy consumption and combating global warming, I aim to leave a lasting, positive mark on our planet. Regarding my career path, I’m still exploring where I want to be in the future. With many years ahead and the world constantly evolving, I anticipate numerous new opportunities in the field of architecture.
If there’s one project I’m particularly drawn to, it’s designing an airport. An airport serves as the gateway to a city, leaving the first impression on arriving travelers, and a last impression. It’s crucial that an airport reflects the culture of the city while also being well-organized, as it accommodates a large number of people. Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for traveling, and as I visited various airports, I began to discern what aspects contribute to a positive experience and what could be improved. I’ve come to understand the significance of the emotions associated with arriving or departing from a country, evoking feelings ranging from sadness to excitement. As well as the sense of community and diversity observed within airports. Designing an airport would allow me to create an environment that enhances these experiences and showcases the essence of the city to travelers from around the world.
My core values of innovation, affordability, and sustainability will continue to guide me. To achieve my goals, I will remain open-minded, continue learning from various disciplines, gain practical experience, and conduct research.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What makes me stand out is my fearlessness. For example, I moved from France to Hong Kong and then to Los Angeles without being afraid. This same boldness is reflected in my professional work. I embrace risks, seek creative solutions to multifaceted challenges, and aim to fulfill various criteria like aesthetics, sustainability, durability, and resilience. In projects like the Solar Decathlon Build Challenge, I showcased this fearless approach by exceeding competition expectations. By embracing innovative technologies such as 3D printing and exploring concepts like hydroponic walls and greywater filtration systems, we enriched our design approach by researching and adding more integrated systems and sustainable materials to our project.
Moreover, while juggling three jobs, and during the Solar Decathlon, I was working on my thesis project. It reflects my commitment to unconventional paths, designing a 3.5-acre non-anthropocentric park aimed at fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife in a post-carbon era. Each design strategy had to be beneficial for multiple species.
In essence, my willingness to embrace the unknown, coupled with my penchant for creative problem-solving, and perseverance distinguishes me in the architectural field. I thrive on pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and seeking impactful design solutions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I plan activities for visitors, I make sure to consider their interests while also showcasing the vibrant culture of Los Angeles, which is a melting pot of diverse cultures, friendly people, and unique landscapes. On Sunday, we’d start the day with a morning at the beach, renting surfboards in Venice. Then, we’d bike along the Venice Boardwalk, stopping to watch the skaters at Venice Skatepark and having lunch at Cha Cha Chicken. We’d end the day at Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the sunset, walking around, dining at the Cheesecake Factory, and joining the salsa dance club that is open for everyone on 3rd Street Promenade.
On Monday, we’d head to Manhattan Beach for a relaxing day by the ocean. After brunch at Ocean View Cafe, we’d explore the pier, skate along the boardwalk, and enjoy ice cream at Salt & Straw. We’d finish the day with pizza from Pitfire Pizza and a breathtaking sunset on the beach.
Tuesday would be a visit to Downtown LA for an architecture walking tour, including landmarks like the Bradbury Building and the Disney Concert Hall. We would visit the Broad Museum, then have lunch at Grand Central Market. Finally, we’d catch a Dodgers or basketball game to experience the unique stadium atmosphere.
Wednesday would start with a hike to the Hollywood Sign, followed by lunch at Alcove in Los Feliz. We’d watch the sunset from Griffith Observatory, maybe catch one of their movie about space, and end the day with tacos and a stroll along the Walk of Fame.
Thursday would be a road trip to Joshua Tree to explore the desert and stargaze.
Friday, we’d visit Malibu, hike the Topanga Lookout Trailhead, have lunch at Malibu Farm Pier, relax at El Matador Beach, and dine at Malibu Seafood Restaurant. We’d end the day with a music show, concert, or club.
Saturday would take us to Burbank to visit Warner Brother’s studios, lunch at La Bamba, and dinner at a night market for diverse food experiences. We’d end the night at Level 8, exploring its themed bars and clubs.
Finally, on Sunday, we’d visit a flea market like Melrose Trading Post or Rose Bowl Flea Market, followed by a Korean dinner at Sun Nong Dan.
Los Angeles is vast, but this itinerary captures its diverse culture and experiences, making every day an adventure in this unique city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kishani De Silva. As my professor and lead faculty for the Solar Decathlon Build Challenge at Woodbury University, she has been a constant source of inspiration. Kishani consistently urged us to push beyond our limits and fearlessly tackle challenges. Her extensive leadership roles in architecture, including her consultancy 2A+D, involvement with the Association for Women in Architecture + Design, and Chair of Construction Management at Woodbury University, and more which exemplify her dedication to the field. Despite her numerous commitments, Kishani continues to engage in research, particularly focused on making concrete more environmentally friendly. As a woman in architecture, it is not always easy, which is truly inspiring. Working alongside her to construct Southern California’s first permitted, net-zero, 3D-printed house was an unforgettable experience. Throughout the project, Kishani played a vital role in fostering connections with partners and consultants, enriching our project, pushing our boundaries, and to not give up. Her guidance not only enhanced the uniqueness of our project but also imparted invaluable lessons on teamwork and prepared us for the architecture world.
Kishani’s passion, expertise, and unwavering support have profoundly impacted me, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her. She embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration in the architectural profession, and I feel privileged to have had the chance to work under her mentorship.

Website: https://jaderoyer.com/

Instagram: @jade._.royer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-royer-5314611b8/