Jo Gillies

Name: Jo Gillies

Position: Founder & Director

Company: Archisoul Architects, Sydney

What do you enjoy the most, working in the field of construction & development?

To me, the most enjoyable aspect of my profession is the conceptual creative thinking process that comes at the commencement of a project, this is where the intuitive vision forms. This vision is at the core of the design development and carries through to the approvals process. This same thinking is then applied during construction phase, to ensure the original design intent is delivered throughout the construction. As the project is finalised as envisaged, this brings enormous gratification to both client and architect/designer.

Where do you see life in the next 5 years, what possibilities are ahead of you?

We are at the cutting edge of the alchemic and intuitive movement, which I’ve spent some years studying and how this can be applied to the architectural process. I have also studied and am focused on holistic spaces for health, healing and wellness.  This is now being incorporated into our designs for both our commercial and residential projects. I foresee many exciting new and cutting-edge projects ahead.

If you could write a letter to a 13-year-old ‘you’ what would you say?

Dear Jo,
I know that you lived in a world where boys are taught woodwork and girls are taught cookery, however, if you love to create using your hands and design 3D spaces, never give up. One day you will not only be doing that, but you’ll be running your own business, based on a more soulful approach. This approach will be able to balance the masculine and feminine aspects that are important within ourselves and to our built environment! Have fun along the way and enjoy every second of it.

What are 3 skills you have had to develop to get to where you are presently?

1. Personal development skills with the ability to look within myself and communicate with people from a heart-based centre, not always easy, but necessary and rewarding.
2. Small business skills which I had no idea of before, learning everything from scratch.
3. Public speaking skills – I have always enjoyed public speaking and as the business has expanded, I have had the opportunity to cultivate these skills. The most challenging being my TEDx talk.