Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. LaSheyla Jones.
Hi Dr. Jones, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My roots have been grounded in Oak Cliff since birth. I have been blessed to have experienced the beauty of community and social capitalism even in the midst of economic and systemic adversity amongst several neighborhoods that could be deemed socially disorganized. Since elementary, under excellent educational guidance and leadership, I have desired to impact communities by way of structure and simply helping people. I can honestly say that I had a solid education system in the DISD school system that allowed me to explore creativity and innovation both artistically and educationally. I feel like my entire life, God has steered me in a direction to have impact, sympathy, and humility for residents and communities of disparities. I graduated with my BS and M.Arch degree in Architecture from the Best HBCU, Prairie View A&M University, and later completed my Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Public Policy (UTA) as I understood that developing a singular place is valuable but intentionally creating spaces and environment that inspire, encourage, and serve people is my passion. After many years of public service, I charged forward to help and empower people using a holistic approach to addressing social disorganization through Architecture, Urban Planning, and Public Policy. God literally showed me the vision for LMJ Planning and Development, LLC and I had to move forward in breathing life into it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of LMJ Planning and Development, LLC has definitely been a rollercoaster. I have been allowed to partner with some amazing people and have learned so much about business. I have also had to rework a few things to ensure that I stay in alignment with the vision God has given me. I am very particular about the work I put in the world as it is a direct representation of my values, ethics, and God-given gifts. I face challenges daily in business from unpaid invoices to individuals intentionally being deceitful. However, even in all of it, I count it all joy and continue to learn and build. I truly believe that when building a business, though we have systems in place, curveballs will always come to give us an additional opportunity to tweak our business for heightened success.
As you know, we’re big fans of LMJ Planning and Development, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
LMJ Planning and Development, LLC is an Architectural Design, Urban Planning, and Public Policy business that specializes in utilizing a Holistic Approach to urban development. We believe that designing a building serves a person while designing and influencing a neighborhood serves a community. The difference between a neighborhood and a community is people. In everything, in life God has commissioned us to serve, and some of my proudest moments is developing research and systems that helps to support our most vulnerable residents. It is not enough to simply design a building but the vision for LMJ Planning and development is to also help people become financially independent and to encourage a true political relationship between the community and politicians that will allow bigger influence over the decisions made within the community. We offer 2D and 3D architectural designs, interior design, landscape designs urban plans, and renovations. We also provide research to help other community leaders and businesses have a greater understanding of the neighborhood they are exploring.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I do believe that there will be a great shift over the next 5-10 years because residential development has become so big, while economic growth is not growing as rapidly for the consumer. I also believe that in order to even have a planet in the next 5-10 years that has not completely collapsed, the urban planning dialogue will be forced to focus less on building new development and more on repairing and sustaining our current infrastructures and planet. If we do not aggressively begin to address the environmental woes that have risen, I am afraid that we will miss this detrimental window of opportunity to save and enjoy our planet in the future.
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