Jones was born in Christchurch.[2] She attended Onslow College in Wellington. She completed two degrees at Victoria University of Wellington in the 1980s: a bachelor of architecture and a bachelor of building science and later studied heritage building at the University of Canberra.[3][4]
Jones began her career at TWIA Architects, followed by a role as director at Ampersand Architects from 1984 to 1994. In 1995, she founded her own company, Accent Architects.[1] Jones is a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects and has also taught professional practice for the postgraduate architecture programme at Victoria University of Wellington.[5]
Jones has been national president of the New Zealand Institute of Building (1998–2001) and the National Association of Women in Construction (New Zealand) (2012–2013), and chair of the New Zealand Registered Architects Board.[3][5] In 1996 she co-founded the New Zealand chapter of the American organisation, the National Association of Women in Construction.[1]
Jones' work includes:[4]
In 2006, Jones was the co-winner of the Helen Tippett Memorial Award for her contribution to the construction industry across the decade 1996 to 2006.[1] In 2009, Jones received the New Zealand Institute of Building Medal; she was the second woman to receive the medal, after Helen Tippett.[4][5]
In 2011, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the National Association of Women in Construction (New Zealand).[1]