He was articled to John Wallen, an architect and surveyor, of 16 Aldermanbury, and subsequently in 1841–42 travelled to Italy and Greece studying ancient architecture.

Beginning with Cardiff Town Hall (c. 1850–53)[3] and Caversham Park (from c. 1850), he designed and carried out many important buildings, soon coming to concentrate on work in London.

Jones completed projects begun by his predecessor, such as the City Lunatic Asylum at Dartford, and was in charge of several renovations and additions to the Guildhall.

Jones also claimed that the chosen design for Holborn Viaduct was his , though he later lost a piracy case against William Haywood, Engineer to the City of London, who is now credited with the work.

Despite his prominence in the profession, he was voted down for the Presidency in 1881 on the grounds that his work did not show sufficient artistry, and that he was a local authority employee rather than an independent practitioner.