The IIDA Oregon Chapter continually advances by the dedication, support and leadership of our community. The Industry Award recognizes and honors an industry professional, company or organization whose contributions have advanced the Interior Design profession and enriched Interior Design in Oregon. The recipient of this award has exemplified traits with values held by the IIDA Oregon Chapter, including knowledge, value & support, and community.

Congratulations to the 2019 winner of the Industry Award: Jayson Gates! Learn more about Jayson in his video feature:

Name:  Jayson Gates

Appellations:  LEED AP

Place of Work: Absolute Resource

Sustainable Leader:  Jayson has worked in the field of Interior Design in Oregon for twenty years. He is a sustainable leader who demonstrates value by working to provide products, tools and innovations to the NW design community. He has worked to provide not only new and innovative brands and products to the A&D market, but also been council to many designers and entrepreneurs as they plot and strategize their career path. He’s very knowledgeable about how his products can contribute to LEED credits which is extremely helpful for designers, as they work to meet their project goals. Jayson supports sustainable practices through the lines he chooses to represent, as well as having his LEED AP accreditation. Jayson is always interested in learning about what our design community needs and working to bring resources to fill these needs. 

Enhanced Knowledge:  Jayson’s knowledge and approach to product representation is rarely matched! He works hard to provide the most up to date and valuable information to designers. He’s always interested in understanding designers needs and working to meet those needs. He helps to deepen the connection to companies he collaborates with by emphasizing their culture and values. He also works tirelessly to make sure our community has access to design and thought leaders he partners with. Making travel and appointments with brand leadership a high priority. Having worked in fabric, workplace and product representation roles he is well versed in not only the product knowledge that is expected, but also in business as a successful entrepreneur. He is an expert in the lighting, fabric, furniture and acoustics realm.

Value and Support:  Jayson has always worked to provide high value and high level of support to our community. He is always willing to share his knowledge about furniture, lighting, fabric, or acoustical treatments. He has coached many designers and they start their own businesses or work to move up within a firm. He shares his resources with the community on a regular basis in knowledge and support. He has worked to provide educational experiences to our design community by not only presenting product and brand knowledge, but also extending travel opportunities to designers both in and outside of the US.

Community Involvement:  The Oregon design community has benefited greatly over the last twenty years with the variety of services Jayson has provided. He also has worked to enhance the role and benefits of IIDA Oregon. As a board member for ten years, he helped shape forums and educational events. He has brought some wonderful innovations to our community including being one of the first to specialize in designed acoustical solutions. He was also an early adopter in bringing new European designs and companies to our community. He’s always willing to lend a hand and offer his expertise to solve problems grow relationships.