JAG Design and the concept of a loosely knit network of designers is the brainchild of John A. Gascon, who founded JAG Design in May of 2003. Having pursued fine art in high school, he entered Architecture School at the University of Oregon on scholarship in the fall of 1995. Initially interested in the potential capabilities of the computer as a design tool, he grew disillusioned with its inability to quickly express design concepts and the lack of a human touch to the end product. Consequently, he refocused his energies on the art of drawing, and the balance between digital and hand media within the design and presentation process. JAG Design strives to achieve this balance today.

John purposely sought out opportunities to expand the breadth of his experience after graduation, and continued employment working in the mapping department for the water utility in Portland, Oregon. This provided a wealth of technical and professional experience working along side engineers and construction workers on a daily basis. In the summer of 2001, John resigned his position and took a 3 month tour of Europe, covering the United Kingdom, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, The Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Spain, and Portugal.

Upon his return to the U.S. John took an Internship position with an Architecture Consulting firm in Seattle, Washington, where his work focused on the administrative and construction management side of architecture. With a great deal of exposure to general contractors, financial institutions and site inspections, John gained a much different perspective than an intern at a typical architecture firm.

In his spare time John continued his design work through the production of furniture proto-types. He also returned to producing works of art. Eventually, he moved his workspace to the 1020 Building, where he took an active role in organizing the building community and creating a presence in the Seattle art scene, through First Thursday open house events and public exhibitions. Soon, he was participating in group art shows, and developing collaborative relationships with other productive artists.

Finding it more difficult to be content at a non-creative position, John resigned from his day job and continues to pursue his fine art endeavors and the management of the 1020 First artist community full-time. However, his intention is to make architecture his career and is looking forward to continuing his internship with a vibrant and creative firm soon.