Jennifer Jako

Jennifer Jako is a collector of popular culture, talent, design and fine art. Raised abroad, she speaks many languages. This multicultural perspective is a guiding force in her creative work. She is an avid researcher, finding inspiration in history and context to tell a story. Jako studies details and connections. Jako finds that all disciplines are interconnected and draws on her varied background to resolve design opportunities.

Together with husband and business partner, Chris Bleiler, she has designed the identities, furniture and interiors of many well loved spaces.

She co-directed and produced, Blood Lines, a documentary which The New York Times called “a pointed, moving documentary… an eloquent plea for understanding.” It broadcast on MTV from 1999-2004. Jako was featured May 2006 on the cover of Newsweek. She is part of the Greater Than AIDS Empowered Campaign with Alicia Keys. Her twenty years of work as a reproductive health advocate informed and continues to inform millions of people worldwide about the urgency of the AIDS epidemic.

She volunteers on the Board of Advisors of Cascade AIDS Project. She co-founded ShowPDX, a biennial regional furniture design exhibit, with Chris Bleiler. Jako is a consummate photographer. When she isn’t free associating with her thirteen year old daughter, she loves spending time in nature for inspiration, and sharing meals with friends and family.