Finding His North Star: Meet 
Jermaine Deckard, 2026 Wilsonart Essay Scholarship Winner

For Jermaine, curiosity means looking beyond what a space is and asking why it resonates with people. Whether visiting a museum, coffee shop, hotel, or movie theater, he pays attention to how lighting, movement, and atmosphere shape the overall experience. "I've always had a curious mindset," Jermaine said. "My friends would probably describe me as one of the most curious people 
they know."

That curiosity eventually led him to interior design. Yet as he pursued his studies, he sometimes questioned where he fit within the profession.

While many traditional design paths focused on specific disciplines, Jermaine found himself drawn to something broader: the emotions, relationships, and lasting impressions spaces create.

That perspective became clearer through the IIDA Northern California Mentorship Program, where mentor Jared Vallair encouraged him to trust his instincts and embrace his unique point of view. "I don't see you as a traditional interior designer," Jared told him. "I see you as an Interior Curator of Experience." The phrase immediately resonated and helped Jermaine realize he wasn't searching for a place in design. He was defining one.

That perspective continues to guide his work today. Whether it's a museum, coffee shop, hotel, retail space, bar, or movie theater, he is drawn to environments that bring people together and create a sense of shared experience.

One space that continues to inspire him is Bar Shiru, a vinyl listening bar in Oakland, California. Drawing inspiration from Japanese listening bars, the venue combines music, atmosphere, and design in a way that fully immerses visitors in the moment.

For Jermaine, what began as curiosity about why certain spaces feel memorable has evolved into a passion for creating environments that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression. "Receiving this award feels like confirmation I'm moving in the right direction, creating spaces that evoke emotion, connection, and real experience," he said.

The teams at Wilsonart and IIDA believe he's moving in the right direction, too. “The future of design will be shaped by individuals who approach the world with curiosity and a willingness to see possibilities others may overlook," said Kate Grossman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Wilsonart. "Through our partnership with IIDA, Wilsonart is proud to support emerging designers like Jermaine as they bring new ideas, perspectives, and experiences to the profession.”

As the 2026 Wilsonart Essay Scholarship winner, Jermaine exemplifies the creativity, curiosity, and passion that continue to shape the future of the design industry. Guided by what he calls his "North Star," he is building a path as an Interior Curator of Experience.