Jay received his Bachelor from the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin in 1990 and an MBA from UT as well in 2004. He also attended the Stone Yard Institute at St. John the Divine, New York City. Jay served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Architecture during the spring terms in 1999 and 2000. He has achieved high levels of competency with various materials such as steel, wood, concrete, and masonry, producing art pieces, furniture, and architectural components for clients and charity.