Intentional Architectural Interventions
A permanent, collaborative studio serving Haddonfield, South Jersey and beyond.
Custom Residential Architecture Rooted in Craft and Counsel
With Founder and Principal Jay Reinert at the helm, J Reinert Architecture (JRA) creates intentional design solutions that improve our clients’ lives. Inspired and guided by his grandfather — a boat builder and sailor — Jay became a skilled craftsman at a young age. Today, he implements that same level of crafting every aspect of the practice, from the initial discovery sketches to the final construction documents.
Jay’s approach is one of providing counsel. We work closely with our clients to understand not just their goals, but how they function in their home and how they wish to live in their space every day. This process begins with listening and digging deeper to expose issues and discover ideas, transforming personal desires into buildable, artistic designs. It is a partnership enhanced by the active involvement of our clients, who often become friends.
A Permanent Collaborative Studio
The design of a custom home is too complex for a solo effort. Unlike virtual firms or fragmented networks of independent contractors, J Reinert Architecture is a dedicated, resident team operating out of a singular professional studio in Haddonfield.
This permanence ensures a level of continuity and accountability that is vital to the success of a years-long project. Our team—comprising architecture, interior design, and project management—works side-by-side daily. This physical proximity allows for the immediate testing of ideas and a seamless transition from a design concept to a coordinated set of construction documents. When you hire JRA, you aren’t just hiring an architect; you are engaging a stable, established practice of professionals committed to your project from discovery to move-in.
A Cohesive Vision: Industrial Minimalism & Organic Design
J Reinert Architecture marries robust technical competence with creative innovation, specializing in industrial minimalism and organic architecture. We recognize that when architecture and interiors are combined into a cohesive process, the result is a superior design outcome—whether it be a new custom home, a meticulous restoration, or a modern addition.
Our holistic, high-touch approach has resulted in an award-winning level of quality that has earned J Reinert Architecture recognition by Forbes as one of America's Top 200 Residential Architects and an AIA NJ Merit Award.
Our Team
The design and construction of a home is a collaborative process where multiple disciplines work together to bring an idea to life. Each individual at JRA brings a unique perspective, drawing upon their expertise and background to produce the best possible client outcome. Welcome to our home.
Jay Reinert | Founder & Principal
It started in a basement—that’s where Jay’s grandfather encouraged him to make things with his own hands. This hands-on work inspired an appreciation for craftsmanship that led Jay from high school metal shops to a BA and Master of Architecture from North Carolina State University. Since launching JRA in 2009, he remains the consummate craftsman, maintaining a hands-on approach to every project. Jay resides in Haddon Township with his wife Joanne, their son, two dogs, and three collector cars.
Emily Manera | Interior Design
Emily brings a vital interior design perspective to JRA, ensuring a seamless bridge between the structure of a home and its internal soul. With a background in high-end hospitality and residential design in California, she relocated back to the Philadelphia area to lead JRA’s interior efforts. Emily enjoys gardening and adventuring with her husband and their dog, Clementine.
Steve Okulewicz | Drafting & Design
Steve’s passion for architecture began at age 12. After graduating at the top of his class in Structural Design, he spent over twenty years mastering the technical complexities of residential architecture. Since 2021, he has helped JRA clients by laying out building sections and meticulous construction documents. Off the clock, Steve is a believer in hard and heavy training at the gym for mental and physical health.
Nancy Repsher | Office Manager
Nancy first met Jay as a client in 2015. Today, she is JRA’s primary communicator and organizer, providing essential support to our team, clients, and collaborators. With a BS in Accounting and a certificate in Interior Design, Nancy balances technical organization with a creative eye. She is also a licensed New Jersey Realtor and a lifelong Haddonfield resident.