OUR TEAM
The design and construction of a home is a collaborative process where multiple disciplines and practices work together to bring an idea to life. Each element is vitally important, and the resulting whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The same is true of the individuals who make up J Reinert Architecture - each employee brings a unique perspective to the work, drawing upon their schooling, expertise and background to produce the best possible client outcome. Welcome to our home.
Jay Reinert
It started in a basement - that’s where Jay’s grandfather encouraged him to make things with his own hands, teaching him how to transform an idea into a three-dimensional item. This hands-on work inspired an appreciation for craftsmanship, setting Jay on a track through high school, from metal shop to architectural drafting. He then pursued a BA in Architecture from the University of North Carolina and a Masters of Architecture from North Carolina State University. Jay returned to the South Jersey area and established Shelter Designers and Craftsmen, focusing on upscale residential remodeling projects and crafting specific design elements of the projects. He then worked for the prestigious firm of Ralph E. Pendrak & Associates, as well as providing architectural consulting for residential architects Jack Williamson and Thomas B. Wagner. In 2009, he launched his own firm, J Reinert Architecture. Jay is the consummate craftsman, maintaining a hands-on approach to every project while promoting creativity and innovation in each design solution. Jay resides in Haddon Township with his wife Joanne, son, two dogs, three collector cars, and six surfboards. Their daughter is currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland, making that their getaway destination of choice.
Emily Manera
Emily graduated with a BS in Interior Design from Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University), and shortly after, she relocated to Los Angeles to build her foundation in hospitality and commercial design. She’s worked with design firms to create large scale, branded hospitality properties and commercial tenant spaces. Later, she moved on to open her own design practice, serving residential and vacation home clients in California. Although interior design is her focus, an understanding and consideration for architecture and construction methods have always been part of her process, in addition to implementing a client interaction that prioritizes their needs. Emily recently moved back to the Philadelphia area and began working with JRA to bring interior design services to his client offerings and works with Jay to create a cohesive effort between architecture and interior design. Emily enjoys spending time outdoors and gardening, finding new hip restaurants, and adventuring with her husband and dog, Clementine. She also loves getting her hands dirty with crafts and home DIY projects.
Steve Okulewicz
At the young age of 12, after his father took him to see some newly constructed houses nearby, Steve made up his mind to pursue architecture as a career. He would spend all four years of high school in the drafting program. After graduation he immediately enrolled in Lincoln Technical Institute where he graduated at the top of his class with a perfect 4.0 GPA in Structural Design and a degree in Architectural Drafting, Design and CAD Technology. Steve’s first full time job in architecture was working for Architectural Management Incorporated, which was like a second home to him as he would work there for more than twenty years. With his boss approaching retirement, he knew it was time to move on. Steve found Jay’s website and knew immediately this was where he needed to be. Steve joined the JRA team in June of 2021 and enjoys helping Jay and the clients by laying out building sections, designing structure and drafting construction documents. When not at work, Steve can be found in his neighborhood gym pushing his body and mind to the limits as he is a believer in hard and heavy training for both physical and mental health. He also enjoys playing guitar and video games. And zombies… he really likes watching zombies.
Nancy Repsher
Nancy met Jay back in 2015 when she was looking to make some changes to her own home and knew that Jay came highly recommended in the local area. Fast forward to forming a business friendship that would ultimately lead to Nancy starting to work part time for Jay in 2019, and then taking on the official role of office manager in early 2022. As office manager, Nancy is JRA’s communicator and organizer, providing support to the JRA team, clients, and the collaborators that bring the designs to life. Prior to working for Jay, Nancy spent many years working in accounting and business development, as well as sharing her creative skills by teaching crafts. Nancy has a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University Business School in New Brunswick, NJ, as well as a certificate in Interior Design. Nancy is also a licensed New Jersey Realtor, concentrating her real estate business in South Jersey. Born and raised in Haddonfield, she lives locally and is Mom to 3 adult children and 1 rescued husky named Luna.