Craig W. Brearley, AIA, Architect, principal of CWB Architecture is pleased to announce his retirement and is happy to share the news that Sarah D. Jennings, AIA and nine-year veteran Project Manager for the firm will be taking over ownership and management upon his retirement in January. Both Mr. Brearley and Ms. Jennings look forward to a smooth and seamless transition for the South Jersey based architectural firm. With Ms. Jennings as the new owner, the firm name will be changed to CWB Architecture, in a nod to its soon-to-be-retired founder and the firm’s stellar history.
In 1990, Mr. Brearley founded the award-winning firm. Since then, Craig W. Brearley, Architect and has successfully completed over 5,500 projects through 2021, with many of them located throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties. Throughout the firm’s 32-year history, Mr. Brearley focused on creating a reputation for stunning shore designs with phenomenal function, as well as attention to details such as maximizing the scenic views and utilizing the best materials for unique coastal environments, while incorporating his clients’ must-haves and needs within the scope of work for each project.
The bulk of the firm’s work has been in South Jersey, concentrated on Long Beach Island and is primarily custom residential but also includes a diversified mix of residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail. The firm’s most recognized projects are Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom, Bonnet Island Estate in Manahawkin, Mallard Island Yacht Club on the Barnegat Bay in Manahawkin. The company also designed various buildings and structures throughout Tuckerton Seaport, which has been named on many Best of New Jersey lists, most recently one of the 25 Best Things to Do in New Jersey by Family Destinations Guide, and was awarded as one of the 150 Best Buildings and Places by the New Jersey American Institute of Architects. Interestingly, this was one of Mr. Brearley’s first endeavors at the start of his new firm and was a pro-bono project that evolved into a much larger undertaking as it progressed. The firm has always continued to be involved in the community with involvement in local food drives, design work for Habitat for Humanity, and Architecture for Humanity’s post-Sandy renovation at Tom’s River North High School.
Another important element crucial to the success of this architectural firm has been building excellent relationships with clients, working closely with townships and zoning/building officials, and providing support and connections with organizations throughout the firm’s area of service. As a past president of the AIA Jersey Shore, his leadership and renowned architectural design skills enabled Mr. Brearley to grow his company to include what is now a team of 9, including 8 talented architecturally trained designers, project architects and a project manager.
According to Mr. Brearley, “The decision to retire and turn the firm over to my trusted Project Manager, Sarah Jennings, was not one I took lightly. But I know that I will be leaving it in very capable hands. Sarah started with me nine years ago and has been a go-getter from the start. She has developed office standards from day one and has progressed and improved her skills immensely over the years. She has advanced from a draftsperson to project architect, to her current position as project manager. Sarah has been responsible for overseeing all the projects that go through our office from inception to final construction drawings for the past 5 years. She has also been responsible for most of the design work currently going through the office. I look forward to Sarah taking over the helm at CWB as she is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional who I know will follow through each project with the honesty and professionalism we have always been known for. She, along with our dedicated team, will continue to deliver great, buildable plans with a continued expertise in coastal design, zoning regulations, and building components.” Mr. Brearley is looking forward to spending more time with family, including his wife of 36 years, Mary Pat, and their new granddaughter, Genevieve. They plan to do more fishing throughout the country, traveling, and exploring some new hobbies and relaxing at their second home in Placida, Florida.
As for the future of CWB Architecture, Ms. Jennings’ vision is to continue the firm’s excellence in service to its clients. By fully utilizing the current staff’s 60 years collective architectural experience, she will continue to maximize the strengths of the company, such as its strong knowledge of local zoning and building codes, as well as the firm’s expertise in providing consistent, clean drawings for accurate construction. By engaging these strong principles, the firm will continue to provide thoughtful, timeless designs for residences, commercial, and historic properties throughout New Jersey. Working with and being responsive to their clients’ needs throughout the design and construction process will continue to be a top priority. This has been the cornerstone of the firm’s success over the past three decades.
“Craig has built a successful company based on quality and thoughtful designs, professionalism, and accuracy. I am excited for the opportunity to continue the business with the example he has set, along with the knowledgeable and talented members of the team at CWB. The principles of this firm are the foundation of the work we do every day, which we will continue to do. CWB Architecture has had to adapt and respond to world events, advances in technology, and client needs – most recently during the pandemic. We have adapted, worked hard, and continued to succeed in meeting and exceeding client expectations. I am proud to continue this legacy along with the rest of the team, and I look forward continuing to work with our clients toward their goals,” explains Ms. Jennings.
Ms. Jennings has been responsible for initial and development of most of the designs, as well as overseeing projects that have been completed by the firm over the past 5 years, with a focus on custom residential work. A few projects that are highlighted include the Fleming residence in Beach Haven, Fano residence in Harvey Cedars, Feldman residence in Loveladies, Woods residence in Beach Haven, and the Scarfo/Murphy residence in Beach Haven. Ms. Jennings is no stranger to professional accolades, and has been the treasurer for the American Institute of Architects Jersey Shore Chapter where she was awarded the Emerging Professional Award in 2016. Ms. Jennings has also been involved in the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, a committee member and mentor for the Partner Family Committee of Habitat for Humanity of Burlington County and Greater Trenton/Princeton, and a Committee Member of Hammonton Green Committee. Ms. Jennings enjoys reading and swimming, and resides in Hammonton with her husband Kevin and two dogs, Molly and Murphy.
CWB Architecture specializes in coastal designs along the New Jersey shore from Monmouth to Cape May counties with a concentration in custom home design on Long Beach Island. Services include land planning, design, preparation of construction documents, specifications, and bidding procedures. In addition, the firm provides CAFRA permitting, scheduling all phases of project development, on-site construction supervision for all projects including single and multi-family residences, coastal residential, shopping centers, office buildings, residential and commercial land planning, as well as historic rehabilitation. For more information on CWB Architecture please visit their website, contact Sarah Jennings sarah@cwbrearley.com,or call 609-597-8880.
