Jenna is a Project Manager, having joined CWB architects as a Project Designer in 2016. She is currently working on a range of residential projects from row house renovations to new construction single family homes. Jenna has also worked with Morris Adjmi Architects, where she gained experience in large scale mixed-used projects.
After earning her Bachelor of Architecture from the American University of Beirut in her hometown, she collaborated on the residential renovation of a historic Lebanese house with local architect Simone Kosremelli. This experience inspired Jenna to earn her Post-Professional Master of Arts in Adaptive Reuse/ Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). There, she focused on the reuse of materials, transformative interventions, and the preservation of memory. Jenna contributed to RISD’s community by working as a teaching assistant in the Interior Architecture MDes summer program. She was also involved in the publication of the IntAR Journal of Interventions and Adaptive Reuse.
After graduating, Jenna moved to Brooklyn to put her strong skillset into action. Jenna brings to the office her knowledge of multiple languages (including dog). She was initially drawn to CWB’s innovative and progressive approach to addressing design issues intrinsic to the adaptive reuse of existing structures.
Jason manages the firm’s commercial and institutional practice, and is a co-founder of Boxworks, an NGO formed to develop disaster relief housing in Haiti. Jason has also served as a volunteer organizer of CANstruction, a charity competition for the New York Food Bank, and serves on the advisory board for Chickpeas Daycare, in Park Slope.
Before joining CWB in 2000, Jason worked for New York’s Butler Rogers Baskett, where he gained substantial experience in significant installations in both the commercial and institutional realms.
Jason is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a Certified Passive House Designer. He received his Bachelor of Science in Building Design and his Bachelor of Architecture simultaneously from Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute in 1994. Jason currently resides in Park Slope with his wife and two boys.
Franklin has been a Senior Project Manager since Spring of 2019, having joined CWB Architects as a Project Designer in December of 2011. Prior to joining CWB, he worked for the New Jersey based firm of Steven Leventis Architect. While there he gained valuable experience in the preparation of well-coordinated and thorough construction documents, focused on a multitude of residential, commercial, and healthcare projects.
Franklin was born in Azogues, Ecuador, and emigrated to Queens when he was four years old. The close proximity to the wondrous density and height of Manhattan piqued his interest in architecture at a very early age.
Franklin received a pre-engineering endorsed diploma when he completed high school, and in 2009 graduated from The Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He is currently working towards obtaining his license in architecture.
As the firm’s founder, Brendan has designed a wide variety of residential projects and, more recently, several significant commercial and institutional projects including the award-winning library addition to the Grace Church School. Brendan established his practice with his father in the fall of 1994 and then went out on his own in 1997. Previously, he worked for I.M. Pei and Partners, and Rafael Vinoly Architects.
Brendan lives with his wife and son in Brooklyn, NY in a house he designed and tinkers with constantly. In addition to his professional work, Brendan serves on the board of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, the board of the Brooklyn Central YMCA, where he is the chair of the buildings committee, and the Board of Directors for the Historic Districts Council.
Brendan was elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows in the Spring of 2020 – this is the AIA’s highest membership honor recognizing an architect’s exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Only 3% of AIA members receive this distinction. Brendan is a registered architect in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He also holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Brendan was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but has called Brooklyn home since 1972. Brendan received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Virginia in 1989 and his Master of Architecture degree from Yale University in 1994.
Jasper hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada and joined CWB’s team as a Project Designer in 2019. Prior to joining our team, Jasper completed a year-long internship with us from 2017 – 2018, and worked as a student Intern at Peddle Thorp Architects in Melbourne, Australia and at Architecture 49 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Jasper lends an eye for detail and a passion for quality design to every project he works on. Fun fact about Jasper – he is a classically trained musician and multi-instrumentalist.
Jasper received his Master’s in Architecture from Dalhousie University in 2019, his Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies (Architecture) from Dalhousie University in 2016, and completed four years of a BA in music from Mount Allison University in 2012.
Manny is a Project Manager, having joined CWB in 2012 as a Model Maker. Manny was born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, but lived in the suburbs of Suffolk County Long Island from Elementary through High School. It was during his youth in the suburbs where Manny first discovered a fascination with the built environment and an appreciation for regulatory oversight that goes hand-in-hand with the construction process. This intrigue led Manny to pursue a higher education in his home town of New York City at the Spitzer School of Architecture at The City College of New York, where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2013.
As a young architecture student Manny was recognized for his flair when it came to attention to detail and his conscientious approach with efficient architectural design. Manny joined the CWB team as a model maker in 2012, after receiving high recommendation from his professors. He has since grown and built his experience to include Regulatory Approvals, Construction Documents and Construction Administration on a variety of Residential, Commercial and Institutional properties. Manny has also worked on an array of Historic and Landmark projects throughout Brooklyn’s many historic districts – including DUMBO, where Manny was a key team member leading an effort to convert 1 million square feet of historic warehouse and storage spaces to new offices, art studios and retail storefronts that are now at the heart of an international destination.
Manny currently lives in Washington Heights, where he enjoys his daily bike commute to and from the CWB office in DUMBO. In addition to his professional work, Manny loves to participate in community service efforts and also serves as an active member of the Latino Alumni Group at The City College of New York (CCNY-LAG) where he is currently Vice President of the board.
Jesse serves as a Partner of the firm alongside Brendan and Jason, as well as being CWB’s Technical Director. Notable, since joining the firm in 2004, is his work on the award-winning Stage 2, office, and school studio renovations for the Atlantic Theater Company and Atlantic Acting School.
Prior to CWB, Jesse worked for Tuck Hinton Architects in Nashville, TN. While with THA, he gained significant experience working on many institutional, commercial, educational, and cultural buildings including the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
Jesse was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee and is registered to practice Architecture in New York and Tennessee. Jesse is a LEED Accredited Professional and holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
Mariam joined CWB as Bookkeeper in 2018 after working for CWB Interiors for the previous three years. Armenian and originally from Russia, she moved to New York after completing her studies at Texas A&M. Mariam brings valuable experience from her previous positions managing various high-end business, fashion, and consulting enterprises. With her love of design and quality, coupled with her resourcefulness, Mariam keeps the CWB Architects and Interiors teams on track and running smoothly.
Mariam received both her BA in Business / Management Information Systems as well as her MBA with a concentration in Marketing & International Business from Texas A&M University.
Cristina joined CWB in April of 2019 as a Project Designer. Before joining our team, she was an intern and then the Interim Design Director for William Hamilton Arthur Architecture in Miami, Florida. While there, Cristina worked on a variety of residential, commercial, institutional and multi-family projects. As a determined and passionate team member, Cristina enjoys contributing to the thorough, detail-oriented design process of her team at CWB.
While obtaining her Master of Architecture from Florida International University, Cristina was the graphic design chair for the AIAs, and recently joined the AIA as an associate member. Since graduating, she has been working on being a part of an FIU + Gensler Sea Level Rise exhibition in Miami that will showcase her thesis project. Outside the office, Cristina explores the city by different means, whether it’s by bicycle or on foot, and takes advantage of any chance she can get to roller blade.
Originally from Miami, FL, Cristina earned her Master of Architecture at Florida International University.
Originally from Red Hook, NY, Justin Halsey joined CWB’s team as a Project Designer at the beginning of 2018. Prior to working with us he was engaged as a Designer at COOKFOX Architects and Dattner Architects, and previously interned with Rafael Vinoly Architects. He is a LEED AP.
One of Justin’s main strengths is his ability to reach for things on tall shelves. He also contributes his skills in concept design, exterior wall design, graphics, and pattern design. An adept communicator, he especially enjoys interfacing with clients and contractors. Justin excels at complex problem solving; utilizing digital workflows to create and refine highly detailed drawing sets. When Justin is not at work he enjoys running, cycling, and searching for his next pair of sneakers.
He received his BA in Biology from Bard College in 2006 and his M. Arch from Syracuse University in 2012.
Nicole joined CWB in August of 2017 as a Project Designer. She brings a multitude of skills, honed from her past work experience. Nicole was a Project Architect with Cookfox Architects, working on private residences as well as residential/mixed-use new construction. She collaborated frequently with artistic and technical consultants on site planning and landscape design. At Bernheimer Architecture Nicole worked on residential mid-rise developments as a Project Designer. At Perkins+Will, Nicole worked on new commercial building construction in the DC area as well as mixed-use tower developments in the UAE. Nicole is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Nicole is dedicated to investigating design concepts through comprehensive 3D modeling, sketching and research. She is experienced in environmentally responsive exterior wall assemblies and has an aptitude for parametric modeling. In her free time Nicole enjoys cooking and experimenting in the kitchen.
Nicole received her Master of Architecture from Syracuse University, and her BS in Architecture from The Catholic University of America.
Margaret is a Project Manager, having joined CWB Architects as a Project Designer in June of 2014. A New York native, she brought design expertise gained from years working on high-end private residences in and around NYC.
Prior to joining CWB, Margaret worked at Morris Adjmi Architects, Deborah Berke Partners, Rockwell Group, and Eve Robinson Associates, where she gained valuable experience with private residential projects, high-end hospitality and commercial development. With an associate degree in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design, she has the ability to consider projects from the inside out and vice versa.
Margaret received her Master of Architecture from Yale University and her undergraduate degree from Vassar College.
Scott is a focused individual with an aptitude for writing, technical details, drawing, 3D modeling, and rendering. Since joining CWB Architects in 2012, he has lent his visualization skills to client and public presentations as needed throughout the office, and participates in the development of initial schematic designs for a variety of larger project types. He enjoys being a part of the realization and completion of projects. As an NYC native, he dedicates his free time to running, photography, and taking part in our daily selection of bread and butter in the kitchen.
Scott’s prior work experiences include internships at architecture offices in NYC and Parma, IT focused on private residential work, as well as at another office in NYC specializing in master planning and design for institutional, commercial, and public projects. He acquired his Master of Architecture degree from the Yale School of Architecture. For his undergraduate education, Scott attended Brown University, earning a Bachelor’s degree Magna Cum Laude. At Brown, he explored various disciplines in pursuit of a broad-based liberal arts degree; he brings that holistic approach and intellectual rigor to every task at CWB.
Claire has been a Project Manager since the fall of 2019, joining the CWB team in the fall of 2016 as a Project Designer, and works primarily on residential projects. Prior to moving to New York City, she attended the University of Michigan where she received her Master of Architecture degree with honors. Claire has worked for PLY Architecture, Safdie Architects, and Cooper Carry Architects, in Michigan, Boston, and the greater D.C. area respectively. She brings experience working on a variety of projects including high-rise residential, office design, airport design, and mixed-use commercial.
Claire received her Bachelor of Arts from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Upstate New York, where she majored in Architectural Studies and minored in Studio Art and Environmental Studies. This liberal arts education inspired her multi-disciplinary approach to design, and her love for drawing and building with her hands. Claire is a native of Washington D.C. and enjoys eating eclectic food, navigating the city on bike, and running (ideally with a dog in tow).
Anna joined CWB as a Project Designer in the Spring of 2019. Prior to joining our team, she worked as an Architectural Designer at KSS Architects in Princeton and as a Project Manager for Scott Henson Architect in New York City. Anna brings her knowledge of exterior restoration, as well as her experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse to our office.
Anna enjoys every aspect of design and believes that it has a powerful effect on how we act, behave, think and reflect. Outside of design, Anna enjoys long walks, yoga and playing Settlers of Catan.
Anna grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University.
Deborah manages the firm’s back-office and wears many hats; she has been our Benefits Administrator, Human Resources Manager, and Accounts and Facilities Manager since 2004. Her keen attention to detail and organizational skills are integral to the smooth running of the office. Deborah is always seeking creative and analytical ways to increase productivity and save the company money. She enjoys knowing that she contributes to the overall running of the office and that her position here at CWB is valued. Deborah’s excellent communication skills and ability to prioritize are essential in her position as the front line liaison for the company through which she manages all vendor relations and in-house events.
Prior to joining CWB, she worked in management for five years with Park Place Realty. Deborah is a member of the Society for Design Administration (SDA) and through this affiliation has kept the firm compliant with employment laws and regulations.
Outside of the office she is a visual artist and loves to knit. Born and raised in London, Deborah moved to the U.S. to obtain her Liberal Arts degree from Buffalo University.
Standing in line at Gristedes in the mid ‘90s, an Elle Décor spoke so clearly to Cheryl that she immediately sought a position with Robert Isabell, an event planner whose home was featured on the cover of the magazine. Cheryl quickly excelled in her position and spent more than 15 years decorating and planning splendid events and lavish parties all over the world. During this time Cheryl was exposed to wonderfully appointed homes, steering her to follow her true passion of interior design.
Cheryl serves as Director of Interior Design for CWB Interiors, CWB Architects’ in-house interior design studio. She joined our team in 2016 upon graduation from The New York School of Interior Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Cheryl’s background brings a creative and distinctive eye, as well as a wealth of management experience to our design process. She spends her free time gardening, seeking artistic projects, and spending time with her husband, Ronnie and their little wolf child, Ada the Morkie.
Anette joined CWB Interiors in June of 2018 as a Junior Interior Design Project Manager. She brings two years of design expertise honed while working at Robin Henry Studio as Henry’s right-hand woman. Anette is a skilled problem solver, adept at turning design challenges into opportunities for custom moments. She initiates effective communication between designers and architects, keeping a holistic view of each project and ensuring collaborative successes. Anette most appreciates the aspects of interior design that provide clients with lasting positive effects.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Anette currently resides in Queens. After attaining her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from St. John’s University, Anette went on to earn a Masters of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design and became an ASID Member. She is further licensed as a LEED Green Associate Professional. When Anette isn’t designing or playing with our office dogs, she is an avid Yogi, traveler, and chef.