In Memoriam – Daniel Rew, AIA

October 21, 2020

Daniel Bernard Rew, AIA

Dan Rew, AIA

In Memoriam

September 06, 1960 – October 12, 20

Daniel B. Rew, 60, died peacefully at home with his family in Bay Head, NJ on October 12, 2020.  He spent the last year with family and friends, painting, baking, and walking in between treatments for colon cancer.

Dan was born on September 6, 1960 in Berkeley CA to Ella May Green Rew and David Robertson Rew. 

In 1982 Dan graduated with a Bachelors in Environmental Science at Texas A&M and set off for New York City to attend the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies.

He met the love of his life over a drafting table at the University of Virginia where he then graduated with a Master of Architecture in 1987. Dan and Pam were married at the Bay Head Yacht Club on September 26, 1987.
Dan believed in books. He treated himself, family, and friends to books at every opportunity.

He believed in lines and never forgetting his sketchbook. He loved towers and careful details. He could hold whole buildings in his mind, turning them over to make them better, more responsible, more comfortable. And always simpler. He believed in starting a project by reading a book and starting the day with a long breakfast. He believed in running a quick six miles to let himself think. He believed in not trying to be perfect.

He composed his complex buildings with trace paper and careful models. Over his career, he received countless AIA design awards, leading several carbon-neutral and sustainable research facilities, laboratories, and an emerging technology and innovation center. He was proud to become a partner at CUH2A and eventually a Design Director and Vice President of Sustainability at HDR Architecture. His projects were located across the world and included infectious disease research, a library and a residence for students at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, and a tiny playhouse for his three daughters.

Dan spent his time running dozens of marathons, playing weeknight basketball at the neighborhood park, and watching his girls in countless sailing regattas. He rarely missed a Texas A&M football game, loved racing his brothers-in-law to the top of Stratton Mountain, and made his mother’s lace cookies every Christmas.
Dan and Pam raised their three daughters in Princeton to be confident and curious about the world. He adored them with passion and pride, his only regret was leaving them too soon.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Pamela Lucas Rew of Bay Head, NJ and their three daughters: Margaret Rew of Washington DC, her husband Owen Weinstein; Jane Rew Buckley of New York City, her husband Mike Buckley; and Julia Rew of New York City. To add to those riches Pam and Dan spent the last ten months doting over their first grandchild, Kailie Ella Buckley. He will be greatly missed by his brother, Ritch Rew, and sister, Sherry Nunez, their families; and his many beloved in-laws, out-laws, running buddies, colleagues, and friends.

We are indebted to Memorial Sloan Kettering’s many years of research that informed the thoughtful care and chemo regimens that kept Dan comfortable over the past year.
Father Dowd, a family friend who married Pam and Dan, will be holding a private family service this week. The Rew girls will travel this spring to spread his ashes in the places he loved the most. Once it is safe for a larger gathering, Dan asked that we host a celebration of his life with his community of friends and colleagues. If you would like to attend this event, please contact the family at remembering.dan.rew@gmail.com.

We have established a memorial fund at the University of Virginia School of Architecture in Dan’s name. You can make a contribution at givenext100.com, or by mailing a check to: School of Architecture Foundation, Campbell Hall P.O. Box 400122 Charlottesville, VA 22904. Indicate in special instructions “For Dan Rew Memorial Fund”. Our hope is that these funds will support students as they too create a library which will enrich their study and passion for architecture.

Thank you to our family—loud and loyal fans of Dan. Thank you to the many many people who have reached out with stories and condolences.

Read full obituary:

https://www.obrienfuneralhome.com/memorials/Rew-Daniel/4359630/

By AIANJ | Posted in AIA Central New Jersey, AIA Jersey Shore, AIA-NJ News, NJ Architect Newsletter | Tagged: Dan Rew AIA, In Memoriam | Comments (0)