Joseph Cook Rees [also known as J. Cook Rees] was born in Neath, Glamorganshire, Wales on 14 March 1870 and was articled to Samuel Cym Jones (c.1849-?) in Neath. He commenced independent practice as an architect in Bridgend and Neath in 1894 and for several years acted as architect to the Neath Board of Guardians.
He was a Fellow of the Society of Architects ( F.S.Arc,) and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA) in 1925. He was also a member of the South Wales Institute of Architects and its President.
His address was given as Parade Chambers, Neath, Glamorganshire in 1914 and 1926; Glanffrwd, Neath, Glamorganshire in 1914 and 1939; and Ennerdale, Locks Common, Porthcawl, Glamorganshire in 1940. He died in Glamorgan, Wales on 10 October 1940
Workhouse Infirmary at Penrhiewtyn for Neath Board of Guardians (£40,000 expenditure); Gnoll Park Road Board Schools (£1,000); Seven Sisters Parish Church, Crynant Church, Ynlsmendw Church, Abercerave Church, Nantymoel Church; Isolation Hospital at Neath for Neath Borough and District Councils; Housing Scheme for Ystrndgynlais Council: Seven Sisters District Council Drainage Scheme. Various banks, villa residences. Much hotel and public-house property. L.G.B. has approved his scheme for 60 houses for Yatradgynlais District Counci
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 2: L-Z. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001