Our approach is consistent regardless of the size of project: a clear design strategy based on understanding the site in context, place and time, and understanding the client’s requirements and ambitions for the project. We pay close attention to the cultural, functional and technical performance required for the project and rigorously implement the design strategy through to the fine detail.

Sustainability underpins our work and we believe that passive energy solutions should be seamlessly and holistically integrated into design solutions. We are mindful of resources-space, materials and energy and understand we must use these resources with care and creativity-to realise an original and customised project solution.

Base in Cork city since 2001, we offer a range of skills from master-planning, urban design through to internal space planning, detailed design, project management and contract administration. We are also RIAI Conservation grade 3 accredited and are experienced in projects that have a strong landscape, mixed use, and historic context. We relish the opportunity to work with challenging briefs and sites to deliver a design solution that is feasible and appropriate.

Our close-knit team offers an exceptional level of service to our clients. Successful multi-disciplinary design realises creative solutions through teamwork that includes rigorous analysis and value management from the outset. We have recruited an experienced team of specialist consultants with whom we have collaborated successfully on many projects, demonstrating that holistic design, distinctive architecture, and environmental performance can be achieved within defined parameters. The studio output is informed by design research, through teaching and competitions. Commissions won following design contest success include the Central Library and Cultural Centre, dlrLexicon in Dun Laoghaire and most recently the FOCAS Research Institute, Technical University Dublin. Cotter & Naessens were one of 16 practices invited by the Grafton Architects to participate in Close Encounters at the Venice Biennale 2018.

The work of the practice has been nominated twice for the EU Mies Award and in 2016 dlrLexicon received the RIBA Award for International Excellence, and the RIAI Awards for Best Public Building and Best Cultural Building in 2015.