Cotter & Naessens Architects

Cotter & Naessens are an architecture and design studio based in Cork since 2001. Our work encompasses diverse briefs, scales and locations: from rural houses to urban masterplans, all are underpinned by a common design philosophy that is enquiring and rigorous. Our approach is consistent regardless of the size of project: a clear design strategy based on understanding of the site and cultural, functional and technical performance required and rigorous implementation of this strategy through to the fine detail. Our compact close-knit team provides professional service from inception to completion. Sustainability underpins our work and we believe that passive energy solutions should be seamlessly and holistically integrated into design solutions. The practice output is informed by research through design: commissioned studies and design competitions. The practice was premiated in the two-stage international competition for the Central Library and Cultural Centre in Dun Laoghaire, held in 2007 and in 2021 for the FOCAS Research Institute TU Dublin.