Established in 1989, Peter Cooper & Associates is a small design firm dedicated to projects that require personal service, an integrated approach to design, with an eye for context and the vernacular. The ideas of "ecological design", "design with nature" are part of our educational training and our philosophy.
We believe that the process should be personal, professional, as well socially responsible. There should be sensitivity to the cultural context as well as being financially practical. From the ground up, we embrace the idea that the house not only belong to its surrounds, but should seem as if it has always been.
The firm's principal and founder, Peter Cooper, wrote his master's thesis at the University of Pennsylvania: "Defining Vernacular Architecture for Aesthetic Control in Rural Vermont". The title indicates an appreciation and respect for rural New England architecture and cultural roots, as well as an understanding of architectural history, as well as planning law.
We believe that the process should be personal, professional, as well socially responsible. There should be sensitivity to the cultural context as well as being financially practical. From the ground up, we embrace the idea that the house not only belong to its surrounds, but should seem as if it has always been.
The firm's principal and founder, Peter Cooper, wrote his master's thesis at the University of Pennsylvania: "Defining Vernacular Architecture for Aesthetic Control in Rural Vermont". The title indicates an appreciation and respect for rural New England architecture and cultural roots, as well as an understanding of architectural history, as well as planning law.
Services
The opportunity to design and build a new house is typically a long standing dream for a client. It is often a high form of art and expression for the architect. All of the architect's most valued skills, talents, and training are required in the task. There is a collaboration that is required between architect, client, and builder to create a satisfying end product.
Interview - The first step is to meet, see the house, and to get a handle on the scope of work required, including the budget and the time frame. The first meeting is both an interview and a review of the goals of the client. It is standard for me to evaluate the feasibility of the project and discuss construction costs in a general way.
Our office has experience with small office buildings under 10,000 sf, tenant space fit outs for office and professional use, retail fit outs, including restaurant use, and small public projects. Commercial projects differ primarily from residential projects by the range of building codes issues that must be accounted for.
This area of architectural design is becoming increasingly more important to clients who have some understanding of the implications of the heating and cooling systems of their house. This area is one of the most critical parts of house design from the vantage point of construction cost, costs of operating a house, and every day comfort.
Reviews (4)
Peter Cooper
Aug 15, 2020
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This is a response to Chris Harris' review.
We understand that client's goals and wants often exceed their budget.
For that reason, we advise our clients, and include in our contract, that the budget can only be determined after the sketch phase. Even with my 30 plus years of experience, I cannot know how the design will evolve, or what builders will require to build. The process requires solving the program first in sketch form and then asking builders to give their individual estimate of cost. Builders often vary in cost by as much as 20% or more. Cost variations are based on how builders are
We understand that client's goals and wants often exceed their budget.
For that reason, we advise our clients, and include in our contract, that the budget can only be determined after the sketch phase. Even with my 30 plus years of experience, I cannot know how the design will evolve, or what builders will require to build. The process requires solving the program first in sketch form and then asking builders to give their individual estimate of cost. Builders often vary in cost by as much as 20% or more. Cost variations are based on how builders are
Karen Pravata
Jun 24, 2020
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We have been working with Peter Cooper for the last three years on various projects. Peter was recommended by several past clients that were located in our area. We received estimates and input from three local architects, since we wanted to make sure the architect was familiar with the uniqueness of the area we were building in. We wanted to make sure the home we built fit into the neighborhood. Once we received the estimates and input from the architects. We decided to engage Peter due to his consideration of our budget, our vision and innovative and practical recommendations he provided during
Pauline Schaefle
Jul 20, 2019
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Peter Cooper was recommended to us through family after he had handled a large renovation for them. In the interview, we walked him through our thoughts and the very first comment he made was to make sure we understood the scope of the job we were describing along with a ballpark estimate on cost for the project. We already had estimated a similar number but he reiterated that he wanted us to be fully aware of our ask and the related cost. We appreciated that he didn’t want us to underestimate our endeavor. He then provided additional thoughts that we would not have thought of and we had a very
Chris Harris
May 30, 2018
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If I could give a lower rating than one, I would. We had hoped hiring an architect would save us time and money, spending our hard earned money in the best ways possible while utilizing a professional who has the experience to guide us in this process and make it enjoyable. We thought we were doing the right thing, but unfortunately we chose the wrong person. Hiring Peter Cooper proved to be the exact opposite of this in EVERY way.
When we first met, we gave him a budget and discussed our needs. He noted it was a challenge but was warm and bubbly and told us everything we were after should be
When we first met, we gave him a budget and discussed our needs. He noted it was a challenge but was warm and bubbly and told us everything we were after should be
