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 consider that each region, particularly our own here in the greater suburban area of New York City, has its own unique vernacular style and historic roots.
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 consider that each region, particularly our own here in the greater suburban area of New York City, has its own unique vernacular style and historic roots.
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.
We are pleased to respond to your inquiry.
The architect and the client meet to review the basic program and discuss goals.
If the client does not own the property, it may be necessary to perform a preliminary site review which would include zone analysis and simple site inventory.
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.
We are pleased to respond to your inquiry.
The architect and the client meet to review the basic program and discuss goals.
If the client does not own the property, it may be necessary to perform a preliminary site review which would include zone analysis and simple site inventory.
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.
This meeting is simply an introduction to the process and rough attempt to review feasibility.
It should not be considered a design session.
If you wish for me to bring a portfolio, let me know, or please visit our web site at www.petercooperarchitects.com.
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.
This meeting is simply an introduction to the process and rough attempt to review feasibility.
It should not be considered a design session.
If you wish for me to bring a portfolio, let me know, or please visit our web site at www.petercooperarchitects.com.
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 is constantly evolving, and the architect needs to be current on the many codes at issue.
For example, some code considerations include (and are not limited to): Egress- such as stairs, points of entry and exit, limits of travel to exit, etc.; Occupancy -limits base on use; Fire code regulations- regarding materials, separation between uses, tenants, and common areas of egress, type of construction; Handicap requirements related to building size and use; Elevator and stair considerations; Plumbing requirements such as number of bathrooms; Electrical requirements- locations of electric panels, circuitry, emergency lighting in case of blackout, etc., HVAC- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of a public space; and Energy calculations- for size and type of windows and insulation requirements.
Commercial projects differ primarily from residential projects by the range of building codes issues that must be accounted for.
This area is constantly evolving, and the architect needs to be current on the many codes at issue.
For example, some code considerations include (and are not limited to): Egress- such as stairs, points of entry and exit, limits of travel to exit, etc.; Occupancy -limits base on use; Fire code regulations- regarding materials, separation between uses, tenants, and common areas of egress, type of construction; Handicap requirements related to building size and use; Elevator and stair considerations; Plumbing requirements such as number of bathrooms; Electrical requirements- locations of electric panels, circuitry, emergency lighting in case of blackout, etc., HVAC- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of a public space; and Energy calculations- for size and type of windows and insulation requirements.
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.
The industry standard for the design of this aspect is design/build.
That means that the general contractor works with the HVAC (Heating, ventilating and air conditioning) contractor to design your system and recommend solutions and costs associated.
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.
The industry standard for the design of this aspect is design/build.
That means that the general contractor works with the HVAC (Heating, ventilating and air conditioning) contractor to design your system and recommend solutions and costs associated.
Reviews
Be the first to review Peter Cooper & Associates.
Write a Review
