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Categories
Architects
Services & Specialties
August residential and institutional architecture
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RECOMMENDATION
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WORK QUALITY
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COST EVALUATION
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VALUE ANALYSIS
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ADD YOUR REVIEW
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FR Review:
Cooper Robertson has worked on many high-profile public projects—the new Whitney Museum of American Art, for example—but the firm's residential clients prize them for bringing the same level of extraordinary design and taste to more intimate spaces, like bedrooms. Cooper Robertson's legendary attention to detail begins the moment they envision a project with a client; they are known for their highly developed, historically-based inspirations. But it's not all massive gambrel roofs in the Hamptons or Palladian traditionals, they take great pride in creating individualistic élan for each project, including a low-slung Jamaican Shingle with endless porches and a Mies-at-the-Beach with attitude.
Upon visiting the site, the firm's architects strive to create a harmony between a home and its environment, often contributing hardscapes and landscaping. The same thought processes apply indoors, as well—Cooper Robertson relishes opportunities to work with artisans on one-of-a-kind installations like an iron-and-glass gate and a multi-globe lighting fantasy in a Park Avenue apartment. They recently created a field house in Bedford including a stable turned library, spa, meditation room, wine cellar, indoor pool and tennis court, ping-pong room, and even a bowling alley.
Principals Edward Siegel and John Kirk steer the firm's residential projects. Siegel received his B.Arch from Cornell and joined the firm in 1988. Kirk, who joined the firm in 1989, received his B.A. from Georgia Tech and his M.Arch from the University of Virginia. It is said that they "build houses like Swiss watches," with excellent aesthetic sensibilities and also a maximization of useful space—no extensive grand entrances here. Extraordinary beauty and value are not often sympathetic, but Cooper Robertson strives to bring both qualities to every project. Drawing upon the resources of a 40-person firm, typically four or five homes are on the boards. While high-profile clients like Marshall Rose and Candice Bergen have built Cooper Robertson's sterling reputation, they'll happily work on smaller projects—all the way down to replacing the moldings—so long as there's enough of a budget for a beautiful job. New construction typically ranges from 5,000 to 11,000 square feet, with a low profit margin given the expertise and quality of work. This makes them an excellent long-term value for projects of every size. AD 100.
Representative Client Comments:
"One of the best there is." "They are just as diligent with a $10 million new house in the Hamptons as a modest modern renovation in the Village." "Huge personality in the finished result and the process is so professional." "For the top end residential projects, you absolutely get the attention of the partners." "Ed is remarkably pleasant under all circumstances." "They are excellent about revisualizing the space for better flow and living." "They have worked for decades with the very best decorators, so they completely understand the required drill." "They have remarkable designs but are also so practical, maximizing every inch of space for storage." "The firm is very large but extremely effective, down to the last detail."
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