Small Business Q&A: Louise Cotter of architectural firm Carr Cotter Naessens

In this week Q&A, Kehlan talks with Louise Cotter from architectural firm Carr Cotter Naessens in Cork.

What is the story of Carr Cotter Naessens?

We’re based in Cork City and we’ve been there since 2001. All three of us graduated from UCD in the late 1980s and I had the opportunity to go to London for work. Eventually, after flying over and back for projects, the thinking came about that it was better off to find one place as a home and back to Ireland it was.

We work throughout the country, really not just in Cork. We’ve been part of designs in Kerry, Limerick and most recently for the Lexicon building in Dún Laoghaire. We recently won best culture and best public building awards for the Lexicon as well. It received a significant amount of press coverage too, which was great. So we’ve been doing that kind of great work for over a decade now.

What was the recession like, given the building industry collapse?

I don’t think I would be exaggerating to say that it’s been a really difficult time for the industry as a whole. Architects, engineers and contractors were all hit badly. Everything literally just stopped.

There was no gradual slowdown, so we had to reassess how we were going to get through it. We’re a small firm so that held us in good stead. It allowed us to be more flexible. However, it also meant working harder for longer, but like everybody that is just what you have to do.

So, you were able to manoeuvre quicker when the recession hit?

Yes, I think so. We never purchased large buildings or spent large sums of money on assets. However, that is not to say that you shouldn’t continue to reinvest in the company. You need to keep in mind how you grow, even during a recession. Maybe even more so in a recession. You have to plan ahead, which understandably, few businesses have been able to do because of the economy. There are signs that is changing and people in our industry can be somewhat optimistic for the next few years.

What goes into designing a building or a street?

That’s a very broad question, because each one would have their own individual characteristics for design. Context is where you have to start. No two buildings are going to be the same because their situation and what they will be used for will always be different.

As designers, we’re trained to look at the unique aspects of a project’s design. We need to assess the strengths and weaknesses, but also we need to create something that is aesthetically pleasing. Especially if people are going to live or work in the building or street.

Buildings and spaces are critical for a people’s way of life. They are part of the city or town landscape for maybe hundreds of years.

At times buildings seem to represent art as well?

Yes that’s very true. Cities are not natural landscapes, they are the mark of humans on the land. So sometimes it’s important to have a building that represents a building of its time. You have to be discerning about your decisions and how your design fits its overall purpose. More info: www.ccnarchitects.net