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We strive for design that supports health and happiness, and which leaves a positive impact on the planet. ​​
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We believe in quality over quantity; great projects are not defined by size or budget, but by intention and execution.​

We love what we do and the people we work with. Listening, collaboration and trust are fundamental to our practice.

 

About

Our design approach combines the creative and technical aspects of place-making to deliver solutions that are impactful, elegant, and sustainable. We provide full architectural services from conceptual design through construction administration. Our work includes single-family and multi-family residential new construction, selective remodel/ addition work, and small-scale commercial urban infill. Our office is located downtown in an adaptively repurposed transfer station which we call  "The Space Station". 

Cotton founded her practice after a five-year tenure at Lake|Flato Architects and internship at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects in Philadelphia, PA. Originally from Rhode Island, Cotton received a Master of Architecture from Yale School of Architecture in 2012 and a B.A. from Bowdoin College in Maine with majors in Environmental Studies and Visual Arts in 2008. In 2008-2009, Cotton received Thomas J. Watson Fellowship for one year of study on adaptive re-use of industrial buildings across Europe. Cotton finds everyday inspiration in nature as well as the rich urban fabric of San Antonio.

Press & Recognition

"Spectacular Women of Architect & Design Texas2024

by Jolie Carpenter Barry | Barrera House

Pecha Kucha San Antonio, Vol. 44 2024

at the Carver Community Cultural Center

AIA San Antonio 2024 Unbuilt Award

Honey Creek

Residential Design Magazine Vol. 1 2024

Barrera House

Texas Butterfly Ranch, Jul. 6th 2024

San Antonio architect converts downtown parking lot into a native 'prairie cloud'" by Monika Maeckle | Space Station

AIA San Antonio 2023 Single-Family Residential Award

Barrera House

 

Texas Society of Architects' Design Award 2022

Boston Commons 

Residential Design Architecture Awards 2022

On the Boards Citation Award | Honey Creek 

Residential Design Magazine Vol. 3 2022

Custom on the Boards | Honey Creek

CRAN AIA San Antonio Design Award 2022

Multi-Family Award | Boston Commons 

Texas Architect "Uncommon Courtesy" May/Jun 2022

Boston Commons

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"Bigger than Tiny, Smaller than Average" 2022

by Sheri Koones | Pine House  

AIA San Antonio Merit Award 2021 

Pine House

Texas Architect "Double Duty" Jul/Aug 2020

by Brantley Hightower | Pine House

 

AIA San Antonio Unbuilt Citation Award 2020

Boston Commons

AIA Women in Architecture Exhibit 

"3 Studies in Urban Infill" 2020

Home Design & Decor  "Long Leaf Pine & Cinder" Aug/Sept 2019

by Angela Rabke | Dawson House 

AIA Homes Tour San Antonio 2018

Dawson House & Presa Houses 

 

The San Antonio Express News "Inside the Homes of San Antonio Architects" Jul 28, 2016 | Dawson House​

See more of our work on Instagram:

  • Instagram
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©  Cotton Estes Architect, PLLC 2018

cotton estes architect

©  Cotton Estes Architect, PLLC 2018

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