Getting to know Cooper Pierce Outside the Office

Hello architecture enthusiasts and community advocates!

Today, we're delighted to introduce you to a man who wears many hats—Cooper Pierce. As a Co-founder and Principal Architect at Jones Pierce, Cooper is a valued leader and mentor to his coworkers and a trusted partner to his clients, but his passion and dedication extend far beyond his day job.

 Let's take a look at some of the highlights of Cooper’s life and community service.

Cooper’s Early Years

Cooper's love affair with design began in his childhood, where he spent countless hours tinkering and building.

5-year-old Cooper with his first design/build Lego project!

This passion eventually led him to the prestigious Auburn University School of Architecture, where he turned his dreams into a reality. In 1998, he partnered with his former Auburn classmate Bryan Jones to found Jones Pierce Architects in Atlanta, Georgia, a city he loves and serves tirelessly.

 But Cooper isn't just about bricks and mortar.

Family is at the heart of Cooper's world. He's a proud father of two equally creative kids and recently became a grandfather to two grandchildren. He's also a fitness enthusiast who has completed several half-marathons and works out three times per week. His regular runs through Atlanta neighborhoods have given him an expansive knowledge of the cityscape.

Life Outside the “Day Job”

When Cooper Pierce isn't creating stunning architectural designs, he's out there making a difference in his community. With more than 30 years of volunteer work under his belt, Cooper understands the importance of giving back to the places that shape us. His journey is a testament to the power of community involvement and the impact one person can have.

A Lifetime of Volunteering

1990s – 2000s: Inman Park and Glenwood Park Neighborhoods

Cooper's volunteer journey began in the 1990s when he and his wife bought their first home in Inman Park. He quickly became a key figure in the community, volunteering on a committee to raise funds for a community pool. This effort evolved into the Inman Park Pool Association, where Cooper served on the founding Board of Directors. As an architect, he had a unique advantage—he could design and develop the pool exactly as the neighborhood envisioned it!

His reputation for helpfulness and expertise spread, and eventually developers from the Glenwood Park neighborhood sought his help. Cooper assisted them in creating the multi-use Glenwood Park Pool property that includes a spectacular four-story building with:

• Nine condominiums on the upper floors

• A fitness center, restrooms, and changing area on the ground floor

• A Junior Olympics-size swimming pool outside with seating and picnic areas

Talk about a community asset!

Cooper’s design for the Glenwood Park Pool property,

and a front view of the property today.

2000 – 2007: The Waldorf School of Atlanta

Cooper's commitment to his family and his community shone through his work with the Waldorf School of Atlanta, where his children attended grades K-8. He volunteered on a site selection committee, helping the school purchase additional property so their diverse kindergarten classes could be consolidated next to their elementary/middle school location. Cooper's expertise also ensured the school obtained the necessary zoning approvals. His dedication didn't stop there; he served on the school’s Board of Trustees for four years, helping make crucial business decisions for the organization.

2006-2007: City of Atlanta Zoning Review

In 2006, the City of Atlanta imposed a residential construction moratorium to allow for a review of building codes in light of growing trends in residential development within the city’s established neighborhoods. Cooper was asked to co-chair a residential zoning code review committee and happily volunteered his time. His expertise helped the committee develop new zoning code criteria that addressed critical residential development concerns and needs. Cooper also coordinated with the Atlanta City Attorney to ensure the new code sections were clear, accurate, and easily actionable for architects and developers.

The committee's efforts were such a success that the Atlanta City Council formally recognized their important contributions. Expert collaboration at its best!

 2008 – 2018: Inman Park Festival

The annual Inman Park Festival is a beloved event in the Atlanta metro area, and Cooper was at the heart of it for over a decade. From setup to cleanup, and everything in between, Cooper's involvement was instrumental. He chaired the committee for the popular Butterfly Ball for five years, putting his design talent to work on behalf of festival goers. His festival t-shirt designs even won three times, and he designed and built beautiful decorative lights for the Butterfly Ball!

Cooper helped design and build the festival’s 45th anniversary Butterfly Ball lights

Cooper’s 2018 winning t-shirt design for the 2018 Inman Park Festival & Home Tours

Cooper's expertise in planning, zoning, and historic preservation was also invaluable to the Inman Park neighborhood. He served as the vice president of zoning for the neighborhood association, ensuring that development aligned with the community's vision and historical significance.

Cooper enjoys being part of, and helping, his community

2019 – Present: Reynoldstown Neighborhood

In 2019, Cooper and his wife sold their “big home” in Inman Park and moved to a smaller home in Reynoldstown where he now chairs the neighborhood Zoning Committee and volunteers for various other activities. His dedication to his new community is as strong as ever, and we can't wait to see the impact he'll make.

 Armed with his trusty tape measure, Cooper continues helping his new community!

A Heart for Service

Cooper Pierce is more than just an architect; he's a community builder, a family man, and a true Atlanta treasure. Throughout all of his volunteer hours, Cooper has forged lasting friendships and set his flag as a tireless advocate for his neighbors and the city he loves.

As Cooper both says and demonstrates, architects can be a community asset when they get involved.

Thank you, Cooper, for all you do!