Cryer & Coe architects
Design-led Architectural Practice
Cryer & Coe is a design-led architectural practice based in Bristol, delivering thoughtful, contemporary architecture across Britain and Northern Ireland. Our work is rooted in a deep respect for people, place, and purpose, and we pride ourselves on creating buildings that are both beautiful and functional. Whether working within dense urban environments or rural landscapes, we bring a calm, refined approach to the design and delivery process.
Our portfolio is intentionally diverse, spanning residential, commercial, and community projects. From bespoke homes and sensitive extensions to workplace interiors, heritage renovations, and civic spaces, each scheme is developed in close collaboration with our clients. We believe that good architecture is grounded in empathy — understanding how people live, work, and interact with their environment — and responding with creativity and care.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to refined, simple, and intelligent design. We avoid unnecessary complexity, instead seeking clarity in form, detail, and materiality. Every project is carefully considered to meet both practical requirements and aesthetic ambitions, ensuring that each space feels both timeless and tailored to its context. Our work is underpinned by rigorous attention to detail and a respect for craft, proportion, and natural light.
Cryer & Coe’s process is open, collaborative, and client-focused. We see each project as a dialogue — between the brief, the site, the client’s aspirations, and our design sensibilities. From early concept development through planning, technical design, and delivery on site, we guide our clients through every stage with clear communication and creative insight. Our aim is always to make the process as rewarding as the final outcome.
Sustainability and long-term value are also central to our thinking. We work with local materials, passive design principles, and emerging technologies to create buildings that are efficient, low-impact, and built to last. Whether working within tight constraints or ambitious budgets, we seek out solutions that are intelligent, honest, and sustainable — both environmentally and socially.
Ultimately, Cryer & Coe exists to help realise and elevate your vision. Our practice combines the discipline of architecture with a sensitive, contemporary design ethos, ensuring that every project — large or small — receives the same attention to quality, context, and care. We believe in architecture that enhances daily life, enriches communities, and leaves a meaningful legacy.
Services
- Landmark buildings
Housing developments
Offices
Arts, sports and leisure venues
Schools and education facilities
Cultural and spiritual centres
Care homes
Community hubs
Telephone
0117 363 4033
Our Team
Duncan Cryer
Director
Duncan Cryer is Co-Founder and Lead Architect at Cryer & Coe, a design-centred architectural practice based in Bristol with a growing portfolio of residential, commercial, and community projects across the UK and Northern Ireland. Known for his thoughtful, refined design approach and hands-on project delivery, Duncan brings over 20 years of architectural experience to the practice, with a particular focus on crafting spaces that are functional, timeless, and contextually responsive.
Duncan’s career has been shaped by a belief that architecture should improve the way we live and work, not just through bold statements, but through considered details, proportion, and the subtle interplay of materials, light, and landscape. His work demonstrates a deep respect for place and people — whether designing a bespoke home in a rural setting, reimagining a commercial interior, or shaping a community space with enduring social value.
Before co-founding Cryer & Coe, Duncan held senior roles in established practices in London and the South West, where he led multi-disciplinary teams on award-winning schemes in housing, education, and heritage. His background includes working across all RIBA stages and managing complex planning negotiations, ensuring projects are both ambitious and deliverable.
At Cryer & Coe, Duncan leads the creative and technical direction of the studio, overseeing each project from concept through to completion. His calm, collaborative approach ensures that clients feel supported throughout the process, and his eye for detail ensures that every project — regardless of scale — is finished with clarity and care. He is also a strong advocate for sustainability and low-energy design, often incorporating passive strategies and local materials into the firm’s work.
Duncan is passionate about building long-term relationships with clients, consultants, and communities. He believes that the best architecture arises from open dialogue, shared vision, and a commitment to quality at every stage. This ethos runs through the practice’s work and has earned Cryer & Coe a reputation for delivering elegant, enduring spaces that quietly exceed expectations.
Outside of practice, Duncan contributes to local design review panels and mentors younger architects, reflecting his belief in continuous learning and the value of thoughtful, responsible architecture in shaping our built environment.