Cooptar is an architecture and urbanism studio originating from a civil construction cooperative founded in 1977, following the SAAL Operation in Olhão. In 1983, it became part of an architecture atelier under the direction of architect José Lopes da Costa, initially focused on controlled-cost housing projects in response to the housing needs of the time. Over the years, Cooptar has consolidated extensive experience and progressively expanded its portfolio, developing projects in single-family and collective housing, rehabilitation, public facilities, commerce, services, urban planning, and interior architecture. Its projects have been recognized in various competitions and featured on specialized platforms, reflecting the consistency and quality of the work produced. Currently, Cooptar positions itself as a collaborative and multidisciplinary workspace, bringing together architects, engineers, landscapers, artisans, and other professionals, tailoring teams to the specific demands of each project. Its practice is based on collaboration, architectural quality, and sustainability, maintaining a continuous commitment to the cooperative principles that were the foundation of its creation.

Partners

Jennifer Silva Pereira

Nova Iorque, EUA, 1971

  • Jennifer Silva Pereira is an architect, graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto in 1997 and obtained the degree of Research Proficiency within the scope of the Doctorate in Architectural and Urban Rehabilitation at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Seville in 2000.

  • She began her professional activity in 1992, collaborating in Porto with architects Sérgio Secca, Sónia Telles e Silva, and João Paulo Fernandes.

  • In 1995, she joined the Resolution: 4 Architecture studio in New York.

  • A member of Cooptar since 1997, she has participated in housing, rehabilitation, equipment, and urban planning projects.

  • Between 2000 and 2014, she was a guest lecturer at the University of Algarve and since 2014 she has been managing partner of the Casas de Fora studio in Faro, developing housing, rehabilitation, and interior design projects, including works awarded at the municipal level.

  • Currently, she is also a leader at Cooptar.

Isabel Susana Pires Chanoca

  • cooperator since 1983

João Luís da Graça Correia

  • cooperator since 1977

Júlio Salvador Glória Viegas

  • cooperator since 1977

José Maria Lopes da Costa

  • cooperator since 1983

Jorge Manuel Viegas Luis de Sousa

  • cooperator since 1977

Former Partners

Carlos António Cabrita dos Reis

  • 1997-2025

João Severiano Matias Correia

  • 1977-2020

Laurentino Adriano Gonçalves Fernandes

  • 1977-2025

Miguel Reimão Costa

  • 1995-2025

Rogério Paulo Simão de Matos Inácio

  • 2004-2017

Awards

  • 2017. Municipal Prize for Architecture and Landscape Architecture - Recovery/Rehabilitation: Building on Rua Rasquinho, Faro, Portugal - 1st Prize


  • 2013. Architecture and Urbanism Prize of the Municipality of Loulé - Recovery and Rehabilitation Work: Housing in Torres de Apra, Loulé, Portugal - 1st Prize


  • 2006. INH Prize - Cooperative Promotion: Cooperative Development of 181 housing units in Lejana, Faro, Portugal - Honorable Mention