Cory Dear

Studying architecture in both Italy and Portugal, Cory offers a diverse background and believes design should be sensitive to and inspired by place. “When we respond to obvious geographic circumstances, solutions can feel tired, cheesy, or pandering -- my favorite contextual clues are typically found in the small details which can provoke surprising results and a chance to be fresh,” he explains.

In his more than sixteen years as an architect with Corgan, Cory has provided a unique perspective by collaborating on designs for multi-dimensional commercial projects including the Wells Fargo and Toyota Headquarters as well as the American Airlines Credit Union, winner of the Texas Society of Architects Design Award. His role as a leader is to propel Corgan’s design output, nurture our culture, and provide numerous platforms for our team members to contribute their valuable input. 

The following beliefs guide Cory’s design practices: 

- Artistic prompts invite non-standard responses. 

- Gray areas support life’s interesting moments (as opposed to black-and-white thinking). 

- Collaboration uncovers diverse design approaches. 

- Deadlines create momentum. 

Cory says the architect choreographs the user experience through sensing how people are constantly “on the move” and ever-growing and changing. “It’s exciting to be a small part of guiding a practice in motion rather than one that is ossified in place and afraid of change.”