RIOS

Golden Concord Group Headquarters embodies a vision for the future workplace—intelligent, adaptive, and human-centered. The project redefines workplace design as an ecosystem that merges innovation, material expression, and human connection. Located within Hefei’s Shushan MAX Technology Park, this technology campus supports the city’s growing innovation sector. The design draws inspiration from the logic and structure of digital systems, transforming abstract processes into spatial experiences where geometry, rhythm, and light shape how people move, work, and connect. Across six levels, the project transitions from public exhibition spaces to intimate workspaces that reflect the layered culture of a dynamic enterprise. Metallic finishes and textured rammed-earth surfaces create a dialogue between technology and nature, expressing the warmth and tactility often absent in digital settings. Natural wood tones, terrazzo, and soft gradients of color define distinct environments for collaborative and focused work. #workplace #workplacedesign #techoffice #interiordesign #RIOS

We’re proud to share that RIOS Studio Director Sabina Cheng has been named Co-Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) National Entertainment Development Council. The council serves as a thought-leadership platform for exploring how entertainment, technology, and design can shape vibrant destinations and strengthen communities—from cultural districts and arenas to museums, retail, and public spaces. Sabina’s appointment recognizes her visionary approach to designing human-centered environments that celebrate culture, history, and the joy of shared experience. Her leadership continues to advance RIOS’ mission of designing places that bring people together through meaningful connections.

RIOS Sustainability Director Golnaz Ighany will be speaking at UCL on October 21, 2025. She joins the Researchers’ Careers in Environment and Sustainability panel—a session designed to help PhD students and early-career researchers explore pathways beyond academia. Moderated by Event Chair Dr. Sophia Donaldson, the discussion will highlight how research skills translate into impactful roles across the sustainability sector. Hosted by UCL Careers Researchers, the event brings together professionals leading change across environmental and sustainability fields. Golnaz will share her expertise in bridging research and practice, drawing from her experience guiding RIOS’ global response to climate challenges and advancing climate-responsive, human-centric, and performance-driven design worldwide. Sign up: https://lnkd.in/gqvH-Nae

We are celebrating 40 years of RIOS.⁠ ⁠ Since our founding in 1985, RIOS has been driven by a powerful belief: overlooked spaces can become transformative places. What began as a practice has grown into a global design collective of across six international offices, united by the goal of creating profound connections through interdisciplinary design.⁠ ⁠ This milestone is a testament to our people—the architects, landscape architects, designers, and innovators who bring bold ideas to life.⁠ ⁠ Our journey is guided by values that are as relevant today as they were four decades ago:⁠ ⁠ ● Joy & Audacity: We meet design with optimism and are driven by a bold vision to seek the unknown. ● Inclusivity & Attunement: Our strength comes from diverse worldviews and a deep awareness of place, people, and culture. ● Resiliency & Authenticity: We adapt to a changing world with creativity, turning challenges into holistic opportunities with courageous ideas. ⁠ Thank you to our incredible team, clients, and partners for being part of our story. We are excited to continue harnessing change and creating extraordinary experiences for the future.⁠ Graphic by: Hailey Algoe #RIOS #DesignCommunity #DesignMilestone #DesignPractice

RIOS Senior Project Director JI GAN was a featured keynote speaker and panelist at Design Shenzhen 设计深圳’s 2025 Global Luxury Property Design Conference. In his keynote, “The Philosophy of Eastern Spatial Narrative in Luxury Home Design,” Ji shared RIOS’ approach to creating experience-driven residences that align with Eastern spatial aesthetics — where boundaries dissolve, materials express authenticity, and design follows nature’s rhythm. Through the orchestration of light, air, sound, and texture, RIOS engages the senses to create spaces that feel grounded, and timeless. Also joining the panel “Lifestyle, Health, and Wellbeing in Luxury Residential Design,” Ji discussed how future luxury residences can foster wellness, restoration, and connection alongside: • Li Sidi, Director of Architectural Design, China Resources Land • Xie Hui, Founder of ACE DESIGN • Debra Parkington, Design Director, LW

RIOS earned four 2025 ASLA Southern California Quality of Life Design Awards at the Member Celebration held at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel.⁠  ⁠ Our winning projects, each recognized with a Merit Award, reflect the depth and range of our landscape expertise: designing environments that shape how people engage with place, nature, and community.⁠ ⁠ • Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts | Park and Recreation Design ⁠ • 42XX | Commercial Design ⁠ • Changzhou Twin Lakes Central Park | Analysis & Planning ⁠ • The Garden of Reciprocity | Landscape Art⁠  ⁠ These projects embody our belief that landscape architecture cultivates connection. From civic parks to intimate courtyards, we seek to create places that celebrate cultural identity, build ecological vitality, and spark joy.⁠  ⁠ The ASLA Southern California Awards honor projects that advance quality of life and demonstrate how thoughtful design can foster resilience and belonging.⁠  ⁠ Congratulations to our landscape team and collaborators who bring these projects to life. #ASLA #DesignAwards #LandscapeArchitecture #Landscape #RIOS

RIOS attended the Global Sports Agora to explore how sport can ignite communities. As we've seen in many of our district projects, sport has the power to serve as a catalyst for regeneration, opportunity, and pride in place. The conversations highlighted how investment in sport can: • Anchor regeneration through both elite venues and community facilities • Drive transport and infrastructure improvements • Spark health, research, and education opportunities • Support new housing, hospitality, and cultural growth • (And, most importantly) Ignite community identity, opportunity, and pride   Gretta Starks of Rider Levett Bucknall RLB presented The Story of East Manchester — a compelling example of how strong civic leadership and collaboration can transform entire neighborhoods, offering lessons for cities everywhere.

RIOS redefines hospitality through landscape design, creating immersive retreats that engage the senses, nurture wellness, and celebrates place.

This World Architecture Day, RIOS celebrates design that goes beyond the build—to transform spaces, communities, and the future.⁠ ⁠ This year’s theme, “Design for Strength,” reminds us to look past short-term solutions and create architecture that lasts, adapts, and evolves.⁠ ⁠ At RIOS, this philosophy shapes how we design spaces rooted in preservation, longevity, and resilience. We reimagine underutilized structures and use sustainable strategies to extend the life of buildings while minimizing environmental impact. Our regenerative approach creates spaces that adapt to changing environmental and social needs, shaping an enduring future for communities.⁠ ⁠ Image 1: At 42XX, innovative mass timber construction minimizes environmental impact and sets a new benchmark for resilient design in LA’s Westside.⁠ Image 2: 11755 Wilshire breathes new life into an emblematic tower through adaptive design, natural materials, and integrated greenery.⁠ Image 3: ROW DTLA transforms a century-old produce market into a vibrant creative district to create lasting community value.⁠ Image 4: Playa District transforms a corporate complex into a climate-responsive campus that reflects the openness of its coastal environment.⁠ Image 5: Sony Pictures Scenic Arts Building revitalizes an 85-year-old Hollywood landmark into a dynamic event space that celebrates its legacy of craftsmanship.⁠ ⁠ #worldarchitectureday #architecture #design #resillience #adaptivereuse #buildingrepositioning #masstimber #RIOS

RIOS is leading the landscape design of the new Los Angeles Sparks Training Facility in collaboration with Gensler and Transwestern — a $150 million investment that sets a new benchmark for women’s sports. Scheduled to open in 2027 in El Segundo, the 55,000-square-foot facility will deliver world-class performance resources, community engagement spaces, and the WNBA’s first-ever indoor-outdoor player sanctuary. This transformative project reinforces the Sparks’ role as a cornerstone of LA’s sports culture and reflects a holistic approach to wellness, community, and the future of professional sports in Los Angeles.