Archinect - News

Rios Clementi Hale Studios is now RIOS

2020-06-09T16:23:00-04:00

Los Angeles-based architecture, urbanism, and landscape design practice Rios Clementi Hale Studios (RCH Studios) has changed its name to RIOS following the recent departure of two of its namesake principals.

In a statement on the RIOS website, firm Creative Directors Mark Rios, Bob Hale, Mark Motonaga, Jessamyn Davis, Andy Lantz, and Sebastian Salvado explain their thinking behind the change: are "While our name has changed, the elements that define who we are — the people and the values — stay the same," adding, "For years, many have referred to us as RIOS for short, despite our longer name. This familiar name reflects a spirit of values and creates an identity that will carry us into the future."

The firm leaders continue: "RIOS establishes us as a collective that is inclusive, optimistic, and multidisciplinary — all qualities that have shaped us since the firm was founded in 1985. Our name is more encompassing of the brilliance of everyone as we work to reveal, explore, and inv...

Are architecture firms ready for Gen Z?

2019-08-22T09:38:00-04:00

There's no denying it, the workforce is changing and after the impact Millennials made over the years a new demographic cohort is quickly replacing this group. Generation Z or "Gen Z" as many have grown to call them are a generation who have been surrounded by technology since birth.

With high levels of digital literacy their ability to adapt to this every evolving technological world is exciting. The young people of today are filled with ideas and collaborative efforts that will create distinct societal shifts. However, can their work ethic stack up to the demands of the architecture profession? Perhaps their levels of digital and emotional aptitude can help the profession exceed past its aging nuances?

Gen Z, with their technical savvy and tendency toward collaboration and individual expression, may be the best fit yet for the profession"

In a recent article written by Michele Russo for AIA Architect, she highlights this new group's impact in the workplace. Russo elaborates their ...

Architecture apprenticeship model launching next month between UK schools and firms

2018-08-23T14:58:00-04:00

The first group of architectural apprentices will start at leading practices such as AHMM, Hawkins\Brown and PRP next month as a major new sector initiative gets underway. Practices AtelierWest, GPA (Get Planning and Architecture), Ingleton Wood, and To-Do Design are also pioneering two types of apprenticeships as a route into the profession in collaboration with London South Bank University.

Following the architecture apprenticeship initiative led by Foster + Partners, the first group entering the ‘earn while you learn’ program will begin next month in the UK. This approach will offer both professional experience and tuition-free academic training, while also providing a salary to apprentices.

Charles Egbu, dean of London Southbank’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment stated, "These apprenticeship courses will provide an alternative, more cost-effective route to ARB registration, while diversifying the profession and strengthening ties between the architectural industry and academia."

London Southbank’s School of Architecture will be the only one to offer Level 6 apprenticeship. Participating schools also include De Montford, Northumbria, Oxford Brookes, and Portsmouth offering Level 7 qualification.

Firms with wage bills of more than $3.8 million a year have been charged 0.5% of their total wage bill to fund these new apprenticeships. Smaller firms outsi...

AIAS selects students to participate in CRIT Scholar fellowship program

2018-01-17T15:21:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) announced the students selected to participate in this year's CRIT Scholar fellowship program. The fellowship program is supported by the AIA and in partnership with several prominent architecture firms. Recipients receive a $1,000 grant for their research project and are matched with a mentor involved in conducting research at an architectural firm.

The students selected to participate are as follows:

Megha Dubey, University of Cincinnati
Sinan Goral, Carnegie Mellon University
Kristen Hoover, Morgan State University
Chelsey Luiz, University of Oregon
Kevin Park, University of Texas at Arlington
Samantha Pires, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Evan Wermers, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The program aims to support student research and provide a practical perspective through mentor guidance. Each student's final project will be presented at next year's CRIT Live Research Symposia.