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 invent designs that amplify experiences."

In early 2020, Julie Smith-Clementi and Frank Clementi announced they were leaving RCH Studios in order to found their own architecture and urban design practice, Smith-Clementi.