Careers at RIOS
We’re always interested in meeting creative individuals at all levels of experience and perspectives.
As we hire in the virtual workplace, we are creating an opportunity for every person interested in making meaningful change through design and transformative projects to share their story. Whether you are interested in one of our open positions or a future opportunity, we are interested in your point of view.
Accepting Applications
To apply, click the ‘Apply for a position’ link to upload your résumé and low-resolution PDF or JPEG sample portfolio, six pages maximum (links or zip files will not be reviewed). No telephone calls, please. Due to the high volume of résumés we receive, we are only able to respond to applicants we are interested in interviewing.
Step inside the studio to see what it’s like to work at RIOS.
Architecture
Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Salary: $59,238 to $72,000 per year
With preliminary direction from a licensed architect, assist in all design phases of private residential design, multistory mixed-use housing, resort, corporate/commercial, retail, and interior design including new construction, renovation, tenant improvement, streetscapes, and site planning; actively participate in project design briefs and concept statements via project kick-offs and huddles; maintain project objectives, milestones, and deliverables throughout the life of the project; provide research, planning, and design solutions, apply knowledge of design, construction procedures, ADA, Los Angeles city and CA codes, zoning and building codes compliance, and building materials; develop site analysis studies requiring site photography, code research, diagrams, site plans, site sections, 3D digital massing, and physical site modeling; research domestic and international building codes and regulations, collect data, and write reports and presentations to incorporate research and data into architectural designs; translate clients’ functional and spatial requirements for structures into feasible design solutions, incorporating LEED sustainable design principles and preparing LEED documentation; build physical models using digital fabrication software,3D printing, laser cutter for design development and presentations; prepare sketches, working drawings, and architectural detail specifications for concept design presentations and presentation packages using 2D/3D CAD, building information modeling (BIM) software, and specialized design and drawing production tools and advanced modeling tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino3D, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to develop 2D/3D models throughout entire design process and model complex geometry forms and general building and interior models; use advanced task automation techniques (scripting with Grasshopper) to analyze 3D data to incorporate generative solutions into architectural design process; collaborate on concept alternatives, studies and development requiring 3D digital massing, floor plans, space plans, building elevations, sections, and perspectives; prepare architectural visualization imagery utilizing advanced rendering and animation techniques using Enscape, Lumion, and V-Ray for design iteration; participate in weekly meetings with clients, consultants, contractors, and public agencies on a given project and coordinate for client and agency review and approval; develop and produce construction documentation, including documenting architectural plans, elevations, and details in imperial or metric standards; recommend materials to be used and assist in estimating quantities required; coordinate with civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection (MEP/FP), lighting, landscape, acoustic, security, curtain wall, façade maintenance, vertical transportation, and structural consultants to incorporate engineering systems into unified design; perform necessary modifications of drawings and specifications as construction projects progress and changes in dimensions, materials, and other aspects of design arise from client, agency, or public input; apply architectural principles to review all related shop drawings, contact manufacturer, request materials samples, mockups, and cut sheets on materials & equipment; respond to requests for information (RFI’s), and review and respond to contractor change orders; assist in identifying weekly project requirements and projecting long term needs; conduct construction administration via site visits and issue field observation reports; observe structural construction for architectural coordination, HVAC system layout and installation, installation of lighting fixtures, and installation of electrical equipment; conduct site visits, final inspections and prepare punch lists and record drawings; review and prepare certificates of substantial completion, occupancy, and final completion; ensure all vital information and documentation are recorded and maintained.
Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Salary: $59,238 to $72,000 per year
Bachelor of Architecture (5 year) or foreign equivalent plus 1 year of experience to include assisting in pre-design/planning of private residential projects; setting up meetings with client representatives for presentations, developing programmed space spreadsheets, narrative summaries, adjacency diagrams, graphic content, and preparing final Developed Project Program document; researching and developing graphic content and presentations; gathering information on past projects, content development, quick turnaround concept development, 3D digital modeling, along with presentation and proposal design and formatting; producing initial design documentation and presentations to help kick start the project and gather information from the client with the use of rendered design drawings, using free hand sketching, SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other Architectural 2D/3D software to communicate architectural design concepts; collaborating on concept alternatives, studies, and development requiring 3D digital massing, floor plans, space plans, building elevations, sections, and perspectives; participating in meetings with clients, consultants, contractors, and on a given project and coordinating for client and agency review and approval; coordinating and gathering data on provided site survey of existing conditions and taking as built measurements; producing site analysis studies with site photography, code research, base drawings, and diagrams; preparing client and public presentations, meetings by using 2D/3D CAD, building information modeling programs including AutoCAD, and Sketchup, analysis and computer skills to develop 3D building computer models and images, and presentation images; translating clients’ functional and spatial requirements for structures into feasible design solutions, incorporating custom detailing, structural engineering principles, and building systems into architectural designs; coordinating conceptual design drawings with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, structural, lighting, graphics, interiors, and landscape consultants to incorporate building systems into architectural designs to produce construction documentation and secure client and regulatory approval; making corrections as indicated by Project Architect and Design Director to in-progress sets of design development and construction documents; analyzing sketches, photographs, notes, and other input material to determine the best approaches for completion of drawings to solve technical issues of design in relation to sites, buildings, and client needs; designing exterior envelope as well as interior finishing requiring enlarged plans, elevations, sections, details, and axonometric drawings; interpreting design intent and preparing design presentations to clearly communicate architectural design concepts, including freehand sketches; participating in research and selection of building materials and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment) components required for construction; facilitating team internal and external project communications for drawings, specifications, and material selections; managing project data and transmission and all electronic communications using project information management software; producing design documents, presentations, and construction documents including sketches, working drawings, and architectural detail specifications using 2D/3D CAD SketchUp, PhotoShop, Illustrator, and InDesign; applying own judgment, analysis, and computer skills to develop 3D building computer models and images, and presentation images; developing and producing construction documentation, including documenting architectural plans, elevations, and details in imperial standards; preparing construction documents and working drawings and architectural detail specifications including schematic designs, floor plans, elevations, details, sections, foundations, interiors, exteriors, program testing, and all other architecturally related details of projects using AutoCAD; coordinating with mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and structural consultants to incorporate engineering systems.
Project Designer (Multiple Locations)
We are seeking an architectural designer to assist and develop appropriate design solutions on multiple projects. Interested applicants must have a strong design aesthetic and be able to implement a project’s design vision from concept through completion via critical design thinking, iteration, inclusive communication, and active, creative problem solving. A minimum of 5-8+ years of professional experience.
Senior Project Designer (Multiple Locations)
We are seeking a Senior Architectural Designer to lead the execution of multiple projects from concept through completion via design leadership, strong communication and active independent and collaborative engagement. Interested applicants must have a top- tier design aesthetic and the ability to effectively mentor and guide project teams.
Senior Project Designer/Director - Residential (Los Angeles, CA)
We are seeking a Senior Project Designer/Director to lead the execution of multiple projects from concept through completion via design leadership, strong communication and active independent and collaborative engagement. Interested applicants must have a top- tier design aesthetic and the ability to effectively mentor and guide project teams. A minimum of 8+ years of professional experience.
Landscape Architecture
Landscape Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Salary: $72,030 to $90,000 per year
Job Description: With preliminary direction from a licensed landscape architect, participate in pre-design and all design phases of domestic and international large scale mixed-use, post-industrial revitalization, residential community landscaping, transportation system, brownfield remediation, university campus masterplan, waterfront parks, mitigation planting design, streetscape design, commercial, education, and retail projects, including new construction, renovation, parking, site analysis, and program diagramming; research and comply with domestic and international building codes and regulations; participate in precedent studies research and incorporate into landscape architectural designs; develop site analysis studies requiring site photography, code research, base drawings, and diagrams; develop site design alternative studies requiring site plans, site sections, and 3D digital massing; analyze sketches, photographs, notes, and other input materials to determine the best approaches for completion of drawings to solve technical issues of design in relation to sites, buildings, and client needs; assist with the preparation of client and public presentations, workshops, meetings, interviews, proposals, and project marketing materials using 2D/3D CAD and building information modeling programs, including Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Grasshopper, Maxwell, and SketchUp, and analysis and computer skills to develop 3D building computer models and images, and presentation images; conduct material and product research for landscape; provide ongoing development and support for all sustainable design platforms and work closely with design and delivery leadership to guide the transition from traditional sustainable design process and standalone environmental analysis practices into integrated design and analysis processes in collaborative work environments; make corrections as indicated by the design leads to progress sets of design development and construction documents; manage projects and coordinate with clients and consultants, effectively communicate and exchange messages and information to project teams; assign responsibilities and tasks reasonably and utilize talents to maximize resources for successful project delivery; research and analyze projects including cultural, historical, and geographical contexts, studying precedents to develop the best solutions; conduct basic surveys during on-site research, identify site characteristics, potential opportunities, and problems; develop creative concepts and contribute to the overall success of project teams; utilize hand-sketching and drawing for quick concepts; initiate, create, and develop designs and contribute to all phases of projects from schematic to construction; exercise judgment in developing design iterations through an efficient design process; serve as a resource and mentor designers for project execution, professional practice, and office standards; coordinate and prepare design presentations while serving as a mentor for project delivery standards and maintaining project design vision; master production, design, and rendering tools including Illustrator and Photoshop for 2D plans and diagrams, Rhino, Sketchup, Enscape, and Lumion for 3D visualization, and Indesign for board layouts, etc.; develop documents for all design phases, and schematic design through construction documents, including documenting landscape architectural plans, sections, and details in imperial or metric standards for jurisdictional agency corrections using 2D/3D modeling software tools; utilize a comprehensive BIM workflow throughout project delivery; assist in identifying weekly project requirements and projecting long term needs; lead Social Impact Initiatives in the office and develop community engagement efforts.
Job Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture or foreign equivalent plus 3 years of experience to include participating in pre-design and all design phases of domestic large scale mixed-use, post-industrial revitalization, residential community landscaping, mitigation planting design, streetscape design, commercial, education, and retail projects, including new construction, renovation, parking, site analysis, and program diagramming; researching and complying with domestic building codes and regulations; participating in precedent studies research and incorporating into landscape architectural designs; developing site analysis studies requiring site photography, code research, base drawings, and diagrams; developing site design alternative studies requiring site plans, site sections, and 3D digital massing; analyzing sketches, photographs, notes, and other input materials to determine the best approaches for completion of drawings to solve technical issues of design in relation to sites, buildings, and client needs; assisting with the preparation of client and public presentations, workshops, meetings, interviews, proposals, and project marketing materials using 2D/3D CAD and building information modeling programs, including Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, and SketchUp, and analysis and computer skills to develop 3D building computer models and images, and presentation images; conducting material and product research for landscape; providing ongoing development and support for all sustainable design platforms and work closely with design and delivery leadership to guide the transition from traditional sustainable design process and standalone environmental analysis practices into integrated design and analysis processes in collaborative work environments; making corrections as indicated by the design leads to progress sets of design development and construction documents; coordinating with clients and consultants, effectively communicating and exchanging messages and information to project teams; researching and analyzing projects including cultural, historical, and geographical contexts, studying precedents to develop the best solutions; conducting basic surveys during on-site research, identify site characteristics, potential opportunities, and problems; developing creative concepts and contributing to the overall success of project teams; utilizing hand-sketching and drawing for quick concepts; initiating, creating, and developing designs and contributing to all phases of projects from schematic to construction; exercising judgment in developing design iterations through an efficient design process; mastering production, design, and rendering tools including Illustrator and Photoshop for 2D plans and diagrams, Rhino, Sketchup for 3D visualization, and Indesign for board layouts, etc.; developing documents for all design phases, and schematic design through construction documents, including documenting landscape architectural plans, sections, and details in imperial or metric standards for jurisdictional agency corrections using 2D/3D modeling software tools.
Landscape Architect (Los Angeles, CA)
Salary: $120,619 per year
Job Description: Participate in pre-design and all design phases of large scale mixed-use, post-industrial revitalization, residential community landscaping, transportation system, brownfield remediation, university campus masterplan, waterfront parks, mitigation planting design, streetscape design, commercial, education, and retail projects, including new construction, renovation, parking, site analysis, and program diagramming; meet with client representatives for presentations and workshops, analysis of goals and needs, and develop programmed space spreadsheets, narrative summaries, adjacency diagrams, and graphic content; lead and participate in all phases of design projects, requiring expedited concept development and document production, schematic design, design development, and construction document production; facilitate visioning and goal setting session, develop an understanding of the perceptions and aspirations of the client, stakeholders, and the broader community; establish task schedule and manpower requirements consistent with the project agreement; identify weekly project requirements and projecting long term needs; manage project consultant agreements and project budgets; manage project coordination between internal teams including mentoring designers and supporting an atmosphere of inclusivity and collaboration; work with internal teams to ensure services are consistent with professional standards; lead and prepare client and public presentations, workshops and meetings, interviews, proposals, and project marketing materials; mentor and guide lower-level designers on professional landscape architectural design process; participate in incorporating research & development into all landscape architectural designs phases, including researching and complying with domestic and international building codes and regulations, and researching and conducting studies on construction material, ecology, social programming, and other subjects related to the projects; research and comply with all local landscape codes including Stormwater management requirements, WUCOLS, and local plant species; research and apply environmental study related to urban ecology and urban habitat development to maximize the environmental benefit for the urban environment, research and apply urban planning theory on transportation analysis and neighborhood development; research and apply historical and cultural information to analyze the site context using software such as ArcGIS; provide support on documentation preparation for all design phases from schematic design, design development construction documentation to construction administration by using graphic editor such as Adobe suite and preparing analysis drawings, Illustrative conceptual and schematic design drawings, conceptual diagrams and plans, access and circulation plans, land use plans, grading plans, planting plans, drainage plans, and open space plans; use 3D modeling software such as Rhino, 3D Max, Grasshopper to study and illustrate site condition and approach different design solution, use 3D rendering software such as Lumion and V-ray to present and study the material plate and environmental context; use AutoCAD and Revit and develop documents for all design phases, schematic design through construction documents, including documenting landscape architectural plans, sections, and details in imperial or metric standards for jurisdictional agency corrections; work on BIM organization for all documents, especially Revit for landscape architectural design and documentation; coordinate with external consultants including architecture, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, structural, lighting, graphics, and interior consultants, to incorporate building systems into architectural designs to produce construction documentation and secure client and regulatory approval; propose sustainable design solution using data collected internally and externally to optimize the overall design performance; lead the implementation of firm-wide strategies and collaborate with design teams to ensure sustainable design success, provide support and guidance firm-wide, and focus on the seamless rollout of sustainable design implementation in office design projects including urban design, transportation, retail, and international multistory and high-rise buildings; conduct transition from traditional sustainable design process and standalone environmental analysis practices into integrated design and analysis processes in collaborative work environments; conduct multi scale energy and renovation strategies for urban landscape design; respond to general contractor’s requests for information (RFI’s), submittals, and change order requests; apply landscape architectural principles to review all related shop drawings, samples, mockups, and cut sheets on materials & equipment; organize, file, and distribute documents utilizing Newforma software; conduct site visits, field observations, and meetings to review the progress of construction; conduct final inspections and prepare punch lists and record drawings.
Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or foreign equivalent, CA Landscape Architect License, plus 5 years of experience (or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or foreign equivalent, CA Landscape Architect License, plus 3 years of experience) to include participating in pre-design and all design phases of large scale mixed-use, post-industrial revitalization, residential community landscaping, transportation system, brownfield remediation, university campus masterplan, waterfront parks, mitigation planting design, streetscape design, commercial, education, and retail projects, including new construction, renovation, parking, site analysis, and program diagramming; meeting with client representatives for presentations and workshops, narrative summaries, adjacency diagrams, and graphic content; leading and participating in all phases of design projects, requiring expedited concept development and document production, schematic design, design development, and construction document production; developing an understanding of the perceptions and aspirations of the client, stakeholders, and the broader community; establishing task schedule and manpower requirements consistent with the project agreement; identifying weekly project requirements and projecting long term needs; managing project coordination between internal teams including mentoring designers and supporting an atmosphere of inclusivity and collaboration; working with internal teams to ensure services are consistent with professional standards; leading and preparing client and public presentations, workshops and meetings, interviews, proposals, and project marketing materials; mentoring and guiding lower-level designers on professional landscape architectural design process; participating in incorporating research & development into all landscape architectural designs phases, including researching and complying with domestic and international building codes and regulations, and researching and conducting studies on construction material, ecology, social programming, and other subjects related to the projects; researching and complying with all local landscape codes including Stormwater management requirements, WUCOLS, and local plant species; researching and applying environmental study related to urban ecology and urban habitat development to maximize the environmental benefit for the urban environment, research and apply urban planning theory on transportation analysis and neighborhood development; researching and applying historical and cultural information to analyze the site context; providing support on documentation preparation for all design phases from schematic design, design development construction documentation to construction administration by using graphic editor such as Adobe suite and preparing analysis drawings, Illustrative conceptual and schematic design drawings, conceptual diagrams and plans, access and circulation plans, land use plans, grading plans, planting plans, drainage plans, and open space plans; using 3D modeling software such as Rhino, 3D Max, Grasshopper to study and illustrate site condition and approach different design solution, using 3D rendering software such as Lumion and V-ray to present and study the material plate and environmental context; using AutoCAD and develop documents for all design phases, schematic design through construction documents, including documenting landscape architectural plans, sections, and details in imperial or metric standards for jurisdictional agency corrections; coordinating with external consultants including architecture, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, structural, lighting, graphics, and interior consultants, to incorporate building systems into architectural designs to produce construction documentation and secure client and regulatory approval; proposing sustainable design solution using data collected internally and externally to optimize the overall design performance; conducting transition from traditional sustainable design process and standalone environmental analysis practices into integrated design and analysis processes in collaborative work environments; responding to general contractor’s requests for information (RFI’s), submittals, and change order requests; applying landscape architectural principles to review all related shop drawings, samples, mockups, and cut sheets on materials & equipment; organizing, filing, and distributing documents; conducting site visits, field observations, and meetings to review the progress of construction.
Senior Landscape Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Senior Landscape Designer: $85,779
With preliminary direction from a licensed landscape architect, participate in pre-design and all design phases of large scale mixed-use, post-industrial revitalization, residential community landscaping, transportation system, brownfield remediation, university campus masterplan, waterfront parks, mitigation planting design, streetscape design, commercial, education, and retail projects, including new construction, renovation, parking, site analysis, and program diagramming; meet with client/client representative community for presentations, take in initial ideas, and clearly clarify their goals as needs, as well as produce programming diagrams and provide precedents; participate in site research including pre-design site visit, site context analysis consists of regional mapping, traffic analysis, cultural and historical research as well as geological and watershed diagramming; develop site design alternative studies with project manager as well as collaborating with junior designers, including hand sketches, site plans, site sections, conceptual 3D model massing studies, and key shot collages/renderings; use judgment to determine effective presentation products using 3D modeling and renderings and using Adobe Suite products for Photoshop montage, illustrator diagrams, InDesign presentation board set-up, Rhinoceros and Revit for 3D modeling, Lumion and Enscape for view renderings; work on BIM organization for all documents, especially Revit for landscape architectural design and documentation; prepare client/public/coordination presentations and meetings, using 2D/3D CAD and building information modeling programs, including Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Grasshopper, and analysis and computer skills to develop 3D building computer models and images, and present project design progress and coordinate with different parties; develop documents for all design phases, including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and construction documents; research and comply with domestic building codes and regulations, including ADA requirements and handrailing/guard railing codes; conduct material and product research for project, coordinate with vendors and fabricators for material sample board and fabricating constructability, and prepare material boards for internal and external review; develop planting palettes based on corresponding landscape design proposals and doing research for complying with local landscape codes including WUCOLS and local plant species; attend coordination meetings, and coordinate drawings with architecture, civil, structural, lighting, and arborists to produce related drawing sets and documentation and secure client and regulatory approval; make corrections as indicated by Design Director and QAQC group to in-progress sets of design development and construction documents; assist in establishing and monitoring task schedule and manpower requirements consistent with the project agreement; assist in identifying weekly project requirements and projecting long term needs as well as managing project consultant agreements and project budgets; foster and encourage a positive work environment amongst peers, mentoring interns and junior level designers for both projects as well as better adapting office culture; process general contractor’s requests for information (RFI’s), submittals, and change order requests and Conduct site visits, field observation, and meetings to review the progress of construction, apply landscape architectural principles to review all related shop drawings, samples, mock ups, and cut sheets on materials & equipment and conduct final inspections and prepare punch lists and record drawings.
Senior Project Designer – Landscape (Multiple Locations)
We have an immediate opening for a senior level landscape design professional to lead the execution of multiple projects from concept through completion via design leadership, strong communication and active independent and collaborative engagement. 8-10+ years of landscape architectural design experience through all phases of design and documentation.
Interior Architecture
Project Designer – Interior Residential
We are accepting applications for an Intermediate Interior Residential Designer that is committed to the creation and development of outstanding design from concept through execution.
Senior Project Designer – Interior Architecture
RIOS has an immediate opening for Senior Project Designer/Architect that is committed to the creation, development and mentorship of outstanding design excellence from concept through execution, with particular expertise in interior architecture. Minimum 10 years of professional interior architecture / design experience.