Native Angeleno Mark Rios, FAIA, FASLA, is the co-founder and creative director of Los Angeles-based Rios Clementi Hale Studios, a multidisciplinary firm that came together in 2003. After earning his Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Rios formed Rios Associates in 1985, which quickly grew beyond the confines of simply architecture and landscape architecture by integrating interior design, urban planning, product design, graphic design, and branding. Since the 2003 merger, Rios Clementi Hale Studios continues to expand, which landed them in a new 30,000 sq. ft headquarters just under two years ago. This month’s Where I Work lands us in South Los Angeles’ Crenshaw district to check out this relatively new space and to learn more about Rios’ style of work. What is your typical work style"
It?s unfortunately highly scheduled and programmed. I love being in the office at 7 in the morning when no one is here ? I do more creative thinking in that first hour or on the weekend than I do the entire work day. Traffic is also a pretty good thing for me ? I?m really productive in traffic.

What’s your studio/work environment like"
Messy ? there?s a lot going on, but it?s an organized mess. You?ll find various materials, colors, images, sources of ideas, and inspiration at every glance.

How is your space organized/arranged"
The space is completely open ? and my de...