In this episode we talk with Mark Rios and Andy Lance of Rios, a multidisciplinary design firm, discussing their approach to various large-scale architectural and urban planning projects. They explore the playfulness and joy in their work, exemplified by the Prague Market, and emphasize the importance of understanding a project’s context, culture, and community. The conversation also delves into the firm's innovative projects like the 1901 Campus in Chicago and collaborations in urban design, entertainment spaces, and soundstage environments. Rios and Lance highlight their focus on creating spaces that give back to the community, foster creativity, and challenge conventional typologies. Additionally, they discuss the importance of collaboration, the role of landscape in urban design, and their nonprofit initiative, Rios Plus, aimed at supporting local communities in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Rios Architecture

Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer.