RSO is built on the principle that Architecture is a tool for improving the lives of people, that design when applied with purpose and integrity can measurably improve the human condition, enhance the cultural and natural environment, and create sustainable economic value.
In an ever increasingly commodity driven world, we believe it is an imperative that our practice focus on celebrating the uniqueness of each community and original solutions that foster creativity, productivity, and the well-being of those we serve.
Based in Bellevue WA, USA, and with a branch office in Braga, Portugal, the practice combines American and European design expertise, leveraging international innovations and best practices balanced with a sensitivity and commitment to adapt to local conditions.
Our approach to design is based on two principals:
First, challenge preconceptions to define the essence of the purpose and the greater need second, engage a diverse, passionate team of experts along with our clients to design unique solutions that create measurable, long-term benefits.
Our process to engage our clients is embodied in the notion that finding solutions is a journey of discovery, where the narrative is formed by an intense exploration of ideas both obvious and at times contrarian, to both uncover what the deeper intrinsic needs are and to test diverse solutions that create unique solutions. These solutions are part of a greater narrative that are more than the sum of the parts, in essence our solutions form a unique story that creates a place, identity, purpose and a sense of community.
Founded in 1999 and re-formed in 2018, RSO is built on the principal that Architecture is a tool for improving the lives of people, that design when applied with purpose and integrity can measurably improve the human condition, enhance the cultural and natural environment and create sustainable economic value. In an increasingly commoditized world, we believe it’s imperative that our practice focus on celebrating the uniqueness of each community and the individuality of solutions that foster creativity, productivity and wellbeing of those we serve.
As a global practice RSO combines American and European design expertise, leveraging international innovations and best practices balanced with a sensitivity and commitment to adapt to local conditions.
The roots of RSO are founded in the design and development of healthcare, education and research projects which are invaluable elements for the wellbeing and positive evolution of our communities.
Health, Science and Education
The roots of RSO are founded in the design and development of healthcare, education and research projects which are invaluable elements for the wellbeing and positive evolution of our communities. It is our belief that design when applied rigorously can measurably affect the wellbeing and performance of its users, which is especially important in these institutional building types where the health, safety and welfare of its users is the measure of success
Academic Medical Centers
With a global shortage of qualified healthcare providers, the challenge of Medical Teaching institutions is critical in not only meeting the growing demand for more practitioners, but to train talented doctors, nurses and medical technicians that can adapt to ever evolving technologies and changes to how healthcare is administered and managed. The Academic Medical Center is where learning, health and research intersect in a “Translational” setting which require facilities that allow for a seamless, non-intrusive integration of learning and research into the various settings of care..
Creative Learning Environments
Through research conducted with the Stanford Learning Lab, we have focused our academic designs on the principle that “more than half of learning happens outside the classroom”. This translates to designs that give equal consideration to the design of social spaces that encourage informal social interaction and the mixing of different disciplines and stakeholders in the campus community which in turn spark creativity through the sharing of diverse knowledge and viewpoints. Ultimately Creativity is the currency of the future.
Cultural development
values vernacular traditions and local identity, ensuring that design and progress honor regional heritage and community practices. By preserving local languages, crafts, and architecture, and integrating them into modern contexts, sustainable development strengthens cultural roots, fosters belonging, and supports resilient, culturally rich communities.
Financial efficiency
using resources wisely to achieve long-term economic stability without compromising environmental or social goals. It involves investing in durable, energy-efficient solutions, reducing waste, and optimizing processes. Sustainable financial strategies support resilience, responsible growth, and value creation that benefits both organizations and broader society over time.
RSO has a purpose to prioritize long-term value through sustainable design, aesthetics and ethics, ensuring that beauty and function support the planet, communities, and future generations through thoughtful innovation.
Social responsibility
prioritizing people’s well-being, equity, and justice in decision-making. It involves fair labor practices, community engagement, and supporting vulnerable populations. Sustainable actions must benefit not only the environment and economy but also ensure that all individuals and communities thrive, now and for future generations.
Healing Environments
RSO believes that it is the responsibility of the architect to provide a supportive environment where the partnerships between caregivers, patient and families can be forged. To that end, we approach healing design with people at the center which is universal in all communities and cultures. Whether our designs allow users to have a connection with nature, or integration to a community of care, our solutions are forever mindful that these spaces have a direct impact on the staff and patients’ health and that the humanistic aspects of design are equallyimportant to the functional, scientific nature of advanced medical care.
Environmental impact
minimizing harm to natural ecosystems through conscious choices. This includes reducing pollution, conserving resources, protecting biodiversity, and lowering carbon emissions. Sustainable practices aim to create systems that regenerate rather than deplete, ensuring a healthy planet.
Lifecycle thinking
considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a product or process from creation to disposal. It encourages responsible design, material selection, and waste management. By evaluating each stage of production, use, and end-of-life / lifecycle thinking helps minimize harm, optimize resource use, and support systems that are efficient, circular, and regenerative.
Technology
Through extensive work and collaboration with leading science and technology clients both in academic and private institutions, RSO believes that creativity and innovation is nurtured in highly interactive open workplace environments that encourage the mixing a diverse range of experts in informal settings. In this manner RSO designs workplace environments to be places of dialogue, risk taking, experimentation, and growth. To best incubate a dynamic and creative workplace, RSO designs workplaces that are highly flexible permitting multiple teaming arrange-ments and the potential for rapid evolution that is both spontaneous and organic from individual offices to an overall campus.