Chancellors House and Event Venue, Pittsburgh, PA
The Chancellor’s House and Event Venue, a historic landmark dating back to the late 1800s, serves both as the official residence of the University Chancellor and as a venue for university functions. Rios Williams Architects (RWA) lead the comprehensive renovation of all interior public and private spaces, as well as the modernization of the kitchen, catering room, public and private restrooms, and the Chancellor’s private living quarters. Rehabilitation efforts required careful design consideration and meticulous selection of materials while updating building systems and integrating contemporary amenities.

Hillcrest Christian Academy (HCA)
Rios Williams Architects (RWA) provided architectural services for HCA's 9,600 SF gymnasium and entry addition, a 13,500 SF classroom addition, and interior renovations to an existing 93-year-old Historic 32,000 SF school building. The upgrades made the multi-story building ADA compliant, with roughly 1,500 SF renovated for accessibility throughout the historic facility. The project required navigating a complex approval process due to code variances and multiple stakeholders. Because of limited fundraising-based funding, RWA included design alternates so additions could be incorporated as more funds became available.

Slippery Rock University
Rios Williams Architects conducted a feasibility study and space planning for the Slippery Rock University Student Union Building to assess its suitability as a centralized Student Success Building. The study evaluated existing conditions, accessibility, circulation, and programming needs to ensure the renovated facility would support both academic and personal development. Key recommendations included enhancing the building’s facade, creating flexible office spaces, improving the south terrace for social use,modernizing the health center, establishing a secure 24-hour study area, and adding a late-night food option. The resulting plan offers a clear strategy to transform the building into a versatile hub that supports student services and university growth

Peters Township Football - Quarterback Club Fieldhouse
Rios Williams Architects was engaged to conduct a conceptual study for a proposed Locker Room and Fieldhouse addition at the High School football stadium. The project scope comprised a locker room, weight room, restrooms and showers, coaches’ offices, and concessions.

UPITT Greensburg Campus’ Student Center Interior Renovations
Rios Williams Architects provided design services for the replacement of lockers and the enhancement of shower facilities. The design encompassed upgraded interior finishes throughout the Greensburg campus Student Center, including new terrazzo flooring, updated wall finishes in public corridors and the dining area, as well as the modernization of interior aesthetics. Additionally, the project incorporated ADA-compliant improvements to restrooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms within the facility.

UPITT Forbes Tower Lobby and 6th Floor Lab Renovations
Rios Williams Architects provided design services for the interior finish upgrades for the main entrance lobby as well as 4th, 5th, and 6th floor elevator lobbies. It included the design of decorative monitor enclosures, new branding wall artwork, and display units. Laboratory renovations involved developing three new Behavioral Research labs, each featuring a recording room and an audio booth. The project was delivered through the JOC procurement system

UPITT Johnstown Student Union Dining & Living Learning Center Renovations
Rios Williams Architects designed a comprehensive renovation for the UPITT Johnstown Student Union and Living Learning Center, with a focus on enhancing campus dining and social spaces. The scope of work included the design of four distinct food venues and a retail market venue, strategically incorporated throughout the Student Union and Living Learning Center to expand dining options and improve student convenience. In addition to introducing new food stations, the project encompassed interior renovations of key communal areas, such as the Activity Lounge Area, the Tuck Shop, and the Main Dining Hall. These updates aimed to modernize the campus environment, foster social interaction, and create vibrant gathering spaces for students and staff.

UPITT Air Structure Project Manager
Rios Williams Architects provided project management services for a 100,000-square-foot air-supported structure designed for an NCAA soccer field, replaced nearby natural turf fields with 130,000 square feet of synthetic turf, built a 1,675-square-foot maintenance building, and renovated an existing facility to create a 1,066-square-foot handicap-accessible restroom.

UPITT Learning, Research, and Development Inventory Documentation
Rios Williams Architects provided a comprehensive FF&E inventory and documentation for all furniture, fixtures, and equipment within an existing nine-story building. This initiative facilitated the efficient relocation of all departments and the subsequent demolition of the structure. The project ensured that all assets were thoroughly accounted for and appropriately integrated into the new configuration at an alternate site. Through these measures, RWA enabled a smooth transition of department operations to the new location, ensuring alignment with university requirements and standards.

UPITT Admissions & Financial Aid Space Programming and Feasibility Study
Rios Williams Architects (RWA) delivered comprehensive design services, focusing on optimizing departmental functions within Alumni Hall, a historic campus building. The project involved developing detailed personnel and space programs for each department, ensuring that operational requirements were met efficiently across five floor levels. A program feasibility study assessed the adaptability of these spaces to accommodate a new Welcome Center for prospective students and multiple training rooms, supporting campus engagement and student success. In addition to space planning, RWA provided a preliminary project estimate and developed a project schedule, ensuring clear timelines and budget alignment for future implementation. This work demonstrated RWA’s expertise in balancing historical preservation with modern functionality to serve the evolving needs of university stakeholders.