How Our Story Became One

JOURNAL ENTRY 1 - JANUARY 2026

Sometimes the right opportunities arrive quietly – two firms, each with their own strengths, experiences, and perspectives, suddenly placed side by side. What begins as a simple collaboration slowly grows into something far more meaningful.

Over twenty years ago, two small firms were introduced for a hotel project in Truckee, CA, at the gateway to Lake Tahoe. The challenge was simple yet profound: create something new that honored the natural beauty of the region while meeting the Brand’s Standards and requirements. Bob’s architectural practice was already deeply rooted in the region, while Lisa’s young design firm was just beginning to take shape. But from the very first conversations, a friendship formed—grounded in a shared love for story‑driven design.

That early partnership sparked a journey that would weave through decades. Project after project, Bob, Bhavini, and Lisa found themselves returning to one another, drawn by a collective energy that embraced bold ideas, creative risk‑taking, and a belief that design could always reach further. The results spoke for themselves—effortless collaboration, seamless synergy, and award‑winning work shaped by trust and imagination. 

Life took each of us down different paths at times, but the friendship never faded. The “what if” conversations lingered in the background, waiting for the right moment. And as the chapters of our careers unfolded, we began to see how each milestone—every challenge, every success—was preparing us for something bigger. 

Today, as we look back and look ahead, we recognize that those chapters brought us here: to Studio RYS. A place where our shared passion for design, our complementary strengths, and our commitment to storytelling finally come together under one vision. 

Our process begins the same way it always has—with listening. We start by understanding our clients’ needs, aspirations, and challenges. From there, our studio collaborates with intention, balancing creativity with practicality, artistry with deadlines, vision with well-reasoned choices. We push boundaries, explore possibilities, and search for the perfect harmony that transforms a project into something extraordinary. 

Decades of trust, respect, and aligned work ethics have created a rare synergy between us—and now, we’re honored to bring that energy to you. 

This is the beginning of a new chapter, and we’re excited to write the pages together.