Steven Riojas is the Founder of Studio Riojas LLC (www.studioriojas.com), a strategic advisory and consulting practice based in Parker, Colorado, serving the Architecture and Building Engineering community. With more than four decades of experience in architectural design, urban planning, and global practice leadership, Steve is a recognized authority in translating vision into meaningful, complex environments—particularly in the academic, corporate, and government sectors.
Before launching Studio Riojas, Steve served as the Global Director of the Education & Science Practice and a Senior Vice President at HDR Architecture, Inc. In this role, he led the strategic and operational direction of a $120M+ annual net revenue practice, helping position HDR as an international leader in the design of science, technology and educational facilities. His collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to mission-driven work guided teams across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, ensuring global consistency while championing local innovation. Under his stewardship, the practice became widely known for creating transformative spaces where science, technology and education thrive in service of solving the world’s most pressing challenges—health, safety, food, water, and energy.
Steve’s journey began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and took root professionally in Detroit, progressing to Chicago, San Francisco, and Denver. Along the way, he earned both a Master’s in Architecture and a Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan, following a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. He is a registered architect whose reputation is built not only on creative design but on a keen understanding of business expansion strategies, leadership development, and long-range planning in highly technical markets.
After retiring from HDR in 2022, Steve quickly discovered that his passion for the built environment and his appetite for strategic problem-solving were far from dormant. In late 2024, he founded Studio Riojas to provide tailored guidance to firms seeking growth, innovation, and resilience in an ever-evolving industry. His goal is to help organizations of all sizes unlock their full potential through strategic consulting, thought partnership, and a deep understanding of what drives successful practices.
At his core, Steve is a connector—of people, ideas, and purpose. Whether leading global teams, mentoring emerging leaders, or advising executive clients, he brings clarity, warmth, and a sense of possibility to every interaction. With Studio Riojas, Steve continues to shape the future of architecture—not just through buildings, but through the businesses and professionals who design them.
Character
Steven Riojas exemplifies integrity, humility, and a deep-rooted passion for uplifting others, consistently demonstrating a commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and purposeful leadership throughout his 40-year career.
Knowledge
With dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning and decades of hands-on experience in designing and directing complex, high-performance environments, Steven brings unparalleled insight into the architecture and building engineering industry.
Strategic
Steven has a proven record of steering multimillion-dollar practices toward sustainable growth, leveraging long-range vision, global coordination, and business development expertise to elevate teams and organizations alike.
Communication
An engaging communicator and trusted advisor, Steven connects authentically with clients, colleagues, and global partners, translating complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies that inspire confidence and drive innovation.
Your business success will reflect our value.
“At STUDIO RIOJAS, we support the architecture and building engineering community. We provide advisory services that encourage a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction synonymous with successful practices. We promote business approaches that are forward thinking, anticipatory, enduring, and rewarding.”
