EP.18 / Robert Hale, FAIA on Sony Scenic Arts Building, Echelon Studios and the Future of Studios in LA
In this episode, I'm joined by Robert Hale FAIA, Partner at RIOS. We talk about his career and two of his latest studio projects – Echelon Studios in Hollywood and the Sony Pictures Scenic Arts Building in Culver City.
During our conversation, we discuss Robert's experience working with Frank Gehry, the future of LA's architectural and studio landscape, and what's next for the development of production studios.
Echelon Studios is a production hub combining soundstage production facilities, creative office space, and retail spaces all on a single 5-acre block in Hollywood. Robert explains how they balanced all the functional requirements of state of the art soundstages along with creative office, retail and rooftop production offices. We also discuss a very different studio project, The Sony Pictures Scenic Arts Building, a historic 85-year old building on the Sony Lot in Culver City which is the only known building for the creation of historic film backdrops that were featured in movies such as the Wizard of Oz and Sound of Music. Robert and his team at RIOS renovated it to be an events and office space giving it new life.
Robert also shares insights into his background in architecture and his experience working with Frank Gehry, and his later role as VP of Design and Planning at Universal Studios.
About Robert Hale, FAIA
Bob Hale, FAIA is Creative Director and Partner at RIOS. He joined the firm as a principal in 2001, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in designing, planning, and managing highly visible and critically acclaimed architecture. Bob's expertise extends to all facets of the design process, strategic project planning and programming, and overall project leadership and client relations. Over his distinguished career, he has fostered creative collaborations for corporate, entertainment, retail, cultural, commercial, and multi-family residential clients. He has extensive experience in urban planning, architectural, landscape, interior design, and master planning. Projects such the FOX Studio Lot, Echelon Studios, Television City, The Exchange, Downtown Commons, Columbia Square, Nokia Plaza at LA Live, and the NBC Universal Evolution Plan showcase Bob’s talent for solving complex planning problems and simultaneously harnessing the team’s talent for creating transformative places.
Prior to joining RIOS, he worked for Universal Studios as Creative Director and as Vice President of Design and Planning. Before joining Universal Studios, he worked for Frank 0. Gehry Associates, where as a Principal, he oversaw award-winning projects like the Temporary Contemporary for MOCA, Loyola Law School, The Vitra Design Museum, The American Center in Paris, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
Bob received his Bachelor of Architecture from Tulane University and his Master of Architecture from UCLA. He is a past president of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He has taught at UCLA, USC, UNLV, and Tulane.
Topics Covered
What it was like to work with Frank Gehry in the 80's.
Robert’s pivot from Frank Gehry to working for Universal Studios
How his diverse professional background and key relationships have impacted Robert’s career trajectory
Why Robert started at RIOS and the influence LA has on the firm
Robert’s expertise in movie studio design
The original vision for Echelon Studios
The unique social atmosphere and functional requirements of a Hollywood studio lot
The retail presence on the Echelon lot
Robert’s perspective on vertical studio development in urban areas
Why the Sony Pictures Scenic Arts Building was such a unique project for his firm
Rios’ international expansion
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