Thoughtful design creates space for awareness, advocacy, and a sense of belonging.
At RCDF Studio, we believe that architecture should respond to its context without replicating it. Our practice is built on the principle that the world informs design, and in turn, design enhances the world. We counter traditional archetypes by treating every project as a unique intersection of culture, functionality, and site-specific history.
We lead every engagement from concept to completion with a rigorous, hands-on approach. This ensures that the original design logic remains intact through every phase of development, resulting in spaces that are not only environmentally synthesized but also deeply personal to the inhabitant. Our goal is simple: to create built environments that elevate the daily experience and honor the untold stories of the communities they serve.
Rogerio Carvalheiro
Principal & Founder
With a career spanning over three decades, Carvalheiro brings a rare dual perspective to the built environment. Holding a Master of Architecture from UCLA and possessing a deep background in high-stakes design and management, he balances technical precision with a profound commitment to civic leadership.
Prior to founding RCDF Studio, Carvalheiro refined his craft within widely respected, visionary practices, including key collaborations with Philippe Starck for SBE, as well as pivotal roles as a Senior Project Manager for The J. Paul Getty Trust and Senior Design Director for Catellus Development Corporation. This unique professional history—spanning historic restoration, large-scale hospitality, and the design of iconic commercial landmarks—allows him to move seamlessly between the conceptual and the technical.
His work is characterized by a deep respect for context, whether he is designing a bespoke residence for a client in New Zealand or reimagining culturally significant sites on the Sunset Strip. Today, Carvalheiro remains at the forefront of the design community. In addition to his private practice, he serves as the Vice President of the Los Angeles County Arts and Culture Commission, a Planning Commissioner for the City of West Hollywood, and a Board Member for the ONE Institute. As an educator at UCLA Extension and Cal Poly Pomona, he continues to shape the next generation of design professionals, ensuring that the future of urban space is as inclusive as it is innovative.
The Getty Villa — As Senior Project Manager in charge of the renovation of the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa, Rogerio provided direction in all matters pertaining to its reconstruction to become the permanent home for the Getty’s Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities collections. In close collaboration with the Getty’s Antiquities Department and the design architects, Machado and Silvetti, he supervised and reviewed development of design and construction plans for compliance with standards, programming criteria, and overall design integrity. Also included as part of his scope were the restoration of all exterior murals, and the construction and planting of the Villa Gardens.
In addition, he managed the development of the Villa’s Exhibition Furniture program. Responsibilities included negotiation and management of an overseas contract, and supervision of production.
SLS Hotel Beverly Hills — As Senior Design Manager for SBE, Rogerio Carvalheiro was in charge of the re-development of the Sahara Hotel and Casino (US$1.2B) and was the principal liaison between SBE and Starck Enterprises. While working closely with the team from Starck Enterprise, he supervised, managed, and developed all directives provided by Phillipe Starck with his independent team.
Commissioner — Rogerio Carvalheiro serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of West Hollywood where he lives and works. Prior to his tenure on the Planning Commission, he served as an Arts and Cultural Affairs Commissioner for the city and was also Chair of the Urban Arts Committee.
AIDS Monument — Since 2013, Rogerio has served on the board of the Foundation for AIDS Monument (F.A.M.). Acting as Chair of the Design Subcommittee, he has been instrumental to the ongoing design development with F.A.M.’s selected artist, Dan Tobin.
The People’s Notre-Dame Cathedral Design Competition – Rogerio Carvalheiro and RCDF Studio named top finalist and only USA firm to place in the People’s Notre-Dame Cathedral Competition.
The site for the Trans Wellness & Empowerment Center has now been cleared and is ready for construction. Honored to be part of this and any project that nurtures our community.
After working on this project for over twelve years, we are now 50% complete with the installation of Stories, The AIDS Monument. Located in West Hollywood Park, it is scheduled for completion in November, 2025. More on the monument can be found in this link: https://aidsmonument.org/
The Roxy Theater and Rainbow Restaurant billboards are now in the ground and finished. Up next is the Rainbow Restaurant Courtyard, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
LA Union Station — Rogerio was the Project Director for the restoration of the famed Los Angeles Union Station. He led a design team to create a cohesive master plan to be consistent with the station’s historic architectural language while embracing current and future programmatic requirements. Rogerio secured the sizable federal grant for the restoration project and received an American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award for his work and innovations on this crucial city project.
LOFT 2011 — Our LOFT design competition entry was selected for display in the 2013 AIA Center for Emerging Professionals Annual Exhibition at the AIA National headquarters in Washington, DC.
UCLA Extensions Graduate School of Interior Architecture — Since 2012, Rogerio Carvalheiro has taught Studio II (undergraduate) and Studio III (graduate) at UCLA Extensions Graduate School of Interior Architecture. In 2015, Rogerio was awarded the Outstanding Instructor of Architecture and Interior Design Award.
Bend It – Our entry in a global competition sponsored by UNI called “Salut Paris, Reclaiming the Urban Voids of Paris” was chosen as the grand winner by its jury.
Stories, The AIDS Monument – After ten years of planning, Stories, The AIDS Monument construction has begun. The Monument will be open to the public before World AIDS Day, 2025. Thank you to the West Hollywood City Councilmember’s and our donors for their support over these many years. Though ceremonial, this shovel-in-hand moment was one that I was looking forward to experiencing. From left to right: Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers, FAM Chair Irwin Rappaport, Mayor John Erickson, FAM Design Committee Chair Rogerio Carvalheiro, Councilmember Lauren Meister, Councilmember Sepi Shyne, FAM Chair Emeritus Mark Lehman, Councilmember John Heilman, FAM Development Committee Chair Jorge Mellado.
We recently approved a full scale mock up for our billboard at the historic Whisky a-Go-Go in West Hollywood. Installation is scheduled for 4th Quarter, 2025.
Wrapped and ready to roll. Our Whisky Billboard will soon leave Las Vegas for West Hollywood.
We have completed the first render for the interior courtyard of the new Trans Wellness Center. Project construction will start the first quarter of 2026.