Studio RYS Founder Robert Sauvageau to Retire Nov. 1

August 19, 2026

SAN FRANCISCO — Studio RYS founder Robert Y. Sauvageau, AIA, will retire Nov. 1 after a four-decade career, transferring ownership and leadership of the architecture and design firm to principals Bhavini Hardev, AIA, and Lisa A. Haude, ASID, NCIDQ, RID, NEWH.

Following the transition, Hardev, currently principal of interior architecture, will become CEO and principal of architecture and interior architecture. Haude, currently principal of interior design, will become president and principal of interior design. The transition will make Studio RYS a women-owned and women-led firm.

Sauvageau founded the company in 1989 as RYS Architects. The firm’s work has included hospitality, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, multifamily, retail, restaurant and master planning projects.

“This transition has been thoughtfully planned, and I have complete confidence in Bhavini and Lisa to lead Studio RYS forward,” Sauvageau said. “I’ve seen firsthand the talent, leadership, and perspective they each bring, and together at Studio RYS they’ve created a strong foundation for the firm’s future. Their shared commitment to collaboration and design excellence will carry us into this next chapter.”

The leadership change follows the firm’s January rebrand as Studio RYS, which brought architecture, interior architecture and interior design together under a single practice.

Hardev rejoined Studio RYS in November 2024, while Haude joined the firm in June 2025. The two will continue developing the firm’s integrated approach to hospitality architecture and design.

“At Studio RYS, we’re building on the idea that architecture and interior design work better as one process than two separate ones,” Haude said. “While bringing interior architecture and interior design together under one roof is a newer chapter for the firm, it reflects how Bhavini and I have approached our work throughout our careers.”

Hardev said the transition is intended to build on the firm’s existing foundation while expanding its integrated design practice and client relationships.

“Lisa and I have collaborated and crossed paths professionally for many years, and bringing our expertise together at Studio RYS has created a unique opportunity to expand our integrated approach,” Hardev added. “Our focus now is deepening client relationships, growing the practice thoughtfully, and delivering the kind of architecture and design work that helps our clients succeed.”

Upon his retirement, Sauvageau will assume the honorary title of founding principal emeritus.