Business Details
Expert Architectural Design Services in Honolulu
MGA Architecture is committed to delivering exceptional design solutions that honor Hawaii's cultural heritage while embracing progressive innovation. Our team of creative professionals brings diverse local, mainland, and international perspectives to every project, offering comprehensive expertise in architecture, interior design, planning, and sustainable strategies. With a focus on retail, healthcare, commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors across all Hawaiian islands, we combine technical proficiency with deep cultural understanding to create spaces that resonate with communities. Founded by Matt Gilbertson, our firm has earned recognition for award-winning projects like the Waikiki Shopping Plaza Expansion and the Daniel K.Akaka State Veterans Home. Clients consistently praise our ability to navigate complex regulatory processes, deliver creative solutions, and maintain brand integrity while exceeding expectations. Our proven track record with major brands like Chick-fil-A and Target Corporation demonstrates our capacity to balance local requirements with global standards. Through initiatives like Design Talk Hawaii, we actively contribute to community conversations about design innovation and its impact on business success.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Planning
Sustainable Development
Commercial Projects
Healthcare Facilities
Residential Design
Retail Spaces
Hospitality Architecture
Permitting Assistance
Cultural Consultation
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in Hawaii's architectural landscape
- Our team holds proven expertise in navigating local permitting processes
- We provide comprehensive services across 5 key sectors including healthcare and hospitality
- Our designs integrate sustainable practices with cultural sensitivity
- We maintain direct relationships with major retail brands and developers
What people say
Award-winning designs
Cultural understanding
Creative solutions
Proven expertise
Regulatory navigation
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services combine creative vision with technical precision to create functional spaces that respect cultural context. We specialize in commercial developments, healthcare facilities, and retail environments that balance aesthetic appeal with practical requirements. Our team delivers comprehensive solutions from concept through construction documentation.
Interior Planning
Interior planning services focus on optimizing spatial layouts while maintaining brand identity and cultural sensitivity. We create engaging environments for restaurants, retail stores, and corporate offices that enhance user experience while meeting operational needs. Our designs integrate sustainable materials and modern functionality.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development strategies incorporate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials into every project phase. We implement LEED-certified practices and climate-responsive designs that reduce environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic integrity across commercial and residential developments.
Permitting Assistance
Our permitting assistance streamlines Hawaii's complex approval processes through established agency relationships. We handle documentation, coordinate reviews, and resolve compliance issues for projects ranging from healthcare facilities to mixed-use developments, significantly reducing approval timelines.
Cultural Consultation
Cultural consultation services ensure designs respect Hawaiian heritage through appropriate materials, spatial arrangements, and symbolic elements. We collaborate with local experts to create contextually relevant architecture that resonates with community values while meeting modern standards.
People
Matt Gilbertson
Founder, President, Director of Design
With over 25 years of Hawaii-focused experience, Matt established MGA Architecture to bridge cultural understanding with innovative design. He created Design Talk Hawaii to foster industry dialogue and has led award-winning projects like the Waikiki Shopping Plaza Expansion.
Chuck Rice
Senior Principal Design Lead
As Chick-fil-A's Senior Principal Design Lead, Chuck collaborates with MGA to ensure culturally appropriate store designs that maintain brand consistency. He oversees project execution across multiple Hawaiian locations while maintaining corporate standards.
David Pederson
Architect
Target Corporation's AIA-certified architect partners with MGA to integrate brand requirements with local regulations. He specializes in navigating Hawaii's permitting processes while maintaining Target's retail identity in new store developments.
Questions
What architectural services does MGA offer in Hawaii?
We provide comprehensive architectural design, interior planning, and sustainable development solutions for commercial, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and residential projects across all Hawaiian islands.
How does MGA handle Hawaii's unique permitting processes?
Our team has extensive experience navigating local and state regulatory requirements, with proven success in expediting approvals for complex developments like the 677 Ala Moana project.
Can MGA work with mainland-based developers?
Yes, we bridge mainland expectations with local requirements, offering cultural consultation and regulatory guidance while maintaining brand integrity for national clients.
What industries does MGA specialize in?
We focus on five key sectors: 30% retail, 20% healthcare, 20% commercial, 15% hospitality, and 10% residential projects across Hawaii.
Has MGA received any industry recognition?
Our firm has earned multiple awards including the Hoowehiwehi Award for Excellence and recognition in Pacific Business News' Fastest 50 Companies list.
Reviews (1)
Greg Skates
Mar 27, 2021
Report
This business has helped me a lot in the past, and I feel as they will continue to do amazing things in the future!
