Business Details
Trusted Architects in Honolulu, HI Specializing in Cultural & Modern Design
MGA Architecture has been dedicated to delivering exceptional design solutions that honor Hawaii's cultural heritage while embracing progressive innovation. Our team combines local expertise with mainland and international perspectives to create architecture that resonates with communities and meets modern demands. With comprehensive capabilities in architecture, interior design, planning, and sustainable strategies, we serve diverse sectors including retail, healthcare, commercial, hospitality, and residential projects across all Hawaiian islands. Our deep understanding of local permitting processes and regulatory frameworks ensures efficient project execution, while our creative approach consistently exceeds client expectations. For over a decade, we've built lasting partnerships with clients like Target Corporation, Chick-fil-A, and Waikiki Shopping Plaza, earning recognition for our ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver award-winning results.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our portfolio of completed projects, ranging from iconic retail spaces to critical healthcare facilities. As industry leaders, we actively contribute to community development through initiatives like Design Talk Hawaii, fostering dialogue about the role of design in shaping the state's future. Our team's extensive experience in both public and private sector projects positions us as trusted advisors for clients seeking innovative, culturally sensitive architectural solutions in Hawaii and beyond.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Permitting Assistance
Project Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience in Hawaii's unique architectural landscape
- Our team provides expert navigation of local permitting processes
- We implement culturally sensitive design strategies that enhance community identity
- Our firm maintains proven success with complex, multi-jurisdictional projects
- We combine local knowledge with international design perspectives
What people say
Award-winning designs
Cultural understanding
Permitting expertise
Creative solutions
Reliable execution
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically compelling spaces that respect Hawaii's cultural heritage while meeting modern requirements. We specialize in commercial, retail, and healthcare facilities that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings. Our team delivers comprehensive solutions from concept development through construction documentation.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that balance practical functionality with cultural significance. Our designs enhance user experience while maintaining brand identity for retail spaces, restaurants, and commercial offices across Hawaii's islands. Each project incorporates local materials and design elements that reflect the unique character of its location.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design approach integrates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials while respecting Hawaii's natural environment. We develop solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising aesthetic quality or functional performance across all project types.
Permitting Assistance
We navigate Hawaii's complex permitting processes with expertise in local municipal requirements. Our team ensures smooth approvals through established relationships with regulatory agencies and thorough understanding of state-specific development regulations.
Project Planning
Our comprehensive project planning services cover feasibility studies, site analysis, and phased implementation strategies. We help clients define clear project scopes and timelines while considering cultural context and community impact throughout Hawaii's diverse regions.
People
Matt Gilbertson
Founder | President | Director of Design
Matt Gilbertson leads MGA Architecture with 15+ years of Hawaii-focused design experience. He created Design Talk Hawaii to foster architectural dialogue and has successfully completed complex projects like the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home while navigating pandemic-related challenges.
Questions
What architectural services does MGA offer in Hawaii?
MGA provides full-service architectural solutions including design, interior planning, sustainable strategies, permitting assistance, and project management for commercial, retail, healthcare, and residential projects across all Hawaiian islands.
How does MGA incorporate Hawaiian culture into designs?
Our designs integrate local materials, traditional patterns, and community input to create spaces that respect Hawaii's heritage while meeting modern functional requirements and sustainability standards.
Can MGA handle complex permitting processes?
Yes, our team has extensive experience navigating Hawaii's regulatory landscape with proven success in expediting approvals through established relationships with local municipalities and state agencies.
What project types does MGA specialize in?
We focus on retail centers, healthcare facilities, commercial offices, hospitality venues, and residential developments, with particular expertise in mixed-use projects that combine multiple building types.
Does MGA work outside Hawaii?
While our primary focus is Hawaii, we've completed projects in Japan and maintain the capability to work on international assignments through our network of design partners.
