Business Details
Award-Winning Architects in Honolulu, HI
MGA Architecture is a dynamic architectural firm dedicated to creating exceptional designs that honor Hawaii's rich cultural heritage while embracing progressive innovation. Our team of creative professionals brings together local, mainland, and international perspectives to deliver comprehensive expertise in architecture, interior design, planning, and sustainable strategies. With a diverse portfolio spanning retail, healthcare, commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors, we prioritize client collaboration and community integration. Our deep understanding of Hawaii's unique regulatory landscape and cultural nuances enables us to navigate complex projects efficiently. Recognized for award-winning work like the Waikiki Shopping Plaza Expansion, we combine technical excellence with artistic vision to transform concepts into impactful spaces.Our commitment to quality is reflected in long-standing client relationships and industry accolades, including the Hoowehiwehi Award and Pacific Business News Fastest 50 recognition. We maintain transparency through detailed project documentation and open communication, ensuring client expectations are consistently exceeded. Our leadership team, including Founder Matt Gilbertson, brings decades of experience in both design and local permitting processes. Through initiatives like Design Talk Hawaii, we actively contribute to community discourse on creative and sustainable development.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Strategies
Project Planning
Cultural Integration
Permitting Assistance
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in Hawaii's architectural permitting processes
- Our team provides creative solutions for complex regulatory challenges
- We deliver comprehensive services across 5 key sectors including healthcare and hospitality
- Our award-winning designs integrate cultural sensitivity with modern functionality
- We maintain transparent communication through all project phases
Associations and certifications
- Hoowehiwehi Award
- Pacific Business News Fastest 50
- Masonry Institute of Hawaii Project of the Year
- NAIOP Kuhulu Hale Award
What people say
Exceptional creative assistance
Critical asset
Award-winning
Successful collaboration
Professional expertise
Services
Architectural Design
MGA Architecture creates innovative building designs that harmonize with Hawaii's cultural heritage and environmental context. Our team develops tailored solutions for commercial, healthcare, and residential projects, ensuring functional excellence meets aesthetic vision. We maintain rigorous quality standards through detailed documentation and client collaboration.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating functional, culturally resonant spaces that enhance user experience. From retail environments to healthcare facilities, we integrate local materials and design elements while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory requirements and accessibility standards.
Sustainable Strategies
We implement environmentally responsible design solutions that reduce energy consumption and minimize ecological impact. Our sustainable approach includes passive cooling techniques, local material sourcing, and LEED-compliant practices tailored to Hawaii's tropical climate and resource constraints.
Project Planning
MGA provides comprehensive project planning services from concept through completion. Our expertise includes navigating Hawaii's complex permitting processes, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and managing timelines for commercial developments, renovations, and new constructions across multiple islands.
Cultural Integration
We specialize in incorporating Hawaiian cultural elements into modern architecture through collaborative community engagement. Our approach ensures designs respect historical context while meeting contemporary functional requirements, creating spaces that resonate with local communities and stakeholders.
People
Matt Gilbertson
Founder | President | Director of Design
With over 20 years of Hawaii-focused architectural experience, Matt established MGA Architecture to bridge cultural heritage with modern design. His leadership has earned multiple industry awards and driven successful projects across diverse sectors.
Questions
What architectural services does MGA offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, interior design, sustainable strategies, project planning, and cultural integration services for commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and residential projects across Hawaii and select international locations.
How does MGA incorporate Hawaiian culture into designs?
Our team collaborates with local communities and cultural experts to integrate traditional elements and materials into modern designs, ensuring projects respect Hawaii's heritage while meeting contemporary needs.
Can MGA handle complex permitting processes?
Yes, we specialize in navigating Hawaii's unique regulatory landscape with proven expertise in local permitting, having successfully managed complex approvals for major developments like the Waikiki Shopping Plaza Expansion.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We employ passive cooling techniques, local material sourcing, and LEED-compliant practices tailored to Hawaii's environment, reducing energy consumption while maintaining design integrity across all project types.
Do you work on projects outside Hawaii?
While our primary focus is Hawaii, we've completed select international projects like the Shizuoka Shimbun Tower in Japan, applying our expertise in cultural integration and complex development challenges.
