About MGA

For over 40 years MGA has been involved with the planning and A/E design of aviation related commissions. Working with some of the finest consultants in their fields, one of the firms projects of major significance was the expansion of the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the Gateway to San Juan, Puerto Rico in which MGA has participated in every mayor development since Eastern Airline's 11 Gate Unit Terminal in 1985.

Located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, MGA maintains a relatively small professional staff, an organizational policy which guarantees the personal involvement of Principal - Manuel Goicoechea-Castedo in every project as well as a fluid working relationship between associates, staff, clients and consultants. Complementing the office is a network of specialized consultants who are brought together as members of project teams as the specific assignments may require.

An empty office waiting area with chairs, a glass table, potted plant, and offices in the background, illuminated by natural light from large windows.

Our Vision

Based on respect for the environment, the specific site and its context, climate and building technology, MGA is commited to an open-ended approach to planning and architecture that takes place on two interacting levels. the first level attempts to clarify a set of attitudes about "what" to do, based on a firm understanding of the particular nature of each problem. The second level is concerned with the making of appropiate decisions about "how" to get it done.

The search for what to do is based on issues, fundamental principles, context and forms while the exploration of how to do it is based on implementation strategies, budgetary constraints, and a thoughtful design execution. The ultimate stress is on functionality and design excellence. Our goal is to provide each client with a built interpretation of their individual programmatic requirements that reflects their unique character and personality within budget and on schedule.

An empty commercial storefront with large glass windows and a central glass door, located along a sidewalk in a shopping area.

Meet the Team

Manuel Goicoechea Castedo

Founder & Principal

Manuel Goicoechea has over 40 years of experience in a wide variety of projects in the USA and overseas. A strong asset to any project is his design capability, attention to project budget and schedule, which has been developed through the execution of numerous design commissions.

Most projects have included not only the integration of a design concept into a functional architectural design solution but also encompassed providing design solutions to the needs of concessionaires, federal and local agencies, as well as coordinating with those that have a firsthand interest in terms of regulating and / or operating facilities. Coordination of all these responsibilities concurrent with a wide range of actual construction experience has been one of Mr. Goicoechea's strongest assets.

About

M.A. Architecture

M.A. Business Administration

Tulane University 1978 Combined Program, New Orleans, Louisiana

Education

Puerto Rico
Florida

Registrations

AIA
NCARB
Colegio de Arquitectos de Puerto Rico

Professional Memberships

Ferdinand López-Valle

Architect / Project Manager

Viviana Méndez Albino

AIT & Production Supervisor

Micael Montalvo Gorbea

Design / Production / 3D Modeling

Timeline at SJU

For more than 30 years, MGA has been a key force in the planning and A/E design of major aviation projects, collaborating with top consultants across multiple disciplines. Throughout this time, the firm has built a strong legacy in complex airport developments that balance functionality, passenger comfort, and long-term growth.

A cornerstone of that legacy is MGA’s enduring involvement at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the primary gateway to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The firm’s work began with Eastern Airlines’ 11-gate terminal in 1985, a commission that positioned MGA as a trusted partner for the airport’s future expansions.

This foundation led to the American Airlines expansion in the 1990s, followed by the phased development of Terminal B, which allowed the terminal to grow while maintaining full operations. MGA later contributed to the design of the Terminal D concessions mall, elevating the airport’s retail and dining experience.

Most recently, the firm played a key role in shaping Terminal A, the airport’s newest terminal and the current hub for JetBlue. Together, these milestones highlight MGA’s long-standing impact on the modernization and evolution of Puerto Rico’s most important aviation gateway.