Angel Garcia, Partner, Marmon Mok Architecture
In an interview with Invest:, Angel Garcia, partner at Marmon Mok Architecture, discussed how San Antonio’s growth is driving demand for healthcare and public projects. With decades of local experience, the firm is expanding its team, using tech like VR and AI, and focusing on sustainable growth as it nears its 75th anniversary.
What recent changes in San Antonio have influenced your operations and client engagement?
There has been a lot of coordinated energy behind economic development in San Antonio. We’re seeing that not only through ambitious projects like Project Marvel but also in infrastructure improvements, like the airport terminal expansion. Our team is working on the Ground Transportation Center and parking garage, which will help accommodate growth and attract more business to the city.
How is Marmon Mok positioned to capitalize on San Antonio’s growth?
It’s in our DNA. Working with the city for so many years has made us excellent partners in public work. We understand how municipal systems function, and we’re careful stewards of public funds. That trust and familiarity are hard to replicate, and it’s something our public clients value deeply.
How do you incorporate San Antonio’s culture and artistic identity into large-scale projects?
We start by listening to the client, but we also want our buildings to reflect San Antonio’s diversity and project a forward-thinking identity. Our goal is to help the city express its vision through architecture. That means honoring local culture in a way that still communicates progress and innovation.
What contributed to the success of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital project, and what trends are you seeing in healthcare design?
One trend we’re seeing is an expanded footprint for family inclusion. Traditionally, hospitals only accommodated the patient and the care team, but now there’s a push for family suites or support spaces that allow loved ones to stay nearby. The experience of care is evolving to become more holistic. Our designs are changing to reflect that.
How are you advising clients facing economic challenges such as rising construction costs?
We try to be strategic in aligning the budget with the function. If we see early in the planning phase that the project’s scope may exceed the available budget, we explore solutions like designing multipurpose spaces that serve several functions; build it once, use it three ways.
Our job is to keep the project viable while still meeting the programmatic goals. We approach it as problem solvers, always looking for creative ways to add value.
How are you attracting and retaining architectural talent in San Antonio?
We’ve created several internal learning initiatives, such as “MOK Talks” — our own version of TED Talks — where senior staff share insights on specific topics. We also host “Coffee and Construction,” which focuses on construction administration and project delivery.
Additionally, we offer regular lunch-and-learns with product reps and industry experts. These sessions are especially valuable for younger staff as they build their technical and material knowledge.
Where are you seeing the most demand, and which sectors are you targeting for growth?
Healthcare continues to be one of our strongest markets. We’re also seeing a lot of activity in headquarters projects and public sector work.
We’re trying to grow more in K–12 and higher education. While some school districts are consolidating due to demographic shifts, others, particularly on the city’s southwest side, are expanding rapidly. We’re watching those areas closely.
What technologies are you using to enhance your work and client service?
AI is an area we’re actively exploring. It’s evolving quickly, and we’re assessing which tools will integrate best into our workflow. We see AI as a powerful resource, not just to increase our internal efficiency but also to enhance what we deliver to clients.
What are your top priorities over the next two to three years, and what is your outlook for the firm?
Another goal is national recognition. We were recently ranked among the Top 110 architecture firms by Architectural Record. Breaking into the Top 100 is next — and we’re confident in the trajectory we’re on.
