MCA Communications, Inc., under the leadership of CEO Ricky Cortez, has announced the launch of its new business unit, MCA Design Group, a technology consulting firm with design expertise in infrastructure technology that includes IT, network cabling, audiovisual, and distributed antenna systems with a focus on enterprise and mission-critical facilities.
Though newly established, the company has the proven ability to keep up with the ever-evolving demands of modern architecture and technology infrastructure through its 40-plus years of integration experience.
MCA Design Group was built out of the need to fill the gaps that have existed in the architecture and construction industries for many years. In the past, technology has often been an afterthought for architects and building owners, but today, technology is one of the most important aspects of a smart building. However, because the IT scope is constantly growing, there are often numerous vendors and subcontractors involved, which makes coordination a major challenge for the owner. The company’s goal is to ensure that the owner and architects’ vision is communicated and implemented throughout the project while also simplifying the process.
The MCA Design team’s unique blend of field experience, plus engineering and design experience in numerous technology systems, allows them to simplify the entire design process for their clients, saving time and money. The team consists of multiple registered communications distribution designers (RCDDs), a certified technology specialist (CTS), and physical security professionals (PSP).
“As an industry leader in providing design-build services, we have always had the expertise in-house to successfully launch a design firm but have been waiting for the right time and opportunity to dedicate the time and resources needed to do it the right way,” Cortez said during an interview with Subcontractors USA-TEXAS. “Many of our long-term clients have expressed the pain points from using traditional technology consulting firms and traditional integrators, so we decided to listen to what our clients are saying, and we found a better approach. We understand how to make the process simple for our clients without the copy-and-paste designs that typically happen in our industry.”
Cortez says launching MCA Design was a natural progression to leverage MCA Communications’ expertise in design-build services and provide architects and commercial developers with a more modern and integrated approach to technology design services.
“We wanted to create a company that not only meets the evolving industry demands but also sets new standards in design quality, attention to detail and dedication to making the process easier for our clients,” he continued.
Led by Vice President Fernando Calderon, MCA Design partners with clients to design and implement innovative, reliable, and future-ready technology solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and collaboration. With a commitment to exceptional customer service, MCA Design simplifies complex challenges and delivers customized, high-performance IT, AV, and security infrastructures that drive business success.
Calderon brings a wealth of experience, technical knowledge and leadership skills to the company. He started in this industry working for MCA Communications on the integration side and left for a few years to work as a design consultant before returning to the company as a director.
“His ability to understand the client’s needs and to communicate technical solutions in a non-technical way is invaluable,” Cortez said. “He understands the intricacies of design and integration, possesses a forward-thinking approach, and is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation.”
Services
MCA Design provides the following services to large corporations and organizations, government agencies and public sector entities, education institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial real estate clients:
- Consulting Services: Providing expert consultancy on technology strategy, digital transformation, infrastructure planning, and project management to optimize operational efficiency and drive business growth.
- IT Infrastructure: Planning and implementing robust IT infrastructure systems tailored to meet specific business needs, including network design, cabling infrastructure and wireless heat maps.
- Audiovisual Design: Specializing in AV system design for various environments such as corporate boardrooms, conference rooms, huddle spaces, and training facilities.
- Security Design: Develop customized security solutions encompassing physical security, access control systems, surveillance systems, and cybersecurity measures to safeguard digital assets and physical spaces.
- Distributed Antenna Systems: Designing in building wireless systems utilizing IB Wave software.
- Data Centers: Designing and optimizing scalable data-center solutions that ensure efficiency, reliability, and security.
MCA Communications has been a leader in technology integration for decades. The company adapted quickly to changes in the industry through MCA Design and was strategic in staying ahead of the curve. The team’s strategy involves continuous professional development, regular market analysis, and strong partnerships with leading tech providers, ensuring they can quickly adapt to changing industry dynamics.
“MCA Communications has always prioritized innovation. With the launch of MCA Design, we’ve embraced emerging technologies and trends, evolving our services to include state-of-the-art solutions like smart building technology and integrated systems,” Calderon explained.
Clientele
MCA Design’s list of clientele contains a number of major companies and buildings, including:
- Chevron
- Apple
- Lakewood Church
- CenterPoint Energy
As a HUB-certified business, MCA Design values diversity and inclusion within the technology sector.
“We believe that varied perspectives foster innovation and lead to superior outcomes for our clients. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart as a trusted partner in the design and engineering landscape,” Calderon said.
With Houston being a hub for business and innovation, MCA Design tailors its services to meet the needs of diverse industries. Houston’s diverse economic landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Calderon explained how the team actively engages with various industries to understand their specific requirements better.
“We customize our services to offer flexible solutions that address the unique demands of sectors such as healthcare, education, and corporate spaces,” he said. “By leveraging local insights and industry connections, we ensure our designs are effective, efficient, and innovative.”
Upcoming Projects
The MCA Design team looks forward to adding more exciting, large-scale future projects to their portfolio. They’re currently working on a smart office development that incorporates cutting-edge technology to streamline workflow and enhance user experience. Additionally, the team is exploring partnerships with tech innovators to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) solutions into their designs, a move they believe will revolutionize the way clients interact with their spaces.
MCA Design wants to collaborate with you and elevate your next project. For inquiries or to learn more about how MCA Design Group can assist you, visit their member directory.
