Our Story

Four Decades of
Pacific Coast
Excellence

Papagayo Design Center is the leading architecture, engineering, and project management firm for luxury residential and hospitality development along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast — with over 45 years of combined expertise, 300+ completed projects, 750+ hectares master planned, 250+ km of infrastructure roads built, and a track record that includes participation in the construction management of Marriott-branded resort hotels, CocoBay Estates, El Diamante, and some of Guanacaste's most iconic developments.

0+ ha
Hectares Master Planned
From Península de Papagayo to Playa Matapalo — Costa Rica's Pacific Coast
0+ km
Resort Roads Built
Resort community infrastructure roads designed and built across Guanacaste
0+ years
Combined Experience
Engineering & project management in Costa Rica since 1982
0+ projects
Projects Delivered
Luxury residences, hotels, master plans, and urban infrastructure
0
Designed & Built
Fully developed built area across Pacific Coast projects
0+ years
Costa Rica's Coast Focus
Deep expertise in Guanacaste's regulatory and market landscape
Company Metrics

A Track Record Built Project by Project

Papagayo Design Center has built its reputation over four decades through direct, personal involvement in every project — from the largest resort master plans in Guanacaste to individual luxury residences along the Pacific Coast.

The numbers below reflect combined output across PDC's full team — José Rodolfo Ortiz's 45-year career in large-scale engineering and project management, and José Pablo Ortiz's six-year tenure directing a leading Pacific Coast architecture and engineering practice.

Our work spans every scale of development: from single-family residences and boutique hotel expansions, to multi-hundred-hectare master plans that define entire resort communities. Each engagement is handled with the same discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to the client's vision.

The data shown represents designed and developed built area, completed projects, and active engagements — concrete outputs, not estimates. This is the foundation we bring to every new client relationship.

0
+ years
Engineering Experience
José Rodolfo Ortiz holds CFIA License IC-3150, active since 1982. M.S.C.E. from Purdue University, Indiana. With offices in Escazu, Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Playas del Coco.
0
+ projects
Residential Projects (JP)
Directed by José Pablo Ortiz as Director of PrendasLoria Architecture and Engineering (2020–2026), across luxury residences, condominiums, and hotels.
0
Developed Built Area
510,000 m² of fully designed, permitted, and developed built area documented across Pacific Coast residential and hospitality projects.
0
+ hectares
Total Hectares Master Planned
Across El Diamante (270 ha), Mar Serena (272 ha), La Montaña (76 ha), CocoBay Estates (65 ha), Ría Lora (65 ha), Río Mar (6.5 ha), and additional projects along the Pacific Coast.
0
+ km
Infrastructure Roads Built
Resort community roads and utilities infrastructure designed and built across Guanacaste's Pacific Coast — including 60+ km at Península de Papagayo under EcoDesarrollo Papagayo.
LEED
Certified
US Green Building Council
Autograph Collection by Marriott at Playa Flamingo achieved LEED Silver Certification — Marriott International LATAM approved.
PMI
Standards
Project Management Institute
All project management services follow PMI procedures — WBS, UNIFORMAT cost coding, Gantt scheduling, PERT charts, and disciplined cost control systems.
5★
Hotel Brands
International Luxury Hospitality
Direct construction management and project management experience with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International — Autograph Collection. The benchmark for luxury development on the Pacific Coast.
Project Activity

Annual Project Volume & Geographic Focus

Projects by Year — Residential Division
Built area (m²) · José Pablo Ortiz · 2020–2025
2020
5 projects · 1,160 m²
2021
18 projects · 8,940 m²
2022
17 projects · 7,620 m²
2023
14 projects · 6,330 m²
2024
9 projects · 3,570 m²
2025
7 projects · 3,190 m²
Master Plans by Year
Master plan & urban development projects · PDC & LCP International
2005
CocoBay Estates · 15 ha
2007
Ria Lora · ~65 ha
2011
El Diamante · 270 ha
2013
La Punta · Papagayo
2014
Cantomar + La Montaña · 76 ha
2022
Río Mar · 6.5 ha
2024
Pochote · Santa Teresa
2025
Astra · Nosara
Geographic Focus
Project locations · All divisions
Nosara / Pelada / Guiones
62+
Playas del Coco / Ocotal
5
Papagayo Peninsula
3
Flamingo / Brasilito
2
Santa Teresa / Cóbano
1
Sámara / Carrillo
1
Ostional / Garza
5
Playa Conchal / Matapalo
2
Project Mix
By deliverables · All divisions combined
1,300+ TOTAL DELIVERABLES
Master Plan Lots & Units1,000+
Residences300+
Hotels & Hospitality5
Our History

Four Decades of Building Guanacaste

Papagayo Design Center's story is inseparable from the story of Guanacaste's development as a world-class tourism and residential destination — from the first luxury resorts on the peninsula to the master-planned communities reshaping the coastline today.

750+ hectares master planned · 250+ km of resort community infrastructure roads built · 300+ projects delivered. Each milestone below represents a real project and a step in the firm's evolution — building the capabilities, relationships, and local expertise that define PDC today.

1982–99
Foundations — Engineering & International Standards
PDC's founding expertise begins with CFIA License IC-3150 — civil engineering rooted in structural design (Universidad de Costa Rica). A Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University (Indiana, USA) adds US-standard cost control, scheduling, and PMI-based project management — the competitive edge that still drives every PDC project today.
CFIA IC-3150M.S.C.E. PurduePMI Standards
2001–08
Papagayo Peninsula & First Independent Developments
Participated in the construction management of the Four Seasons Resort at Península de Papagayo through Constructora EDIFICAR S.A. — the project that put Guanacaste on the global luxury map. Then cost estimating and control for all Ecodesarrollo Papagayo projects: 60+ km of resort roads, Golf Club House, Las Terrazas, Beach Club at Nacascolo, and La Marina. Simultaneously, through LCP International S.A., the team delivers CocoBay Estates (159 units, 5 sub-developments) and Ría Lora coastal master plan.
Four Seasons Resort60+ km InfrastructureCocoBay · 159 UnitsRía Lora
2006–14
PDC Founded — Major Master Plans Delivered
Papagayo Design Center S.A. is founded in 2006. Over the following years the firm delivers its most ambitious master plans: El Diamante (2011) — 270 hectares, 231 parcels, 3 hotel sites, 10.7 km roads. La Punta de Papagayo (2013) — ~102-key hotel, 87 condos, 24 estate lots, 100% construction drawings. Cantomar (2014) — beachfront condominium, The Autograph Collection 124 Suites, Flamingo Beach. La Montaña (2014) — 131 lots across 65.5 hectares — establishing PDC as the Pacific Coast's go-to master planning firm.
PDC FoundedEl Diamante · 270 HaLa Punta · Cantomar · La Montaña
2018
Marriott LEED Silver — International Brand Certification
PDC manages the full project lifecycle for the Residence Inn by Marriott at Playa Flamingo — 124 suites, later rebranded as Autograph Collection by Marriott International. Achieves LEED Silver Certification from the US Green Building Council — proving PDC can deliver international brand standards and sustainability certifications.
Marriott AutographLEED Silver124 Suites
2020–23
Residential Division & Peak Growth
PDC launches full-cycle residential project management across Nosara and the Pacific Coast (2020). Adds interior design through Olivia Interior Designs Ltda. (2021) — 15 luxury interiors delivered. By 2022–23 the residential division hits peak output: 35 projects and 16,000+ m² in two years. Simultaneously delivers Río Mar Condominium in Nosara — 13 lots, 9,060 m² community park. Total residential portfolio reaches 300+ projects and 510,000+ m² of built area.
300+ Projects510,000+ m²Olivia InteriorsRío Mar
2024–26
Full-Service Firm — 4 Offices, 7 Active Master Plans
PDC unifies all divisions under one team — master planning, residential project management, construction supervision, interior design, and home inspections. 7 active master plans across Nosara, Ostional Beach, Samara Beach, Carrillo Beach, Santa Teresa, and Golfito. Active projects include Nosara Wellness & Recovery Condominium, Pochote, Astra, and Río Mar. 4 offices in Escazu, Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Playas del Coco.
Active Today7 Master Plans4 OfficesFull-Service
Our Team

The People Behind Every Project

Papagayo Design Center is a team of professionals who have spent their careers building Guanacaste's most significant residential and hospitality projects — personally involved from the first site visit to the final punch list. Our clients work directly with the principals, not delegated to junior staff.

JRO
José Rodolfo Ortiz
Founder & CEO · Professional Civil Engineer Registration IC-3150
Civil Engineer (UCR, Structural Design Major) · M.S.C.E. Construction Management & Engineering — Purdue University · CFIA License IC-3150 — Active since 1982 · 45+ Years Experience

The engineer behind some of Guanacaste's most consequential developments — José Rodolfo Ortiz has been shaping Costa Rica's Pacific Coast since before it was a luxury destination. With over 45 years of engineering experience and 25+ years focused exclusively on the Pacific Coast, he has personally directed landmark resort hotels, master-planned communities, and the urban infrastructure that defines the region today.

His career spans participation in the construction management of the Four Seasons Resort at Península de Papagayo — as part of the team at Constructora EDIFICAR S.A., the project that fundamentally changed what the Pacific Coast became as an international luxury destination — followed by serving as Director of Construction Management Services for EcoDesarrollo Papagayo, and then founding LCP International and Papagayo Design Center in 2006. He didn't join a firm — he built one from the ground up.

The body of work speaks for itself: 750+ hectares master planned, 250+ km of resort community infrastructure roads built, and multiple landmark hotels delivered across Guanacaste — with CFIA License IC-3150 active since 1982, one of the longest-standing professional registrations on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast.

Today he leads PDC's large-scale engagements: master planning, urban development infrastructure, project management for resort and hospitality developments, and construction management for complex multi-phase projects. The firm's reputation — and the team's ability to earn client trust — is built on four decades of José Rodolfo's personal track record on the Pacific Coast.

Four Seasons Resort, Península de Papagayo — Construction Management, as part of Constructora EDIFICAR S.A.
Cantomar — The Autograph Collection by Marriott, Playa Flamingo — PM, 124 suites, LEED Silver
Mar Serena — Master Plan, 272 Ha, 4 Beach Resorts, 310 condos
750+ hectares master planned across Guanacaste's Pacific Coast
250+ km of resort community infrastructure roads built
CFIA License IC-3150 — Active since 1982 · Founder, PDC (2006)

Core Expertise
Master Planning Urban Development Resort Development PMI Standards LEED Certification Structural Engineering Hotel & Hospitality PM Cost Control · UNIFORMAT Bidding & Contracting Owner Representation
JPO
José Pablo Ortiz
Partner · Operations, Project & Construction Management
Industrial Engineer · Six Sigma Green Belt · M.S.C.M Construction Management at Purdue University (in progress)

As General Director of PrendasLoria Architecture and Engineering (2020–2026), José Pablo led one of the Pacific Coast's most active architecture and engineering practices — directing 120+ projects totaling 51,000+ m² of built area across luxury residences, condominium developments, boutique hospitality projects, and master plan coordination in Nosara, Guiones, Ostional, Samara, Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and surrounding coastal communities. He managed the complete project cycle for each engagement: architecture and engineering drawings, building permit processing and institutional approvals, construction bidding and contract negotiation, on-site inspections, project delivery, and closeout.

Alongside his engineering work, José Pablo led Olivia Interior Designs Ltda. as CEO and partner — a residential interior design firm operating across Guanacaste and San José. He directed the company's general operations, client acquisition, and FF&E procurement, ensuring 15 high-end residential projects were delivered on schedule and to client satisfaction.

At Papagayo Design Center, José Pablo leads the residential division — covering Architecture & Engineering, Project Management, Construction Drawings & Building Permits, Construction Management & Delivery, and Construction Bidding & Contracting. He also directs the US-standard home inspection service and the curated architectural partner network, ensuring every client has the right design team and the right oversight throughout their project.

120+ projects directed — luxury residences, condominiums, boutique hotels
51,000+ m² of fully designed and developed built area (2020–2026)
CEO & Partner — Olivia Interior Designs Ltda. (15 projects, Nosara & San José)
Full CFIA permitting & institutional approval management

Core Expertise
Full-Cycle Architectural PM Luxury Residential Pre-Construction CFIA Permitting Interior Design · FF&E Condominium Development Foreign Investor Services Construction Admin Six Sigma Green Belt Architect Network
ACA
Andrés Cisneros Abrahams
Partner · Business Development & Operations Management
Industrial Engineer · Executive Master's in Commercial Management — ULEAD · Certified Scrum Master

Commercial executive with a six-year track record leading business development, strategic negotiation, and commercial growth across the hospitality and trade sectors. Experienced in managing hotel and commercial projects from concept development through implementation, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, revenue generation, and long-term business expansion.

Previously served as Commercial Manager at Modulex and LWS, leading more than 1,000 commercial projects at national and international level — including 50+ hospitality projects across Central America and beyond. Combines technical expertise from Industrial Engineering with executive-level commercial vision, specialized in identifying growth opportunities, structuring business models, and delivering projects under high-performance standards.

At PDC, Andrés leads client acquisition and business development while taking on a growing internal management role — overseeing the company's portfolio of active projects and clients, reviewing project progress, and ensuring every engagement moves forward with the coordination and attention it deserves. He serves as the key link between commercial growth and operational execution, keeping clients, teams, and deliverables aligned across the organization.

Commercial Manager — Modulex & LWS, national & international operations
1,000+ commercial projects led at national and international level
50+ hospitality projects directed across Central America
Client acquisition & business development lead at PDC
Internal portfolio management — projects, clients & team coordination
Certified Scrum Master — agile project & operations delivery

Core Expertise
Business Development Client Acquisition Client Relationship Management Portfolio Management Strategic Negotiation Hospitality Development Operations Management International Business Certified Scrum Master Sales Leadership
JBR
Julian Bose Rembert
Certified Home Inspector · Project & Construction Associate
HILB Licensed · Home Inspector Licensure Board · North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, USA

Julian Bose Rembert is a licensed home inspector under the Home Inspector Licensure Board (HILB) — North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. He brings American inspection standards and professional digital reporting methodology to the Guanacaste real estate market, serving buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate agents across the Pacific Coast.

Using professional inspection software, Julian delivers comprehensive, photo-documented digital reports in US format — the same standard expected in any North American real estate transaction — within 48 hours of the inspection.

Beyond home inspections, Julian is expanding his scope within PDC — collaborating across Project Management, Construction Technical Inspections, Construction Bidding & Contracting, and Construction Management & Delivery. Working alongside the senior team, he contributes to keeping projects on track, supporting quality control in the field, and assisting with the coordination and execution of client engagements from bidding through completion.

HILB Licensed — Home Inspector Licensure Board, North Carolina, USA
US-standard digital reports delivered within 48 hours
Pre-purchase, pre-listing, and construction phase inspections
Collaborating in Project Management & Construction Management
Supporting Construction Bidding & Contracting processes
Construction Technical Inspections — field quality control

Core Expertise
HILB Licensed Home Inspections US-Standard Reports Construction Technical Inspections Project Management Construction Management Bidding & Contracting Investor Due Diligence
Our Philosophy

Aspirational Goals & Design Philosophy

01
Integrated Services from Project Conception to Construction Completion
From site analysis and conceptual design through master planning, construction drawings, permits, bidding, construction management, and final delivery to owners — we manage the entire process as a single, coordinated team. One firm, one vision, complete accountability.
02
Work Together with Owners to Fulfill Their Aspirations
We invite our clients to have hands-on experience throughout the design process, professionally guided at every step. Following the owner's project expectations, design guidelines, and vision of the final built facility — we create projects that are truly theirs, not ours.
03
Expert Project Management Guided by PMI Procedures
As the leader of the development project team, we assume the role of overall project manager as Owner's Representative — pursuing the best interests of the Owner/Developer and providing the critical leadership necessary for success. Financial security and risk management at every phase.
04
Designs with Talented Architects for Luxury & Hospitality Developments
Our projects related to tourism and international residents have given us deep understanding of the needs and expectations of customers from different nationalities — visiting, living, or investing in Guanacaste's resort communities. We design to international standards, delivered locally.
05
Ecological Sustainable Site Analysis and Land Planning
Our engineers and land planners conduct careful site analyses, research all regulatory requirements, and define land plans that identify zones most appropriate for each element of the development program — respecting wildlife corridors, ecosystems, forestry areas, and water bodies.
06
Developments Integrated with Community and Natural Surroundings
We bring a holistic approach into design that takes into account local history, natural context, and environmental sensitivity — providing a seamless integration of buildings, landscape, nature, and views. A meaningful connection with the forest, the beach, the creek, and the neighboring community.
Expert Network

Our Specialist Partner Network

With more than 45 years of experience developing projects with several consultant and design firms, our architects and engineers are complemented by a team of expert professionals in every specialty of engineering, architecture, and environmental science.

This network allows us to provide services in almost any type of construction development in hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors — and to attend several large projects simultaneously without compromising quality or attention.

Architecture Design Firms

Curated network of top architectural firms across Guanacaste — matched to your aesthetic, budget, and program. We manage the relationship from concept to construction drawings.

Structural & Seismic Engineering

Expert structural designers for seismic zone compliance, reinforced concrete, steel structures, and complex foundation systems.

Environmental & LEED Consultants

SETENA environmental impact studies, LEED Certification consultants for US Green Building Council certification, and wildlife management specialists.

Geology, Soils & Hydrology

Geotechnical studies, geological investigation, hydrology analysis, soil testing laboratories, and water well specialists across Costa Rica's Pacific Coast.

MEP Engineering

Mechanical (HVAC, plumbing), electrical, and telecommunications design specialists — energy efficiency, solar integration, and smart building systems.

Legal & Regulatory

Established relationships with CFIA, municipalities, ICE, AyA, MINAE, SINAC, ICT, and INVU — enabling efficient institutional consultation and permit processing.

Ready to Build Something Exceptional?

Whether you're buying property for the first time in Costa Rica, planning a luxury residence, or developing the next landmark resort in Guanacaste — PDC has the experience, the team, and the network to be your trusted partner from day one.