People Spotlight: Meet Miguel Sanchez
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a leader from our aviation business who will share insight into his career journey and industry aspirations.
Miguel Sanchez is an aviation project architect and manager known for delivering terminal, airside and support facility projects across Florida. Based in Tampa, he earned the trust of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority through years of collaboration and a deep understanding of their operational priorities and project goals. Drawing on his design background and construction administration experience, Miguel leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, phased projects that stay on schedule, on budget, and produce exceptional outcomes for clients across the state’s evolving aviation landscape.
What inspired you to join the aviation industry?
I was drawn to aviation because it’s one of the few industries where our work directly touches millions of people every day. Whether passengers are traveling for business or leisure, everyone experiences the terminals we design. As an architect, I wanted to help shape those spaces to enhance the guest experience — creating environments that promote intuitive movement, comfort and enjoyment — even during travel’s busiest moments.
Aviation projects offer a rare opportunity to merge architectural creativity with operational strategy — improving how people move, work and connect.
What excites me most is knowing that every design decision contributes to a smoother journey. From ticketing to bag drop to gate areas, I focus on designing functional spaces that work for both passengers and staff.
Aviation projects offer a rare opportunity to merge architectural creativity with operational strategy — improving how people move, work and connect.
What is your favorite AECOM project you’ve worked on and why?
One of my favorite projects was the Gainesville Regional Airport terminal expansion and renovation.
The project combined new construction with a complex, multi-phase interior renovation of a 50,000-square-foot terminal — all while keeping the airport fully operational.
We upgraded ticketing, TSA checkpoints, hold rooms and restrooms, sequencing every phase around passenger flow and security requirements. Much of the work had to occur overnight to avoid disruptions. That level of coordination required a close partnership with the contractor and constant communication with the airport.
The results spoke for themselves: Gainesville’s passenger satisfaction and facility ratings climbed significantly after completion, demonstrating how tight phasing and teamwork can transform a space and a client relationship. We continue to work with Gainesville, which is a testament to the trust that grows when you deliver efficiently, on time and with care.
The results spoke for themselves: Gainesville’s passenger satisfaction and facility ratings climbed significantly after completion, demonstrating how tight phasing and teamwork can transform a space and a client relationship.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
My work on the UPS Air Cargo Facility at Tampa International Airport turned the outdated building into a modern, efficient operation hub.
I led design coordination and construction support as the architect of record for the 40,000-square-foot facility, which expanded UPS’s capacity and allowed them to hire significantly more workers.
Using BIM modeling, we integrated UPS’s conveyor systems with architectural, structural and building systems before construction began, identifying conflicts early and keeping the schedule on track.
This project stands out for delivering tangible economic and operational benefits. It not only strengthened UPS’s regional footprint but also supported local jobs and showed how design-build delivery can drive efficiency and create lasting value for clients and communities.
My work on the UPS Air Cargo Facility at Tampa International Airport not only strengthened UPS’s regional footprint but also supported local jobs and showed how design-build delivery can drive efficiency and create lasting value for clients and communities.
Share a piece of career advice.
My advice is on taking ownership and leadership.
During our recent terminal expansion and renovations at Punta Gorda Airport, the client needed to fast-track the schedule. We accelerated our design work so the contractor could establish final pricing without sacrificing quality. That experience reinforced a principle I share with my team often: treat every project as if it were your own.
That mindset changes how you approach everything, from communication and scheduling to cost and the quality of work. I take ownership of cost, time and coordination on every job. That ownership includes reviewing all change orders, questioning what doesn’t make sense and confirming design decisions align with the client’s budget.
Knowing every detail matters — that’s how you build trust. Not just with clients, but with contractors and your team. That’s what leadership looks like: staying on top of everything and responding to every shift in the situation.