Rafael Carmoega Morales (1894–1968) was born in Rio Piedras. He received his engineering degree from Cornell University College of Architecture, Art and Planning in 1918. After the death of Adrian C. Finlayson, Carmoega was the first Puerto Rican to become State Architect, a position within the Department of the Interior which he held until 1936.

In 1936 he went to work for the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA) where he designed the University of Puerto Rico based on the Parsons Plan of 1924. In 1937 he established a private practice, his office produced the designs for several residences including El Cortijo in Barranquitas. he also designed the old Casino de Puerto Rico in the Condado area now demolished and the Colegio San José in Rio Piedras for the Marianists Order.