Sustainability in architecture is the successful product of work that supports what is valued by the community being served—whether that is a comfortable space, a set of resources, a desired program, a cultural reference, or a way of life. In order to sustain a client’s ideals, one must remain nimble and attentive. Sustainability demands responsive thinking.

At its most fundamental, the purpose of architecture resonates with the nature of sustainability. It is about creating something that stands up—to the elements, to time, and in spite of challenges. But at its heart, the vitality of the design is the ability not only to stand up to challenge but also to strengthen a sense of what is valued within a community.

Architecture that recognizes the values to be sustained, defended, strengthened, and sometimes created within a community, and that can leverage and broaden the desire for sustainability, is what builds community.