This thesis provides some answers to the question: how can the implementation by architects of minimal energy consumption and better material utilization in design begin to stop the wasteful ways so prevalent in our current society? The typology for the examination of this problem is a mixed commercial/residential building. The Theoretical Premise/ Unifying Idea that guides the research is, “Manifest destiny, and a growing American population have created unsustainable patterns of material and energy consumption.” The project justification is that this project will explore the impact on the environment of the things we design, and help promote the idea of sustainability by showing how it can be done. The project will be located in Fargo, North Dakota. The exact location will be downtown, and the structure will 280,000 sq. ft .