Abstract Good design is sustainable. A truly sustainable project is well designed and is a desirable building. Early discipline integration is a key element of an integrated, holistic design process and results from core design values. Merging a passion for design excellence with values of site sensitivity, resource efficiency, energy-saving technologies, and conscientious material use involves each member of the project team. This approach produces quality design that goes beyond prescriptive sustainable design guide requirements. The topics discussed in this article draw upon experience from a selection of more than twenty projects totaling over six million square feet, including projects that are LEED® registered and certified, including projects pursuing gold certification, following Minnesota's Sustainable Building Guide (B3) and following Green Guide for Health Care™ (GGHC). Project types drawn upon for this article include office buildings, hospitals, laboratories, museums, multi-family housing, ed...