Greener Cities Start with Smarter Buildings: How Mixed-Use Architecture Can Lead the Way

By Kristina Held, AIA – President, Held Architecture

As urban development accelerates across the Southeast, sustainability is no longer just a value-add—it’s becoming a key performance metric. For developers, the opportunity is clear: smarter, more efficient buildings aren’t just good for the planet—they drive long-term value, reduce operational costs, and align with shifting market and regulatory expectations.

At Held Architecture, we work with developers who are thinking strategically—who see mixed-use architecture as a tool for site optimization, energy performance, and tenant experience. We believe sustainable cities begin at the building scale, and that well-designed mixed-use projects can anchor growth while meeting ESG goals.

Take The Cannery, a mixed-use development in Salem, Oregon. This project was conceived with sustainability at the core—from early massing studies to mechanical systems selection. By incorporating biophilic design, high-performance building envelopes, and efficient MEP systems, we helped reduce environmental impact while enhancing the long-term durability and leasing potential of the space. These decisions don’t just check boxes—they create market differentiation and meaningful ROI.

In Charlotte, our urban infill microunits project turned a 0.18-acre corner lot into a compact, mixed-use building that’s fully aligned with the city's goals for density, walkability, and reduced car dependency. ERVs, heat pump systems, and a carefully planned solar orientation all contributed to a high-efficiency footprint—while maximizing buildable area. For developers focused on highest and best use, this is a model for unlocking value through smart, sustainable design.

What makes a building “smart” isn’t just tech—it’s adaptability, systems thinking, and lifecycle planning. We work with developers to integrate passive strategies, align architecture with local zoning and incentive programs, and future-proof assets through durable materials and flexible layouts. These aren’t aspirational ideas—they’re practical tools for resilient, profitable development.

At a time when environmental performance is influencing everything from financing terms to tenant attraction, investing in smarter buildings isn’t just responsible—it’s strategic. And in cities like Charlotte, where growth is accelerating and regulations are evolving, developers who lead on sustainability will be positioned ahead of the curve.

Let’s rethink what’s possible at the building scale. Greener cities start here—with developers who understand that smarter architecture is a catalyst for long-term success.

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Looking to integrate sustainability into your next mixed-use project? Let’s talk.