It is a well-established fact that mankind consumes more than 1.5 as much renewable natural resources as the planet can generate. In fact, if everyone lived like the average American, we would need the equivalent of five planets. With already more than half of the world’s population living in urban center, housing development strategies are going to be essential to keep the impact of mankind on natural resources (Ecological Footprint) in check. That’s where architects come in. Eco-friendly, sustainable designs and materials are a hot trend, and getting hotter. Smaller homes, energy efficiency, water conservation, are already becoming the new normal—beautifully so.