Sustainable 9

The interior design team focuses on:

• Selecting materials, finishes, and color palettes that support both aesthetics and everyday living.
• Incorporating unique, handcrafted details that help a house feel like a home.
• Working within your budget while curating a cohesive look and feel.

How the design team works

• The architects, designers, carpenters, and engineers work as an integrated design + build team, aiming for a streamlined, coordinated process.
• Designers share ideas, sketch concepts, and build design boards to help you visualize your space.
• The process is collaborative, with an emphasis on comfort, joy, and tailoring spaces to your lifestyle.

Project types

Interior design services can be part of:

• New custom home projects.
• Pre-designed home builds.
• Multifamily developments.
• Renovations and interior updates.

For questions about whether your project is a fit for Sustainable 9's interior design services, the website directs you to contact the team and review examples in the online portfolio.

What Sustainable 9 offers

Sustainable 9 develops modern multifamily projects that emphasize:

• High design and contemporary aesthetics.
• Renewable and sustainable materials where possible.
• Energy-saving building strategies.
• Comfortable, attractive units that appeal to tenants.

The company positions itself as a full-service development partner, supporting projects from early planning through long-term operation.

Commercial development services

Services described on the website include:

• Pre-construction – Site selection, due diligence, impact assessment, and related up-front planning tasks.
• Development and entitlement – Coordinating architects, engineers, and craftsmen, and moving the project through design and approvals.
• Property management support – Helping to support the success of a property after construction is complete.

Design and build approach

For multifamily projects, Sustainable 9:

• Applies the same high standards of modern design, sustainability, and craftsmanship used in its custom homes.
• Can collaborate with partner firm Unfold Architecture or other aligned architecture teams.
• Utilizes a clear process with phases such as Discover, Define, Develop, Detail, and Deliver to move projects from concept to completion.

Neighborhoods and communities

The website highlights that Sustainable 9 has created a blend of modern multifamily and single-family neighborhoods, each with a sustainability focus. Example branded neighborhoods mentioned include Highland Bridge, Linden Green, and The Peninsula at Lake O'Dowd.

For current multifamily opportunities or to explore partnering on a new development, prospective partners are encouraged to contact Sustainable 9 directly.

Sustainable 9 is a modern, sustainability-focused design-build firm serving the Minneapolis–St Paul area.

We specialize in:

• Custom high-performance homes – one-of-a-kind homes tailored to your lifestyle, designed and built with energy efficiency, healthier indoor air, and beyond-code construction.
• Pre-designed homes – architecturally driven home designs created with partner firm Unfold Architecture. These plans are sustainably focused and structurally optimized to reduce design time and costs while maintaining style and performance.
• Multifamily developments – modern multifamily and mixed residential projects that combine high design, sustainable materials, and energy-saving features.
• Interior design – in-house interior design services to select finishes, materials, color palettes, and furnishings that create a cohesive, livable space.
• Renovations – transforming existing homes to better match your needs and style while improving performance and comfort.
• Neighborhoods and homes for sale – select single-family and multifamily communities and move-in-ready homes developed by Sustainable 9.
• Client Care Program (S9+) – an ongoing service for Sustainable 9 homeowners to help maintain, protect, and enhance their homes.
• Real estate services via partner brokerage – through sister company Harker+Woods Realty, clients can buy or sell homes and explore listings that fit their lifestyle.

All services are delivered with an emphasis on modern design, long-term durability, energy efficiency, and healthy, low-VOC materials wherever possible.

• Energy efficiency and beyond-code construction.
• Healthier indoor environments, including cleaner air and materials selected with low-VOC options in mind.
• Modern, architecturally distinct design developed in collaboration with you.
• Thoughtful site planning to maximize views, natural light, and connection to the outdoors.
• Artisanal craftsmanship and custom details, often created by local artisans.

Sustainable 9 partners closely with Unfold Architecture, or can work with another architecture firm that aligns with the same standards of design and long-term sustainability.

Custom home design-build process

While every project is unique, Sustainable 9 follows a clear design-build framework:

1. Discover – The team gathers information about your lifestyle, priorities, site, and budget to understand your goals.
2. Define – The team moves into more technical details and kicks off design work, aligning on scope and direction.
3. Develop – Concepts evolve into site plans, floor plans, and renderings so you can visualize the home.
4. Detail – Interior details, materials, and finishes are selected, and pricing is finalized.
5. Deliver – Permits are secured and construction begins, leading through to completion and move-in.

This process is designed to be collaborative and transparent, so you know what to expect at each stage of your custom home.

Project duration

The specific schedule depends on the design, site, and level of customization. The website notes that fully custom homes generally take longer to design and build than pre-designed plans. For current timelines for your project, please contact Sustainable 9 directly.

• Are engineered to outperform standard construction.
• Prioritize healthy indoor environments, including clean air and pure water.
• Use low-VOC materials where possible to support occupant health.
• Integrate energy-efficient design, including insulation, mechanical systems, and building envelopes that aim to reduce energy use.
• Seek to minimize waste through thoughtful planning, detailing, and construction practices.

Third-party certifications

According to the website, every home—whether pre-designed or custom—receives third-party sustainability certifications, including:

• HERS Index (Home Energy Rating System)
• ENERGY STAR®
• EPA Indoor airPLUS
• DOE Zero Energy Ready Home

These certifications help verify performance and indoor air quality targets and confirm that homes meet or exceed specified program standards.

Approach to materials and design

• Homes are designed to maximize connection to natural light, views, and outdoor spaces.
• Natural and durable materials are used to create long-lasting, low-maintenance homes.
• The company's philosophy blends modern architecture with long-term sustainability and comfort.

For detailed specifications on a particular project or plan, contact Sustainable 9 directly.

Prospective clients can use the contact form or phone number to:

• Start a conversation about a custom or pre-designed home.
• Ask about multifamily development opportunities.
• Discuss interior design or renovation projects.
• Inquire about available homes or neighborhoods.

Service area

Based on the website, Sustainable 9 focuses on projects in Minneapolis, St Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities area in Minnesota. Some materials also reference work across parts of Minnesota.

For projects outside the immediate Minneapolis–St Paul area, prospective clients are encouraged to contact Sustainable 9 to discuss feasibility.

What the program offers

According to the website, the Client Care team can assist with:

• Ongoing maintenance needs.
• High-end upgrades and improvements to your home.
• Coordinating work with trusted professionals who are already familiar with your home's design, materials, and craftsmanship.

How to request service

• Homeowners submit requests through the online Client Care form on the Sustainable 9 website.
• The form collects your name, property address, contact information, preferred contact method, and a short description of the request.
• You can optionally upload photos or videos of the area of concern.

The website notes that the team typically responds within 3–7 days.

For urgent or emergency issues, the form asks whether the situation is an active emergency so the team can prioritize appropriately.

• Sustainably focused and structurally optimized.
• Designed for lower design-related costs and shorter timelines than a fully custom home.
• Created to be modern, energy-efficient, and high-performing, while maintaining strong design character.

Because the core plans are already established, pre-designed homes usually involve fewer decisions and a more streamlined process.

Pre-designed home collections

Sustainable 9 and Unfold have created several design lines, including:

• Scandi – Minimalist, functional designs with clean lines and simplicity. The Scandi line includes multiple layouts with different square footages and lot types, including multifamily rowhome configurations.
• West Coast – Modern waterfront-inspired homes with expansive glass, open floor plans, and strong indoor–outdoor connections, balancing simplicity, elegance, and livability.
• Mountain – Designs oriented around the natural landscape, often with separate wings for private and public spaces, strong connections to views, and warm, natural materials.

Typical timelines (from the website FAQ)

Timeframes vary by project, but the website notes the following typical ranges:

• Design phase
• Pre-designed home: approximately 2–4 months.
• Custom home: approximately 4–8 months.
• Permitting and loan (for both pre-designed and custom homes): typically 1–2 months.
• Construction phase
• Pre-designed home: typically 6–10 months.
• Fully custom home: typically 10–14 months, depending on complexity and level of personalization.

These figures are general examples from the website and are not a guarantee for any specific project. For current expectations and a project-specific schedule, contact Sustainable 9.

Pros and cons noted on the website

Pre-designed homes – pros

• Lower design costs because plans already exist.
• Fewer decisions, which can make the process faster and less stressful.
• More efficient, repeatable designs that can reduce labor and material costs.

Pre-designed homes – cons

• Predefined square footage, floor plans, and exterior styles.
• Fewer interior design and finish options compared with a fully custom home.
• Designs may be reused.

Custom homes – pros

• Fully customized layout, exterior, and interior finishes tailored to your lifestyle.
• Highly personalized finishes and details.
• A one-of-a-kind home designed specifically for you.

Custom homes – cons

• Higher design-related costs due to bespoke planning.
• More decisions, which can lengthen timelines and add complexity.
• Potentially higher labor and material costs compared with pre-designed plans.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.