Decisions made at the onset of vivarium construction or renovation initiatives will determine cost and performance numbers for many years to come, and this session equips participants with the data and decision-making criteria to impact long-term outcomes. Session leaders walk through thought processes that lead to future-flexible and sustainable vivaria design and infrastructure solutions capable of adapting to both immediate facility needs and evolving technologies. They examine the challenges, pitfalls, and benefits of these considerations in terms of human, animal, and global health, responsiveness to SOPs, and operational costs and research funding.