The problems of introducing socially oriented methods of improving the quality of the living environment into the practice of architectural design are are touched upon. The object of the study was multifunctional buildings and complexes – multi-apartment housing, as well as student dormitories. The subject of the study is socially oriented methods of improving consumer properties of the living environment. The purpose of the work is to systematize and generalize the principles, the most effective approaches and ways to improve architectural solutions that take into account the influence of socio-demographic and psychological factors. Tasks of the work: identification of topical issues reflected in the current legislative framework and regulatory documents, search and study of modern facilities designed or built in Russia and abroad using socially oriented methods, their analysis and systematization. Results. Modern ways of taking into account social factors are identified and demonstrated. Some basic principles are formulated that correspond to the Goals of Sustainable Development and the tasks of adapting project solutions to the most important needs of people.