In contemporary architectural practice, achieving sustainability goals is paramount, particularly through the strategic selection of construction materials and the management of construction waste. Conventional materials such as concrete and steel, while essential, pose challenges due to their significantly embodied carbon. This paper investigates the role of construction materials in advancing sustainability in architecture, emphasizing the transition toward materials made from and by renewable resources. This study focuses on the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, which is actively developing and renovating its campus buildings, highlighting the implementation of circular economy (CE) principles to ensure sustainable outcomes. Building A (administration building) and Building L (engineering labs) serve as case studies, where a Holistic Circular Economy Assessment approach is employed to evaluate materials’ durability and their contribution to the circular economy. Key criteria for selecting construction materials include availability, sustainability (via life cycle assessment), budget considerations, and efficient materials’ specifications and quantities. The study also addresses construction waste management, focusing on architectural and structural aspects such as designing with the size of materials in mind, managing modifications during the implementation phase, and carefully specifying materials and their quantities. It explores the roles of the client, consultant, and contractor in reducing and managing construction waste, as well as the municipality’s involvement in waste handling. Insights from interviews with the site manager and the contractor’s supervisor provide critical perspectives that inform future strategies and decisions for campus construction projects. The study findings indicate that integrating local sourcing and life cycle analysis into the assessment framework, as well as effective collaboration among stakeholders will lead to more informed decision-making, reducing construction waste and lowering overall project costs through efficient material use. Ultimately, this research contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable architecture by advocating for informed material choices and comprehensive methodologies that align environmental stewardship with architectural innovation.