This study examines the physical environment of school buildings and the effects it has on teacher morale, sense of belonging, and work ethic. Within this mixed-method study, four New York State schools were given the researcher developed School Environment Survey, and multiple school stakeholders were interviewed to determine the extent of these relationships. The literature examined throughout this study begins with the origins of aesthetics, and the ways in which an experience can alter the feelings of an individual within a location. This study also addresses the differences in physical school design throughout the past several decades, and seeks to determine what elements of architectural design aide in the effectiveness of a school building. Different factors and measurements will be discussed throughout this study, and how these variables link to one another; in terms of the efficiency, adaptability, and general productivity of schools as organizational units. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]