The rapidly growing population and urbanization worldwide are driving the ongoing expansion of the construction sector. Beyond fulfilling construction needs, this growth also leads to environmental challenges. While the surge in construction projects accelerates the consumption of natural resources, it also produces significant amounts of construction waste. Waste management, particularly during construction and demolition, has become a crucial issue for environmental sustainability. Reducing construction waste is vital for minimizing ecological impacts, preventing economic losses, and enhancing energy efficiency. In the existing literature, most studies on structural waste management concentrate on construction and demolition processes. However, it is recognized that decisions made during the architectural design stage are critical in preventing construction waste before it emerges. Despite this, research on managing construction waste during the design phase is limited in the literature. In this context, this study aims to identify key factors contributing to construction waste during the architectural design process. Through a systematic literature review of 114 articles, 57 potential factors were identified across nine categories. The questionnaire, designed to assess these 57 factors, utilized a 5-point Likert scale as its measurement instrument. It was distributed to architects, civil engineers, and contractors in Türkiye. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 29.0.2.0 software. A total of 148 valid questionnaires were gathered and thoroughly analyzed using reliability analysis and normalized mean values. Among the 57 factors studied, this research identified 37 as key factors causing construction waste during the architectural design stage in the Turkish construction industry.