Introduction: In recent years, rural sustainable development has emerged as one of the strategic priorities in national and regional policymaking. Within this context, startups, as the main drivers of the local economy, play a crucial role in generating employment, increasing household income, and preventing rural migration. However, one of the fundamental challenges in the growth of these businesses is the lack of physical and spatial infrastructures tailored to local needs and capacities. Vernacular sustainable architecture, as a reflection of regional culture, climate, and economy, can provide an appropriate foundation for the formation and sustainability of small-scale economic activities. This study, focusing on the role of vernacular architectural sustainability in the development of rural startups in Golestan Province, seeks to propose a conceptual framework for utilizing spatial capacities to economically empower rural communities.

Methodology: The present study is applied in nature and was conducted using a survey method within the framework of a mixed (qualitative – quantitative) approach. The statistical population consisted of residents and owners of startups in three villages Mahian Katul, Vasi’-Sar, and Rig-Cheshmeh located in Aliabad County, Golestan Province. From this population, 150 individuals were randomly selected as the sample. The research instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure the items. The validity of the instrument was assessed through content and face validity with expert opinions, as well as convergent validity using the Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Discriminant validity was confirmed using the Fornell–Larcker criterion, and reliability was verified through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Composite Reliability (CR). At the descriptive level, SPSS27 was employed to extract statistical indicators, while at the inferential level, structural equation modeling was performed using Smart PLS3.

Findings: The analysis of structural model relationships revealed that sustainable vernacular architecture has a direct, positive, and significant effect (β = 0.841) on the development of rural startups. Among the components, “compatibility with the local economy and rural livelihoods” demonstrated the strongest positive and significant impact (β = 0.733) on the development of rural startups. In addition, the components of “climatic and environmental alignment” and “structural safety through the use of local materials” also showed high coefficients, highlighting their important role in enhancing economic resilience and optimizing resources. In the final model, the components of “compatibility with the local economy” and “improving the experience of tourists and buyers” obtained the highest factor loadings.

Conclusion/ Implications: Based on the findings, sustainable vernacular architecture can serve as a development-oriented framework for economic empowerment, the preservation of cultural identity, and the enhancement of social capital in rural communities, while also fostering the growth of startups and promoting economic diversification in villages. The results of this study are particularly relevant for rural development policymakers, spatial and economic planning institutions, and organizations engaged in cultural heritage preservation. These groups can utilize the principles of sustainability in vernacular architecture as a strategic tool in spatial, economic, and social policymaking.