Our Story
We’ve always brought client-centered authenticity to our work, and continue to prove that great design doesn’t require great ego.
Our mission is to be our clients’ advocates — grounded in our commitment to provide great client care, we collaborate across disciplines to create beautiful, cohesive design, elevating spaces large and small.
Ada’s Technical Books & Café
The award-winning Ada’s Technical Books & Café was a landmark early project for Board & Vellum, an adaptive reuse project and beloved staple of 15th Avenue East on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Ada’s Technical Books & Café | Photo by Cindy Apple.
Ada’s Technical Books & Café
The award-winning Ada’s Technical Books & Café was a landmark early project for Board & Vellum, an adaptive reuse project and beloved staple of 15th Avenue East on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Ada’s Technical Books & Café | Photo by Cindy Apple.
Board & Vellum was founded on a few central philosophies that still hold true today.
After years in the design industry working on both coasts, Founder and Managing Principal, Jeff Pelletier, launched Board & Vellum in the attic of his Capitol Hill home in Seattle, Washington. He didn’t want his name on the door, wasn’t interested in only one architectural style, and was determined to show that exceptional design could come with an ego-free attitude, great service, and would thrive in a healthy, supportive workplace.
Since those early days, we’ve grown our team and our portfolio of work by providing honest client care paired with beautiful design — all while creating an industry-leading workplace. This enables us to deliver personalized attention to every project, bring thoughtful and deeply cohesive projects to fruition, and continue to advocate for improving the reputation of the design industry — both in the eyes of clients and in the eyes of the passionate people who work in this field.
In 2023, we earned a Just label from the International Living Future Institute, reflecting our commitment to social justice in our operations. By ensuring we are doing our best as a company, we can continue to do our best for our clients.
Values-Driven
From the time we were a firm of one, a desire to advocate for our clients has guided us. Led by this values-driven, client-first approach, we see transparency as paramount to project success, and we cultivate teams that are authentic, approachable, and accountable.
Ego-Free Design
We believe great design doesn’t come from ego, but from passion backed up by technical skill and creativity. We are happy to fully lead the design experience, but also love sharing knowledge and welcome you into any aspect of the design process you’re curious to explore. Great projects grow out of environments where any question is welcome.
Industry-Leading Workplace
Another of Board & Vellum’s enduring founding principles is that teams do their best work when they don’t have to worry about sub-par benefits or hostile work environments. We raised the bar for design firms and continue to advocate for our team.
Would you like to learn a little more about us?
Pleased to hear it. Read on to learn about how we approach our work, or take a gander at the passionate people who compose our team.
Considering a project, or curious about something?
Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.