Ryan Adanalian
Building Green
Questions To Ask About Sustainability
Board & Vellum’s first employee is starting off on a new adventure. As a farewell blog post, he asked people around the office about something really important to him: what questions they ask themselves — and think others should ask — about sustainability in terms of homes, landscapes, and workplaces.
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Building Green, Custom Residential
Approachable, Sustainable Ideas to Save Money in Your Home
People assume that green building, or using sustainable practices, will cost them more money. But, while some upfront costs may be higher, often, the long-term costs are lower. Here are five approachable and sustainable ideas you can explore to help make your home healthier for you and your family while being better for the environment.
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Custom Residential, Interior Design
Designing a Kitchen on a Budget
Just because you are designing a kitchen on a budget doesn't mean you have to skimp on style! Let us show you how combining IKEA cabinets with a couple of custom details where it shows can make your kitchen look like a completely custom job without breaking the bank.
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Ask an Architect, Custom Residential
ADU and DADU
What is an ADU, and what is a DADU? Ryan Adanalian explains the ins and outs of Accessory Dwelling Units and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (according to the City of Seattle), with an example of a DADU by Board & Vellum featuring a sliding wall to help solve the many challenges of a small space.
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Advice for Young Architects
What Does It Take to Become an Architect?
So, what does it take to become an architect? Just like everything else, there is no clear answer to that question. The real answer: "It depends." The details keep changing, and they vary by location! Ryan Adanalian breaks it down for you, at least how it works right now, in 2015 in Washington.
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Firm Culture
“Pellepeering” is Sweeping the Nation
If you’re not new to our blog, or us, you’ve probably seen or heard us use the term “Pellepeering” and wondered what we are even talking about. Well, you’re in luck because here, Ryan will clear a little of that up.
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If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that just makes our day! You might also enjoy a few of the related posts below. And, if there is a topic that you wish we would cover, let us know!
Straw Bale Construction FAQ
Have you ever heard of straw bale construction? It’s a form of building construction where bales of straw are stacked within a timber frame to insulate the walls. Not only is this a sustainable building method, it’s just plain cool. If you’e curious to know more, check out these frequently asked questions.
What To Consider When Future-Proofing Your Home
How long do you plan to stay in your current home? If you’re considering staying in it through your golden years, you’ll want to start thinking about future-proofing. Confused? Don’t worry! Here, we’ll walk you through the four basic principles to follow when you’re planning to age in place.
The Wonders of Cork as a Sustainable Material
Would it surprise you to learn that cork is a beautiful, sustainable material with many applications as an interior and exterior finish? This spring, Terry Phelan had the opportunity to witness a cork oak harvest firsthand and now shares the wonders of this product with you!
The Inherent Sustainability of Small Dwellings
In the ever-evolving world of sustainable design, finding sustainable ways to live and build can seem like a complicated puzzle to solve. But what if there were an easy way to lower your impact? Turns out, living in a sustainable home may be simpler than you realize — just think small!
Sustainability in Buildings: High-Tech or Low-Tech
If you have sustainability goals for your project, it may be difficult to know whether low-tech, passive strategies are the way to go, or if high-tech solutions are going to better meet your goals. Here, we’ll walk you through when to crunch numbers and when to just follow your gut.
What Kind of Sustainable Home is Most “You”?
Sustainable homes come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re thinking of upgrading your home with more sustainable options or are building a new home altogether, it’s worth considering your sustainability priorities and what type of sustainable home will best meet them. So, what kind of sustainable home best suits you?
Considering a project? Or, just curious about something?
Send us your questions about design, architecture, interiors, landscape, LEGO rooms… Anything, really. We’re always eager to meet new people, and we’d love to get to know you, your project, and your goals.
Achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute in 2023.
Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.
Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.
Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.
A Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Since 2016.
Honoring companies that lead in promoting equality.