We’re designing Seattle’s first office building to housing conversion since the pandemic. Read more…

B&V Team

Ask an Architect, Commercial, Custom Residential, Landscape Architecture, Multifamily & Mixed-Use

How Long Does It Take to Get a Full Building Permit?

If you need a full building permit for your project (rather than an “over-the-counter” one) you need to include the additional time it takes for permit review in your project schedule. How long does it take to get a full building permit? It varies, but here is what you can expect in Seattle.

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Firm Culture

B&V Celebrates International Women’s Day

Board & Vellum is composed of 11 women out of 24 total team members, so it’s no joke that stuff just wouldn't get done without us. But, B&V has long been an advocate for equality, no matter your gender. From work/life balance and benefits, to our culture of respect, we run a collaborative office bringing us all up together.

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Arts & Culture, Events

Night School 02.17: Authenticity in Design

What does authentic design mean to you? What makes a space look, feel, or be authentic? Join a lively discussion about it over some drinks and snacks with us on February 16th at 6 p.m. at Board & Vellum's Below Grade event space, as we kick off the 2017 Night School "school year" with a discussion on authenticity.

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Arts & Culture, Events

B&V’s “By Others” Gallery 02.09: Etta Lilienthal

Capitol Hill Art Walk is coming up, and Board & Vellum is hosting a brand new show by Etta Lilienthal. Read our Q&A and get to know the artist ahead of the February 9th opening reception for standstill, a site-specific installation in our public gallery space, “By Others.”

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Building Green, Events, Seattle Design Community

Mark Your Calendars for the Green Building Slam

Ten presenters, 10 slides, 10 minutes each. Join Board & Vellum for a fast-paced, fun event to learn about some exciting new eco-friendly design projects in the Northwest when the annual Green Building Slam returns on Friday, November 4.

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Building Green, Events

The Bertschi School Field Trip

Last week we were fortunate to be invited to tour Capitol Hill’s Bertschi School, specifically the Living Science Wing of the Bertschi School. What an amazing experience this was!

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Would you like to read more from the team?

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!

How to Determine Your Project’s Program

When folks are setting out on a design journey, many, but not all of them, come to us knowing exactly what they want to do with their project. If you’re someone who isn't quite sure, how do you go about figuring out your dream project’s program? And what can we do as designers to help?

How To Update a Short-Term Rental Property

As schedules remain flexible and more folks are able to work from anywhere, there has been a huge surge in the short-term rental market. The pandemic has fueled a strong desire for individuals and families to get away from their everyday life and into something new, so let's talk through what it takes to get a property ready for renters.

How An Architect Can Help Before You Buy A House

Ever heard of someone buying a house only to learn their big remodel dreams aren’t possible? The competitive real estate market can add pressure to buying a home before you have the full picture. That’s where we come in! An architect can help you understand the potential of a house before you even make an offer.

What Really Adds Cost To Your Home Remodel?

Have you ever heard that moving a toilet is a budget-busting home improvement? Would it surprise you to learn that we think this is debatable? There’s no doubt that home remodels cost money, but the big-ticket changes might not be what you expect. So what’s really going to impact your project budget?

Dos and Don’ts of the Pricing Process

We see all the time how a good and thorough Schematic Pricing set helps us avoid the pitfalls of waiting too long to get an official pricing estimate. Still, we understand how the process can be overwhelming and confusing for clients. We’ve got your back with a list of our dos and don’ts for sailing through pricing like a pro.

Why and How We Get Pricing Early

If you’ve started a design project in the last few years, you’ve likely experienced an unfortunate shock when the pricing estimate rolls in. We hate that feeling, just as much as you. Instead of leaving it to chance, we take a different approach to helping our clients navigate the confusing and variable world of construction costs.

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.

Get in touch.
Board & Vellum receives Just label from the International Living Future Institute, a voluntary reporting tool for social justice and equity indicators in the workplace.

Achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute in 2023.

Board & Vellum is honored to be a Gray Awards Finalist for landscape design, earning the recognition for the rooftop garden at the Lucille on Roosevelt.

Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.

LEED Certified in White

Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.

Certified Passive House Consultant in White

Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.

NGLCC Certified as LGBT Business Enterprise – Board & Vellum Recognition

A Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Since 2016.

PSBJ’s Top 25 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses 2016 in White

Honoring companies that lead in promoting equality.