This spring, Board & Vellum is moving to Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower in Pioneer Square. Learn more.
2016 Year in Review – Board & Vellum: Group Shot Pointing
News

2016 Highlights and Year in Review

It's that time of year again: time for the Jeff's year-end review! Some awesome things happened in the world of Board & Vellum in this busy and exciting 2016. Now, as the year wraps up, check out the mix of business and personal highlights, and we'll all toast to great new things to come!

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Do I Need to Hire an Architect – Board & Vellum
Ask a Designer

Do I Need to Hire an Architect?

Do I need to hire an architect? It's a question we hear a lot out there. If you're building new, of course! But, if you're considering a remodel, addition, or even a new detached garage, we understand that it can be a confusing question. So, let's break it down for you, step-by-step.

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Strategic Planning at our Company Retreat – Featured Image
The Business of Design

Strategic Planning at our Company Retreat

Board & Vellum recently returned from our annual company retreat, and we come bearing our new "Painted Picture," a.k.a. our new "Strategic Plan." We share it with you to keep us honest. We strive to meet our goals, and we'd love it if you kept us accountable.

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An Architect's New Office – Large Conference Room – Featured Image
News

An Architect’s New Office

Board & Vellum is five years old, and we celebrated with a party in our new offices! We’re now working in a custom space, designed by us, and spreading out over two floors. Board & Vellum 5.0 is here. Explore the glamor shots here, or come on over and say hi – we'll give you a tour!

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Form over Function or Function over Form? - Metal Panel Walls: Cool, But Possibly Leaky
Ask a Designer

Form over Function or Function over Form?

Architects have been arguing about the hierarchy of form and function for ages, so where does Jeff Pelletier stand? It depends! When it comes down to it, there isn’t one, right answer: it’s always a balance. So, let’s discuss form versus function in terms of the decisions you might face when designing your project.

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Top 10 Things to Consider When Designing a Vacation Home – Make it Special
Ask a Designer

Top 10 Things to Consider When Designing a Vacation Home

A vacation home should be something special, not just another suburban house plopped down on a piece of nice land, and that requires some thought. Jeff Pelletier breaks it down in his Top 10 Things to Consider, from respecting the view, to creating a special place to keep both kids and adults relaxed and happy.

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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 simply makes our day. You may also enjoy a few of the related posts below.

Diagram showing a small icon representing the bank on Capitol Hill where Board & Vellum has been located for 10 years and a small icon of the Smith Tower, where Board & Vellum’s new office is located, with two arrows between them completing a circle, and a transparent aerial shot of Seattle underlaid beneath the diagram.

Board & Vellum is Moving to Pioneer Square

As we approach our 15th anniversary, Board & Vellum is preparing for a new chapter as the evolved firm we’ve grown into, moving back to our roots in Pioneer Square, this time, taking over the 16th floor in Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower.

Teaming Up: A Message From Terry Phelan

As a leader in sustainable and green design, Terry has dedicated her 30-plus-year career to finding ways to expand the deep green space. As her retirement approaches, Terry is looking forward to continuing to focus on educating the public and mentoring the next generation of designers to carry on the amazing work she and Living Shelter have started.

Jeff Pelletier stands in his office in front of his various awards, certificates, and degrees. He is smiling at the camera with his arms crossed in front of his body.

Teaming Up: A Message From Jeff Pelletier

When the opportunity to advance our plans to expand our green and sustainable practice arose, it was too good to pass up. We feel fortunate to welcome Living Shelter Architects to our team — a dedicated group of designers whose mission and values align so well with our own. Sometimes, things just fit!

Living Shelter Architects and Board & Vellum Join Forces

We’ve been keeping a secret, but it’s for a good reason, and we’re pleased to finally get to share! We’ve always been dedicated to bringing our clients the best we have to offer in our services, approach, and design philosophy. Now with Living Shelter Architects joining the team, we’re excited to be able to provide even more to our community.

2017 Year In Review – Board & Vellum – Happy New Year 2018 Card

A Year in Review: Looking Back at 2017

Jeff Pelletier looks back on 2017 in his annual Year in Review blog post. From fun family times, to fun times at work, 2017 was a year to remember. So many things happened, but here are 10 highlights that leave us excited for what’s coming up in the new year.

B&V Radio, a new podcast about being a designer in Seattle.

B&V Radio: Podcasting from Board & Vellum

Heads up, everyone, Board & Vellum now has a podcast: Design Goggles, on B&V Radio! Tune in on iTunes or SoundCloud, and listen as hosts Charles and Rachel discuss with guests what it’s like living in Seattle during the city’s exciting, rapid growth, all through the lens of design.

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.

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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.