Jeff Pelletier
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture
Why Architects Are Your Best Advocates in a Complicated Permit World
Permitting in the Puget Sound Region is a complicated endeavor, but you don’t have to go at it alone. At Board & Vellum, we have the knowledge and experience to help get your project to the permitting finish line. In fact, architects are key players in helping you achieve permit success. Here’s how.
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Custom Residential
Factors That Impact Permit Timing
How long does it take to get a permit? This is a perennial question we wish we had a simple answer to. In reality, there are many factors that can impact permit timing. Here, we explore what those factors are so you’re armed with the right knowledge before your project goes in for permit.
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Architecture, Custom Residential, Interior Design
Fireplace Options For Your Home
If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your home or restoring an existing fireplace, the options may seem overwhelming. There are many things to consider, like aesthetic goals, ambiance, and sustainability. Luckily, we've assembled this essential guide on fireplaces to help you decide what’s right for you.
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Adaptive Reuse, Architecture, Mixed-Use, Multifamily Residential
Transforming Empty Office Buildings into Housing
In the wake of changing work dynamics after the pandemic, empty office buildings are a common sight. Meanwhile, the need is dire for more housing in the city. Many are seeing this as an opportunity to solve two problems at once, and a sustainable solution for urban living to boot.
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The Business of Design
Community Engagement at Board & Vellum
Giving back to the community has been part of Board & Vellum’s DNA from the beginning. Our commitment to community building led to one of our major 2022 initiatives: developing our Community Engagement Manifesto to help organize our company’s and employees’ charitable efforts.
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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
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?
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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.
Designing for Natural Light in Your Home
Living through dark Seattle winters makes you appreciate every hour of daylight. From light tubes and transom windows to north light, skylights, and smart landscaping, here are the design strategies I rely on to bring natural light into your home and make it feel bright and welcoming all year.
What Makes a Home Feel Custom?
What makes a home feel custom and worth the investment? The answer changes from one person to the next. From fitted kitchen drawers and hidden shower drains to a secret scullery and a seriously quiet house, here are nine custom home features I’ve seen elevate everyday life at home.
Unlocking Seattle’s New Zoning Code for Homeowners
Seattle’s new zoning code gives homeowners far more options for their own lots. Even with more updates on the way, changes that took effect in January 2026 already allow housing types and design approaches that weren’t permitted before. Here’s what changed, who benefits, and what the new Neighborhood Residential standards allow.
Seattle Ground Floor Retail is a Public Benefit
A recent trip to New York reminded me what thriving neighborhood retail feels like, and how far Seattle has drifted from it. Small, affordable, interesting storefronts are the glue that holds a city together. Here's why Seattle should treat great ground floor retail as an essential public benefit, and two ideas for getting there.
Adaptive Reuse: Getting More From the Buildings We Already Have
Reusing an existing building can cut waste, speed up approvals, and keep a neighborhood's character intact. It also comes with real surprises. Here's how Board & Vellum helps clients weigh the benefits and challenges, choose the right building, and define a scope that fits the budget and the goals.
Why Isn’t Seattle Building Enough Housing?
Puget Sound needs an estimated 275,000 more homes over the next decade, yet permits are hitting new lows. Rising interest rates, slow permitting, and high costs are driving the shortfall. Here's what's blocking new housing in Seattle, and the zoning changes, permitting reforms, and fee adjustments that could help close the gap.
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