Board & Vellum has moved to Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower in Pioneer Square. Learn more.
Custom Residential, Interior Design

Building the Lego Room

Who says grownups can't have truly epic lego rooms? Your house is YOUR house: build something to support what makes you happy. At Board & Vellum, we love to embrace the individuality of our clients, and we hope Jeff's famous lego room inspires you to embrace your passions just a little bit more.

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Commercial

Designing Retail Spaces You Want to Linger In

Designing small-to-medium-size retail projects brings unique and exciting challenges, and great small retail brings so much to the life of a community. So, what does it take to create a space where customers slow their pace and linger? Retail spaces designed for the human scale, that promote curiosity and exploration.

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Architecture, Ask a Designer

How Do I Design My Project with an Architect?

So you want to work with an architect to design your home? Awesome! But, just what exactly is that like? No need for it to be a secret. Let's check out what happens, starting from the "Dreaming Phase," and making our way through to the "Schematic Pricing Package."

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Architecture, Ask a Designer

Architects & Clients: The Dating Game

We are all about openness here at Board & Vellum. This week, we discuss our actual process of how we go from a project inquiry to a real, active project, and what it could look like if you were to drive down that road with us.

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Architecture vs. Interior Design – Venn Diagram of Architectural and Interior Design Services
Ask a Designer

Architecture and Interior Design

What the heck is the difference between architecture and interior design? It's a common question, and not a stupid one at all! There is a lot of overlap between the two, and it can be confusing. We'll walk through the differences in services and help you decide how to craft the team for your project.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

Does It Make Sense To Add a Second Story to My House?

In this crazy Seattle real estate market, we get a lot of questions about whether or not it makes sense to add a second story to a house. It's not a simple “yes or no” answer, but we’ve found that considering these several factors can help you decide if adding up is right for you.

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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.

Developing a new custom residential property on undeveloped land with Board & Vellum.

What to Look For When Buying Land to Build a Vacation Home

Buying land for a vacation or second home comes with hidden risks: buildability limits, utility costs, environmental constraints, and remote-build logistics. Before you fall in love with a view, learn what to look for so you can make a confident, informed purchase. Here’s what our architects consider before, and after, you buy.

Designing Backyard Spas & Wellness Retreats – Landscape Architecture – Board & Vellum

Designing Your Backyard Wellness Retreat

A hot tub is a feature. A wellness retreat is an experience and the difference is design. From cedar saunas and cold plunge pools to outdoor yoga platforms and curated water features, we’ll walk you through how we design a backyard sanctuary that restores, performs, and reflects exactly how you live.

Designing & Permitting Backyard Buildings

What does it take to get your backyard building built? Whether its an accessory structure, a detached accessory dwelling unit, or a garage, a little gumption goes a long way. With careful planning and a little patience, you can have the backyard building of your dreams.

Navigating the World of Backyard Buildings

When it comes to backyard buildings, there are many things to consider. The first is: what exactly is a backyard building? From accessory structures to detached accessory dwelling units to garages, we’re breaking down the three main types of backyard buildings and how they function on your property.

Your House Shouldn’t Be Perfect

Homes are meant to age. And while obviously new spaces have their place, there is something special about a home that feels a little imperfect. Here are some of our favorite materials that add an organic, lived-in feel to a home, even when the spaces are entirely new.

Rolled up project construction documents for a home.

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.

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 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.