Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

The Ups and Downs of Staircase Design

Stairs can literally be the great uniter.  Unfortunately, they’re also the great divider in so many older homes and an area ripe for improvement. If you do decide to tear out and replace a stair, what should you consider for the new design? Here are a few guidelines to consider.

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News

Jeff Pelletier’s “40 Under 40” Article

Our very own Jeff Pelletier made the "40 Under 40" cut! It's now in print, so go check it out, or read it (and giggle at the funny pictures) online.

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News

Jeff Pelletier Honored as One of PSBJ’s “40 Under 40”

Exciting end-of-week news: Jeff Pelletier, our owner and principal, has been honored as one of Puget Sound Business Journal's 2014 "40 Under 40" list! More details to come later!

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News, The Business of Design

Our Painted Picture and a Recap of our Planning Retreat

Every year, Board & Vellum takes some time off from our regular work week and travels somewhere out of town (usually the woods) where we can spend some time relaxing and planning our goals for the upcoming year. This is a recap of this year's accomplishments.

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Other Tangents

Come Hear Jeff Speak on a Panel Celebrating Small Business

Board & Vellum principal and owner, Jeff Pelletier, is speaking on a panel celebrating small business, sharing the honor with Liz Dunn and Matt Dillon. Come listen and participate at the Sole Repair Shop at 1001 E. Pike Street in Seattle.

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News

Awards and Press for Ada’s and The Seattle Box

It's been an exciting week for news at Board & Vellum, as we've just heard about winning a lot of awards for our work at Ada's Technical Books & Café and the Seattle Box Remodel. Rather than spread it out, we'll just announce it all at once, right here.

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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.

Aerial view of a single-family residential neighborhood for a blog post on middle housing.

The Middle Housing Bill FAQ

Washington State’s HB1110 — also called the Middle Housing Bill — is setting the stage for big changes to code and zoning in Seattle. But what is middle housing? And what is the “missing middle” HB1110 seeks to fill? You have questions and we have answers based on our best, current understanding of this landmark legislation.

Cantilevered Home – Modern Cantilevered Residence – Board & Vellum

Do I Need a Feasibility Study?

A lot of questions come up before embarking on a design project! A feasibility study, especially for complex or potentially complicated sites or projects, might be just what you need to kick off a successful project.

Growing in Place – Board & Vellum

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.

Four chairs encircle a round coffee table. In the background, a large window looking out at Puget Sound is flanked by two built in book cases.

How to Design to a Concept Instead of a Theme

Concept vs. Theme. Maybe you’ve never thought about the difference between these approaches to design. Maybe you didn’t even realize they were related to design! The difference is subtle, but being able to tell them apart could be what keeps you from taking your design vision to an unpleasant extreme.

A bright white living room with a feature couch in blue, a coffee table, and a small dining area.

How a Designer Can Help You Navigate Lead Times

Product lead times can play a major role in the success of your project and, these days, they’re longer and less predictable than ever. If you’ve been frustrated trying to find a product in stock and on your timeline, we feel you. And we have some simple ways to help you overcome these challenges.

Sigma Kappa Mu Interiors – Board & Vellum

What is FF&E Procurement?

If you’re working with an interior designer, you may be wondering how you’re going to acquire all the amazing items they’re helping you select for your space. We have the answer: FF&E Procurement. It’s one of the many ways we work to help you get the most out of your project!

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.