Board & Vellum has moved to Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower in Pioneer Square. Learn more.
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News

Ada’s Receives a Citation in the 2014 Residential Architect Design Awards

We are very excited to announce that our work at Ada's Technical Books & Café has been nationally recognized with a citation in the category of "light commercial" for the 2014 Residential Architect Design Awards!

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What to Expect at the First Design Meeting with an Architect

So, you've decided to hire an architect. Are you curious about what that first design meeting will be like? It can certainly vary greatly depending on who you've decided to work with, but at Board & Vellum, we shelve our egos and work with you to create the design that works best for your project.

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What do Architects’ Acronyms Mean?

While our policy at Board & Vellum is to avoid using acronyms whenever we can, sometimes it's just unavoidable in architectural drawings. While contractors typically know what they all stand for, clients often do not. So, here is a handy (if limited) guide to some of the acronyms you'll see the most frequently.

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News

Celebrating Three Years of Board & Vellum

It's been an amazing three years at Board & Vellum. We've grown from just Jeff working hard in his attic, to a team of seven working hard together in the (now) expanded Board & Vellum offices. Here, Jeff looks back at the last three years, and ahead to the next three.

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The Stages of Architectural Design

The biggest question we get when meeting with new clients who haven’t worked with an architect before (aside from, “How much does it cost?”) is always about how the process works. What are the stages of architectural design, and what happens at each phase? So, let's explore the phases from Pre-Design through Construction Observation!

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Other Tangents

Single Design Moves That Make All the Difference

Sometimes, there is a single move that just makes all the difference in the world to a project's success. Houzz wrote an article about this and featured our Seattle Box Remodel. Check it out!

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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 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.