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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

The Top 10 Things an Architect Learns from Vacation

When you are starting and building a company, it's hard to convince yourself that you should allow yourself (maybe even force yourself) to take vacations. Here, Jeff lists the top ten things that he's learned from making a point of taking some time off to travel.

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Ask a Designer

Top 10 Problems That Come Up During Construction

Once you have your set of architectural drawings, and you have your permit, who is going to be there to make sure nothing goes wrong during construction? (Your architect!) So, what are the common problems that occur during the construction phase?

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Interior Design

Top Ten Things to Consider in a Home Bar

What features does your dream basement bar have? Dim lighting? A pool table? A karaoke machine? To each his own, but there are definitely some things you'll want to give some serious consideration. Here are our top ten.

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Ask a Designer, Commercial

Top 3 Acoustical Considerations for a Retail or Restaurant Space

Don't make a grave mistake and neglect to consider acoustics in your new space. Unpleasant noise can ruin a venue for a lot of clientele who would otherwise stick around (bringing you revenue!). Here are three crucial things to consider for acoustic design.

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Custom Residential

An Architect’s Own Remodel and Lessons Learned

Architects are our own worst clients. Here is Jeff's story of remodeling his own house and the lessons learned.

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Custom Residential, Interior Design

Built-In Dog Furniture and Casework

Dogs not only provide lots of love, they provide opportunities for creating amazing built-in cabinets or spaces that are suited just for them. Here are some fun examples of built-in cabinets and spaces meant just for them. And, bonus: check out the list of other things to consider when designing with a dog in mind.

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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.