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How Not to Solve a Problem

Ever come across something truly odd in a building? Jeff came across a diagonally-installed toilet, and that inspired this post – unforeseen problems come up in construction all the time, and it sure helps to have an architect on had to make sure you solve it in a way that makes sense.

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Custom Residential, Historic & Traditional

The Perils and Joys of Remodeling Older Homes

Remodeling older homes can be a challenge, but it's definitely worth it when you do it right, and when you go in prepared for some of the challenges. So, what are the perils and joys? Jeff, who has remodeled plenty of old homes (including his own) lays it all out for you.

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Commercial, Custom Residential

How to Use Social Media When Designing a House or Retail Space

There are so many social media platforms out there these days. Which are the most helpful when you are planning an architecture, interior design, or landscape project?

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Arts & Culture, News

Hello World! Quilt Bomb Hits Capitol Hill, by Artist Luke Haynes

One of the more exciting projects we're working on here at Board and Vellum, Ada's Technical Books & Café, recently got a bunch of pre-construction publicity when the clients hired artist Luke Haynes to wrap the exterior of the building in yarn scraps spelling out "Hello World"! 

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

How to Add Floor Heat to Your Bathroom or House

Is adding radiantly heated floors to your bathroom really that hard? Nope! Check out two recommendations from Jeff about your options for adding this easy luxury to your home.

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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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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.

Tanager Apartments – Board & Vellum
16x9-euclid_union-rendering-view_6-night

Tanager Apartments | Rendering by Board & Vellum.

What to Expect in Your Multifamily Feasibility Study

If knowledge is power, a feasibility study is an invaluable investment in your potential multifamily project. A comprehensive feasibility study should give you the important, foundational information you need to make informed decisions about your project early. Thorough and efficient, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

Office-to-Residential Conversion, Commercial Conversion, Office to Housing Conversion, Office Space to Multifamily Apartments Conversion: Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture by Board & Vellum (Rendering of Stream Queen Anne, the first office-to-residential project permitted in Seattle after the pandemic.)
Exterior Updates

Strategic updates to the building’s exterior — like a high-contrast paint upgrade — celebrate its commercial origin while bringing it into the 21st century with a new use. Queen Anne Commercial Conversion | Project Rendering by Board & Vellum

Your Guide to Multifamily Feasibility Studies

If you’ve been thinking about developing a multifamily project, whether it’s new construction or a conversion, apartments or townhomes, you’ve probably heard someone mention the need for something called a “feasibility study.” But what exactly is a feasibility study, and why is it such a crucial first step?

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.

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.