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Ask a Designer

Appropriate Siding Material for Urban Environments

Just as you need to wear different clothing for different weather or climates, buildings need different exterior siding to suit their environment. (And we don't mean in terms of the building envelope in this case.) We mean, if you're in a city, plan for graffiti.

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Historic & Traditional

Adaptive Reuse of Churches

Churches are some of the world's most iconic and everlasting forms of architecture. They're also in declining use and in need of a new use in life. Here are some fun examples of churches being adapted to a new use in life.

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News

Architecture Advice to Non-Architects

Jeff reflects on why he loves writing for non-architects, looks back to a few posts he particularly enjoyed writing over the past year, and looks excitedly to this new year and all that's happening ahead.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

How Much Time to Plan for a Remodel or House Project

When you just are dying to update one particular thing in your house, it's a good idea to just slow down for a sec, and make sure you have a master plan. You'll be kicking yourself if you end up redoing something you've already put money into. Here are some planning tips.

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Custom Residential

Christmas Lights for Architects

Christmas lights are far too much work to take seriously. Here are some thoughts on how to blow apart convention and have a great time with crazy Christmas lights on your house or apartment building.

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Three Kinds of Cabinets: Flush Inset, Flush Overlay, and Overlay – Cabinet Types – Board & Vellum
Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Interior Design

What Kind of Cabinets Should I Select?

Custom cabinets are pretty freaking amazing. There's a lot to choose from (style, hardware, color, finish...), but one of the most basic decisions is what kind of style cabinet door construction you want, or is right for your space. Here are summaries of the three kinds of styles with some easy-to-follow diagrams.

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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.