Jeff Pelletier
Custom Residential
Oh, Gosh, You Must Love It Here!
I'm often asked for my opinion on people's homes when they show them to me. Please stop. You're torturing architects. All we know, is that you love it and think it is wonderful. Can't that be enough? And besides, I know that you must love it there. Isn't that all that needs to be said?
Learn more.Commercial
Downsize Your Retail: 15th Avenue East
There is something particularly special about very small retail spaces. The shops on 15th Avenue East on Capitol Hill in Seattle, especially on the northwest end, are an especially good example of this.
Learn more.Other Tangents
Nantucket Architecture
Architects can learn so much from visiting other places and seeing what works well there. Jeff recently returned from a trip to Nantucket, and reports back here.
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Ask a Designer
Construction Observation: What the Heck Is It?
There are a bunch of typical phases in a typical architectural design process, but all projects don't include all of the phases, though they are available. Basically, it is like a menu of services. Construction Observation is one of the the best things on the menu, and too often overlooked.
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Commercial, Interior Design
Zombie Lighting
What is with dressing rooms that have horrible top lighting? Isn't the point to make you feel like you look really good, and should, therefore, buy the clothes you're trying on? It's so easy to avoid. Don't make this mistake in your shop!
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
Painting Your House Cyndi-Lauper-Style
As Cyndi Lauper once said, "On my darkest days, I wear my brightest colors." What a great piece of advice, especially for a city that can be as gray as Seattle. Living in the Northwest brings enough dark days. Why not think about brightening up your house and helping improve your mood along the way?
Learn more.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.
Budgeting for a Remodel or Building New? Part 2
Building new gives you complete control over every detail, but it comes with its own financial realities. In part two of this series, we walk through land costs, permits, hidden expenses, a decision making framework, and real client examples to help you choose the right path for your family.
Budgeting for a Remodel or Building New? Part 1
Should you remodel your current home or start fresh? In part one of this two part series, we break down what renovating really costs: design fees, permits, the disruption of living through construction, and the hidden expenses most homeowners never see coming, plus when remodeling truly makes financial sense.
Backyard Sport Courts
A backyard sport court gives your family a reason to head outside on an ordinary weeknight. Here is what to consider before you build one in the Pacific Northwest, from stormwater requirements and fencing rules to surfacing, lighting for dark winter afternoons, and the budget factors that shape the final number.
What to Look For When Buying Land to Build a Vacation Home
Buying land for a vacation or second home comes with hidden risks: buildability limits, utility costs, environmental constraints, and remote-build logistics. Before you fall in love with a view, learn what to look for so you can make a confident, informed purchase. Here’s what our architects consider before, and after, you buy.
Designing Your Backyard Wellness Retreat
A hot tub is a feature. A wellness retreat is an experience and the difference is design. From cedar saunas and cold plunge pools to outdoor yoga platforms and curated water features, we’ll walk you through how we design a backyard sanctuary that restores, performs, and reflects exactly how you live.
Designing & Permitting Backyard Buildings
What does it take to get your backyard building built? Whether its an accessory structure, a detached accessory dwelling unit, or a garage, a little gumption goes a long way. With careful planning and a little patience, you can have the backyard building of your dreams.
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