Jeff Pelletier
The Business of Design
Life of an Architect
Shout out to another blogging architect: check out "Life of an Architect" for a good read.
Learn more.Other Tangents
Vellum
What is vellum, and why is it in our name? Here is a little backstory for you, if you’ve just been too shy to ask.
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This Is Probably a Project Too Small for an Architect, Isn’t It?
Whether or not your project is too small for an architect is a very common, yet tricky, question. Most projects (of all sizes) would be better with an architect involved, but it's true that it doesn't always suit to budget to hire a professional. Here are a couple of things to consider.
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Other Tangents
Jeff’s LEGO Addiction
It's no secret: Jeff is obsessed with LEGO. In fact, he's now brought it all back from his parents' home, and set up a LEGO room in his own house that would make any LEGO lover swoon.
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Into the Breach
After 11 years of working in the architecture and interior design industry in some fantastic firms, I have made the crazy decision (in a down economy no less!) to head off and start my own firm. What am I hoping to get out of this?
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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.
Community Engagement at Board & Vellum
Giving back to the community has been part of Board & Vellum’s DNA from the beginning. Our commitment to community building led to one of our major 2022 initiatives: developing our Community Engagement Manifesto to help organize our company’s and employees’ charitable efforts.
Why I’m a Generalist Architect
Many architects and designers choose to specialize in a specific sector or focus on a single project type. That’s awesome and necessary, but it’s not Jeff. His journey as a generalist architect is why providing out-of-the-box services is part of Board & Vellum’s DNA, and it’s what keeps him dedicated to design of all kinds.
How a Philosophy of High Performance is Changing the Way We Work
Designing a home or building is one thing. Designing the work experience of your employees is quite another. But the design mentality we bring to our projects also allows us to adapt and innovate how we operate as a team. Though our firm has evolved over the years, our values have not, guiding us to adopt the philosophy of a high-performance team.
Advice for Starting a Design Firm
Starting a design firm isn’t easy. It takes a lot of luck, it can exciting, but also stressful. You’ll need to take some calculated risks. It worked out at B&V, and we’ve grown to about 40 people in 8 years. Here are some tips learned along the journey of starting a design firm.
Do Architects Advocate for the Client or for the Architect?
Does an architect or designer advocate for your interests or for theirs? We believe your design team should advocate for you. That doesn't mean just being a "yes man" — it means working with you to design the best path forward. Here are a few areas we can especially help by being your advocate.
How To Design For Others
Unless you are an architect guided only by your own ego, you need to learn how to design for others. Your clients will be unique individuals who may have needs and preferences that are completely foreign to you. Here are some tips to hone your skills at understanding the needs of people unlike you.
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Achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute in 2023.
Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.
Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.
Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.
A Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Since 2016.
Honoring companies that lead in promoting equality.