Leslie Batten
Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Practice
Environmentally Responsible Landscape Design
Being a good partner to the planet often begins right at home. If you’re curious about ways you can integrate sustainable design into your yard, garden, and other outdoor areas, there are many options! It’s an excellent place to start thinking about environmentally responsible landscape design.
Learn more.
Landscape Architecture
Your Guide To Raised Beds & Container Gardens
We’re digging deep into everything you need to know about adding raised beds or a container garden to your outdoor space. And what about edible plants? A popular choice for raised beds and containers, let’s talk about how to make the most out of your space to grow exactly what you want.
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Landscape Architecture
Five Things To Consider With Composite Decking
Thinking about building or rebuilding your deck? Maybe you’re looking at all the material options and feeling a little overwhelmed? If you’re considering composite decking as one of your options, let’s talk about some of the things you might want to mull over as you make your decision.
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Civic & Community, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Practice
Sustainability in Park Design
In the Pacific Northwest, the heat is literally on. Last summer, we experienced record-breaking heat in Seattle and, in Washington State, we recently adopted the Climate Commitment Act that requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon pollution to net zero by 2050. Can investing in sustainable park infrastructure help us meet those goals?
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Sustainable Practice
Environmentally Responsible Design & Sustainability
Pairing environmentally responsible design with beautiful-designed spaces is very important to us. So, to kick off the near year, we wrote a manifesto declaring the principles we’ll follow to ensure we are doing the best we can to help not only our clients but those who inhabit the spaces and places we create in the future.
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Ask a Designer, Landscape Architecture
What Material Should I Use for My Deck?
There are a lot of types of wood decks to choose from. How do you know which might be the right one for you? This post covers your main options for building a wood deck and explores the pros and cons of the different wood choices.
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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.
Why Architects Are Your Best Advocates in a Complicated Permit World
Permitting in the Puget Sound Region is a complicated endeavor, but you don’t have to go at it alone. At Board & Vellum, we have the knowledge and experience to help get your project to the permitting finish line. In fact, architects are key players in helping you achieve permit success. Here’s how.
Installing Mature Trees in Your New Landscape
The living part of your landscape can take years to grow in. That’s why we love including mature trees in a fresh landscape — they immediately provide the shade, privacy, and impact of an established garden. If you’re thinking about installing a mature tree in your outdoor spaces, here is what you’ll want to to consider.
Choosing the Right Pool for Your Home
Pools are becoming a more and more popular addition to single-family homes, even in the notoriously chilly Pacific Northwest. They’re a great way to enliven your outdoor spaces, but the decisions made when choosing the right pool for your home can be overwhelming. Here is our guide to helping homeowners through the process.
Environmentally Responsible Landscape Design
Being a good partner to the planet often begins right at home. If you’re curious about ways you can integrate sustainable design into your yard, garden, and other outdoor areas, there are many options! It’s an excellent place to start thinking about environmentally responsible landscape design.
Layering of Space
The backyard oasis is comprised of layered spaces and programs — framed by the new garage and studio, and the main house. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery
Using Drones for Site Planning
You’ve probably heard of drone technology — but did you know it can be an effective tool for design projects? We’re breaking down all the ways drone technology can improve your project, create efficiencies, and help you collaborate with your design team.
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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.
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.