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Firm Culture

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?

Jeff Pelletier is the Managing Principal and Founder of Board & Vellum, an architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture firm in Seattle, Washington.
Jeff Pelletier
March 11, 2011

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?

I want to advocate for my clients and I want to have a blast doing it.

I’ve always been a bit of a split personality: the highly-detailed professional, but who still is able to bring personality to the table and can work comfortably with a bunch of people. I’m always conscious of the big picture, but never too far from the little things that can make architecture so much fun. Board & Vellum comes from that approach. The ‘Board’ represents both my interest in housing, but also the formal aspect of presentations (think of the term, presentation ‘boards’). I am my client’s advocate, and dealing and presenting the best foot forward is my job. On the other hand, this is a personal approach to design and one that is highly tailored to each client. I’m not a design maniac who is going to force my style upon someone. My job is to help guide a client, and help them get a great project that they’re proud of and that meets their budget. ‘Vellum’ is the first real paper I drafted on, and one that brings to mind the personalized approach of the true architectural craft. I may be providing a service, but it is a personalized one or I’m not doing my job.

And together, that’s my mission: bring my extensive architectural experience to the table to be your advocate, and to do it in a way that is personal and crafted to your needs. Board & Vellum is going to evolve over time, but the two things that will always remain true are my passion for the profession, and to working well with my clients.

Let’s enjoy the ride!

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