Renée Roman
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture
What Is A Ranch?
Ranches conjure up all sorts of imagery in our imaginations. But when it comes down to designing one, what are we really talking about? It’s more than just the land, and it’s more than just the built structures — it is the symbiotic relationship between the two, and cultivating that requires careful exploration and design.
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Arts & Culture
An Art Walk Sneak Peek: Works by Frank Ching
During the current pandemic crisis, we aren’t currently able to host in-person events in our By Others gallery at the Board & Vellum office on Capitol Hill in Seattle. But, that doesn’t at all mean we aren’t super excited about this one! To tide you over, please enjoy this preview of works by Frank Ching.
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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.
Seattle Ground Floor Retail is a Public Benefit
A recent trip to New York reminded me what thriving neighborhood retail feels like, and how far Seattle has drifted from it. Small, affordable, interesting storefronts are the glue that holds a city together. Here's why Seattle should treat great ground floor retail as an essential public benefit, and two ideas for getting there.
Adaptive Reuse: Getting More From the Buildings We Already Have
Reusing an existing building can cut waste, speed up approvals, and keep a neighborhood's character intact. It also comes with real surprises. Here's how Board & Vellum helps clients weigh the benefits and challenges, choose the right building, and define a scope that fits the budget and the goals.
Why Isn’t Seattle Building Enough Housing?
Puget Sound needs an estimated 275,000 more homes over the next decade, yet permits are hitting new lows. Rising interest rates, slow permitting, and high costs are driving the shortfall. Here's what's blocking new housing in Seattle, and the zoning changes, permitting reforms, and fee adjustments that could help close the gap.
A Space for Everyone
Matthias Academy’s complex programming needs include a campus that combines housing, education centers, employment opportunities, and more. Matthias Academy | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
Our Approach to Commercial Architecture Design
A new commercial building sits on a site, in a neighborhood, and in an ecosystem that will likely outlast it. Here is how our commercial architecture design process starts with curiosity about a place, stays centered on the people who will use the building, and plans for the decades after opening.
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.
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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.