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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Designing for Natural Light in Your Home
Living through dark Seattle winters makes you appreciate every hour of daylight. From light tubes and transom windows to north light, skylights, and smart landscaping, here are the design strategies I rely on to bring natural light into your home and make it feel bright and welcoming all year.
What Makes a Home Feel Custom?
What makes a home feel custom and worth the investment? The answer changes from one person to the next. From fitted kitchen drawers and hidden shower drains to a secret scullery and a seriously quiet house, here are nine custom home features I’ve seen elevate everyday life at home.
Unlocking Seattle’s New Zoning Code for Homeowners
Seattle’s new zoning code gives homeowners far more options for their own lots. Even with more updates on the way, changes that took effect in January 2026 already allow housing types and design approaches that weren’t permitted before. Here’s what changed, who benefits, and what the new Neighborhood Residential standards allow.
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.
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Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.
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