Blog
Learn more about architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture from the B&V Team.
Our blog is a friendly resource for anyone wondering how to approach their project, seeking answers for their design questions, or simply eager for a peek inside our world.
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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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Ask a Designer, Commercial, Custom Residential, Landscape Architecture, Mixed-Use
How Long Does It Take to Get a Full Building Permit?
If you need a full building permit for your project (rather than an “over-the-counter” one) you need to include the additional time it takes for permit review in your project schedule. How long does it take to get a full building permit? It varies, but here is what you can expect in Seattle.
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The Business of Design
What Does It Mean To Be An Integrated Design Firm?
We are an integrated design firm, but what (you may wonder) does that mean? And, specifically, what does that mean for your project and how it benefits you? Here is a breakdown for what it means for you and your project when the integrated design firm you are working with is us, Board & Vellum.
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Ask a Designer, Commercial
Do I Need to Permit My Commercial Space?
Do you need to permit your commercial space? If you are in Seattle, most likely, yes. The more important question is: what type of permit do you need? There are two major types of building permits in Seattle, and which type you need will impact your timeline for opening for business. Here’s how to plan.
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Landscape Architecture
What’s Blooming Now: A Quick Guide for Spring Plants in Seattle
Wondering what's blooming in Seattle in the spring? Maybe you’ve noticed some flowers on your walks around town and don’t know what they are? We are certainly big fans of when the flowers start peeking out in the spring. Here is a quick guide to some of our favorites that you will find in Seattle.
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Landscape Architecture
April is Landscape Architecture Month!
April is Landscape Architecture Month, and with all the hints of spring popping up around us, it's the perfect time to celebrate the profession that brings you parks, trails, gardens, streetscapes, national parks, plazas, community p-patches, and all the places that make getting outside to enjoy the season all the more enjoyable and inviting.
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The Business of Design
What Was I Thinking? (Learning from Your Mistakes When Starting a Business)
Starting a business is no easy task, and you just can’t expect that you won’t make mistakes along the way. You will make them, we promise. The important thing is to make sure you learn from them once you do. Here are five mistakes Jeff Pelletier made when starting Board & Vellum.
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Custom Residential
What Not to Forget When Designing a Vacation Home
When it comes to vacation home design, there are some things that are decidedly different from a typical home design: features you need in a vacation home that you don’t need in your main home. But what are they? Here are five features you should make sure you include when designing a vacation home.
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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Interior Design
How Do You Get Great Design on Your Project?
Great design takes patience. So, if you want your project to look and function like it was designed really well, you need to invest in design, and that takes time. There are several later phases after the design concept is formed that are crucial to your project’s success. Here’s a quick review of why.
Learn more.Or, if chronology isn’t your thing…
Here are a couple of posts to get you started. Of course, it’s hard to choose, so feel free to poke around; we hope to have a little something for everyone. And, if you have a burning question you’d like us to cover in a future post, please let us know!
Considering a project, or curious about something?
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.
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.