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.
Services
Disciplines
Additional Options
News
Board & Vellum Places 4th for 100 Best Small Businesses to Work!
We’re proud to announce that Board & Vellum placed 4th in the small business category for Seattle Business Magazine's 100 Best Places to Work in Washington State! We celebrated together at the awards dinner at the Washington State Convention Center and look forward to more years to come of happy employees and happy clients!
Learn more.
Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
HVAC and the Residential Remodel, Part 1: Treated Air Systems
You might not be Pinteresting HVAC systems for your home remodel, but if you overlook it, you'll regret it! The products might not always be photogenic, but that doesn't mean you don't have some important choices to make. In this installation, Sara Emhoff explores the pros and cons of mini-splits versus forced air systems.
Learn more.
News
An Architect’s New Office
Board & Vellum is five years old, and we celebrated with a party in our new offices! We’re now working in a custom space, designed by us, and spreading out over two floors. Board & Vellum 5.0 is here. Explore the glamor shots here, or come on over and say hi – we'll give you a tour!
Learn more.
Architecture, Ask a Designer, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture
Patterns of Place: What Helps Build the Places We Love?
What is it about certain spaces that makes them feel so great? Let's explore "patterns of place" – design features that help form the places we love. From location, to entry sequence, to passive systems, materials, quality of light, and more, these patterns help make that crucial switch from house to home.
Learn more.
Ask a Designer
Form over Function or Function over Form?
Architects have been arguing about the hierarchy of form and function for ages, so where does Jeff Pelletier stand? It depends! When it comes down to it, there isn’t one, right answer: it’s always a balance. So, let’s discuss form versus function in terms of the decisions you might face when designing your project.
Learn more.
Arts & Culture
Board & Vellum Sponsors The Moth Mainstage, Hosted by Seattle Arts & Lectures
Board & Vellum is co-sponsoring The Moth Mainstage at Benaroya Hall with 88.5 KPLU, KUOW 94.9 FM Public Radio, and the Seattle Met, hosted by Seattle Arts & Lectures. Come join us on Wednesday, May 18th, 2016, and enjoy an evening of storytelling based around the theme "Ties that Bind," hosted by David Crabb.
Learn more.
Other Tangents
Rebuilding Together Seattle: Board & Vellum Volunteers!
Last weekend, Board & Vellum teamed up with the local branch of the WSGR law firm for Rebuilding Together Seattle's "Spring Rebuilding Day"! A long day of hard work, teamwork, matching T-shirts, a protective onesie, and, well, a cute puppy, rounded out a good time helping a local homeowner revive her house!
Learn more.
Ask a Designer
Top 10 Things to Consider When Designing a Vacation Home
A vacation home should be something special, not just another suburban house plopped down on a piece of nice land, and that requires some thought. Jeff Pelletier breaks it down in his Top 10 Things to Consider, from respecting the view, to creating a special place to keep both kids and adults relaxed and happy.
Learn more.
Arts & Culture
Night School: Architecture & Time – Recap
What role does time play in our interpretation, perception, and memory of architecture? What about the inverse: how are our memories altered – or mediated – by architectural space? Jeff Sandler recaps the discussion that thrived at another successful B&V Night School, this time exploring the complex and symbiotic relationship between architecture and time.
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.