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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News
HGTV Fresh Faces of Design
We’re excited to announce that our fearless leader, Jeff Pelletier, has been named a finalist in the HGTV Fresh Faces of Design competition in not one, but two categories! Winners are selected by popular vote, so come join us in supporting Board & Vellum's work: vote for Jeff's famous Lego Room, and Ada's Technical Books. Cheers!
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News
15th Ave. Merchants Association Street Fest
What did we do for the 2nd Annual 15th Avenue East Merchants Association Street Festival? We set up a living room on the street, of course! Complete with carpet tiles donated by Flor, lounge chairs, and, of course, a big bowl of lego bricks, we offered attendees a comfortable seat to join us and #AskAnArchitect.
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Custom Residential, News
Press for Urban Farmhouse
Our Urban Farmhouse project was recently featured in The Seattle Times' Pacific Northwest Magazine, in an article written by Rebecca Teagarden. We're thrilled to see the clients and their house celebrated in print!
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Other Tangents
Designing a Kitchen on a Budget
Just because you are designing a kitchen on a budget doesn't mean you have to skimp on style! Let us show you how combining IKEA cabinets with a couple of custom details where it shows can make your kitchen look like a completely custom job without breaking the bank.
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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
How Long Should My Remodel Process Take?
When you're considering remodeling your house, one of the most unfamiliar aspects is how long it will take from the moment you hire an architect until the moment it is all done and you’re relaxing in your new home. Don't worry, we are here to help with this illustrated post on the process!
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Arts & Culture
Night School Recap
Our inaugural B&V Night School was a success! We ate, drank, and watched a wonderful documentary, Citizen Architect. And, then we followed it up with a critical discussion about the role of architects, pro-bono work, student workforce, and adhering to building code, all of which you can read about here.
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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
Jeff’s (Current) Top 10 Design Elements to Watch For
After years of experience, we designers start to see trends and patterns and are able to “read” floor plans quite quickly to determine what will, or will not, work. Of course, things change with time, so, until the next installment, these are Jeff's current Top Ten “hot-button issues” to look out for when designing your home.
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Custom Residential, News, Sustainable Practice
B&V’s First Built Green Certified Project
Great news! It’s been a long process, but we just received confirmation that our Ballard Locks Residence, built by Hammer & Hand, has qualified for a 4-Star Rating in the Built Green program! Built Green practices are designed to provide homeowners with comfortable, durable, environmentally friendly homes that are cost-effective to own and operate. Cheers!
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Ask a Designer
Finding a Contractor
Just how do you go about finding the right contractor for your job? For one, we can help! There are all types of builders out there, and matching them with our clients is one of the key things we do to create a successful team for your project.
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.