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, 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.
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Arts & Culture
B&V Night School
Board & Vellum announces our new endeavor, "B&V Night School," organized and inspired by our very own Jeff Sandler. Once a quarter, or more, we will leave our office setting behind, and host an evening of discussion of critical issues in our work, focused around a new theme at each event.
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Ask a Designer, Sustainable Practice
To Buy or Not to Buy those LED Bulbs
Are you still hoarding a few old incandescent bulbs thinking it will save you money to just use what you've already purchased? It won't! But why? Let us lay it all out for you, and show you why it's time to bite the bullet and move to new solutions, like the LED.
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Custom Residential, Interior Design
Building the Lego Room
Who says grownups can't have truly epic lego rooms? Your house is YOUR house: build something to support what makes you happy. At Board & Vellum, we love to embrace the individuality of our clients, and we hope Jeff's famous lego room inspires you to embrace your passions just a little bit more.
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Commercial
Designing Retail Spaces You Want to Linger In
Designing small-to-medium-size retail projects brings unique and exciting challenges, and great small retail brings so much to the life of a community. So, what does it take to create a space where customers slow their pace and linger? Retail spaces designed for the human scale, that promote curiosity and exploration.
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Architecture, Ask a Designer
How Do I Design My Project with an Architect?
So you want to work with an architect to design your home? Awesome! But, just what exactly is that like? No need for it to be a secret. Let's check out what happens, starting from the "Dreaming Phase," and making our way through to the "Schematic Pricing Package."
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Architecture, Ask a Designer
Architects & Clients: The Dating Game
We are all about openness here at Board & Vellum. This week, we discuss our actual process of how we go from a project inquiry to a real, active project, and what it could look like if you were to drive down that road with us.
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.