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
Commercial
Windows for Ada’s
We are big advocates for parcelling out your budget so that you put your money where it really matters, and not towards things that just won't have much of an impact on the design. In the case of Ada's Technical Books & Café, the street-level windows are really important. Here's why, and how we designed them.
Learn more.News
May Update: New Office and New Hire
Would it surprise you at all if we told you it's been a busy spring? Of course not! Here are a few updates from the now three-member Board & Vellum team.
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
Low Showerhead Nozzles and the Details that Matter
It's not often that you get to critique a house with no risk of offending anyone... While on vacation with friends, Jeff got that chance. Enjoy his rant here, and learn about a few things to make sure you avoid in your project.
Learn more.
Other Tangents
Top 10 Cars for Architects
Guess what, Jeff is obsessed with cars. Here's his current top ten list of cars that are great for life in the city.
Learn more.Other Tangents
Advice to My 17-Year-Old Self When Considering Careers
Jeff gets pensive on a tour of a completed project with clients, and ends up writing a letter to his 17-year-old self. If you're young and thinking about a career in architecture, this one's for you.
Learn more.Custom Residential
Details of an Architect’s Own Remodel
Final project photography of the Seattle Box Remodel will be coming up in a few months. But, in the meantime, Jeff presents some detail-specific shots of the house, along with some of the cool stories that go with them.
Learn more.News
Things This Architect Was Thankful For in 2012
Happy Holidays, Everyone! It's that time of year again, and that means Jeff reflects on all that has happened in the last year of personal and professional life. As always, it's been an exciting year!
Learn more.Ask a Designer
What Design Professionals Do I Need to Work on My Project?
Not every project has the budget for an architect, an interior designer, a landscape architect, a mechanical engineer, a geotechnical engineer, an acoustical consultant, a lighting designer, a code consultant, an accessibility consultant, or a myriad of other professions. Which ones do you need for your project?
Learn more.Ask a Designer
How Not to Solve a Problem
Ever come across something truly odd in a building? Jeff came across a diagonally-installed toilet, and that inspired this post – unforeseen problems come up in construction all the time, and it sure helps to have an architect on had to make sure you solve it in a way that makes sense.
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.