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, Interior Design
Top Ten Things to Consider in a Home Bar
What features does your dream basement bar have? Dim lighting? A pool table? A karaoke machine? To each his own, but there are definitely some things you'll want to give some serious consideration. Here are our top ten.
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Commercial
Top 3 Acoustical Considerations for a Retail or Restaurant Space
Don't make a grave mistake and neglect to consider acoustics in your new space. Unpleasant noise can ruin a venue for a lot of clientele who would otherwise stick around (bringing you revenue!). Here are three crucial things to consider for acoustic design.
Learn more.Custom Residential
An Architect’s Own Remodel and Lessons Learned
Architects are our own worst clients. Here is Jeff's story of remodeling his own house and the lessons learned.
Learn more.
Custom Residential, Interior Design
Built-In Dog Furniture and Casework
Dogs not only provide lots of love, they provide opportunities for creating amazing built-in cabinets or spaces that are suited just for them. Here are some fun examples of built-in cabinets and spaces meant just for them. And, bonus: check out the list of other things to consider when designing with a dog in mind.
Learn more.Commercial
Hidden Value of Commercial Square Footage in Leases
Here’s how to make sure you are getting the most value out of your commercial or retail leases – both from the perspective of the landlord and the tenant. Knowing exactly how much square footage you have (and are paying for) is the key to maximizing your rent and your overhead costs.
Learn more.Other Tangents
Seattle Home Show and Stone Hot Tubs
Jeff pops down to the Seattle Home Show to take a look at a slew of products all at once, and, of course, crack a few jokes about some of the odder offerings.
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Interior Design
Plywood As an Interior Finish Material
It's always a big debate among designers whether or not plywood looks great as an interior finish material. So what's that debate all about? And, what questions should you ask yourself (and your designer should ask) when you're considering it for your project?
Learn more.Ask a Designer
Why 45-Degree-Angled Walls in Floor Plans Are Bad
Angles in a floor plan are not inherently bad, however, they should be there for a reason, to solve a problem creatively. They should be beautiful, functional, and helpful. I can respect a good angle in the right situation. Here's why the random angle walls you see everywhere in the suburbs are just plain scary.
Learn more.Ask a Designer
Appropriate Siding Material for Urban Environments
Just as you need to wear different clothing for different weather or climates, buildings need different exterior siding to suit their environment. (And we don't mean in terms of the building envelope in this case.) We mean, if you're in a city, plan for graffiti.
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!
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Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.
Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.
Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.
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