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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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Smashing Glass Blocks
Glass block is horrible. Don't use it. Please don't use it. Did I mention that it is pretty horrific? It is. Don't use it. That is all.
Learn more.Custom Residential
Oh, Gosh, You Must Love It Here!
I'm often asked for my opinion on people's homes when they show them to me. Please stop. You're torturing architects. All we know, is that you love it and think it is wonderful. Can't that be enough? And besides, I know that you must love it there. Isn't that all that needs to be said?
Learn more.Commercial
Downsize Your Retail: 15th Avenue East
There is something particularly special about very small retail spaces. The shops on 15th Avenue East on Capitol Hill in Seattle, especially on the northwest end, are an especially good example of this.
Learn more.
Other Tangents
Nantucket Architecture
Architects can learn so much from visiting other places and seeing what works well there. Jeff recently returned from a trip to Nantucket, and reports back here.
Learn more.Ask a Designer
Construction Observation: What the Heck Is It?
There are a bunch of typical phases in a typical architectural design process, but all projects don't include all of the phases, though they are available. Basically, it is like a menu of services. Construction Observation is one of the the best things on the menu, and too often overlooked.
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Commercial, Interior Design
Zombie Lighting
What is with dressing rooms that have horrible top lighting? Isn't the point to make you feel like you look really good, and should, therefore, buy the clothes you're trying on? It's so easy to avoid. Don't make this mistake in your shop!
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
Painting Your House Cyndi-Lauper-Style
As Cyndi Lauper once said, "On my darkest days, I wear my brightest colors." What a great piece of advice, especially for a city that can be as gray as Seattle. Living in the Northwest brings enough dark days. Why not think about brightening up your house and helping improve your mood along the way?
Learn more.Other Tangents
Great Street Life in Europe
Every place in the world has something to teach us and if we can be open to learning the lessons from each place we visit, we'll all take home valuable lessons to use in the built environment we add to every day. Here are some favorite examples.
Learn more.Other Tangents
What Not to Build, But What to Love
Sometimes you don't know what you want, but at least knowing what you don't want is a step in the right direction. This bold example of, let's call it, a single-family castle, helps teach us all a little lesson.
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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