A New Home for Board & Vellum
Smith Tower Office
A sophisticated design firm studio in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square.
Occupying the entire 16th floor of Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower, Board & Vellum’s new office puts a modern twist on a historic space.
Rooted in the building’s neoclassical style, the design balances reverence for the past with a bold, contemporary sensibility, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and unmistakably Board & Vellum. The refined space draws inspiration from mid-century sophistication, anchored in a high-contrast palette layered with warm woods and rich materials.
Guests are welcomed into a light-filled reception area framed by expansive views of Puget Sound and, on clear days, the Olympic Mountains. Warm walnut, soft whites, and a comfortable array of furniture offer relaxing space from which to enjoy the stunning views.
Kitchen and Lounge
A spacious staff kitchen and lounge provides room to spread out at break times, and doubles as a gathering space for company and community events. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
Kitchen and Lounge
A spacious staff kitchen and lounge provides room to spread out at break times, and doubles as a gathering space for company and community events. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
The polished concrete floor seamlessly connects the reception area to a spacious staff lounge and gathering space. Overlooking downtown Seattle, plush seating, generous tables, and thoughtful amenities encourage casual gathering and connection.
In the hospitality kitchen, a bespoke Heritage Tile backsplash recalls a historic pattern reminiscent of the era of the building in a custom palette. Emerald green Fireclay tiles complement the walnut cabinets and sage green accents.
On the other side of the reception area a statement conference room takes advantage of the building’s panoramic views. Full-height windows allow light to filter through the space into the interior of the building and offer a peek in at the multidisciplinary design meetings so important to our process.
Studio Banquette
Within the studio area, multiple work spaces, such as this custom banquette, offer flexible opportunities for independent and collaborative work. Two phone booths flank the banquette for additional privacy. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
Studio Banquette
Within the studio area, multiple work spaces, such as this custom banquette, offer flexible opportunities for independent and collaborative work. Two phone booths flank the banquette for additional privacy. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
Board & Vellum Studio
The new studio provides space for the entire Board & Vellum team on one floor in an open-concept layout that allows for easy and frequent collaboration. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
Board & Vellum Studio
The new studio provides space for the entire Board & Vellum team on one floor in an open-concept layout that allows for easy and frequent collaboration. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
These more public areas of the office transition via a cased opening to an open concept studio for the full Board & Vellum team. Carpet and uniformly painted walls and ceiling provide a visual cue to signal the shift to these working areas.
South-facing views across Pioneer Square and into SoDo provide an inspiring urban backdrop, while flexible gathering zones support a range of working styles. High-top tables, lounge seating, and a custom built-in banquette offer inviting places for both focused work and informal collaboration.
The overall aesthetic feels masculine yet refined, with a sophistication amplified by selection of distinctive textures, colors, and materials. A high-contrast, black-and-white backdrop anchors the design, layered with tactile materials to create depth and a sense of place. Lush yet calm greens accent the spaces, and a painted ceiling in the studio brings an intimate feel without being claustrophobic.
Reception Area
Board & Vellum’s new office features a comfortable reception area that welcomes guests and staff with stunning views of Puget Sound. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
Reception Area
Board & Vellum’s new office features a comfortable reception area that welcomes guests and staff with stunning views of Puget Sound. Smith Tower Office | Rendering by Board & Vellum.
Special moments of playfulness keep the space from feeling staid. Phone booths flanking the studio’s banquette are clad in custom, locally-produced wallpaper featuring sketches of Board & Vellum projects drawn by B&V’s own, Erin Parker.
In the reception area and staff lounge, a cascading installation of globe lights create a softly glowing centerpiece visible from the street. While undeniably professional, the space carries a residential warmth, prioritizing a comfort that supports daily use.
This carefully crafted workspace environment honors the legacy of Smith Tower while conveying a contemporary and confident identity that feels both elevated and comfortably human.
Read more about Board & Vellum’s move to the Smith Tower on our blog.
Notes & Credits
Architecture and Interior Design by Board & Vellum.
Project renderings by Board & Vellum.
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