Topics
Architecture
Across sectors from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings to commercial spaces large and small, Board & Vellum’s architecture teams bring a depth of extensive experience to the field, and excel at cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Our architecture services.
Custom Residential
From targeted remodels to the construction of new homes, single-family residences are somewhat of a signature around here. We love working with clients to bring their dreams to life. Old or new, traditional or contemporary, and everything in between — we’ve got the team for you.
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Legacy Properties
The design of comprehensive estates is a tremendous undertaking. For complex properties, our integrated team takes a collaborative and holistic approach, telling the story of your home, inside and out, in seamless experiences that honor the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future.
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Custom Homes
Designing and building a custom home from the ground up can be both deeply personal and highly complex. Our integrated design teams — architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture — can help you navigate the process with ease to create a home and property you love from indoors to out.
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Remodels & Additions
Our teams delight in home remodel projects of all shapes, sizes, and styles. Whether you’re adding on or remodeling in place, love a traditional look or prefer a sleek, modern feel — we relish the challenge of transforming a house that’s not quite right into a home you love.
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Multifamily Residential
From mid-rise residential, mixed-use apartment buildings, and office conversions, to low-rise townhomes and residential complexes, our multifamily team focuses on distinctive new and renovated projects we can weave into the greater neighborhood around them, each designed to feel unique, inviting, and integral to their surroundings.
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Feasibility & Capacity Studies
Feasibility and capacity studies can be a standalone service to evaluate a potential property, or act as the first phase in a multifamily development project. Our team’s deep knowledge of how to evaluate a site enables us to provide an efficient summary of a property’s development potential, including different development scenarios.
Learn more.Our architecture studios.
Architecture
Much of our lives are influenced by the built environment, so its design should be thoughtful, functional, beautiful, and enduring. Whether designing a home, building, commercial or community space, we approach it conscientiously. We are committed to great design, sustainable practices, and creating healthy buildings composed of spaces that are a joy to experience.
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Sustainable Practice
Sustainability is much more than certifications and solar panels. It is about improving the world we live in both environmentally and socially. It’s about reconnecting us with nature and providing opportunities for delight and discovery. Our integrated approach ensures we are thinking about sustainability from all angles to design the best, healthiest, spaces possible.
Learn more.Our architecture posts.
Architecture, Multifamily Residential
Navigating the Challenges of Middle Housing
Washington State’s Middle Housing Bill creates a lot of opportunity, but it also presents some challenges for self-developers. Here, we explore the expanded choices HB1110 offers, and how having a multidisciplinary design team can help navigate the real-life outcomes of this new legislation.
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Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture
Why Architects Are Your Best Advocates in a Complicated Permit World
Permitting in the Puget Sound Region is a complicated endeavor, but you don’t have to go at it alone. At Board & Vellum, we have the knowledge and experience to help get your project to the permitting finish line. In fact, architects are key players in helping you achieve permit success. Here’s how.
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Architecture, Multifamily Residential
Why We Need Middle Housing
Middle Housing has become a major buzzword in cities and towns around the country to increase access to affordable housing. So why is middle housing such an important part of the solution? Here, we break down some potential benefits of middle housing and Washington State’s HB1110, or Middle Housing Bill.
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Architecture, Ask a Designer, Multifamily Residential
The Middle Housing Bill FAQ
Washington State’s HB1110 — also called the Middle Housing Bill — is setting the stage for big changes to code and zoning in Seattle. But what is middle housing? And what is the “missing middle” HB1110 seeks to fill? You have questions and we have answers based on our best, current understanding of this landmark legislation.
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Architecture, Sustainable Practice
Straw Bale Construction FAQ
Have you ever heard of straw bale construction? It’s a form of building construction where bales of straw are stacked within a timber frame to insulate the walls. Not only is this a sustainable building method, it’s just plain cool. If you’e curious to know more, check out these frequently asked questions.
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Architecture, Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
Do I Need a Feasibility Study?
A lot of questions come up before embarking on a design project! A feasibility study, especially for complex or potentially complicated sites or projects, might be just what you need to kick off a successful project.
Learn more.Our architecture sustainability practices.
AIA 2030 Commitment
Board & Vellum is an AIA 2030 Commitment signatory because we understand that the impact we have as AEC professionals is immense.
LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council
Our team includes many LEED-accredited professionals who possess comprehensive knowledge of contemporary sustainable practices across disciplines and sectors.
Living Building Challenge
We have multiple team members with experience on Living Building or other ILFI-certified projects, the most rigorous green building certification in the world.
Our architecture recognition stories.
Best of Houzz 2023 & 2024: Design
In 2023 and 2024, we were recognized for Design on Houzz. We’re always grateful for the continued support of our wonderful clients and dedicated collaborators. Here’s to being recognized for the 11th years in a row!
Best Architectural Firms in Seattle
Board & Vellum is honored to be named as one of Home Builder Digest’s Best Architectural Firms in Seattle, Washington.
2023 REX/T-REX Award for Interior/Exterior Remodel Excellence
Our Sand Point Home Theater & Backyard Pavilion project was honored with a 2023 REX/T-REX award for Residential Remodel Excellence for an Interior/Exterior Remodel.
2023 REX/T-REX Award for a Basement/Get Away Room
Our Sand Point Home Theater & Backyard Pavilion project was honored with a 2023 REX/T-REX award for Residential Remodel Excellence for a Basement/Get Away Room.
Our architecture team team members.
Jeff Pelletier, AIA, CPHC®
Managing Principal, Founder
In 2011, Jeff founded Board & Vellum in his attic and has forged ahead with excitement ever since. Architecture aside, he is a huge advocate for traveling, and takes LEGO really seriously.
Jill Burdeen
Principal, Architecture
Jill has 20 years of experience in multifamily and mixed-use projects and an intimate familiarity with the Seattle market. Out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and dreams of opening a candy store.
Sara Emhoff, AIA
Principal, Architecture
Sara has extensive experience with the unique challenges of single-family residential projects, having honed her practice on homes across a wide spectrum of sizes, styles, and budgets.
Yi-Chun Lin, NCARB, NOMA
Director, Architecture, Landscape & Site Design
Yi-Chun’s diverse experience across typologies and sectors enables her to guide collaborative project teams on commercial, multifamily, and single-family projects, connecting culture, environment and the human experience through design.
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.