Our ask a designer posts.
Ask a Designer
What to Expect at the First Design Meeting with an Architect
So, you've decided to hire an architect. Are you curious about what that first design meeting will be like? It can certainly vary greatly depending on who you've decided to work with, but at Board & Vellum, we shelve our egos and work with you to create the design that works best for your project.
Learn more.Ask a Designer
What do Architects’ Acronyms Mean?
While our policy at Board & Vellum is to avoid using acronyms whenever we can, sometimes it's just unavoidable in architectural drawings. While contractors typically know what they all stand for, clients often do not. So, here is a handy (if limited) guide to some of the acronyms you'll see the most frequently.
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Sustainable Practice
To Certify or Not to Certify: Is It a Question?
There are enough green certifications out there to make your head spin: LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, Earth Advantage, Built Green, Energy Star, Built Smart... the list goes on. What does it mean when a project is certified? And why would you want to certify your project, or purchase a building that is certified?
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Sustainable Practice
Home Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is really important for you and your family's health. So, what can you do to make sure that your home stays healthy? Here are a few warning signs to watch for, and some tips and rules to adopt to improve your home's indoor air quality.
Learn more.Ask a Designer
The Stages of Architectural Design
The biggest question we get when meeting with new clients who haven’t worked with an architect before (aside from, “How much does it cost?”) is always about how the process works. What are the stages of architectural design, and what happens at each phase? So, let's explore the phases from Pre-Design through Construction Observation!
Learn more.Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Sustainable Practice
What is Passive House?
There are a lot of terms out there in the world of green building – it can be overwhelming! In this post, we explore Passive House. What is it? What does it mean to build that way? And, why would you want to?
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Client-centered authenticity is our north star, and we continue to prove that great design doesn’t require great ego.
What to Expect at the First Design Meeting with an Architect
So, you've decided to hire an architect. Are you curious about what that first design meeting will be like? It can certainly vary greatly depending on who you've decided to work with, but at Board & Vellum, we shelve our egos and work with you to create the design that works best for your project.
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.


