Our custom residential posts.

Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

Does It Make Sense To Add a Second Story to My House?

In this crazy Seattle real estate market, we get a lot of questions about whether or not it makes sense to add a second story to a house. It's not a simple “yes or no” answer, but we’ve found that considering these several factors can help you decide if adding up is right for you.

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Hilltop Flat: Modern Condo Remodel – Light-Filled Penthouse
Custom Residential, Interior Design

Stay Focused

In the digital design age, we are so inundated with beautiful images and “professional” opinions that it can be tremendously difficult to make confident decisions when you are designing your own home or remodel. So how do you approach your design project? Stay focused on what really matters to you and your family, just you.

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Custom Residential

An Island Nest

Explore the avian inspiration behind the design for this contemporary home on Mercer Island. With an exterior envelope designed based on “Passivehaus” principles, radiant floors, and a smart natural ventilation approach, this house creates a comfortable, allergy-free environment. Construction is scheduled to begin in April of 2015, so check back for photos of the finished house!

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

ADU and DADU

What is an ADU, and what is a DADU? Ryan Adanalian explains the ins and outs of Accessory Dwelling Units and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (according to the City of Seattle), with an example of a DADU by Board & Vellum featuring a sliding wall to help solve the many challenges of a small space.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

Dreaming Big for Your New Dream House

When you imagine your “Dream Home,” what is it like? Some of us start dreaming from childhood, others as adults, and it’s easy to dream big, and then fear that it can only exist as a dream. But, don’t worry, with these tips we can help you convert your dream into an attainable reality.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

How Much Does an Architect Cost to Design a Remodel?

One of the most common questions we hear from potential clients is, “What are your fees?” Many architects keep this a mystery to the general public, and it harms the perception of our profession. Step in: Board & Vellum! Here, Jeff Pelletier pulls back the curtain on architectural fees, and makes architecture approachable.

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Our Story

Client-centered authenticity is our north star, and we continue to prove that great design doesn’t require great ego.

How a Heat Recovery Ventilator Can Make Your Home Healthier

Indoor air quality has never been a more pressing or popular target than it is today. With smoke from wildfires all over the West and the continuing global pandemic of COVID-19, many of us are wondering whether our indoor air is safe. The good news is: it can be, with the right systems in place.

Considering a project, or curious about something?

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