Topics
Sustainable Practice
We take sustainability seriously here at Board & Vellum, and support a science-based approach. Sustainable practice is more than just a checklist (even though that can help): it’s a philosophy and a commitment to meaningful results. We have a number of Passive House Certified and LEED-certified members on our team, and we are all passionate about protecting the natural and built environment.
Our sustainable practice studios.
Custom Residential, Multifamily, Commercial, Civic & Community
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 sustainable practice portfolio projects.
A Green Home with Midcentury Cali Vibes
Fremont High-Performing Home
This sustainably-minded home features solar panels, a rainwater cistern for graywater irrigation, sheep’s wool insulation, passive cooling strategies, and more.
A Sustainability-Minded DADU with a View
Net Carbon DADU
Guided by sustainable principles and environmentally-conscious practices from the foundation to the finishes, this DADU is estimated to be carbon negative.
A Brand New Home Designed to Give Back
Net Positive Custom Home
Built to last, this custom home looks to the future with passive and mechanical sustainable measures, minimal environmental impact, and aging-in-place strategies.
Passive House Multifamily Housing
318 Lofts Passive House Apartments
New construction for a modern building ensuring long-term sustainability, durability, and affordability via Passive House principles.
Our sustainable practice posts.
Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Practice
Environmentally Responsible Landscape Design
Being a good partner to the planet often begins right at home. If you’re curious about ways you can integrate sustainable design into your yard, garden, and other outdoor areas, there are many options! It’s an excellent place to start thinking about environmentally responsible landscape design.
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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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Sustainable Practice
An Introduction to the Living Building Challenge
A lot of people know about green certifications. You might have heard of systems such as LEED or Passive House. But have you ever heard of the Living Building Challenge? It’s a building certification introduced by the International Living Building Institute that takes a unique perspective on what being ”sustainable“ actually means.
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Sustainable Practice
The Basics of Embodied Carbon
If you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint, you’ve probably thought about carbon emissions in your everyday life. But have you ever considered embodied carbon? Embodied carbon considers the carbon emissions of the entire lifecycle of a product. Read on to learn more how embodied carbon could impact the sustainability goals of your project.
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Ask a Designer, Sustainable Practice
What To Consider When Future-Proofing Your Home
How long do you plan to stay in your current home? If you’re considering staying in it through your golden years, you’ll want to start thinking about future-proofing. Confused? Don’t worry! Here, we’ll walk you through the four basic principles to follow when you’re planning to age in place.
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Sustainable Practice
The Wonders of Cork as a Sustainable Material
Would it surprise you to learn that cork is a beautiful, sustainable material with many applications as an interior and exterior finish? This spring, Terry Phelan had the opportunity to witness a cork oak harvest firsthand and now shares the wonders of this product with you!
Read more.Our sustainable practice 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 sustainable practice recognition stories.
BUILD Sustainable Building Awards 2019
We’re honored that BUILD magazine has named us the "Architecture & Interior Design Firm of the Year" in Washington state in their Sustainable Building Awards, 2019.
Built Green Certified 4-Star Rating for Ballard Locks Residence
Our Ballard Locks Residence is now Built Green Certified with a 4-Star rating. Many thanks to wonderful clients and the team at Hammer & Hand!
Ada’s Technical Books & Café Featured at the 2014 Green Building Slam
At the 2014 Green Building Slam, Board & Vellum presented Ada's Technical Books & Café, featured as one of 10 projects honored.
2014 Residential Architect Design Awards Cite Ada’s Technical Books & Café
Ada’s Technical Books & Café was honored with a citation in the Light/Commercial category of the 2014 Residential Architect Design Awards.
Would you like to learn more?
We’re thrilled that you’re interested!
Our Story
Board & Vellum is vibrant design firm built on the idea that an informed and engaged team leads to better design and happy clients. We wouldn’t be where we are today without passion and hard work, and those same two things keep us going strong today.
Our Process
Bringing your project from “idea” to fruition is a little different at Board & Vellum. We give personal care to each of our projects, and you’ll be in the loop every step the way. The bonus: we are an integrated firm, so each project has access to plenty of great knowledge — and that leads to better 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.