Topics
The Business of Design
Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about running a design firm. We’re not afraid to make waves by expanding what it means to be a great place to work, and that means lifting the curtain on our methods, philosophy, and plans for the future.
Our the business of design posts.
The Business of Design
Community Engagement at Board & Vellum
Giving back to the community has been part of Board & Vellum’s DNA from the beginning. Our commitment to community building led to one of our major 2022 initiatives: developing our Community Engagement Manifesto to help organize our company’s and employees’ charitable efforts.
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The Business of Design
Why I’m a Generalist Architect
Many architects and designers choose to specialize in a specific sector or focus on a single project type. That’s awesome and necessary, but it’s not Jeff. His journey as a generalist architect is why providing out-of-the-box services is part of Board & Vellum’s DNA, and it’s what keeps him dedicated to design of all kinds.
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The Business of Design
How a Philosophy of High Performance is Changing the Way We Work
Designing a home or building is one thing. Designing the work experience of your employees is quite another. But the design mentality we bring to our projects also allows us to adapt and innovate how we operate as a team. Though our firm has evolved over the years, our values have not, guiding us to adopt the philosophy of a high-performance team.
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The Business of Design
Advice for Starting a Design Firm
Starting a design firm isn’t easy. It takes a lot of luck, it can exciting, but also stressful. You’ll need to take some calculated risks. It worked out at B&V, and we’ve grown to about 40 people in 8 years. Here are some tips learned along the journey of starting a design firm.
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Ask a Designer, The Business of Design
Do Architects Advocate for the Client or for the Architect?
Does an architect or designer advocate for your interests or for theirs? We believe your design team should advocate for you. That doesn't mean just being a "yes man" — it means working with you to design the best path forward. Here are a few areas we can especially help by being your advocate.
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The Business of Design
How To Design For Others
Unless you are an architect guided only by your own ego, you need to learn how to design for others. Your clients will be unique individuals who may have needs and preferences that are completely foreign to you. Here are some tips to hone your skills at understanding the needs of people unlike you.
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PSBJ’s Largest LGBTQ-Owned Businesses of 2025
Board & Vellum was acknowledged as Washington’s 7th largest-revenue companies on PSBJ’s list of largest LGBTQ-owned companies in the Puget Sound region.
PSBJ’s Business of Pride Outstanding Voices
Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2025 Business of Pride recognized Jeff as an Outstanding Voices honoree, acknowledging his commitment and contribution to LGBTQ+ advocacy and inclusion.
PSBJ’s Largest LGBTQ-Owned Businesses of 2024
We’re honored to again be acknowledged on PSBJ’s lists of 2024’s top 25 largest-revenue businesses with LGBTQ-majority ownership. This year, Board & Vellum is listed 9th.
Just Label
In 2023, Board & Vellum achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute, joining a select few architecture and design firms in the state to have achieved a the social justice label.
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