We’re designing Seattle’s first office building to housing conversion since the pandemic. Read more…

Our third places posts.

Commercial, Interior Design, Third Places

Ten Design Elements to Consider for Your Third Place

Always dreamed of quitting your 9-5 job and opening your own coffee shop? Or perhaps looking to spruce up your existing quaint café? Look no further! Here are ten key design elements you won't want to forget, taking your Third Place’s design to the next level and encourage your clientele to linger.

Read more.
Photo of a '50s diner. – Third Place Evolution – Board & Vellum
evolution_of_the_third_place-featured_image

Credit: Seattle Municipal Archives

Commercial, Third Places

Evolution of the Third Place

Third Places have evolved over centuries, from the tea houses of the Jin Dynasty, to Central Perk of '90s fame, to our current, caffeinated Wi-Fi hotspots. But it's not caffeinated beverages (or Wi-Fi) that creates a successful space. So, what is it? Explore the common evolutionary thread in this latest installation about Third Places.

Read more.
Commercial, Third Places

Third Places Count

Maybe you've heard the term "Third Place" lately, but aren't sure what it means? Well, we here at Board & Vellum love us a good Third Place, and our own Charles Fadem is here to walk you through what Third Places are, why they matter, and what it takes to make a good one.

Read more.
Interior Design, Third Places

Designing a Space for Play (Not Just for Kids!)

Recently Verne & Wells, a private gaming club in the Seattle area, hosted a game night at Board & Vellum's Below Grade lounge. Not only did we have a ton of fun, but it was a great reminder about the value of taking time to relax in space designed for play, even play for grown ups.

Read more.
Commercial, Interior Design, Third Places

Designing Retail Spaces You Want to Linger In

Designing small-to-medium-size retail projects brings unique and exciting challenges, and great small retail brings so much to the life of a community. So, what does it take to create a space where customers slow their pace and linger? Retail spaces designed for the human scale, that promote curiosity and exploration.

Read more.
Commercial, Interior Design, Third Places

Ada’s: A Burst Of Light and a Custom Mobile

Ada’s Technical Books & Café is a project that will always be near and dear to us. And, one of our favorite details (both to design and to make) is the custom mobile of book pages. This is the story of how it came to be.

Read more.

Our third places recognition stories.

Ada’s Technical Bookstore & Cafe Featured in design:retail Magazine

Ada’s Technical Books & Café Featured in design:retail Magazine

In a piece on Seattle’s lively retail marketplace, design:retail magazine featured Ada’s Technical Books & Café, highlighting their small business success.

Would you like to learn more?

We’re thrilled that you’re interested!

Our Story

Board & Vellum is a young and vibrant 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, just curious about something?

Send us your questions about design, architecture, interiors, landscape, LEGO rooms… Anything, really. We’re always eager to meet new people, and we’d love to get to know you, your project, and your goals.

Get in touch.