Jeff Pelletier

Sun diagram on a home in an architectural drawing.

Custom Residential

Is Exterior Shading Right for My Home?

Though still more common in Europe, we are finally starting to catch up across the pond, as it is becoming more common to add exterior shading to homes. The science is sound, and there are plenty of clear benefits. So how do you decide what type of exterior shading system would be great for your home?

Commercial

Are Loud Restaurants Really Worth It?

There are certainly reasons why some chefs and restaurant owners prefer a loud space. And, some restaurant patrons enjoy it, too, at least for a little while. Here are a few reasons why loud restaurants exist and a few ways we could make them a little quieter, while still keeping a business profitable.

Outdoor living room with a gas fire pit. – Urban Yard at The Seattle Box – Board & Vellum

Custom Residential

Designing for Fire

Gathering around a fire is an ancient human activity that maintains its magnetic attraction, even now. As a feature that so viscerally attracts us and so often is the backdrop of our favorite memories, why not design more than one location in your home or yard where you can encourage the comfort of a fire.

Commercial, Interior Design

Private Offices vs. “Open Office” Concepts for Workspaces

Over the years, the popular (and researched) opinions about what makes for an ideal workspace have shifted from recommending private offices, to semi-private, to the so-called “open office” concepts, and back. But, different types of workspaces are ideal for different types of companies, based on budget, type of work, company culture, and more.

How to pay for a new custom home, like this modern home.

Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

How To Pay For, Or Finance, a New Custom Home

Whether modern or traditional, a custom home can be designed to meet your family’s needs. You’ve just got to find a way to pay for it! Here is a look at a few of the options available for paying for — or financing — the construction of a new custom home.

This basement was dug out to have higher ceilings.

Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

Should I Dig Out My Basement?

Digging out your basement seems like an attractive solution to gaining more useable space in your home, but it’s complicated to do and can be quite expensive. These are a series of questions you should consider when weighing whether or not to excavate the basement in your home.

Would you like to read more from the team?

If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that just makes our day! You might also enjoy a few of the related posts below. And, if there is a topic that you wish we would cover, let us know!

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum — **Layering of Space**

The backyard oasis is comprised of layered spaces and programs — framed by the new garage and studio, and the main house. *Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery*

Using Drones for Site Planning

You’ve probably heard of drone technology — but did you know it can be an effective tool for design projects? We’re breaking down all the ways drone technology can improve your project, create efficiencies, and help you collaborate with your design team.

Cantilevered Home – Modern Cantilevered Residence – Board & Vellum

Do I Need a Feasibility Study?

A lot of questions come up when you embark on a design project. A lot of questions come up before embarking on a design project! A feasibility study, especially for complex or potentially complicated sites or projects, might be just what you need to kick off a successful project.

Living room space in a Mid-Century style with a large, stone fireplace.

Fireplace Options For Your Home

If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your home or restoring an existing fireplace, the options may seem overwhelming. There are many things to consider, like aesthetic goals, ambiance, and sustainability. Luckily, we've assembled this essential guide on fireplaces to help you decide what’s right for you.

Denny-Blaine Outdoor Revival - Board & Vellum

The Value of Hiring a Landscape Architect

Are you unsure if your project requires a landscape architect? Spoiler: it likely does. Landscape architects can help you gain a deeper understanding of your site, its composition, limitations, and areas of opportunity. If your project touches the soil, it's ideal to include a landscape architect early in the design process.

Craftsman Manor Resurrection – Architecture & Landscape Architecture by Board & Vellum

Navigating Updates to Historic Homes

Are you curious about updating your landmarked home, or your home within a historic district? What kinds of considerations do you need to keep in mind? Is there anything you can’t do? What about things you have to do? These questions might seem overwhelming, but don't worry! We’re here to help.

Updating Historic Homes Through Compatibility and Differentiation

When it comes to updating historic homes, there are a lot of routes you can take. Many approaches to designing remodels and additions of historic homes seek to balance two concepts: compatibility and differentiation. Let’s explore what these concepts mean and how do they play out in design.

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