Anne Hamilton

Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

When Baby Makes Three…

For many of us living in the city, space is at a premium. So, when you're about to grow your family, what do you do? The answer doesn't have to be that you need a bigger home. Here, Anne walks you through how to solve for three, without moving to a bigger house.

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Historic & Traditional

Everyday Heroes of the Built Environment

Whether you are pro-density or a full-blown BANANA (a step beyond the ubiquitous NIMBY), you probably have an opinion about how the fabric of Seattle is evolving as the city grows. In this post, Anne explores her thoughts on it, offering praise for the Everyday Heroes who care for our urban fabric.

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Sustainable Practice

Almost “Passively” Green

While you have to be careful about greenwashing, it's not a bad thing that being green is now trendy: if that's what it takes to get more people into green building, that's fine with us. But, we are taking it further, and three of us are now on our way to be Passive House certified!

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Ask a Designer, Sustainable Practice

To Certify or Not to Certify: Is It a Question?

There are enough green certifications out there to make your head spin: LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, Earth Advantage, Built Green, Energy Star, Built Smart... the list goes on. What does it mean when a project is certified? And why would you want to certify your project, or purchase a building that is certified?

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Sustainable Practice

Home Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is really important for you and your family's health. So, what can you do to make sure that your home stays healthy? Here are a few warning signs to watch for, and some tips and rules to adopt to improve your home's indoor air quality.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Sustainable Practice

What is Passive House?

There are a lot of terms out there in the world of green building – it can be overwhelming! In this post, we explore Passive House. What is it? What does it mean to build that way? And, why would you want to?

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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!

The Middle Housing Bill FAQ

Washington State’s HB1110 — also called the Middle Housing Bill — is setting the stage for big changes to code and zoning in Seattle. But what is middle housing? And what is the “missing middle” HB1110 seeks to fill? You have questions and we have answers based on our best, current understanding of this landmark legislation.

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.

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.

How to Design to a Concept Instead of a Theme

Concept vs. Theme. Maybe you’ve never thought about the difference between these approaches to design. Maybe you didn’t even realize they were related to design! The difference is subtle, but being able to tell them apart could be what keeps you from taking your design vision to an unpleasant extreme.

How a Designer Can Help You Navigate Lead Times

Product lead times can play a major role in the success of your project and, these days, they’re longer and less predictable than ever. If you’ve been frustrated trying to find a product in stock and on your timeline, we feel you. And we have some simple ways to help you overcome these challenges.

What is FF&E Procurement?

If you’re working with an interior designer, you may be wondering how you’re going to acquire all the amazing items they’re helping you select for your space. We have the answer: FF&E Procurement. It’s one of the many ways we work to help you get the most out of your project!

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.

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Board & Vellum receives Just label from the International Living Future Institute, a voluntary reporting tool for social justice and equity indicators in the workplace.

Achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute in 2023.

Board & Vellum is honored to be a Gray Awards Finalist for landscape design, earning the recognition for the rooftop garden at the Lucille on Roosevelt.

Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.

LEED Certified in White

Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.

Certified Passive House Consultant in White

Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.

NGLCC Certified as LGBT Business Enterprise – Board & Vellum Recognition

A Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Since 2016.

PSBJ’s Top 25 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses 2016 in White

Honoring companies that lead in promoting equality.