Ryan Adanalian
Sustainable Practice
Questions To Ask About Sustainability
Board & Vellum’s first employee is starting off on a new adventure. As a farewell blog post, he asked people around the office about something really important to him: what questions they ask themselves — and think others should ask — about sustainability in terms of homes, landscapes, and workplaces.
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Custom Residential, Sustainable Practice
Approachable, Sustainable Ideas to Save Money in Your Home
People assume that green building, or using sustainable practices, will cost them more money. But, while some upfront costs may be higher, often, the long-term costs are lower. Here are five approachable and sustainable ideas you can explore to help make your home healthier for you and your family while being better for the environment.
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Other Tangents
Designing a Kitchen on a Budget
Just because you are designing a kitchen on a budget doesn't mean you have to skimp on style! Let us show you how combining IKEA cabinets with a couple of custom details where it shows can make your kitchen look like a completely custom job without breaking the bank.
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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
ADU and DADU
What is an ADU, and what is a DADU? Ryan Adanalian explains the ins and outs of Accessory Dwelling Units and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (according to the City of Seattle), with an example of a DADU by Board & Vellum featuring a sliding wall to help solve the many challenges of a small space.
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Other Tangents, The Business of Design
What Does It Take to Become an Architect?
So, what does it take to become an architect? Just like everything else, there is no clear answer to that question. The real answer: "It depends." The details keep changing, and they vary by location! Ryan Adanalian breaks it down for you, at least how it works right now, in 2015 in Washington.
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Other Tangents
“Pellepeering” is Sweeping the Nation
If you’re not new to our blog, or us, you’ve probably seen or heard us use the term “Pellepeering” and wondered what we are even talking about. Well, you’re in luck because here, Ryan will clear a little of that up.
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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 Tradeoffs: There is No All-or-Nothing for Sustainable Practice
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for sustainable practice. We know that having an all-or-nothing mentality can leave people stuck without knowing which facet of sustainable design they should focus on. Meeting you where you’re at lets us guide you through the right options for your project needs, budget, and aesthetic goals.
The New Normal: A More Sustainable Starting Line
When some people hear ”the new normal,“ they feel resigned or discouraged. For sustainable practices, though, we think the new normal is a good thing — an exciting and inspiring opportunity to reflect on the past, consider the more sustainable starting line of the present, and look forward to where we’re going.
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.
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.
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.
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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Achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute in 2023.
Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.
Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.
Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.
A Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Since 2016.
Honoring companies that lead in promoting equality.