Topics
Architecture
Across sectors from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings to commercial spaces large and small, Board & Vellum’s architecture teams bring a depth of extensive experience to the field, and excel at cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Our architecture services.
Reinventing Your Home, Inside & Out
Custom Residential
From small remodels to the construction of new homes, single-family residences are somewhat of a signature around here. We love working with clients to bring their dreams to life. Old or new, traditional or contemporary, and everything in between — we’ve got the team for you.
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New Construction, Whole-House Transformations
Custom Homes
Designing and building a custom home from the ground up can be both deeply personal and highly complex. Our integrated design teams — architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture — can help you navigate the process with ease to create a home and property you love from indoors to out.
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Reinvented Homes and Spaces
Remodels & Additions
Our teams delight in home remodel projects of all shapes, sizes, and styles. Whether you’re adding on or remodeling in place, love a traditional look or prefer a sleek, modern feel — we relish the challenge of transforming a house that’s not quite right into a home you love.
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Low-Rise, Mid-Rise, Mixed-Use
Multifamily Residential
Our multifamily team focuses on distinctive projects we can weave into the greater neighborhood around them. Just as our residential and commercial projects are customized to our clients, our multifamily projects are designed to feel unique, inviting, and integral to their surroundings.
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Zoning Assessment, Site Analysis, Feasibility & Capacity
Feasibility & Capacity Studies
Feasibility and capacity studies can be either a standalone service to evaluate a potential property, or function as the first phase in any multifamily development project, regardless of scale or scope. Our team’s deep knowledge of how to evaluate a site enables us to provide an efficient summary of a property’s development potential, including different development scenarios — including converting office buildings to multifamily housing.
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New Residential & Mixed-Use Buildings
Apartments & Mixed-Use
With in-house design services in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, our dynamic teams collaborate on new mid-rise apartments and mixed-use developments. We are passionate about designing buildings and spaces to please the residents who live there, the developers behind them, and the surrounding community they share.
Learn more.Our architecture studios.
Custom Residential, Multifamily, Commercial, Civic & Community
Architecture
Much of our lives are influenced by the built environment, so its design should be thoughtful, functional, beautiful, and enduring. Whether designing a home, building, commercial or community space, we approach it conscientiously. We are committed to great design, sustainable practices, and creating healthy buildings composed of spaces that are a joy to experience.
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Custom Residential, Multifamily, Commercial, Civic & Community
Sustainable Practice
Sustainability is much more than certifications and solar panels. It is about improving the world we live in both environmentally and socially. It’s about reconnecting us with nature and providing opportunities for delight and discovery. Our integrated approach ensures we are thinking about sustainability from all angles to design the best, healthiest, spaces possible.
Learn more.Our architecture posts.
Architecture, DADUs & Accessory Structures, Multifamily Residential
Why We Need Middle Housing
Middle Housing has become a major buzzword in cities and towns around the country to increase access to affordable housing. So why is middle housing such an important part of the solution? Here, we break down some potential benefits of middle housing and Washington State’s HB1110, or Middle Housing Bill.
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Architecture, Ask a Designer, Multifamily Residential
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.
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Architecture, Sustainable Practice
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.
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Architecture, Ask a Designer, Custom Residential
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.
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Architecture, Custom Residential, Interior Design
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.
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Architecture, Custom Residential, Historic & Traditional
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.
Read more.Our architecture sustainability practices.
AIA 2030 Commitment
Board & Vellum is an AIA 2030 Commitment signatory because we understand that the impact we have as AEC professionals is immense.
LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council
Our team includes many LEED-accredited professionals who possess comprehensive knowledge of contemporary sustainable practices across disciplines and sectors.
Living Building Challenge
We have multiple team members with experience on Living Building or other ILFI-certified projects, the most rigorous green building certification in the world.
Our architecture recognition stories.
Best of Houzz 2023 & 2024: Design
In 2023 and 2024, we were recognized for Design on Houzz. We’re always grateful for the continued support of our wonderful clients and dedicated collaborators. Here’s to being recognized for the 11th years in a row!
Best Architectural Firms in Seattle
Board & Vellum is honored to be named as one of Home Builder Digest’s Best Architectural Firms in Seattle, Washington.
2023 REX/T-REX Award for Interior/Exterior Remodel Excellence
Our Sand Point Home Theater & Backyard Pavilion project was honored with a 2023 REX/T-REX award for Residential Remodel Excellence for an Interior/Exterior Remodel.
2023 REX/T-REX Award for a Basement/Get Away Room
Our Sand Point Home Theater & Backyard Pavilion project was honored with a 2023 REX/T-REX award for Residential Remodel Excellence for a Basement/Get Away Room.
Our architecture team team members.
Jeff Pelletier, AIA, CPHC®
Managing Principal, Founder
In 2011, Jeff founded Board & Vellum in his attic and has forged ahead with excitement ever since. Architecture aside, he is a huge advocate for traveling, and takes LEGO really seriously.
Jill Burdeen
Principal, Architecture
Jill has 20 years of experience in multifamily and mixed-use projects and an intimate familiarity with the Seattle market. Out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and dreams of opening a candy store.
Sara Emhoff, AIA
Principal, Architecture
Sara has extensive experience with the unique challenges of single-family residential projects, having honed her practice on homes across a wide spectrum of sizes, styles, and budgets.
Terry Phelan, AIA
Director, Sustainable Practice
Terry is passionate about educating the public and mentoring designers on the benefits of sustainable design. When she isn’t writing, teaching, or podcasting on the subject, Terry’s spending time in her garden!
Yi-Chun Lin, NCARB, NOMA
Director, Architecture, Landscape & Site Design
Yi-Chun’s diverse experience across typologies and sectors enables her to guide collaborative project teams on commercial, multifamily, and single-family projects, connecting culture, environment and the human experience through design.
Would you like to learn more?
We’re thrilled that you’re interested!
Our Story
Board & Vellum is vibrant design 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 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.