Our ask a designer posts.

Ask a Designer, Landscape Architecture

Questions to Ask a Landscape Architect or Site Design Team in an Interview

When you are looking into hiring a landscape architect or a site design team, even if you’ve been through the process before, make sure you ask these important ten questions. From design process, to fee structure, to timeline, and more, we lay it out for you so you can jump into your project well-informed.

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Architecture, Ask a Designer

Questions to Ask an Architect in an Interview: Advice for Clients

When you are interviewing architects, interior designers, or landscape architects for your project, how do you know what to ask? A good personality fit makes any project better, but don‘t leave it with that – come to the table prepared with these important questions to help you ensure you find the architect you're searching for!

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Ask a Designer

Do I Need to Hire an Architect?

Do I need to hire an architect? It's a question we hear a lot out there. If you're building new, of course! But, if you're considering a remodel, addition, or even a new detached garage, we understand that it can be a confusing question. So, let's break it down for you, step-by-step.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential

HVAC and the Residential Remodel, Part 1: Treated Air Systems

You might not be Pinteresting HVAC systems for your home remodel, but if you overlook it, you'll regret it! The products might not always be photogenic, but that doesn't mean you don't have some important choices to make. In this installation, Sara Emhoff explores the pros and cons of mini-splits versus forced air systems.

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Architecture, Ask a Designer, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Patterns of Place: What Helps Build the Places We Love?

What is it about certain spaces that makes them feel so great? Let's explore "patterns of place" – design features that help form the places we love. From location, to entry sequence, to passive systems, materials, quality of light, and more, these patterns help make that crucial switch from house to home.

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Ask a Designer

Form over Function or Function over Form?

Architects have been arguing about the hierarchy of form and function for ages, so where does Jeff Pelletier stand? It depends! When it comes down to it, there isn’t one, right answer: it’s always a balance. So, let’s discuss form versus function in terms of the decisions you might face when designing your project.

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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.

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