Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Sustainable Architecture Solutions
Board & Vellum is a Seattle-based architecture and design firm dedicated to sustainable practices. Founded in 1992 as Board & Vellum by Terry Phelan, our firm has spent three decades pioneering eco-conscious design solutions. In 2022, we joined forces with Board & Vellum to expand our expertise in integrated design services encompassing architecture, interiors, and landscape architecture. Our team holds prestigious accreditations including LEED, LFA, and CPHC, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship. We specialize in passive solar design, adaptive reuse, and innovative assemblies that prioritize energy efficiency and healthy indoor environments.Our portfolio includes net-positive homes, sustainable community developments, and straw bale construction projects that showcase our technical expertise and creative problem-solving. With a focus on approachable sustainability, we deliver budget-conscious solutions for residential and commercial clients. Our 30-year track record reflects our dedication to merging aesthetic excellence with ecological responsibility. We serve Seattle and King County, offering tailored design services that address both human and environmental needs. Our collaborative approach ensures every project balances functionality, beauty, and sustainability while meeting the unique requirements of our clients.
Services
Sustainable Design
Passive Solar Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Energy Innovation
Reclaimed Materials
Aging in Place Design
Net Zero Homes
Community Planning
Straw Bale Construction
Low Impact Development
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in sustainable design
- Our team holds LEED, LFA, and CPHC accreditations
- We focus on approachable sustainability measures
- Our integrated design covers architecture, interiors, and landscape
- We offer innovative solutions like passive solar and reclaimed materials
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- LFA
- CPHC
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture practice combines environmental responsibility with functional design. We create energy-efficient buildings that minimize ecological impact while maximizing occupant comfort. Our approach integrates passive solar principles, innovative materials, and advanced construction techniques to deliver lasting value for residential and commercial clients.
Passive Solar Design
We specialize in passive solar design that harnesses natural energy flows for heating and cooling. Our solutions optimize building orientation, thermal mass, and window placement to reduce energy consumption. This approach creates comfortable living spaces while significantly lowering utility costs through intelligent, climate-responsive design.
Adaptive Reuse
Our adaptive reuse services transform existing structures into modern, sustainable spaces. We preserve architectural heritage while implementing energy-efficient upgrades. This practice extends building lifecycles, reduces waste, and maintains community character through thoughtful modernization of historic and underutilized properties.
Net Zero Homes
We design net zero homes that produce as much energy as they consume. Our solutions combine super-insulated envelopes, solar panels, and efficient systems to achieve energy independence. These homes provide superior comfort while eliminating utility bills through advanced building science and renewable energy integration.
Community Planning
Our community planning services create sustainable residential developments that foster social interaction and environmental stewardship. We design walkable neighborhoods with shared green spaces, prioritizing mixed-use layouts and eco-friendly infrastructure to support thriving, resilient communities.
People
Terry Phelan
Founder
Terry Phelan founded Board & Vellum in 1992 and led the firm's sustainable design initiatives for 30 years. She joined Board & Vellum in 2022 to expand their eco-conscious practice before retiring in 2024.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide sustainable architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture services with a focus on passive solar design, adaptive reuse, and net-zero construction.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We use passive solar principles, reclaimed materials, energy-efficient systems, and innovative assemblies to create environmentally responsible buildings that minimize ecological impact.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Seattle and King County, working on residential and community projects that align with our sustainability mission.
What accreditations do your team hold?
Our team includes professionals with LEED, LFA, and CPHC accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable design excellence.
Reviews (2)
Melissa S.
Feb 17, 2015
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My husband and I met Terry at the remodeling home show in Seattle in January. We are in the process of either buying or building a new home, we haven't decided which. We made an appointment to meet at our home which was her request. She showed up late to the appointment claiming she couldn't find the house, but my husband saw her in our driveway. She arrived without a portfolio or other examples of her work. During the meeting, we gave her many ideas of what we were looking for, but she offered us no sketches or other ideas. When she left, she offered to email us a few stock floorplans
Sandy C.
Aug 12, 2014
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I am an interior designer and I have had the pleasure of working with Terry on many projects. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and is a genuinely wonderful person. I highly recommend Terry Phelan.
