A very special announcement!

Great news! Living Shelter is joining Board & Vellum. 

We are so thrilled to finally be able to share this news with everyone — as of April 1st, 2022, Living Shelter Architects is joining the talented multidisciplinary design firm, Board & Vellum, forming the base of a new studio focused on sustainable practices, with Terry Phelan at the helm.

Living Shelter Architects (LSA) was founded in 1992 by Terry Phelan, and has been elevating sustainable design practices for 30 years. As Terry looked towards retirement, she began seeking ways to transition her firm to enable the team of dedicated designers at LSA to carry on the mission. 

Founded in 2011 by Jeff Pelletier, Board & Vellum (B&V) has grown into a mid-size firm offering integrated design services in architecture, interiors, and landscape architecture. In the past few years, the B&V team has been eager to accelerate their knowledge and growth into the world of deeply sustainable projects.  

Jeff and Terry were introduced in 2021 after admiring each other’s work for years, and the more the idea of teaming up was explored, the more natural it felt. Our firms share the same values, we are both very approachable and dedicated to excellent client care, and we are both passionate about delivering beautifully-designed, contextually-sensitive projects. 

Responsibility to sustainable practices has always been at the core of both Living Shelter Architect’s and Board & Vellum’s approach. Combining our talented and passionate teams, with credentials and accreditations like LEED, LFA, and CPHC, means we are more ready than ever to bring approachable sustainability measures to everything we do. 

LSA is also thrilled to have the larger platform that B&V provides to develop and deliver more educational content aimed at effecting change toward building resiliency at a wider scale. 

Current LSA clients can expect a smooth transition, as their familiar design team continues thoughtful services without change in scope, budget, or delivery timeline. And, we are excited to offer even more to clients who would like to increase the sustainability of their projects with an integrated design approach, and who desire more capacity in project type and size. 

That’s the big news in a nutshell! Now that the secret is out, we hope you’ll stay tuned — as our teams come together, we will have plenty more to share, starting with these personal reflections on this exciting news from Terry Phelan and Jeff Pelletier. (Or, visit the companion post at Board & Vellum.)

In the meantime, please join us in our excitement as we embark on this new chapter with the entire Board & Vellum team! 

Teaming Up: More From Terry Phelan

Terry has spent 30 years building a career and business focused on accessible sustainable design. Now, as her retirement approaches, Terry is looking toward a future that protects her legacy while expanding the amazing work she and Living Shelter have started. Read more about Terry’s thoughts and perspective on this great news in Teaming Up: A Message From Terry Phelan.

Teaming Up: More From Jeff Pelletier

Though we’ve long been dedicated to sustainable design, diving deeper into the world of green building was part of a more intensive plan we’d just started to flesh out. But things move quickly here at Board & Vellum, and we’re not afraid to make big changes when the right opportunities arise. Learn more about Jeff’s thoughts and perspective on this great news in Teaming Up: A Message From Jeff Pelletier.

 

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Living Shelter has been a pleasure to work with on our campaign project. It was clear that they really worked to create a project that was purpose built to our needs, and from a fundraising standpoint, they are always incredibly responsive to updating renderings and drawings that we've needed for donor meetings.”

—Mike Ritter, Capital Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven

“Our experience in working with Terry Phelan was exceptional! Her talents go far beyond what you would expect from a traditional architect. She has a team that truly listens to your goals, and makes them happen! In doing so, they will surprise you with unexpected spaces that impart a very comfortable feel, usually only found in older homes. In addition to designing our primary residence, the Living Shelter team also helped us with conceptual drawings for a coastal property (future build). That was a very fun project, and shows their flexibility to work with various situations. Creative, knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work with - highly recommend!”

—Michele Scaglia, Client

“We can't recommend Living Shelter highly enough. From our initial dreaming, through concept and design, and on into construction, Terry and the LS team were collaborative and creative -- committed to making our new home sustainable, livable, and beautiful. They helped us a create a healthy home that fits the site and our lifestyle.”

—Mary Huycke, Client

“I worked with Living Shelter Design to design and construct my new home in the mountains near Mt Adams in Washington. Their whole team was fantastic to work with! The design ideas presented creatively addressed my aesthetic and space needs, while also fitting within the available budget. Their flexible approach to developing the design made me feel confident that I could build the house of my dreams. The Living Shelter team was also there during construction to help assist the builder and provide the backup support to address all snafus that invariably arise while building a new home. They were so responsive and got the job done for me!”

—Kim Gilmer, Client

“As an interior designer, I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and the Living Shelter team on many projects. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and genuinely wonderful people. I highly recommend them!”

—Sandy Campbell, Entero Design

“Terry Phelan is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of her buildings, and her work in load bearing straw bale structures is exceptional.”

—Habib John Gonzalez, Director of Sustainable Works

“Did we tell you we love the plans? We do! You really worked magic. Thanks a lot. We are REALLY happy.”

—Judi and Scott Nicolai

“Terry has consistently demonstrated the rare combination of tenacity, caring, and professionalism throughout.”

—Jane Bakken and Jack Fecker