Board and Vellum Returns to Pioneer Square with Self-Designed Office

Board & Vellum, a Seattle-based architecture and design firm, has relocated its headquarters from Capitol Hill to the historic Smith Tower in Pioneer Square.

The firm now occupies the entire 16th floor, with the move completed as of April 15, 2026.

This relocation places the practice in a landmark building of historic and architectural significance.

It marks a strategic shift in the firm’s presence within Seattle’s built environment.

Strategic relocation elevates the firm’s profile in Seattle’s downtown core

The decision to occupy a full floor in a prominent downtown tower reflects more than simple space needs.

It is a deliberate effort to enhance visibility and foster centralized collaboration.

The move also projects a strong, city-shaping presence.

For a design practice, a landmark address can build trust and shape first impressions with clients and collaborators.

What the move signals for Board & Vellum

By taking the entire 16th floor of Smith Tower, the firm communicates growth and stability.

This location shows a commitment to a central hub in Seattle.

The move aligns with how some architectural practices deepen client engagement and streamline project workflows.

• Enhanced in-house collaboration on a single floor to support integrated design processes
• Greater client accessibility and a more impactful first impression during site visits
• Strategic alignment with Seattle’s urban core and cultural activity
• Iconic prestige associated with a high-floor tenancy in a downtown landmark

Why Smith Tower fits the firm’s goals

The Smith Tower location in Pioneer Square places the firm at the center of Seattle’s commercial and cultural life.

The building’s historic and architectural significance provides a setting that resonates with Board & Vellum’s design values.

A high-floor location also offers expansive city views for design thinking and team ideation.

The architecture and urban context of a strategic move

In Seattle, landmark structures and their districts shape how firms present their brand.

Aligning with a well-known historic tower supports a story of durability, craftsmanship, and local identity.

Architectural and urban context

Smith Tower’s status as a historic landmark in Pioneer Square adds to a conversation about the city’s architectural heritage.

The address provides a sophisticated setting for client meetings and design reviews.

For a practice focused on context-aware design, the location reinforces credibility and the ability to relate projects to Seattle’s urban fabric.

Timeline and transparency

The relocation was previously reported in February. The project is described as completed as of April 15, 2026.

Details about the specific reasons for the move were not disclosed in the preview. Information about the firm’s current size or how the space is configured was also not provided, leaving room for future updates.

This move shows how architecture and engineering firms use symbolic spaces to reflect growth and influence client perception. The company’s choice to occupy a full floor in a historic downtown landmark highlights a strategic blend of branding and collaboration.

This approach can inform how firms think about headquarters design. The Smith Tower move signals a commitment to craft and context, reflecting the company’s connection to the city.

 
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