WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
Admit it, you have an inquiring mind, and you want to know about the team designing your dream home. We understand the inclination. So we decided to bring you shop talk-conversations with the talented pros designing, building, & outfitting your homes.
Vellum Design Studio
“Bucca” – Nicholas Buccafurni, Principal, LEED AP
Vellum Design Studio is a custom luxury residential design firm based in Central Oregon. Founding Principal, Nicholas Buccafurni, more commonly referred to by his nickname, “Bucca”, has been in the construction and architecture field for more than 10 years. Growing up in Oregon,
he studied Construction Engineering Management. His career path began in commercial and residential construction, and later transitioned into the architecture industry. His designs are a reflection of his passion and his drawings are backed by hands-on field experience.
What services do you offer?
I cover the essential aspects of a luxury home creation including planning, design, drafting, and 3D renderings. From project conception all the way to obtaining stamped drawings, I work closely with the client, or builder, to provide comprehensive construction plans that are meticulously detailed and professionally drafted. Personally, I enjoy the “high-desert aesthetic” design that incorporates natural wood, large beams, deep overhangs, and natural stone. However, I don’t stick to a particular design style, so the freedom to work across different architectural styles to create something unique is infinite.
Do you have any special certifications or specialties?
I am a LEED Accredited Professional, which signifies an advanced knowledge in green building practices. Although every house I design may not be LEED-certified, I am still able to incorporate those best practices in all my work. The certification requires continuing education, and I value learning the newest building practices. The trajection of the residential industry is creating more efficient homes and knowing that those advancements help to create a better finished product.
What other specialties do you have in-house?
My specialty is luxury custom home design and creating great floor plans with good flow, natural lighting, and architecturally appealing elements. In addition to the architectural package, because of my construction background, I am able to provide comprehensive construction details as part of the set. This specialty saves time for the builder and reduces the costs for my client as the plans are more complete and create fewer questions in the field. Lastly, I’ve invested in some of the newest rendering software, capable of creating photo-realistic 3D models to enable a client to fully visualize their home.
What makes the difference between a good house and a great house?
Great homes have the ability to evoke an emotion when finished. They’re something you want to experience, photograph, and view over and over again. A great house can embody an art form, a landscape, and a home all at the same time. A great house becomes a discussion piece and has the merit to become a timeless piece of art. A good house does not have that special distinction.
My construction and architecture experience allows me to produce a more complete finished product. When working at the highest level of luxury home design, clients can expect things to be done thoughtfully and professionally.”
–Nicholas Buccafurni
What do you enjoy most about designing buildings / houses?
I really enjoy the design process. From initial site layouts that optimize landscape views, to floorplan designs that provide a good flow and match the lifestyle of my clients. I tend to be analytical in my approach, so I also enjoy diving into the framing, cut-sections, and structural plans to verify that what I’ve designed is constructible. The 3D rendering process is enjoyable for clients and builders to see, as it brings the project to life. An exciting point in the project is when the final permitted set is received as it signifies that the contractor can “break ground” and begin to build the residence. I enjoy watching the build process, from the setting of concrete forms to the finish carpentry; it’s a satisfying process.
Why should someone consider your firm?
My construction and architecture experience allows me to produce a more complete finished product. When working at the highest level of luxury home design, clients can expect things to be done thoughtfully and professionally from my firm. I view a project from an overall vantage point, and that helps alleviate any issues early on. I am extremely detailed in my designs, and focus on a few high-end homes every year in order to dedicate more time to a higher-quality product. Additionally, being a local helps to ensure that I’m readily available to my client, and contractor, throughout the process.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Most people assume that an architect or designer has no field experience, which is often true. However, my background is full of hands-on construction work and operating equipment, from tying rebar and pouring concrete, to framing walls and hanging drywall. Because of my background, I know how to build the structures I design. When creating the architectural design, I naturally tend to keep a builder’s perspective in mind.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
I would most likely be in the trades, either as an electrician or working on utility poles as a lineman. I love heights and enjoy working with my hands. I’m a huge advocate of the service and technical trades industry. It’s where I’ve met some of the hardest-working people, many of whom I now call friends.
What do you enjoy most about living and working here?
Central Oregon has a beautiful outdoor landscape and I take full advantage of all that it has to offer. Some of my favorite activities include cycling, hunting, working in my yard, and being outdoors with my family and dogs. Owning my own design firm, it goes without saying that architecture and construction are true passions of mine. I get excited talking, learning, and sharing with others what I do. I enjoy living in the area I work because it’s where I do life, recreate, and make new friendships.
Match Design Interiors
Alexa Scholz, Founder & Principal Designer
Match Design Interiors is a small boutique residential design studio focusing on interior design for custom homes and remodels. No matter how small or how big a residential project, they offer design services from concept to fruition. Their services include drafting floor plans and elevations in CAD, 3D renderings, selection and specifications of all materials, project implementation alongside a general contractor, furniture, and accessories.
What is your professional and educational background?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Portland in 2004. An uninspired path in sales led me back to school to pursue my second bachelor’s degree in interior design from the Art Institute of Portland. I interned at the renowned Maison, Inc. in Portland and then moved onto a three-year career with the equally renowned Neil Kelly Company, earning my AKBD (Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer) accreditation. In 2010, with a professional foundation and established passion for residential design, I branched out on my own and started Match Design Interiors.
What are the words People use to describe your work?
Distinctive. Timeless. Cohesive.
What inspires you?
My clients. It’s their stories and their lives we are designing.
How do you see design changing in the next five to ten years?
I don’t like to follow trends, so I do not really see design in how I approach it really changing at all. The market in the near future might drive less new construction and provide an uptick in remodeling projects, which actually excites me as that is rooted in my design DNA.
“Good design is timeless and cohesive and unattached to trends. Great design is distinctive and recognizable.”
–-Alexa Scholz
“Great design is in the details and finishing touches that distinguishes one project from the next.”
–-Alexa Scholz
What makes the difference between good design and great design?
Good design is timeless and cohesive and unattached to trends. Great design is distinctive and recognizable. Great design is in the details and finishing touches that distinguishes one project from the next.
What do you enjoy most about living and working here?
There is opportunity and a market for the interior design profession. There is a clientele that values our service. I love the long-lasting personal relationship that develops between client and designer. Living in the Bend community, where we all share the love of our lifestyle here, makes it all the more wonderful to practice the art and science of interior design.
If you weren’t an interior designer, what would you be doing?
I’ve often thought of going back to school to pursue a psychology degree, but I’d likely just fall back into being a 100% mom to my growing girls and our dogs.
What’s on the top of your list as a great getaway?
Europe. There’s so much history to draw from.
Favorite season?
I love all the seasons, but hands down – summer! I love being warm and water activities.
What is sure to make you laugh?
My husband.
