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Posts from the ‘Meet the Team’ Category

May 13

Adventures in Remodeling, Part 3: The Kitchen

If you imagine your ideal kitchen, do you dream of a spacious room connected to the outdoors through a sunny breezeway that provides lots of storage?

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In this 3rd chapter about our 1920 bungalow project, Arciform’s lead carpenters Jamie Whittaker & Eric Delph share stories about the kitchen addition, with all of its special touches.

Jamie tell us that this kitchen is the hub & heart of the home, a space for living & creating. It’s full of ideas from the whole team that became reality, but not without challenges.

Some of his favorite features: the two beautiful dutch doors, one leading to the new covered back porch & the other to the the side yard.

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The custom kitchen table, which provides space for eating or lounging while watching a TV that can be concealed behind a drop-down panel in the wall.

Another favorite piece is the fridge. It started as a big, modern appliance & we “dressed it up” like a vintage cooler you might see in an old general store.

The spacious salvaged island provides plenty of room for family time, & the built-in storage has a pressed tin door panel to resemble a pie safe.

Eric lists the 1929 Magic Chef range as a gem. Our client bought it online from some distant state & had the seller store it while we remodeled. When our client called for delivery, he learned that the seller had passed away & the range could not be found! Our client had to fly someone down to find it & bring it home.

He also lists the large vintage sink as a favorite element, with its built-in double drainboards and legs.

We turned the original kitchen into a little walk-through library

Jamie installing the cabinetry in the breezeway

& PM Adam enjoying a hard day at work

Arciform & Versatile Wood Products Teams on this project included:

  • Brad Horne, senior drafter, responsible for documentation & working with the city of Lake Oswego. We could not have done this without him.
  • Marty Hegg did all the fixture & finish specifications.
  • Principal Designer Anne De Wolf worked closely with the creative clients.
  • PM Adam Schoeffel led the construction team, helped with detail development & found treasures like the kitchen island.
  • Devin Morrow assisted with project logistics.
  • Dave Thomas managed deconstruction, salvaged material organization & labeling, which was crucial.
  • Eric Delph was our primary site lead! Among many contributions he personally co-designed (with the client) & constructed the garage storage & its icebox doors, & kept the crew on track.
  • Jamie Whittaker was our co-site lead, chief of special projects & master of craftsmanship.
  • David Gamble built the cabinetry, walnut kitchen table & worked on the salvaged table & fridge panels.
  • Dan Brindusesc & Eric Voss built the exterior doors & did sash work on the stained glass windows.
  • Rene Flannigan & Brent Dickey did all specialty finishes on the salvaged table, wine cellar door & panels in the garage.

Thanks to our wonderful, creative & inspiring clients, we were all able to do what we love to do!

If you missed part 1 or 2 of this series, check them out here.

Professional photos by Photo Art Portraits & Blankeye.

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Dec 2

Join Arciform in Giving Back this Season

Decorating the city

Client Services Manager Jeremy Gould invites you to join him in giving back to the community. As a volunteer firefighter he contributes 50 hours a month to keeping families safer. He asked to share a few words with the Arciform community about contributing your time and resources to your community.

Greetings all,

I just wanted to say a little something here as we approach the holiday season. I encourage everybody to find something in your communities where you can donate some of your time for a good cause. It can be anything at all. I think that if all of us humans thought this way and did these things for our communities even just one day a year, the world would be such a better place. For example, my daughter and I choose the Toy and Joy program in Newberg to donate our time to.

Kayla delivering gifts in the chiefs rig

Every year in May we hold a huge pancake feed fundraiser at the fire station and everybody works it for free. All of the money goes to purchasing toys for kids whose families may not be able to afford them. Then, when it gets closer to Christmas, we will go down to the station and wrap the toys to get them ready to deliver. Finally, on the morning of December 24th my daughter and I will commandeer the Chief’s rig, load up the toys, and go hand deliver them to the kids at their homes. We get lots of hugs from moms and grandmas, and lots of smiles from all the kids. Last year Makayla and I delivered about 500 presents. Along the way, we will also secretly be looking to see if they have a Christmas tree or any decorations, and if they don’t we will make arrangements to have them delivered. We’ve even brought groceries to a few families that obviously didn’t have much.

Every year my daughter tells me she definitely wants to do it again next year. It is really quite rewarding to know that you’re bringing so much happiness to these families. My point here is that giving even a little bit of time can have a huge impact on peoples’ lives, and the volunteers gain so much joy and build a sense of community.

We’re so grateful to have the opportunity to give back each year and we would love to hear about the ways you choose to support your community. Share your favorite organizations to support in the comments below to spread the good word about the important work being done on behalf of those in need.

Happy Holidays!

Oct 16

Meet Jason Stephens: Estimator

Jason is the newest member of our Estimating team, he joins us from Kennedy Restoration. Find out what inspires him…

You’ve been brought on as an Estimator. Tell us about what your areas of responsibility will be.

As an estimator my primary responsibility is pricing. Whether it be contacting subcontractor, material suppliers or estimating labor hours I need to shop around and sharpen my pencil to get our customers the best quality goods and services at the best price.

You have a background in construction, flood and fire restoration, remodel and design. What aspects of Arciform’s work and process are most similar to your previous work? What’s the most different?

I graduated from Idaho State University with an A.A. in General Education. I also have a design degree from the Art Institute International Portland in Multi Media and Web Design. The most similar part of my new job here at Arciform is the construction process. It does not matter if you are dealing with an average home in an average neighborhood or a huge luxury home in a gated community, the bones of the home are built the same and in the same order. I would say the biggest difference is the client base, Arciform specializes in older, historic homes. I am used to working more on the average home in the average neighborhood or the occasional light commercial project.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

One of my favorite projects was a residential fire in the West Hills. This two story home had a major structural fire on the main floor and we ended up tearing the home down to only a few standing walls in the basement. I was able to use the insurance proceeds to re-design and value engineer the home to increase the square footage of the home by changing the livable attic space into a full master suite. The owner was thrilled, he couldn’t believe I could get such a great new space using only the insurance proceeds.

What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list?” 

Travel to see the ancient ruins of Cambodia

Sail the Caribbean Sea

Visit Cuba

 

Oct 13

Meet Roger Muller: Field Carpenter

Roger is one of Arciform’s newest field carpenters, read on to find out what inspires him and why he loves restoring homes…

What inspires you about restoring and renovating older homes? What drew you to this line of work?

I love the challenge of taking on a project that most others would pass on and updating it without sacrificing or compromising the architectural integrity. It drives my wife crazy, but I am always pointing to rundown/neglected historical homes and commenting on what potential they have – she would prefer I focus on our 1928 Dutch Colonial Revival’s “potential” instead!

What drew me to this line of work? I grew up around the business, my dad was a builder in Florida for nearly 40 years, and I spent summers from high school through college working on his projects. That’s where I learned carpentry. These were old school guys who, except for a circa 1950 Skil circular saw, didn’t believe in power tools. You really understand the meaning of “measure twice cut once” when you are cutting 8” high baseboards on a miter box with a back saw!

Do you have a special skill you want to tell us about?

I have a green thumb and I enjoy nothing more than working in my yard.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

While living in Mobile, Alabama I tackled a project that comprised four homes adjacent to one another. The houses were abandoned and condemned, no one thought these homes were worth saving. However, beneath the neglect and remuddling there was architectural beauty: heart pine floors, ornately carved fireplace mantels and custom trim. They ranged in age from a circa 1850 Creole shotgun to a 1910 foursquare. Just cleaning out the debris and gutting them took four months and filled six 40 cubic yard dumpsters. In the end, all four houses returned to being single-family homes. The City of Mobile awarded me the restoration of the year and the houses were featured on Bob Villa’s Restore America TV show.

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

This I where I’m supposed to say something hip and exciting like climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and watching the sunrise or having a one-on-one over an IPA with the Dalai Lama but, my bucket list is to spend as much time with the ones I love.

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Jul 14

Meet Project Manager Joe McAlester

Joe studied sociology at the University of Colorado. His education related to construction was gained in the field as a carpenter before, during and after college and through project management positions he has held. Prior to being hired at Arciform he worked in a similar project management capacity for an insurance restoration contractor.

How long have you worked for Arciform and what has been your favorite part about working at Arciform so far?

I started at Arciform in mid-May.  I enjoy the people, the projects we are involved in and the collaborative effort.

What inspires you about restoring and renovating older homes? What drew you to this line of work?

I’m inspired by the details, craftsmanship and materials inherent in many older homes. Those elements drew me to the work, the challenge of restoring, preserving or duplicating characteristics that for the most part you don’t see in new construction. I generally like being part of the building process, the creative aspect, the troubleshooting, and the end results.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

One of my favorites was adding a second story to a house in the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado. There were some logistical challenges getting materials to the site as it was somewhat remote. That project sticks in my mind for the setting and the views of the mountains from the new second floor.

Tell us what you consider are the hallmarks of a well-executed project. How do you know when something is right?

In my experience the best projects are well thought out prior to starting any work. That involves all parties working as much as possible to foresee challenges so they can be planned for instead of reacted to, at which point they have a greater impact on the flow and schedule. In the end a project feels right when the client is happy, it is quality work and was executed with as few bumps along the way as possible.

What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

I’m not sure I could define my working style. I try to stay on top of the details, am solution minded and forward thinking. I understand the investment both financially and emotionally for clients, their excitement and their anxiety as their house is under construction. I respect those aspects and work to keep them informed to help mitigate their concerns and I also want to share in the excitement for their new space.

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

I don’t have a list, but I would like to someday design and build a home. I also have two young kids so I’m focused on providing opportunities for them to explore and pursue their interests.

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Jun 11

Meet Project Manager Devin Morrow

Devin Morrow

Devin started his carpentry career while in high school, working for his father’s construction company in Pendleton, OR, where he became familiar with all forms of hand and power tools in their large workshop. He became licensed in 1984 as part of Eastern Oregon Building Enterprises. In 1995 Devin moved to Portland to pursue his music career, which took off and sent him all over the country touring and playing rock and roll music to the masses. After many years of the rock and roll lifestyle he returned to construction starting Morrow Building in 2004. When the recession took hold in 2009 he bounced around looking for an opportunity to work with a great high-end remodeling company and found Arciform!

How long have you worked for Arciform and what has been your favorite part about working at Arciform so far?

I’ve been with Arciform for 5 years now. My favorite part about working for Arciform is the opportunities that I have been given to work on rare historical structures that few get the chance to be part of. Gallon House Covered Bridge, Champoeg State Park Pavillion, Coleman Scott Residence. It was a privilege to be site lead on those projects.

What inspires you about restoring and renovating older homes? What drew you to this line of work?

Restoring historical structures to me is some of the most rewarding work a carpenter can do. I had been exposed to this aspect of remodeling from early on, working on old farm houses outside of Pendleton, OR. That experience drew me towards this kind of work.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

My favorite past project is the Gallon House Covered Bridge. I had the privilege of removing the original, almost 100 year old, roof structure and replacing it with a new up to date, structurally sound roof. The challenges were constant inspections from Marion County; a qualified drinking water stream running under the bridge that no debris whatsoever could touch; a very old structure that had been knocked off its abutments 2 or 3 times in its life that was poorly repaired, cobbled back together crooked and bent; farmers crying daily about how inconvenient it is to not have that bridge to cross as they use the bridge multiple times a day tending their crops; and the dozens of tours that had scheduled themselves to come see the bridge only to find it under repair and no access granted. All part of a days work on the bridge.

Tell us what you consider are the hallmarks of a well-executed project. How do you know when something is right?

I consider happy clients, a beautiful job, proud carpenters and profit to be the hallmarks of a well-executed job. A job is well done when it looks like you hoped it would and only see smiles when your client sees it.

What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

I like to work as a team with my clients. I always try to see their vision and create that for them.

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

  1. Drive on the autobahn
  2. Skydive
  3. Sail around the globe (in a large boat of course)

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Jun 9

Meet Junior Designer Tara Keefner

Tara Keefner

Tara is one of three new Junior Designers, she joins us from Portland Community College’s Residential Architectural Design and Drafting program. With an Associate’s Degree of General Studies, she is finishing her Associate’s Degree of Applied Science, as well as a one-year NKBA-accredited Kitchen and Bath Design Certificate. Prior to Arciform, Tara primarily worked in retail and customer service. Most recently, she was able to gain some experience in the field through a local design start-up at which she worked as a freelance drafter. Her primary duties were Revit drafting and office management, and regularly worked through design issues and complications with the owner. Their primary concentration was a residential development in Sweet Home, but also had several remodel projects coming in.

When did you know you wanted to be an architectural designer? Tell us how you got inspired to do this work.

I have had an interest in architecture since childhood. I was fortunate enough to spend some time in Europe during my Freshman and Sophomore years of high school, as my father worked for a German-based company at the time. During those years, I was fully immersed in – and enamored with – the rich culture and history of the villages and cities that I visited throughout Europe.

It was through this experience that my love of architecture was born. Upon returning to the States, however, I was pulled away from this passion for various reasons. It took five years and a cross-country move for me to rediscover my passion for architecture and design. It was then that I began attending classes at PCC, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Describe one of your favorite design projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

I have not yet had the opportunity to work on a built project. However, one of my favorite design experiences through school was the Residential Design Studio. This studio was the first opportunity to create an entire project from its inception all the way through to a Construction Document set. It was my first exposure to what the process is like from start to finish, and resulted in a portfolio piece of which I am quite proud.

Tell us what you consider the hallmarks of a well-designed project. How do you know when something is “right?”

I am very passionate about blending form and function. I value efficiency in design very highly, so for me a project doesn’t feel quite “right” if there are redundancies or unnecessary elements present. I tend to design functionality first, and then add decorative and finishing elements once I am sure that the design works at its most basic level. This has caused me a lot of headaches, but has also forced me to really think about what I want my design to accomplish before spending too much time on something that may not work.

What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

I tend to be a bit of a loner, however I greatly appreciate and value having a team of people I can approach with questions or issues when they do arise. My position with Arciform is my first opportunity to really work in a team atmosphere and with real projects, so I have not yet had the opportunity to determine my way of working with a client. I’m looking forward to figuring that out as I grow here.

What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list?”

In no particular order:

  1. Travel the world. I have wanted to return to Europe since the moment I left, and there is so much more I want to see.

  2. Design and build my dream home. Preferably multiple homes, actually; one in the city, one in the countryside, one on the beach.

  3. Go skydiving/base jumping/bungee jumping at least once. I’ve just always wanted to experience something like that.

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May 29

Meet Operations Manager Clint Nicholson

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Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Clint joins us after working his way around the world: Central Europe, the Middle East, Papua New Guinea and Australia where he gained logistics and management experience from working in the heavy industrial sector. As Arciform’s Operations Manager, Clint will manage our Project Management & Estimating Teams and keep the construction process running smoothly.

Read on to find out what inspires Clint:

What attracted you to working with Arciform?

I have a strong personal interest in restoration and renovation from back home in New Zealand where I personally completed 3 full house renovations. I was familiar with Arciform from the advertising around town and was super excited when I randomly found the Operations Manager position, which would lead to a job in an industry that I have personal passion for.

What are you looking forward to about the job?

Working with a great team, being involved in a business that is Design/Build (not just one or the other), making a quick positive impact across my responsibilities, and facing/solving the challenges that will come with change and growth.

What inspires you about restoring and renovating older homes?

Both revitalizing the craftsmanship in older properties, incorporating the old with the new (eg: cast iron tub with modern sink/spigot/shower solutions).

What drew you to this line of work?

My professional experience comes from heavy industry operation management and my personal experience comes from the restoration and renovation of 3 properties between 90-115  years old, back in NZ, where I did most of the work myself (demo, framing, drywall, painting, flooring, tiling…..)

Describe one of your favorite past projects.

A 3 bed Villa House in NZ. Personally designed and completed most work myself with my partner. You can see it here:  http://www.platinumhd.co.nz/videos/residential/nz/kingsland-auckland/4-richbourne-st-29398.html)

What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

Everything that made it memorable was a challenge. We redesigned the back deck to flow, changed it from 1 bath to 1.5 and exposed the beautiful ceilings that were hidden.

Tell us what you consider are the hallmarks of a well-executed project. How do you know when something is right?

High level product turned out every time (design and build), consistently. Customer is happy during project and ecstatic with final result.

 What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list?”

  1. Have a family reunion as we are all spread across the world – I have 4 brothers and 16 cousins.
  2. Race/ride at the Dutch circuit in Assen, Netherlands.
  3. Break a record and/or 200mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

 

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May 13

Meet Client Services Manager James Kistner

james kistner 4

After working as a Project Manager for Arciform for a little over a year, James has been promoted to the senior member of our new Client Services Management Team. This mission-critical position is tasked with advocating for clients’ goals and budget throughout the design and construction process and consulting on buildability and feasibility for each of the projects in his portfolio.

Read on to find out what inspires James:

How long have you worked for Arciform? What has been your favorite part about working at Arciform so far?

 I will have worked at Arciform 1 year 6 months on the 12th. My favorite part has been getting to work with all the different departments and being able to collaborate to make projects successful.

What inspires you about restoring and renovating homes? What drew you to this line of work?

To me the most important part is the sustainability aspect, in not only reusing something and restoring something, but also in helping people grow and live in their homes in a way that makes their lives better. I was drawn initially to this without even realizing it was happening. I worked in high school and college for a family friend who was an extremely talented craftsman, just as a job that I could do on the weekends and vacations. I was always fairly good at building stuff and interested in architecture, so it just really became something I grew into over time. After college I continued working in the field because I could take on projects that let me have flexibility in scheduling around playing music and traveling, and then I really became interested in building science and sustainability, which just further solidified my interests in staying in the field.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

I have a lot of projects that are favorites. The best challenges are when there is a high level of structural and site work involved in tandem with a modern, sleek design. You really have to take the end design into consideration from the very early part of the work to make sure things line up and fall into place correctly. I love designs that take a holistic approach in what is trying to be accomplished and heighten the level of sustainability, not only in the construction itself, but in how the occupants will interact and live with the design.

Tell us what you consider to be the hallmarks of a well-executed project. How do you know when something is “right?”

One of the most important things to a successful project is communication and clarification of details with all parties involved, either with clients, designers, subcontractors, engineers, whoever. When this happens the work reflects it and the client is usually always more pleased with the outcome.

What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

I really like to collaborate at whatever level is allowable. I tend to over communicate but I just really like to make sure everyone is informed and educated not only about the design but in how and why we are building something the way we are, in helping the client understand that we are always looking to construct things with the best practice and information we have available to us.

 What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list?”

I have honestly never really thought too much about a bucket list, but the thing I would like to accomplish most is co-creating and developing a pre-fab building company.

I think this would be rewarding on so many levels that are of interest to me and my ideas and philosophies about building. This would hopefully be not only in building homes, but even bigger projects where whole sections of structures were built off-site and then assembled to create the building. There are just so many exciting challenges and design possibilities that I feel are not really considered by the general building world that can become really important and valuable in helping with how humans inhabit the world.

Other than that, probably going to a NBA finals game that the Bulls are in (which requires them to get there), and maybe a pretty extensive backpacking trip through eastern Europe and into the Middle East to check out all the architecture that has been standing forever because I want to appreciate that construction first hand.

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May 7

Meet Client Services Manager Andres Zacharovas

Andres Zacharovas-cropped

Originally from Vilnius Lithuania, Andres lived in London England for 15 years where he started his career in construction. After winning the green card lottery, he and his wife moved to Portland, Oregon, sight-unseen. Andres worked as a lead carpenter at Otis Construction for 18 months before joining us at Arciform to be one of our Client Services Managers. Andres joins Jeremy Gould in a team led by James Kistner that will be tasked with with advocating for clients’ goals and budget throughout the design and construction process and consulting on buildability and feasibility for each of the projects in his portfolio.

How long have you worked for Arciform and what has been your favorite part about working at Arciform so far?

I have been here for six months. I enjoy the type of projects we get and the clients we work with. Helping clients get what they are really looking for by giving them the best support I can and seeing the final project makes me really happy.

What inspires you about restoring and renovating older homes? What drew you to this line of work?

I love architecture, it plays a big role in my life. I enjoy being a part of the entire process of creating something. It amazes me that we can recreate original materials and complete the installation to make it seem like it has always been there.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

While living in London I managed a project where we turned a run-down hotel into a 5 star, luxury oasis. The biggest challenges were the tight budget and four week time-frame. I managed 60 employees and 10 subcontractors…and lost a lot of weight and sleep! It was memorable because we achieved stunning results in such a short period of time with a limited budget.

Tell us what you consider the hallmarks of a well-executed project. How do you know when something is right?

My main goal is to see a happy client, they are my number 1 priority. I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that they are satisfied with the results. The client’s eyes tell me everything, that’s how I can tell if something is right.

What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

I listen to the client’s needs then give my opinion on what would work best for their project. I let them know that I am there for them throughout the entire process to guide them through with the least amount of stress.

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

1. I want to see all 50 states, starting with California.

2. I’d like to skydive at the Grand Canyon.

3. I want to build a house from the ground up. I’ve started sketches and am working on the mental preparation! My preferred location would be on the hill so I’d have a view of the mountains.

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