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Posts tagged ‘meet the team’

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 20

Meet Junior Designer Anna Foltz

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Anna is one of our newest Junior Designers. She studied fine arts for two years at Pratt Institute, in New York City, before deciding to relocate to the West Coast, where she earned my BFA Interior Design at the Art Institute of Portland, with a minor in Sustainability. Prior to Arciform, she worked in sales and production at Pratt and Larson Tile and most recently, did design and renovation coordination for a senior living community.

Read on to find out what inspires Anna…

 

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

After several years working in the service industry, I started noticing how small details could really affect the functionality/dysfunctionality of a space. Around this time I was trying to decide on a career move that would build on my creativity and fine arts background, while serving a functional purpose. I chose architectural design because it holds the possibility to create beauty in the world, while improving the quality of people’s everyday lives and paying respect to the built and natural environments.

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

I was on a team of designers that was selected to remodel the Green Room (where musicians hang out back stage) at the Doug Fir Lounge. The challenge was to create a multi-functional space out of a 400 sq. ft. cement hole. If that weren’t challenge enough, we were assigned to embody the look and branding of the establishment on a $2000 budget, while meshing the personalities of five strong-willed designers! In order to stay on budget, we did some out-of-the box thinking to re-purpose unconventional materials, including bike tubes that were woven into upholstery and wood pallets used as room dividers. The result was a fun and funky rock ‘n’ roll lair that serves as a memorable place which traveling musicians can’t wait to come back to.

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

This answer is likely a boring one, but I really just believe something is “right” when there is harmonious marriage of form and function. It’s a wonderful thing to have a space that fills the user with a sense of delight in its beauty. More wonderful still, is when the same space efficiently supports the functions for which it was intended.

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

Whether it’s picking out paint colors or doing a full gut/remodel, I try to make each client feel as if they are my one and only. I think open communication is key, with an emphasis on listening and asking the right questions.

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

  1. Take a helicopter ride over Denali National Park
  2. Win a salsa competition
  3. Go to Burning Man under a false identity

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May 19

Meet Junior Designer Bianca McKelvy

bianca m

Bianca is one of three new Junior Designers. She joins us straight from the Portland Community College Architectural Design and Drafting program.

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

When I was growing up my parent’s loved going to open houses on Sunday afternoons. They would throw us kids into the car and drag us to house after house. It became a traditional thing for us to do as a family. My siblings and I would always fight over who would have the bigger bedroom in each house we went to.

When my parents finally decided to just build a new house they involved me in a lot of the design decisions. I fell in love with the entire process and knew then that I wanted to design homes for a living.

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

Unfortunately, I haven’t been a part of any “real” design projects, but school has definitely provided me with some challenging design assignments. My favorite one was from my Space Planning studio. The challenge was to convert an existing two story garage into a home for a young newlywed couple. They had lots of different needs that all had to fit into the existing footprint of the small garage. In the end I was able to create a space that not only fit all of the different programming required but also had a nice open floor plan that I believe would have been a very comfortable space for my hypothetical couple.

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

I believe that a well-designed project should have an equal balance of several things. It should be a beautiful and functional space that meets and exceeds all of the client’s needs. Good design is not necessarily trendy, but instead it is timeless and made to last a life time. Finally a good design should keep sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. When you have a good balance of these things you are headed in the “right” direction.

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

I’ve always believed that communication is one of the key drivers to any successful project. So that means listening to everything that a client wants and needs, then combining that with my expertise for a healthy working relationship and a client that is happy with the entire process and the end result.

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

  1. One of these days I’d like to buy a ticket to a random country and have at least a week to explore a new culture.
  2. I have a lot of siblings, five brothers and one sister. We have never been in the same place at the same time so getting us all together for a trip to Disney would be a dream come true.
  3. I could keep going with this list but I think that running a full marathon in Paris, France would be amazing!

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May 13

Meet Client Services Manager James Kistner

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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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