A Tale of Two Craftsmen

How many projects has Jack Ouska completed during his nearly eight years with ARCIFORM? “A lot,” he says, with a smile.

PETER HERRING / PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE

What he loves about working for ARCIFORM and working in the Portland area, especially, is the variety of architectural styles where he can see the exquisite craftsmanship of an earlier era. He brings up the fine woodworking achieved by last century’s craftsmen who used only hand tools. “With all our technology and power tools, we can barely achieve the kind of tolerances they did.” You see why it’s only fitting that Jack’s final project before retirement is the remodel of this beautiful Craftsman in the Historic Irvington District.

The owners, Nico and Allison, purchased the home in 2014, but the upstairs bathroom was outdated and they wanted the laundry room moved upstairs. More than anything though, the kitchen was dim and difficult to navigate; several interior walls created obstacles and there was only one small window. They wanted a more open kitchen, where the young family could gather. The ARCIFORM team got to work with plans and designs, and pretty soon Jack and his crew were opening up spaces, moving appliances, adding windows and doors to the exterior and installing lots of new cabinetry, including a large island.

The result is a kitchen that’s cheerful and light, efficient for cooking and large enough for the whole family.

Allison says, “We love it. Nico and I can cook, the kids can read or do their homework and we’re all together. The room came out even better than we expected! Jack and the whole ARCIFORM crew were awesome to work with from Day 1.” Jack says what he loves most about the project is how well the remodel fits in with the existing architecture.

As we wander through this grand home the woodwork and attention to detail is on display at every turn, from ornate shelving to the wainscoting. Of particular note is the coffered ceiling in the kitchen, which Jack and his team installed. Its sturdy woodwork mimics the box-beam ceiling in the elegant dining room, providing an easy transition from one room to the next.

Jack has been the site lead for dozens of ARCIFORM projects just like this one. “Nowadays, there’s a big focus on the kitchen. That’s where people hang out, so in a lot of the older homes in Portland, we’re doing exactly this kind of work. Opening up spaces, adding light and putting islands in. It really makes for a more fun house!”

One of Jack’s greatest joys is sharing his lifetime of experience with younger carpenters. He oversees a crew of three to four on most jobs. “I tell these young people to try things. If it doesn’t work, at least you tried. Get off YouTube and the internet and cut some damn wood.” He laughs. To be a great carpenter, Jack says you have to know more than carpentry. “Carpenters are better when they know how to hang sheetrock, how to do some plumbing, and even how to do some concrete work. Knowledge of more than just the woodwork, gives you better understanding of how to be a carpenter.”

ARCIFORM Co-owner, Richard De Wolf, says “Jack has been a part of our family for almost a decade. He’s helped the company in so many ways – from solving problems to teaching to interfacing with clients. Through his dedication to the craft and his work ethic, Jack is a role model to everyone in the company. He will be missed greatly.”

Jack grew up in the building trades. He was born and raised in Chicago where his father was a general contractor and carpenter. He remembers his dad had him working on jobs as soon as he could hold a hammer. When he was eight, Jack says, “My dad drew a 15’ circle on the roof, set a bottle of orange soda in the middle and told me to ‘Nail off the sheathing, and do not miss!’ From then on, I learned how to use a saw, and a drill, and how to lay-out a plan.” The family later moved to Salem, where Jack continued working as a carpenter.

Now that retirement is upon him, what will Jack do? He says he has lots of projects lined up – all for him and his family. First, there’s a pizza oven that needs to be built. Then a bunch of pizzas to make. “I’m not one of those guys who sits in front of the TV and then takes a nap. I’ll be up at 5, getting stuff done.” There are a few repairs around his own house that he needs to knock off and then, Jack says he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife, three sons, and grandkids. He’ll also volunteer and help out wherever he can, especially with Habitat for Humanity. And with one grandson playing little league, Jack has long been involved as an ump and is ready to step up into the majors and become a coach. He never misses a chance to let someone know how much he appreciates them. He’s always got a song at the ready and a story to share. And he treats his crew like family. We know that whatever Jack does he’ll be hitting home runs.

ARCIFORM is all about listening to the stories of buildings and owners, then writing the next chapter of that story as they bring more light, space, modern comforts and efficiencies to vintage homes. So, as much as Jack’s helpful, sharing nature, seasoned skills and sense of humor will be missed, his retirement is not an ending. He’s simply crafting the next chapter of his life. We wish him the very best. •