building community!

Ask ARCIFORM co-owner and Principal Designer Anne De Wolf why supporting community, nonprofit organizations is important to her, and her answer is quick and definitive: “These organizations add character and meaning to our society. If we only focus on the endless list of tasks that need to be done each day, we lose track of what is beautiful in this world; we lose track of what actually makes life interesting, unique, and precious.”

These aren’t just idle words, but a philosophy that guides the way she and her partner and co-owner, Richard De Wolf, contribute to the community.

One of the many nonprofits they support is Girls Build, a PNW group that teaches girls about the field of construction through hands-on camps and workshops. Anne first learned about this forward-thinking group through a friend. Anne says, “My friend told me that her sister, a woman named Ev Hu, was involved with Girls Build, and asked if Richard and I might be interested in supporting the organization. After introductions where made, and we learned about Girls Build, we couldn’t wait to help! Girls Build was looking to lease shop space, so we carved out a corner for them in our shop. We contribute in many, many ways, including financially, and it’s been a great relationship ever since.” Girls Build started with 50 girls in summer camp and in the years since it has grown to ten times that size, teaching 500 girls, ages 7-15 basic construction and safety! To learn more about Girls Build, visit girlsbuild.org!

Primarily though, Anne and Richard are champions of architectural preservation, and have advocated for the conservation and restoration of many of the region’s most valuable historic buildings, including the Fried-Durkheimer House (also known as the first Morris Marks House), the Old Church, the Caples House, and even a pair of 19th century lighthouses on the Oregon coast.

The pair are longtime supports of the Architectural Heritage Center and Restore Oregon. Both organizations are focused on preserving the historic elements of our environment for future generations.

Over the course of the last few years, Girls Build™ founder Katie Hughes (left) has been traveling North America interviewing and photographing girls who build. Girls Who Build showcases girls who hammer, drill, pour concrete, solder, bend sheet metal, wire projects and do anything they set their hearts on.

Anne explains that Restore Oregon emphasizes advocacy and intervention at the governmental level, whereas the work of the Architectural Heritage Center focuses more on education. Richard has served as a board member for both organizations, contributing his knowledge and connections within this field. “Being on their board meant making decisions, as a board member normally does, but also giving speeches, driving trucks, inspecting buildings, and taking tickets at shows and events. Both dirty and glamorous stuff,” Richard quips. For her part, Anne regularly gives presentations at the Architectural Heritage Center on topics such as architectural styles and design.

In addition the three nonprofits already discussed, Anne and Richard support another dozen or so organizations including the Lan Su Chinese Garden, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Oregon Food Bank, Serendipity Center, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Oregon Humane Society, Portland Baroque Orchestra, American Institute of Architects, Portland Center Stage, and The Old Church Concert Hall. Anne explains that some of her most valuable contributions are their collaborations – networking to connect donors and organizations. “Richard and I spread the word and help identify potential donors who might be interested in supporting these nonprofits. We rally our resources to network and get results,” Anne says.

Beyond offering direct financial support, time, energy, and expertise, Anne and Richard have offered their own work and living space to benefit their favorite nonprofits. In fact, the De Wolf residence – the historic Isam White House – has been the site of multiple fundraising events, most recently one in support of the amazing Lan Su Chinese Garden.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the Lan Su Chinese Garden, it’s one of Portland’s hidden gems. Located in Old Town this authentic Chinese garden was built over the course of many years by artisans from China. The Garden opened its doors in the year 2000 and receives thousands of visitors every year. Anne says, “Lan Su is such a gorgeous place. It was being built when we lived just a couple blocks away in our little downtown studio, and I was always impressed by how their efforts changed the entire neighborhood.”

For Anne (and Richard), it really is all about neighborhoods and community. You might even say this Girl Builds Community! •