Iconic March 2023

a true craftsman the arcifiles: profiles of the faces behind the places building community

letter from the editor

The Faces Behind the Places

Walking around Portland’s neighborhoods, with their profusion of beautiful homes and buildings in a variety of architectural styles, I found myself thinking of ARCIFORM’S motto, “Inspired by the stories of people and places.” Suddenly the homes and buildings looked like storybooks to me, and I thought, our buildings really are preserved stories. Stories of how people lived and live, of craftsmen who did such meticulous woodwork, of what people found aesthetically pleasing in former times and how people have modified that beauty to fit present tastes and lifestyles. From their structures to their original and present owners, houses really are the preserved stories of people and places.

In this issue of Iconic, we’ve decided to celebrate some of the people behind the places by bringing their stories to you, and associating them with some of the places that they’ve helped design and build.

Our first article is one of those sad/happy tales. In his eight years with the company, Site Lead Jack Ouska has headed teams of ARCIFORM builders and subcontractors through a multitude of restorations, renovations and remodels of homes, churches, and public buildings. Much more than a master carpenter, Jack brings a sense of humor and generosity to the job, sharing his experience and knowledge with younger carpenters who are the better for it. Now Jack is leaving ARCIFORM, not so much for a traditional retirement, but a whole slew of new projects, some of which, I can tell you, involve grandsons and baseball.

Over the decades, ARCIFORM and sister company Versatile Wood Products have worked on a diversity of buildings. But who are the team members who see those projects through? We thought it was time to listen to their stories. The result: we will profile some of the people who do everything from sell to design to manage to build ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products projects. It’s a fun and informing look into the inspirations, aspirations and challenges of the “faces behind the places.”

Just as the issue starts with the story of a seasoned craftsman who is retiring, we’re ending with stories of some young women who may just well be the future of the industry. In “ARCIFORM Builds More Than Houses: They Build Community” we revisit the community organizations that ARCIFORM supports, including Girls Build, a PNW group that teaches girls about the field of construction through hands-on camps and workshops.

We – and ARCIFORM – so loved the idea of putting faces to the places that we decided to include a new regular feature in Iconic. “The ArciFiles” will highlight a fascinating person from the local design build community each issue. Creating a beautiful remodel or restoration is a community collaboration of designers, contractors, tradespeople and subcontractors, each with their own inspiring story. We’re excited to bring you their stories, and I hope you’re just as excited to read them.

Snow Blackwood snow@snowbdesigns.com snowbdesigns.com

the iconic

table of contents

EDITOR’S NOTE

from the editor-in-chief

WHEN TWO CRAFTSMEN MEET

In this article, we take you through a remodel of a vintage Irvington remodel, the final project of master craftsman Jack Ouska before his event-filled retirement.

16 20

THE ARCIFILES

To introduce this new feature, we shine a spotlight on three women of ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products. Meet some of creative, dedicated people who make the projects possible.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Anne and Richard De Wolf, co-owners of ARCIFORM, have long been ardent supporters of the community. We talk about their involvement, with a focus on GirlsBuild!

COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE

New box beams and a custom jewel-toned island hide structure and dress up function. Custom cabinets by Versatile Wood Products

true craftsman

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 site lead Jack Ouska 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

WATCH our interview with Jack Ouska >>

A pantry closet with original built ins merged with a mudroom for a cheery and practical go zone.

ABOVE: Opening kitchen walls brought in more light, allows for more together time and access to the yard. Custom window by Versatile Wood Products

RIGHT: We reused the brass bar sink, added stainless steel counters and mirrored tile for sparkle.

Just off the kitchen, we turned the built-in butlers pantry cabinets into a wet bar.

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.

Richard De Wolf and Jack Ouska.

“

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.”

Photo: KLiK Concepts

“ 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.”

Photo: KLiK Concepts

The new WC feels fun and exotic with green wainscoting and playful wallpaper.

OPPOSITE: A former main bathroom was transformed into a fun and functional main closet.

ABOVE: 1911 Craftsman Foursquare in the Historic Irvington neighborhood.

LEFT: The new laundry gives plenty of room to sort and fold, with lovely natural light and lively wallpaper. Custom window by Versatile Wood Products

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. •

BELOW: Once a bedroom, now the main bath and laundry, we created an oasis for the busy parents.

RIGHT: Leggy console sinks flank the tub, and the WC went glam with pretty wallpaper.

The spacious shower’s glass surround shows off handsome, deep blue tile and polished nickel fixtures.

arcifiles

the profiles of the faces behind the places

From designers to project managers to the craftspeople who bring designs to life, everyone matters in the creation of exquisite remodels, renovations and restorations. In this issue of Iconic, we’re pleased to announce the ArciFiles, a new, regular feature. In this issue, we profile three amazing women who work with ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products, our sister company. In future issues, we’ll profile one member of our local design-build community. Portland has a rich diversity of architectural styles. In ArciFiles, we’ll acquaint you with the diverse people who help preserve, revive, and enhance this legacy.

PETER HERRING

STEPHYN MEINER

Company: ARCIFORM

Duration: 5 years

Role: Designer

A LIFE BY DESIGN

Stephyn had an extra reason to celebrate this last holiday season. With her promotion from Design Associate to Designer at the end of December, she achieved a childhood goal. “It’s like a dream come true,” says Stephyn. “I wanted to be an interior designer when I was a little girl. If I could talk to my kindergarten self, I’d say, “hey, you did it!” It was a lot of hard work getting here, and I’m so appreciative that I’m with ARCIFORM. Being in the design-build atmosphere, I’ve learned so much on the construction side of things, and then having fantastic mentors like Anne and Marty, who have helped elevate me and push me in a really positive way. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

For Stephyn, who clearly enjoys people as much as she loves design, her new duties are a delight. She meets with prospective clients and hears what they want firsthand – getting the project scope and offering some initial ideas, creating the beginnings of a trusting relationship.

“Whether it’s a WC remodel or a whole house remodel, it’s someone’s home – their personal space – and it’s their financial investment. There’s a lot on the line. So, I let them know, this is the ARCIFORM way of doing things: We have your back and we’re going to do what’s right for you and for your home. It’s a partnership all the way until the end of construction. It’s fun because at the same time we’re creating that relationship.”

Stephyn lives and breathes design, sometimes waking up at 2:00am with a solution for a design puzzle, which she sketches into an app. Are designers born or made? In Stephyn’s case, she was born a designer, studied, and worked hard. Congratulations achieving and living your dream, Stephyn!

Getting Started

Stephyn studied interior design at PCC. She was as passionate a student as she is a designer, spending 1012-hour days on campus, taking every course she could squeeze in. With the help of a teacher/mentor, she started a student NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) Chapter, organizing walkthroughs of local firms. One was ARCIFORM. When an opening came up, she applied.

Favorite Project(s)

“There are so many that I really enjoyed working on, and honestly, what I always come back to are the clients that I worked with. We sometimes end up creating such amazing relationships. We just click so well that it’s like…okay now we’re going to be lifelong friends.” She particularly loves one kitchen, created for a family she enjoyed working with. “Not only is it a beautiful, functional kitchen but it’s the perfect kitchen for these people. That’s what I really like about ARCIFORM. There’s no one ARCIFORM ‘style’”. If you look at our work, no two kitchens ever look the same. It’s a very personalized process.”

Proudest Accomplishment

Aside from her promotion, Stephyn’s proudest achievement is the last challenge she solved. “Anytime we get a new challenge it’s a puzzle at first. It’s challenging, and then all of a sudden – and it always happens at two in the morning – you wake up and have that Aha! moment. If we just shift this, it all works...”

Experience Working in the Local Design-build Field

Stephyn is looking forward to Portland design workshops and open houses coming back after Covid. “There are whole weeks of design workshops. Typically, showrooms will open up and have a cocktail hour where you get to go and learn about their products. It’s always fun to get out there and see what’s new.”

How do you see the future of remodeling & renovation business?

Stephyn sees a trend, starting in the pandemic, for people to create multi-layered flexible spaces in their homes, incorporating open, airy rooms and private areas needed for remote work or study, multi-purpose spaces that can be one thing in the morning, another in the evening. She’s also interested in seeing how the continuation of sustainable materials and options - such as replacing gas appliances with electric - will impact design.

Favorite Project(s)

The Grand Stark Hotel. Built in 1906, the building was originally a hotel, then Shleifer Furniture’s store. “They turned it back into a hotel, bar, and restaurant. That was my first big commercial project with ARCIFORM. It turned out so beautiful.”

Proudest Accomplishment(s)

Her current position. “I had no prior project management experience. I’m still learning a lot every day, but it’s rewarding knowing that I’m the youngest and the only female, and I’m up there with guys who are experienced in this position. We’re a really good team, the other project managers and me. But at the end of the day, we’re doing the same thing, and they each have 20 years behind them of either management or construction experience. I come from the design side of things, but I think that that’s why it works.”

Attraction To This Field

In addition to her love of design-build, Bri finds the restoration of older homes and buildings satisfying. “There’s just so much more involved and there are so many prettier details. ARCIFORM is more aligned with everything I was learning about in art history when I was in college.”

BRI JOHNSON

Company: ARCIFORM

Duration: 5 years

Role: Project Manager

Role at ARCIFORM

Bri bills herself as the “youngest, funniest project manager” at ARCIFORM. Once a design is approved, she gets a construction estimate, briefly turns into a salesperson and then, if the estimate is accepted, becomes the Contractor, working with her carpentry teams and subs. She also manages jobs from outside companies and works with Versatile Wood Products.

Getting Started

Bri’s love of design goes back to the days of MTV’s “Cribs” in the ‘90s. She loved the show, went to design school and got her Interior Design degree. She worked for architects, became a designer at another company, and ran her own design business before ARCIFORM asked her to join the team. “So I’ve been in a design role, now I’m in a management role. It’s been exciting because I’ve got the full circle.”

Experience Working In The Local Architectural Design & Construction Field

As the youngest Project Manager and the only woman, Bri feels that “everybody respects me and I haven’t had any ‘me too’ issues. I feel like I have a bunch of brothers and uncles. I feel like they would protect me to the end of the earth, so that helps a lot.”

The Future of Remodeling & Renovation Business

“I hope that more women get into it because it’s not that intimidating. I was a little nervous in the beginning, but I think they could use a bit more feminine energy out in the field. A woman’s brain might work a little bit differently, so you get a couple more solutions.” Bri laughs, “We’re coming to take over soon.”

JAZMYN BARROW

Company: Versatile Wood Products

Duration: 3 years

Role: Business Development Coordinator

Role at Versatile Wood Products

Jazmyn focuses on sales, works with internal teams to get estimates, oversees product design, and she’s the communication liaison between production and clients, from start to finish.

Getting Started

“I’m a huge fan of remodeling shows like Chip and Joanna. But never in a million years did I think I was going to work somewhere that does those types of things!” Working as a Product Presentation Manager at Nike, Jazmyn wanted to do something that drew on her creativity. “This opportunity just landed, and I went for it.”

Favorite Project(s)

Jazmyn begins with, “Man, that’s hard,” then chooses two. Custom closet doors with multi-lights and an ornate, curvilinear transom installed in an 1886 Queen Anne Victorian home; and a wet bar for a basement remodel.

“The oak, the wallpaper, tile and hardware all tied together and just look so beautiful.” Jazmyn loves to work on things that are “a little different and quirky. I love when people come to us with ideas that are just out of the realm.”

Proudest Accomplishment(s)

Looking back at her first year at VWP, Jazmyn realizes, “I bring so much to the table now that I’m proud of. I love that this company has allowed me to learn. It’s like being at school, but I work here.”

What do you like about the industry?

The creative design elements and custom manufacturing drew her to VWP. She also likes working “closely with ARCIFORM because that really brings the creative element.”

What’s been the biggest surprise working for Versatile?

Jazmyn loves the “we can do anything” attitude at Versatile. That describes the company’s products and services, but also the culture. She explains, “Not only am I a woman, I’m a woman of color, working in an industry that’s white-male dominant. I don’t feel as if I’m not taken seriously, because I am. The company I work for and the people I work with –they make me feel confident and empowered.”

The Future of Remodeling & Renovation Business

I think it’s going to go crazy. People love expressing themselves through their homes. A lot of women I know who worked for bigger companies quit their jobs to be designers or work in the remodeling industry. It’s awesome and I love it. I think social media plays a big part in that and really pushes people to want more for themselves and see opportunities. I just think there’s room for more people, more opportunity. And so I see it’s gonna go wild.” •

archive. 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.

Coquille Lighthouse

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.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

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! •

A teacher and student at Serendipity Center

Portland Center Stage

Founded in 1997 by Richard and Anne De Wolf, ARCIFORM listens to the stories that our time-honored Pacific Northwest buildings and houses tell. Respecting history, enhancing the visions of owners and anticipating new purposes, we reimagine, remodel, and reinvigorate the vintage buildings we love, preserving and reviving their stories for present and future generations. We invite you to learn more at arciform.com