Inspired by Family

Holly Cullom • Jul 09, 2022

In business since 1997, and with many residential remodeling projects under their belt, ARCIFORM is known for their expertise in historic preservation. How does a company like this grow and thrive? It starts with family. And by family we mean not only those related by blood or marriage, but also the strong bonds that form between people who care about each other. These kinds of connections are what makes a company strong, and this is what ARCIFORM strives for.

With creative direction by Snow B Designs, ARCIFORM recently filmed the “Inspired by the Family” video as part of their three part series: “Inspired by the Story,” “Inspired by the Family,”and “Inspired by the Neighborhood.” This video introduces viewers to the family as they prepare and enjoy a meal together – parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the extended ARCIFORM family they’ve come to know over their two-year renovation. 

The 1920’s Lake Oswego Bungalow

Located in historic downtown Lake Oswego, this gorgeous bungalow was built in 1920. Using salvaged and antique materials when possible, ARCIFORM renovated this home to fit the needs of this young family. In close consultation with homeowners Gary and Melissa, ARCIFORM principal designer Anne De Wolf, Project Manager Adam Schoeffel, and Site Lead Jamie Whittaker, reconfigured living spaces and integrated architectural elements to match the original house. 

Family extends to the furry friends as well.

Design Team Coordinator Marty Hegg explains how ARCIFORM helps families evaluate their changing needs: “We want them to consider if the proposed changes will suit their family over time, as we know that families grow and change. Will that nursery that we build now be adaptable as a guest bedroom once their children have left the nest? Do they have a first-floor bedroom with a bathroom that would suit grandpa in a few years? Should the stair balustrade be spaced more tightly so little Clementine doesn’t get her head stuck between bars? Marble floors in the bathroom are pretty, but are they too slick for kids or aging parents?” These are all important considerations; ARCIFORM is skilled at helping families anticipate what needs might arise in the future, even those they might never have considered themselves. 

Mother and daughter enjoy their newly remodeled kitchen.

As one’s family changes, expands, shrinks, or ages, various considerations come into play. Perhaps when you bought your home, you didn’t yet have children, but now that you’re a family of five you’re finding your family needs more space. Or like many families, you may be caring for elderly parents who have difficulty navigating stairs, which may necessitate adding a ground-floor bedroom or wider walkways and larger bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. You may be at the other end of the life cycle yourself, where your nest is empty or nearly so, and starting to consider what your needs might be as you head into your retirement years in the next decade or two. Perhaps it’s time to turn that now-outgrown basement playroom into a space for a favorite hobby? Whatever stage of life you happen to be in, ARCIFORM can help meet your family’s changing needs.

Project Manager Joe Hoffman

Further reflecting on how ARCIFORM is “Inspired by the Family,” Project Manager Joe Hoffman says, “In our work here at Arciform, our craft is always informed by the family that will enjoy the project – be it an extended family or an individual and their pets. Knowing how the family lives and enjoys their space informs and inspires the creation. From the initial concept, through the process of construction, to celebrating the final results, understanding the family’s desires, needs and wishes are key to our success.”



At ARCIFORM, we draw inspiration from the families that we encounter every day in our work – both our ARCIFORM family and yours. 

Portland's Architecture
By Anne De Wolf 15 Sep, 2023
Since the easiest way to know the different styles is to understand the art, fashion, science, and industry of the times when they were built, you’ll also understand how Portland’s diverse architecture has told, and continues to tell, our collective story. History deepens experience. You’ll never see Portland through the same eyes again!
The Walter
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The Italianate brick building – NW Portland’s second oldest remaining commercial structure – has had its share of ups and downs. Captain John Harlow, a Maine sea captain and co-founder of the City of Troutdale, built it as the Grand Hotel in 1882, hoping to cash in on the coming transcontinental railroad station, just blocks away. High hopes were soon lowered, as Grand Central Station (now Union Station) was delayed for fourteen years.
Show More
Portland's Architecture
By Anne De Wolf 15 Sep, 2023
Since the easiest way to know the different styles is to understand the art, fashion, science, and industry of the times when they were built, you’ll also understand how Portland’s diverse architecture has told, and continues to tell, our collective story. History deepens experience. You’ll never see Portland through the same eyes again!
The Walter
By Marty Hegg 01 Sep, 2023
The next time you’re in the Mt Tabor neighborhood, hiking in the park , picking up plants at Portland Nursery , or ordering take out from Ya Hala , make a detour and drive up SE Belmont Street between 55 th Avenue and 58 th . Better yet, park the car and take a stroll. In the middle of the long block proudly sits the Jacob H. and Etna M. Cook House , built in 1892-93 and looking as handsome as ever. This historic home has journeyed through thick and thin, and current owner Lyrin Murphy is the reason it’s so beautiful today. Originally built as a Victorian in 1892 for Alexander and Maria Warner, it was one of several Victorians with small farms and orchards at the base of Mt. Tabor. They sold the home in 1904 to Jacob H. Cook, a local businessman and lumberman, and his wife, Etna. In 1909, the Cooks completed a major renovation of the home, transforming it into the Neoclassical style we see today. This was a trend amongst socially elite Portlanders, drawn to less-fussy, more open Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, and Craftsman designs, perhaps inspired by travels and exhibits at the 1905 World’s Fair in Portland . They often entertained in their home, hosting dance parties, luncheons, club events, and out-of-town guests. Their large-scale remodel helped push the area into upper-class status in Portland. Some prominent exterior changes were adding the main façade’s massive portico with Tuscan columns, a full-width porch and 2 nd floor balcony, and a smaller balcony at the 3 rd floor.
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The Italianate brick building – NW Portland’s second oldest remaining commercial structure – has had its share of ups and downs. Captain John Harlow, a Maine sea captain and co-founder of the City of Troutdale, built it as the Grand Hotel in 1882, hoping to cash in on the coming transcontinental railroad station, just blocks away. High hopes were soon lowered, as Grand Central Station (now Union Station) was delayed for fourteen years.
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