DON GOLDEN

WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Transforming a project from a concept on paper to a full sized, functional structure.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT ARCIFORM?

Remodeling isn’t just about measuring, cutting materials, and putting them together. In order to do my best on any project, I try to have a holistic vision of the entire process, incorporating the client’s hopes, desires and values, along with my own beliefs that homes should be pleasant, functional, energy efficient, and capable of lasting for generations.


HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR ARCIFORM?

I started with ARCIFORM in March of 2020, and had all of about two weeks of normalcy before social distancing and masks became the rule on jobsites. ARCIFORM really takes worker and client safety and health seriously. I quickly saw evidence that I had signed up with a good company.


WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THIS JOB?

My first attempt at construction of any kind was building a kayak in the mid 1990s. I moved on to furniture, a few other boats, and finally construction in 2001, working for myself and small contracting companies ever since.


WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING/EDUCATION DO YOU HAVE?

Like many other carpenters in the Portland area, I wasn’t sure what to do with a liberal arts degree, and found myself using my hands in conjunction with my head. Some of my skills are self taught, some observed, and some learned from those with far more experience.


WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

Oregon has been home for as long as I can remember, and Portland has been home since 1995.


WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

This could be quite a list: time and travel with my family, being with friends, cooking, reading, woodworking, rowing, canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, biking, hiking, gardening, making art, taking city walks, enjoying life.


WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?

It’s especially gratifying when everyone — client, employer and myself — are happy when a project goes well, but I also like the little moments of success, when something goes together perfectly, even if I’m the only person who will ever see it.


WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE PORTLAND NEIGHBORHOOD?

Southeast Portland has been home for about twenty five years, but my neighborhood is enhanced by being close to so many other fun, beautiful and interesting areas to visit.

Share by: