In our experience, it is best to think about the cost of your kitchen remodel as a moving target. This does not mean it will break the bank - quite the opposite. It does, however, require you to prioritize. Your kitchen is your home’s workhorse - the engine that keeps everyone and everything moving. No matter the size, it needs to accomplish basic functions - cooking, venting, refrigeration, washing and storing of food and dishes. You need a food prep area, and convenient outlets. Beyond those basics, however, the existing conditions of your space (are the windows and doors in working order and in a good location or do they impede the ideal location for the stove you want?) affect the cost in sometimes dramatic ways. Your dream kitchen may involve custom cabinets, a tile backsplash, stone countertops, or something you haven’t thought of yet. Helping you navigate the costs of those artisans and the materials you want to use is our job, and what you decide affects the cost of your kitchen. The budgeting process is complicated, but it can be fun. Balancing must-do with want-to-do is the key, and people are often surprised at what  makes the cut when the budget is on the line. Given all that, we have found that our kitchen remodels typically start at about 100k, and the sky is the limit after that.

Arciform rarely just remodels a kitchen. We upgrade systems (is your plumbing and electrical adequate, or do pipes need be replaced and wiring upgraded?), replace windows and often reconfigure your space. We have found that, depending on the size and scope of the project, a kitchen remodel generally takes between 4-6 months to complete.  The ordering of materials and scheduling of craftspeople affects the timing or the work, and Arciform recommends that selections and decisions are made prior to the demo of your kitchen. The goal is to stock the supplies and schedule the work for a smooth-as-possible construction phase.  We also prioritize work that will allow you to use the space before the remodel is completed entirely.

Arciform owns and operates a ten-thousand square foot wood shop where we make our clients‘ bespoke cabinets, casework, and architectural elements.  Our skilled carpenters use traditional techniques and state of the art machinery to build just about anything you and our talented designers dream up. Our carpenters are artists, and they work closely with our clients to make certain their cabinets are designed to fit their needs and space perfectly.

Arciform helps to set up a temporary kitchen, often in a basement, a garage, or on a covered porch. We supply a small fridge and hot plate upon request. For washing dishes, using a laundry sink or bathtub can to the trick, or we can set up a temporary kitchen sink connecting it to an existing drain.

Arciform has a questionnaire we like our clients to fill out to help us understand and design specifically for your needs and preferences. There are many guiding principals for kitchen design, but we have found that each client has their own ideas and inspiring thoughts that make each project unique. 

Most kitchen renovations in Portland require permits, especially when moving walls, upgrading electrical systems, or modifying plumbing. Projects in historic districts like Alphabet District, Irvington, or Laurelhurst require additional historic review if we alter the exterior. We handle all permit applications and work closely with Portland's Bureau of Development Services to ensure compliance with both current building codes and historic preservation requirements.

Yes, you can. You will have to go through historic review, and the new structure will have to be in keeping with the original architectural details of the primary structure.  Often times the review committee will want a supple distinction between the original and the new.  So designing within these parameters takes a mindful approach. 

ADUs are functionally entirely independent of the main structure and require fire barriers, independent HVAC, an electrical sub panel and a water shut off in addition to spaces to prepare food, sleep, and bathe.  This is beneficial when you want to rent the space full time and have clearly defined boundaries. 

When we design an ADU we keep in mind techniques that help when sharing a property with multiple tenants. There are circulation paths to consider, line of sight with regard to privacy, parking and storage needs, and sound, smell and light management. When a property or a structure was not originally laid out to house multiple tenants, the creative solutions the Arciform design team comes up with can make a huge difference.  

An ADU is an official separate living unit, with its own address and services. A Mother In-Law Suite can be whatever you want it to be.  It can be bedroom with a sitting area, a kitchenette and a sitting area, or it can be a guest house on your property.  The kitchenette can only be minor cooking, like a microwave or hot plate, as fire safety is an issue if a full range is installed and there are code parameters that need to be met.  You can also share the utilities and there does not need to be a defined separation between the main residence and the Mother In-Law Suite. We are well versed at addressing the bureaucratic maze that has to be navigated when we restore historic landmarks like churches, government buildings or homes in historic neighborhoods. Arciform has been collaborating and networking with the preservation organizations for decades and we all want to meet a common goal, preserving or historic resources and the character that makes Portland so special.  And of course, we have what we feel is the most talented group of artists that are able to make the new elements look like part of the original.