More than a century after Dr. A.S. Nichols engaged Pittock Mansion architects Foulkes and Hogue to design his Portland Heights home, Pam and Chris Reaves chose Arciform to assist them in restoring Nichols’ significant 1913 Colonial Revival.
The Reaves were drawn to Portland from their home in Denmark by the lure of Catlin Gabel School—the perfect place for Pam’s late sister’s adopted twin boys to complete their high school education. Given Pam’s extensive art background and the couple’s superb organizational and demoing skills, Arciform, which touts teamwork, embraced collaborating with the Reaves.
“The home, which had been remodeled in the early 1980s, needed a full overhaul,” recalls Anne De Wolf, Arciform’s principal designer and co-owner. “To that end, we put together a plan of logistics, one step at a time, working outside in and top down.” The first task was to repair and, in some cases replicate, the rotted balustrade that adorns the roof. Given the home’s previous placement on the National Register of Historic Places, nothing could be done to change its exterior design. In addition to a new roof and better insulation, the windows required a major tune-up with all repairs made with solid oak to match the originals, while new storm windows were framed in fir.
“As our team was restoring the outdoors,” recalls Anne, “I worked on design and delegated what Chris and Pam could do indoors.” Some of that heavy lifting included demoing a couple of rooms, restoring millwork, and some staircase repair. “While Arciform came in with plumbing, electric, skilled carpentry, and know how,” says Pam, “Chris took out all the hardware and I polished it.”
While removing portions of the attic’s dark wood paneling, the couple discovered previous repairs to the central chimney by unskilled handymen had caused irreparable harm. “That required us to have the entire chimney rebuilt by Portland Fireplace and Chimney,” says Pam. Additionally, the foundation on the far end of the large outdoor porch was sinking from improper roof drainage causing the quartet of Ionic columns to subside at the base. “Arciform had to take them out, repair, reattach and reinforce them, something we never could have done by ourselves,” admits Pam.
When the couple wanted to replace the original radiators with a forced air system, one in the attic and one in the basement, it was then designed and built. Arciform Project Manager Joe McAlester worked with Anne to incorporate the system into the design. “That,” says Anne, “is how the third-floor built-in daybed design came about as we needed to hide the cooling and heating ducts – a very happy opportunity.”
By transforming a former sleeping porch into a luxurious glassed-in primary bath, Arciform had the challenge of insulating, and routing mechanical, electrical and plumbing into the former porch space. Grounded by handmade high-fired ceramic tile floors, a free-standing brass tub with nickel interior adjoins Calacatta marble and brass console sinks, and enclosed tile shower featuring multiple storage cabinets.
Following a field trip armed with 300 photos of Scandinavian tile stoves known as “kakelugn” normally found tucked into dining room corners, Pam worked with Arciform and Megan Terry of Tempest Tile to replicate one in their home. By removing the wall between the kitchen and breakfast room and turning the chimney into a two-sided gas fireplace trimmed with Delft gloss tile, Pam can now enjoy her very own “kakelugn” from either room when cooking or serving family or friends.
The living room fireplace, notes Anne, had undergone an unfortunate 1980s remuddle that required the surround and hearth to be rebuilt. The original architects created the mantel as a mix of Colonial Revival and Craftsman design now set against the Calacatta Cervaiole marble surround.
Pam often turned to Anne as a voice of reason and good taste. “Anne is the best,” she says. “She listened to me, gave me great advice and saved me from some of my crazier ideas.” The couple found everyone of Arciform’s workmen incredibly skilled. “We couldn’t have done it all without them.”
Anne and her team are equally chuffed. “Pam and Chris are such treasures,” she says. “They make everything so much fun. Pam always came in with so many ideas that made sense. They were always such realists about things, making it such a treat to work with them both.”
A former owner stopped by on the day the Reaves first moved in, sharing amazing tales about the house. “We should have a big party now that we’re done and invite her along,” says Pam.
PROJECT SOURCES
ARCHITECT, INTERIOR DESIGN & Contractor
Arciform
arciform.com
APPLIANCES
Eastbank Contractor Appliances
eastbankappliance.com
FIREPLACES & CHIMNEY
Portland Fireplace & Chimney
portlandfireplaceandchimney.com
PAINT
Benjamin Moore
benjaminmoore.com
Shoptalk - Anne De Wolf
Anne De Wolf, owner & principal designer, Arciform www.arciform.com
Was design something you’ve always felt strongly about or was it a gradual process of finding your voice?
I grew up in Germany in a family that loved to discuss aesthetics. This applied to any creative field, be it architecture, art, cooking, landscapes, clothing, product design – you name it. We had fun analyzing why some things work and others do not. So, when it came to choosing a career for myself, I felt that the field of interior design was a great way to help create harmonious environments.
What drew you to the design, restoration and remodeling of older homes?
I have always had a passion for things that have been around the block a few times. I like how old cars represent the era during which they were designed, how objects found in antique stores seem to tell a story. I like that mindfully renovating old homes breathes new life into something worth preserving, and it is so fun working with like-minded people during such a creative process.
Your team provides a full menu of design-build services, bridging the gap between design and construction. How has this shaped your business?
It is so wonderful having so many talented people under one roof working toward the same goals. We learn from each other, support each other, and look at finding the best solutions for our clients. Our project managers join design meetings so that they know the goals of the clients firsthand and can help develop a feasible scope. This helps create buildable projects and reduces confusion during construction.
Your approach is to “build to last.” Tell us about the value of conservation, sustainability, and professionalism in your work.
We are very familiar with the inherent challenges that come with older homes, so we overeducate our clients to help them make smart decisions that are not only beautiful, but also affordable and that don’t hide or create potential future issues.
What steps do you take to make your design reflect the needs of your clientele?
There is a lot of collaborative brainstorming; sharing what we have learned over the decades, and the clients share their wishes, dislikes, and goals. From big picture scope development to considering the smallest details, we encourage brainstorming by clients and then have them figure out their must-haves.
Your firm is known for having high standards for design, craftsmanship and service. Tell us about your approach.
We have a lot of checks and balances in place and we all review each other’s work. There are scheduled walk-throughs at key moments during construction when we make sure everything is as it should be, and if there is an opportunity for improvement, we take it.
What does design collaboration look like for your team?
The client is part of the design team. Their life experiences and goals help us create the best solutions for them. We bring in trade experts that help fine-tune decisions and are lucky to have experienced carpenters and craftspeople within our company that we can pull into the design conversation, so we stay grounded and real.
Clients appreciate your ability to problem-solve and pay attention to small details. How does this contribute toward a successful outcome?
Again, the team is the key. Having all that experience under one roof helps us anticipate issues and create beautiful solutions that often make the design better than it was before.
What is a design rule you use again and again?
Check if my design has an element of charm.
What are some major takeaways from designing homes?
I learn something new every day. It is a technical and creative profession that requires interpersonal talents, where the likelihood of missing a detail is high. How you address this is what sets you apart.
