The logo for archiform design restore and remodel

Meet Project Manager Joe McAlester

Joe studied sociology at the University of Colorado. His education related to construction was gained in the field as a carpenter before, during and after college and through project management positions he has held. Prior to being hired at Arciform he worked in a similar project management capacity for an insurance restoration contractor.

How long have you worked for Arciform and what has been your favorite part about working at Arciform so far?

I started at Arciform in mid-May.  I enjoy the people, the projects we are involved in and the collaborative effort.

What inspires you about restoring and renovating older homes? What drew you to this line of work?

I’m inspired by the details, craftsmanship and materials inherent in many older homes. Those elements drew me to the work, the challenge of restoring, preserving or duplicating characteristics that for the most part you don’t see in new construction. I generally like being part of the building process, the creative aspect, the troubleshooting, and the end results.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

One of my favorites was adding a second story to a house in the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado. There were some logistical challenges getting materials to the site as it was somewhat remote. That project sticks in my mind for the setting and the views of the mountains from the new second floor.

Tell us what you consider are the hallmarks of a well-executed project. How do you know when something is right?

In my experience the best projects are well thought out prior to starting any work. That involves all parties working as much as possible to foresee challenges so they can be planned for instead of reacted to, at which point they have a greater impact on the flow and schedule. In the end a project feels right when the client is happy, it is quality work and was executed with as few bumps along the way as possible.

What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

I’m not sure I could define my working style. I try to stay on top of the details, am solution minded and forward thinking. I understand the investment both financially and emotionally for clients, their excitement and their anxiety as their house is under construction. I respect those aspects and work to keep them informed to help mitigate their concerns and I also want to share in the excitement for their new space.

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

I don’t have a list, but I would like to someday design and build a home. I also have two young kids so I’m focused on providing opportunities for them to explore and pursue their interests.

SEE MORE STORIES

Lonesome Pictopia's Northwestlake wallpaper tells complex stories of Northwest nature and history.
By Anne De Wolf January 30, 2025
Explore how patterns, from bold wallpapers to architectural details, can tell stories, evoke emotions, and transform any space with a touch of creativity
By anne November 20, 2024
It’s an old story with a modern twist. You fall in love with a classic beauty. You can hardly see for the stars in your eyes. Hardly hear anything but your pounding heart. You can’t believe she’s all yours! And then you move in together. And the romance ends. Which is where this story begins. We Portlanders love our heritage homes, and we should! They’re charming, well-built, exhibit fine craftsmanship, have lots of stories to tell, and they’re...old. Meaning that they often come with problems and they don’t have many of the modern conveniences that we’ve come to expect. So how do you update your aging beauty without sacrificing its classic charm? We talked with Anne De Wolf, Principal Designer of Arciform for over twenty-five years, about the joys, occasional frustrations, and creative challenges of bringing an older home up to contemporary standards of comfort and efficiency. The Chain Reaction Challenge Although this article is divided into neat headings about electrical, plumbing, and other categories, your old house is proof positive that we live in an interconnected world. Remodeling can often be like a game of Whack-a -Mole, where upgrading one thing involves several other things in a chain reaction. Adding a dormer may first necessitate a new foundation or structural work. Installing new ceiling lighting and fans in your bath may reveal asbestos insulation (asbestos wasn’t banned until 1989) in the attic, with a hefty $15,000 abatement price tag.
Vaulted interior living room of the Edward Dimmit House in the Columbia River Gorge.
By anne November 20, 2024
Perched 800-plus feet above sea level along the scenic Columbia River Gorge is the Edward Dimmit house, built in 1932 for its namesake, one of the early 20th century’s most renown postcard photographers. 92 years later, this sturdy Eclectic Tudor house in the coniferous woodlands of Corbett, Oregon is home to two lighting designers and their pups. Getting Started Edward L. Dimmitt (1881-1963) joined Arthur B. Cross’ photography studio in Portland in 1916. Cross and Dimmitt specialized in scenic photography: the Columbia River Gorge, the then-new Historic Columbia River Highway (built 1913 - 1922) and other scenic landmarks. Selling them as postcards from their Model T, and later from a stand at Crown Point, the adventurous businessmen helped share the wonder of the Gorge with visitors and, thanks to the United States Postal Service, to postcard recipients across the world. Dimmit moved into this house with his wife around 1931. He served for 40 years as the caretaker of the nearby sandstone Vista House at Crown Point (dedicated in 1918). Vista House was not only a place to observe and pay tribute to the history and beauty of the landscape, but also a place for travelers to rest and refresh themselves while exploring the Gorge along the new highway.
By anne November 20, 2024
No man is an island, John Donne famously wrote. No company is, either. Arciform works with many sub-contractors, product designers, and industry nonprofits to achieve stunning remodels and restorations. In this edition of Arcifiles, we introduce you to three dynamic people, each of whom contributes to the creative energy of the design-build community in their own unique way.
By anne October 18, 2024
An update on working with HGTV Design Star and Instagram Influencer Emily Henderson
A man and woman sitting at a table with a dog
By Courtney O'Leary May 16, 2024
Time is a funny thing when discussing the Bay House, a curved roof waterfront dream house that was inspired by both a medieval fortress and a dilapidated barn.
SEE MORE STORIES
Share by: