Testimonials
The year 2010 can be summed up in one word - "Landmark" year for Timberline!
The turn-off to Mt. Hood's Timberline Lodge from Highway
26 has changed this year. It is now marked by a stunning
40-foot tall structure that serves as an iconic landmark to
the historic Timberline Lodge. The structure, built with
select Douglas Fir, local quarry stone, hammered steel
and copper, has been designed to complement the many
craftsmen and artisans of the original lodge. The modern
solar panels pay tribute to the current accomplishments of
our day and will provide for the guiding light at night on
top of the cupola. Three way finding signs have also been
constructed on Timberline Road to guide visitors.
The project was made possible by funds available under the
Federal Scenic Byways Act, which recognizes the value of
preserving and enhancing the public enjoyment of historic
routes and scenic American highways. The Mt. Hood Scenic
Byway is a popular member of that distinguished group. The
landmark sign is the first structure to be built since the Mt.
Hood Scenic Byway designation.
RLK and Company as operator of Timberline Lodge and the
USDA Forest Service - Mt. Hood National Forest have long
sought to give Timberline an entrance befitting of the iconic
lodge and ski area that is known the world over. While
many recognized the familiar wood sign on their way up the
hill, there is no doubt that the new monument will grab the
attention of scenic byway travelers for years to come.
The project design team was led by Michael Madias of
DeBenedetto/Thomson/Livingstone Architects, and included
Christy Covington and Kevin Korman of the USFS and Lon
Tullis and Steve Kruse of RLK and Company. The construction
team was led by Kevin Korman, Christy Covington and
Matthew Hackett of the USFS. The General Contractor
was Catworks, LLC of Battle Ground, Washington and its
array of skilled subcontractors specializing in custom timber
framing, masonry, copper sheathing, wood signs and solar
lighting. Those artisans are Arrow Timber Framing, Stephenson
Concrete, Finn-Hill Masonry, Northwestern Sheetmetal,
Energy 2 Equity, Bliss Roofing, and Router Works.
Catworks was thrilled to get an opportunity to be
associated with the Landmark Sign project and to work
closely with representatives of the Forest Service. "To be
involved with such a treasured place and to work with an
outstanding team of professionals from the Forest Service
has been a real honor," said Doug Stetler, Construction
Manager for Catworks.
September 24th marked the dedication day on site with
master of ceremonies Christy Covington kicking it off with
a toast of sparkling cider. Christy thanked everyone for
their participation and made a toast to the testament of our
time for continuing in the tradition of the original
Timberline Lodge.
Many folks attended the ceremony including representatives from
Clackamas County Tourism, Scenic Byway, ODOT, Friends of Timberline,
Contractors and sub-contractors, RLK, interested publics, Sarah Munro,
Sue Allen, Forest Service, and photographer Bill White
Christy Covington - US Forest Service
"I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how pleased we are with our new opportunity to spend more time in the outdoors!
Why we selected Arrow Timber, when comparing quotes we looked at the four drivers to selecting a builder; Price, quality, schedule and safety. Each element was not equally weighted;
- Price was in the driver's seat, but timely completion and quality were significant factors we used to compare builders. Within the "Price" was an element we called price certainty. This was a softer side to the cost evaluation that really speaks to our sense the builder was not going to 'nickel and dime' us to complete the project on time and true to vision we discussed. We spent time communicating the end product and did not want to know all the details on how to get there. The 'nickel and dime' changes to the price would typically outstrip the cost differentials between builders.
- Quality was a strong runner up price. We were naturally driven to the lowest cost, but not at an expense of quality. With Arrow Timber we saw a history of past successes and structures that were built 'right the first time'.
- Schedule, about 10 years ago we had our built. We co-contracted the construction of our home. It was extremely frustrating to have subcontractors come to do their part only to see them leave the project incomplete, it was always tomorrow they'd finish or they'd be back next week to finish their work. It was extremely important to have someone that would start the work timely and finish the work within the time quoted. No excuses.
- Safety, as the home owner there is an exposure to workers injuries. In our discussion with Bert we were satisfied his crews would put safety first.
In summary, we were very pleased working with Bert & Arrow Timber. What was promised... was delivered. That simple."
Robert A. Elliott
"Mark and I have really enjoyed the beautiful covered backyard living space that your team fast efficiently and cleanly built for our family. Not only do we spend a lot of our time out back during the summer but we came to realize just how year round accessible it is. This winter we have hosted many family gatherings outback by our warm firepit. I even put my kids' sandbox on the patio this winter so they too can enjoy it.
During our planning stage Bert was so helpful in helping to give us ideas and we appreciated how he could so expertly draw up a sketch of his ideas. Now what was once the blueprint he made for us has now become our second living room.
Thank you to Bert's team and Bert."
Mark & Erika Halberg
"I just wanted to thank Arrow Timber Framing for the outstanding job you did on my timber framed pavilion. I cannot tell you how much we enjoy the work of art that you designed, and the craftsmanship that you were able to put into our structure at our home. You have a skill that is hard to find these days. In addition, everyone that sees it is amazed at both your design, and your quality.
As the owner and a general contractor myself, I must say that working with a company like yours, and the workers you have, is a special treat. I would recommend you to anyone interested in a quality structure with a type of craftsmanship that is difficult to find. They wouldn't be disappointed!
Don't hesitate to have clients call me or come and see what you are capable of doing for them. I'm sure they will be amazed."
Mike Richart
"We first met Bert a few years back at the Log and Timber Home Show in Portland, Oregon. We were interested in building a "hybrid" log-style home incorporating timber features. We were very impressed with Bert's work and continued to follow his projects as we developed plans for our new home. We always valued Bert's approach to his work as a fine art instead of just another commonly found step in the construction process. About three years later, we were finally ready to build and we worked directly with Bert on planning and implementing the "timber accents" in our home. Bert was excellent to work with throughout the planning and construction phases. Bert and the whole Arrow crew designed and installed impressive custom supports for our upstairs balcony as well as our "show stopper" timber entry. Both are commonly admired for their impressive size and beauty, as well as their design and craftsmanship.
We were happy to have gotten to know Bert better throughout the process and we were left feeling like we had made a new friend. We look forward to many years of enjoyment from Arrow Timber Framing's craftsmanship. We would highly recommend Arrow for any project you may be considering."
Doug and Juliana Pearson
"This is our second home Bert and Arrow Timber have framed for me. From plan review to engineering and foundation Bert played a key role in making all the pieces fit together seamlessly. Kelvin, Bert's foreman, on the job was very communicative and adaptive to our needs and had no issues with on-site change orders, as this was a custom home. The neighbors commented to me, that Bert's crew was clean, professional and as quiet as could be expected. Obviously I can attest to that, they basically left no carbon footprint. I don't want to leave my home but if I had to build again, Bert and Arrow Timber would be the only crew I would use."
Tim McMillan
"For several years Laura and I had been planning and dreaming about expanding our outdoor living area. We have a patio with a concrete slab in the back yard and wanted to come up with some way to put a roof over it and still make it feel very outdoors. We had consulted with several architects and even paid one for several ideas. We were still not real pleased with the compromises and the overall design.
At a home show I met Bert and asked him if he was interested. Through that initial meeting I sent him pictures of our house and he offered to come out and present some ideas.
When he showed us the initial SketchUp design we were very pleased. It had all the elements that we were looking for. It blended in well to our existing home. It preserved the back hard view and sunlight access. And it was a dramatic and pleasing design. The only drawback was the budget. On that issue Bert was very flexible and worked hard to get the project with in our budget.
When the crew went to work we were very impressed with their skills and workmanship. They completed the project on time. We made some minor changes as the project progressed and there were no problems negotiating costs and time schedules.
In the end were very pleased and proud of the finished work. It is something we love to show off to all our friends. More importantly we are enjoying the space every day.
When I get the painting done and some more landscaping I would be glad for you to come and take some pictures.
Oh, one question I have for you. Can you recommend a product to seal the columns and beams to preserve the natural wood color and tone?
Thanks again for a great project. We would be glad to be a reference if you need that."
Rocky
See Bert's reply to Rocky's question about sealers on the Frequently asked Questions page
"Thank you for all your help and hard work so far. We could not have saved the Heisen Barn without you!"
Michelle & Chris
"I wouldn't recommend any other Timber Framer in the county other than Bert and Arrow Timber Framing". Bert and his team create the most amazing handiwork, I have worked for years with Bert and have discovered he always goes the extra mile with your best interest at heart."
James Misner
"Arrow has completed a few Timber structures at our home for my wife Marie and me. We are so happy with his quality of work and value that we are in the planning stages of adding additional structures to our home. We are looking forward to working with Arrow Timber and Bert again this spring!"
Bill Dixon
"Bert and his Team have completed phase one on our home that is currently under construction. We couldn't be happier with our decision to go with Arrow Timber. Bert has been so helpful in the design work and so inspiring to us. It's like he can see what I have visualized. His crew has great expertise and craftsmanship as they build the most beautiful timbers. They have done what was needed to complete the project, plus more. As funds allow we will move forward with the construction of phase 2 and will definitely be working with Arrow Timber."
Sarah & Karl Rose
"Once again, I wanted to say how much we appreciate your being involved
in this project and how happy we are with the work you and your crews
have done! It is a dream come true! I hope your crews also enjoyed
working on this unique structure and found interacting with it and
helping to save it personally enriching. They should be proud!
Thank you as well for your incredible generosity, helping to line up
donations and also discounting your labor cost. It is more than
generous. I know the work you have done is worth much more than even
what you did charge, and I appreciate that from the bottom of my
heart. I can guarantee that I will be singing Arrow Timber Framing's
praises to anyone and everyone who asks, and I hope the visibility of
the barn will bring your company tenfold the business in return. If I
had a million dollars, I would give every penny of it to you for what
you have done! I would like to put a plaque or sign on the barn with
your company's name and contact information, if that is ok with you.
Or if you have a sign you put on jobsites, I'd be happy to put that
up.
I thought you might enjoy looking at a few "before" pics. They really
show how far things have come!
Once again -- I could not be more pleased with the work your company
has done. This project would not have happened without your
involvement! Now, the Heisen Barn will stand another 100+ years thanks
to what you have done."
Michele Bloomquist
"Bill, the kids, and I are really happy with the gorgeous timber framing that Bert and his crew did at my home. We get many compliments from impressed family and friends. A lot of our evenings are spent outback visiting under the patio, where it's nice to be protected from the weather. My only wish is that I would have had Bert build our back timber covered patio years ago!"
Terry Halberg
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Bert for many years now and let me tell you he is one great guy! I have the utmost respect for him and Arrow Timber. Bert is a phenomenal craftsman, an artist who creates great beauty in his creations. Not only does he have talent but he is extremely loyal and a hard worker. All of the examples that Bert sets are picked up by his hard working crew. As a general contractor myself I've had firsthand experience of working on a pool house with Bert and Arrow. From the very start of the planning process to the completion of the framing Bert put the client's best interest first and held good on his word. As with any construction project problems do present themselves. Bert handled any issues that arose with dignity and honor, keeping our clients happy throughout. As a business man myself I can attest to that being a difficult task, so I commend Bert. He is the one and only Timber Framer I will recommend or that I will use on future projects."
Charlie Marvin
"My husband had known how much I enjoyed the look and the atmosphere that timber framing portrays that a few years ago he surprised me with a beautiful new timber framed kitchen. I love the exposed beams and trusses. They give my house a rustic yet homey and comforting vibe. Bert's crew expertly and beautifully installed the beams and trusses so quick (one weekend) and efficiently. I know that for any future timber framing we have done, the first person we'll call is Bert! Thank you Arrow for helping make my house feel like home."
Heidi & Dean Cahoon
"Bert is an honest and fair guy. He follows through on his promises and delivers top quality work fast and efficiently. Arrow's price is money well spent. I would recommend Arrow and Bert to anyone in the Timber Framing Market."
Michael Creamer
"Arrow Timber is the Timber Framing company I would refer to anyone. Bert is precise and pays close attention to detail. His guys work hard and don't stop until the job is perfect. I have great admiration for the craftsmanship that Bert is a master at. They build solid good quality timbers to last a lifetime. I've worked on a few jobs with him and would do so again in the future. Arrow timber is a company of quality and you can tell Bert prides himself in his work."
Frank DeShirlia
