ABOUT PRESERVATION ARTISANS GUILD

The Preservation Artisans Guild was founded with a simple mission: to connect the public with truly qualified experts in preservation and conservation. We know historic buildings, antique furniture, and period decorative arts can be irreversibly damaged when handled and cared for improperly. Preservation Artisans Guild connects the public with true restoration professionals who are passionate about the preservation and conservation of period resources.

Karla Pearlstein, President:

Karla is an active historic preservationist, specializing in and with a particular affinity for period kitchens and bathrooms through her consulting company Restoring History. Karla relies on her extensive knowledge, as well as ongoing research to guide building owners and contractors through the often confusing process of historical renovation. Karla is also the co-founder of Ariel Grace Design, a PAG member that specializes in custom-made floorcloths.

Gwen Jones:

Gwen is the co-founder of Ariel Grace Design, a PAG member that specializes in custom-made floorcloths. She is also the co-owner and manager of PAG member Bolling & Company, which specializes in rare, museum-quality papers from 1880 – 1930, offering framed remnants, original rolls and custom reproductions. Prior, Gwen held a variety of positions in technology companies in the Bay Area.

Tess Strand:

Tess is Chief of Operations for The Lincoln Project, a pro-democracy Super PAC. As a local small business owner with over 17 years experience supporting non-profits, public officials, and entrepreneurs, Tess also works with select clients in various capacities (project manager, consultant, or contractor) toward tangible growth and development both online and off. Tess blends her many talents into a passion for creating educational programming, messaging, and events to further the PAG mission to preserve our historic material culture.

Matthew Roman, Advisor:

Matthew Roman has 25 years of experience working to preserve the Northwest’s architectural heritage both through architectural design and support of not-for-profit organizations. His work includes numerous renovations and restorations of historic structures throughout the Portland/Vancouver area. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Pittock Mansion Society and Restore Oregon, elected board chair of both organizations. Matthew is a founding member of the Preservation Artisans Guild and generously served the organization as the board treasurer until the end of 2019. In 2016 he was appointed by the mayor to the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission where he currently serves. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, Matthew founded Roman Design, LLC in 2006 offering traditional residential design services rooted in classical principles and
regional precedents.

Roy Fox, Advisor:

Roy Fox is an active participant in the preservation of the built and natural environments. He and his wife, Kim, have restored three homes - a condemned 1884 farmhouse, a 1923 bungalow and an 1890 Victorian cottage slated for demolition, all located in Portland. Their restoration work has brought them into contact with many designers and craftspeople including masons, carpenters, woodworkers, plasters, plumbers, electricians, and so many more who love to work on old houses. Roy, in particular, has honed his personal skills in many of these areas and is undaunted by the challenge of restoration. Roy is retired from a career at the Bonneville Power Administration and now focuses his time on travel, hosting travelers, restoration work and strategic planning assistance to nonprofit organizations. In between these activities you can find Roy volunteering at places like Lan Su Chinese Garden or riding his bike all around the region.