About
Who Is James Taylor?
Both my wife and I are from the Oregon Coast. My career in engineering and Elvina’s work as an occupational therapist took us from Salem, Oregon to Anchorage, Alaska, then Bellingham, and finally Ridgefield, Washington.
In 2013, we drove past a house for sale close to the hotels and Safeway. It had stunning views and solid bones. Over the next six years, this modest house became our labor of love. We stripped it to the studs and rebuilt it from the ground up—rewiring, insulating, new sheetrock, lighting and floors. Just about everything was redone. What began as a fixer upper in a gorgeous location became a deeply personal restoration project.
Next door, an abandoned alley house presented our next renovation challenge—this time with a twist: the Port Angeles Planning Department. Despite the bureaucratic obstacles, we managed to move forward, though not without frustration. Later, with engineered plans to build an art studio above our garage, another round of red tape and setbacks, we ultimately abandoned the project.
History
Small Town Coastal Values
Both of us are from the Oregon coast, Elvina is from Lincoln City and James is from Coos Bay. During our profession careers, our vacations often involved the coast. From Razor clamming, (yes I am posing with Horsenecks), kayaking, and camping. After Living in Bellingham in 1995, we discovered our favorite place in the world: the North Olympic Peninsula. We spent many nights at Lake Crescent Lodge and the hotels on the bluff.
Experience
An eye for details
My years of working in an engineering environment has taught me to see the importance of workflow and process. I’ve learned that “planning the work and working the plan” consistently leads to better outcomes than starting with a preconceived answer and then working backwards—or sideways—to justify it.
Personal
Family!
James and Elvina out for a sail in the San Juans. No life is complete without an artist wife.
