The Arts and Crafts movement was an International Design trend that originated in England in the 1880’s. The Arts and Crafts philosophy was derived in large measure from John Ruskin’s Social Criticism, which related to the moral and social health of a Nation, to the qualities of its Architecture, and to the nature of its Art and Craftsmanship. He advocated for TRUTH to Material, Structure, Form and Function. Arts and Crafts ideals led the way into the initial decades of the Twentieth Century, influencing Architecture, Painting, Sculpture, and the Decorative Arts, including Furniture, Woodworking, Metalwork, Stained Glass and Ceramics. A fashion for all things hand-made.

 

The terms, American Craftsman or Craftsman Style proliferated in the U.S. between 1910 to 1925. The Prairie School of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bungalow Style of houses by Green and Green, and Bernard Maybeck are some examples of the American Arts and Crafts Style of Architecture. Restored and Landmarked protected examples are still present in America today, especially in California, Berkley, Pasadena, and Carmel. The whole pallet of Architectural expression embodied in Arts and Crafts is one of smaller scale...being able to focus on and appreciate the individual structural pieces, the texture of a stone wall in the rain, the protection offered by a Gabled Roof. There is a warmth associated with Arts and Crafts buildings that speaks to the heart of the individual. It’s unmistakable. We shouldn’t wonder then, why, when the leaders of Lake Oswego, searching for ways to preserve and maintain a “Village” feel, would insist that new buildings in it’s Downtown District must adopt the “Lake Oswego Style.” The Arts and Crafts Style is one of the styles recommended. Our unwavering goal as a design team was to design the most beautiful, modern interpretation of an American Arts and Crafts Building. To achieve an exemplary building for this time and place.

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— Gary Reddick, Frances Architect