Portfolio versus Archive

I'm redesigning a website for a client with a fairly large archive of metal work (staircases, railings, furniture) containing over 1,000 items. They want to be able to access the archive to help clients make decisions.

But we also want to have a Portfolio of featured projects. One of the most significant difference between Archive and Portfolio content is going to be the Photo Quality.

As I write this, I'm wondering if the Portfolio is should just be a separate interface for Featured Archive Items.

Am I conceiving of the difference between an Portfolio and an Archive in a sensible way? I would love to have some more input and some references to websites with good Portfolio as well as Archive interfaces would be very welcome.