All About John Canning & Co.
Perfecting Preservation
Where Craftsmanship Meets Construction
John Canning & Co. is an architectural arts restoration contractor with over 50 years of experience. Working across the country, we are one of the nation’s experts in historic restoration, conservation, and preservation. John Canning & Co. is a building arts expert specializing in services in the architectural arts and finishes, such as ornamental plaster restoration, plaster stabilization, decorative finishes, gilding, historic woodwork, and stone, as well as exterior services of architectural gilding and selective decorative finishes.
Besides our trade services, John Canning & Co. also provides preconstruction services and planning, such as budgeting and specification support and consultation services that include historic paint analysis, plaster surveys, and mockups. We also offer design services for sacred spaces and period interiors.
The type of projects that we work on includes national landmarks, religious establishments, educational institutions, government buildings, museums, theatres, and entertainment venues.
As a leading restoration studio in the building arts, we have an incredibly talented, dedicated, and knowledgeable staff, which includes traditionally trained decorative painters, ornamental plasterers, masons, carpenters, fine art conservators, and architectural material conservators. We are expert Preservation Problem Solvers with a goal of Perfecting Preservation. We find the architectural arts restoration, preservation, and conservation solutions for the most complex problems and situations.
We are America's most renowned decorative arts studio. Our reputation for professionalism, craftsmanship, unique preservation problem-solving capabilities, and high standards has allowed us to work in iconic buildings across the United States. The expertise, unique approach, and in-depth knowledge that we bring with us, allows projects to be completed quickly with the detail & integrity that John Canning & Co. is known for while offering competitive prices.
Even after years of historic restoration of the country’s most prestigious landmarks, we remain awestruck by the majesty and history that these buildings hold, and are most honored to help keep their history alive.
Our principals are professional associates of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC). We are guided by the principle “do no harm” and advance that principle by providing treatments that are reversible and supplying owners with thorough documentation of research, conditions, actions taken, and materials used.
History
John Canning & Co.’s reputation for fine workmanship, high standards, and professionalism has allowed the historic restoration company to choose projects with owners, architects, and other trades interested in doing quality collaborative work.
This team approach has been successful for all involved. John Canning & Co. continues to grow, and the workforce of talented artisans expands to meet the demand for the company’s unique combination of extraordinary skill, respect for historic integrity, and sound business management.
Leadership
Our privately owned, family company continues to be lead by family members with the assistance of accomplished professionals who are committed to upholding the quality, integrity, and accuracy that John Canning & Co. is known for.
We believe in education and hire highly skilled and curious artists, artisans, and scholars and teach them how we do things – and why.
Awards
It is extremely gratifying to be a part of preserving historic buildings using our expertise in, and passion for architectural arts restoration
It is always humbling to be recognized by our peers and publications for the work we love so much.
Timeline
Take a glimpse into the history of the past 50-plus years of John Canning & Co. with this timeline highlighting some of the projects, awards, and events that have happened through the years.
Testimonials
We are grateful for the opportunities we have had as well as for the people we have worked with and met through the years. Some of the testimonials that we have received over the 50-plus years can be found here.
Team Member Spotlight
We have an incredibly talented, dedicated, and knowledgeable team that makes up the John Canning Company. Here, we showcase some of these remarkable people and allow you to get a glimpse of how they got started and learn more about them. We will continually be adding to this page, so check back often.
Professional Organizations
Active members, both Dave and John, volunteer to serve on boards, as trustees, and in general invest their time to help organizations maintain the professional leadership and guidance that the industry relies on.
Professional Development Panels & Presentations
John Canning and David Riccio are committed to sharing their knowledge and experience with peers and are regularly selected to provide professional education presentations at preservation organization meetings