Pre-Construction Planning Services for Historic Restoration
Successfully restoring, preserving, or conserving historic interiors requires accurate, comprehensive planning and coordination.
Even the simplest of restoration projects is complex. In order to deliver the project within budget and on time, activities must be sequenced and planned in a logical way that allows for the coordination of multiple different trades and teams—including the architect, owner, general contractor, and various tradespeople.
Without this careful planning and solid foundation from which to work, it is all too easy for a historical restoration project to face potential issues, such as falling off schedule or missing key dates and milestones.
That is why the first step of every project that we work on is to create a plan that will guide the entire restoration through to a successful completion. Though each project is, of course, unique, this planning phase will often require a number of services specifically designed to inform the rest of the project and specification. We strive to provide the highest quality pre-construction and design planning services, with over forty-five years experience in construction services.
Pre-Construction Planning & Analysis
At John Canning & Co., our pre-construction planning process is broken up into two phases. The first phase consists of investigation and analysis. Before any work takes place, our team takes time to carefully understand the structure as it currently exists. This may be achieved by conducting a historic paint analysis and finishes investigation, plaster conditions survey, or mural conditions assessment, drafting a protection plan for vulnerable works, and guiding the client through the process of drafting a specification and mocking up a design for the project to go out to bid.
Pre-Construction Mockup, Samples, and Design
After the requisite studies have been completed, our team moves on to the second phase of pre-constructing planning: design work and other pre-construction services. Depending on the specifics of the project, this may include:
- A series of drawings or documentation to be incorporated in biddable documents
- Samples of any work to be done (color matching, specific design techniques)
- In-situ mockups of original decoration for client approval (also useful in serving as a vehicle for fundraising)
Final design work can include the creation of architectural murals, furnishings, and new period decoration for landmarks and other interiors using a range of materials and techniques:
John Canning & Co. carefully plans out the materials and process needed for our work with other trades to deliver the project within budget and on time.
John Canning & Co. skilled artisans have mastered mould, ornamental, acoustic, and scagliola plaster fabrication methods to replicate any type of period element.
Testimonials
“They [Canning] discovered additional layers of decoration in some areas that expanded upon the recommendations of the previous consultants, and that work is what was undertaken.”— CHARLES D. LIDDY, JR., FAIA, PRINCIPAL, MILLER DUNWIDDIE ARCHITECTURE, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
“The firm’s knowledge of historic finishes, their attention to the minute detail of every feature, the consideration they give to all documentation of original features, from historic photographs to paint sampling, and their dedication to appropriate restoration are impressive.”— ANDREA F. SCHOENFELD, VICE PRESIDENT, COSMOS CLUB HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION, WASHINGTON DC
“Canning’s thorough knowledge of period decoration and methodology, as well as traditional materials, was a valuable contribution to the project team.”— AMANDA EDWARDS, PA-AIC, LEED GREEN ASSOC., JOHN MILNER ASSOCIATES, INC. ARCHITECTS, ARCHEOLOGISTS, PLANNERS, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
“With all the beautiful, quality work, the manager will remember you most for finishing two months early, allowing him to rent out the room for spring events. The room is one of the [Cosmos] club’s biggest sources of revenue.”— G. WILLIAM WHITING, VICE PRESIDENT, THE WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, GREENBELT, MARYLAND
SELECTED PROJECTS
The Philadelphia Academy of Music restoration involved analysis of up to 16 layers of paint aggressive exposure methods to reveal faintly ghosted patterns.
Our team was asked to assist with the design of a new mural of a shallow dome in the new visitor plaza, located below the Constitution exhibit hall.
We were able to uncovered original colors, patterns, and finishes to conserve 24 murals while restoring Stations of the Cross and the scagliola columns.
Our team provided historic restoration of ornamental plaster and decorative painting, new murals, and design that reflects the Catholic liturgy.
We were involved in paint analysis, plaster stabilization, and creating a new ceiling and beam structure independent of the severely compromised Garrett Hall building.
At the West Virginia State Capitol, John Canning & Co. worked on the providing commissioned artwork for the Rotunda.