Principals

David Riccio

David joined the studio in the mid 1990s as a project manager.  He served an extensive multi-year certified apprenticeship for decorative painting and has become an expert on decorative painting and plastering.  He has an impressive business management resume that has translated into effective and efficient management of large-scale projects such as the Virginia State Capitol, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, Radio City Music Hall, and the War Memorial Opera in San Francisco.  Many of the projects that he has managed have received national awards. In recent years David has been responsible for the development and expansion of our plastering studio.

Dorothea Canning-Hennessey

As one of the first employees hired by the studio, Dorothea has been instrumental in transforming it from a small regional shop into a national decorative arts studio. Her education in construction management has been beneficial to the company as she has automated our information technology systems so that the studio has all the modern technologies of the 21st century. She also manages the studio’s finance department.   She works directly with clients and vendors to provide excellent service for their particular needs and requirements.  As a union contractor with IUPAT, and working in various state & federal agencies throughout the country, Dorothea is responsible for managing and responding to their regulations and reporting requirements.

John Canning

John is the leading authority in the United States on traditional decorative painting materials and techniques, as well as historical color palettes.  He studied in Glasgow, Scotland where he attended the Glasgow School of Art and the Decorative Trades Institute.  He earned the prestigious London City & Guilds certificate and served his apprenticeship as a church decorator in Europe.  His extensive knowledge of decorative painting and period interiors and a career with many landmark restoration projects have earned him many national awards.

Over the years, John has been sought after by architects and preservationists to consult on historic and period interiors with complex finish systems such as encaustic and distemper paints, simulated inlaid wood-grain, marbling, trompe l’oeil, architectural grisaille, and free-hand artwork.  His vast knowledge of old world finishes and traditional materials has enabled him to guide many clients’ challenging restoration projects.  John continues to share his knowledge of the decorative arts with clients and professionals through guest lecturing at graduate preservation programs and leading decorative finish workshops.