OUR MISSION & PHILOSOPHY:

Opus Architectural Arts is a full-service high-end restoration and decorative arts company. Founded in 2014, our guiding principles are cross pollinating the legacy of architecture and decoration with the highest quality of care in order to create works that will be enjoyed for generations. From our beginnings we have ensured that our projects are engaging and truly collaborative, sparking a process that creates beauty by marrying new concepts and technologies with traditional craftsmanship. Our mission for every project is to create an opus: a work of art from our highly talented team of master artisans who are constantly striving to deliver masterpieces beyond expectation. From project conception, we work directly with our clients, architects, and contractors to capture their overall vision and bring the project to fruition efficiently, masterfully and in a timely manner. Our dedication to achieving the aesthetic radiance for new buildings, while also restoring historic spaces to their original splendor is part of our renown. We’re experts in detail, from finishes, to texture, to color-matching; working with various materials such as paint, gold leaf, plaster, wood, metal and stone. Whether it’s a high-profile landmark building or a small artifact, our passion for what we do is a driving force from start to finish.

Opus Architectural Arts operates as a fully insured, certified “Woman-owned Business Enterprise” (WBE), Limited Liability Corporation based in Long Island City, New York.

Michelle Quartin, principal

Michelle Quartin’s passion for revealing the subtleties and beauty of the world has always been what drives her. She is a restoration expert, artisan, conservator, and above all else, an artist. Ms. Quartin has over a decade of experience working with fine art sculpture and painting, collaborating with artists on installations and theatrical sets, and forming partnerships with high-end design firms. Her extensive background has instilled in her the importance of fine craftsmanship, impeccable quality, and the polished application of technique in all her works.

After nine years of collaborating and working independently, Ms. Quartin founded Opus Architectural Arts, LLC in 2014. Her devotion to the knowledge of materials and methods along with a natural ability to see the finest details, provide her company with a vast strength to sustainably restore elements back to their original splendor. Her extensive leadership and dedication has provided a full range of expertly crafted services dedicated to preserving and beautifying our surroundings.

Ms. Quartin is a recipient of the Excellence in Historic Preservation award from the Preservation League of New York State. She is also a proud member of the New York Landmarks Conservancy, The National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Association for Preservation Technology International. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from The New York State University of New Paltz and a Certificate in Interior Design from Parsons, The New School for Design.

Joao Brandao, architectural conservator

Joao Brandao is an artist, professor and architectural conservator. With an invitation from the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, Joao left his hometown in Brazil to join their residency program in 2007. He has lived and worked in New York ever since. 

He earned a Masters in Painting from the New York Academy and became a faculty member at the school shortly after graduation. Joao has been teaching the Academy’s master copying program at the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 2014. He has also taught and lectured regularly at the Institute of Classical Architecture in New York and at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. In 2019, he received an award from the Sam Golden Foundation which recognizes transformational leadership in arts education.

Joao brings more than 15 years experience to Opus’ team. While Junior Chief Designer at another company, he led several landmark conservation projects in the tri-state area. Those include projects at St. Jean Baptiste Church, American Stock Exchange, Woolworth Building in New York City; and the Peter & Paul Orthodox Cathedral in Passaic, New Jersey, where Joao headed a cross-disciplinary team producing a facsimile of a 35ft mural and restoring gilded surfaces, columns and dome to its original magnificence. 

As architectural conservators we have a philosophy to design conservation methods that are physically and esthetically compatible with the original materials. Combining historical research with creative thinking, Joao is a specialist in bridging new technologies and craft skills to find unexpected solutions for the challenges faced by our historically significant cultural and religious landmarks.

Scott Holland, lead artisan

Scott Holland is a craftsman and restoration artist with more than 20 years experience working in New York City. His specialties include finishing, faux art, and masonry restoration. 

Scott first came to work with Opus following the restoration of the Williamsburg Savings Bank, where he restored and refinished the woodwork for the entire project. Opus founder Michelle Quartin was responsible for restoring the limestone in the 19th century landmark building. The two have subsequently worked together on many Landmark restoration projects.

Asked about his goals and passions, Scott says, “The goal is to make what some may consider a simple repair into a work of art. My job is making damage and flaws disappear. My art is all over New York City, hopefully no one will ever see it.”