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Specialty Services

Specialty Restoration & Conservation Services

Beyond furniture restoration — Eames chair repair, conservation, stained glass, art restoration, gilding and custom fabrication.

Discuss Your Project

75+

Years of Expertise

AIC

Member Since 1991

40+

Master Artisans

4-State

Service Area

Specialty Craft

Beyond standard restoration.

For over seven decades, Olek Inc. has gone beyond conventional furniture repair to offer a suite of specialty services that demand rare expertise, museum-grade materials, and an unwavering commitment to craft. From iconic mid-century designs to centuries-old ecclesiastical art, our team brings the precision and knowledge that only decades of hands-on experience can provide.

Peter Triestman, Olek’s principal conservator, has been a member of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) since 1991. Every specialty project is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works — ensuring that original materials, finishes, and structural integrity are preserved whenever possible.

Whether you need an Eames lounge chair brought back to factory specification, a stained-glass window stabilized for another century, or a bronze sculpture conserved for a museum collection, Olek has the facilities, the craftspeople, and the track record to deliver results that endure.

French gilt Louis XV period mirror after gold leaf restoration and gilding by Olek Inc.

What We Do

Four disciplines, one standard of excellence.

Eames Lounge Chair Repair

Expert repair and reupholstery of Herman Miller Eames lounge chairs and ottomans. We replace shock mounts, restore shells and veneers, and source period-correct leather — all with nationwide insured shipping.

Conservation & Custom Fabrication

Museum-quality conservation meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, plus custom fabrication of bronze and teak casework, architectural elements, and one-of-a-kind specialty pieces.

Stained Glass

Comprehensive stained-glass repair, restoration, and conservation for churches, historic landmarks, and residential properties — from re-leading and crack repair to full panel fabrication.

Art Conservation & Restoration

Sculpture restoration, frame conservation and gilding, decorative painting, and automotive fabrication. AIC-guided methods preserve original artistry while ensuring long-term structural stability.

Eames Lounge Chair after complete restoration including shock mounts, leather and shell by Olek Inc.

Mid-Century Modern

Eames Lounge Chair Repair

The Eames Lounge Chair is one of the most celebrated furniture designs of the twentieth century — and one of the most complex to repair properly. Olek’s technicians specialize in every component: shock-mount replacement, molded-plywood shell repair, rosewood and walnut veneer restoration, and full leather reupholstery using hides that match original Herman Miller specifications.

We service all eras of production, from early 1956 models through current editions, and offer nationwide pickup and delivery with full insurance coverage. Each chair is returned to factory-level performance and appearance.

Yale Beinecke Rare Book Library bronze and teak casework after restoration by Olek Inc.

Architectural & Museum

Conservation & Custom Fabrication

Our conservation workshop handles projects that range from stabilizing centuries-old gilded frames to fabricating custom bronze hardware for landmark buildings. Every intervention follows the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, prioritizing reversibility and minimal alteration to original materials.

On the fabrication side, we design and build one-of-a-kind casework, architectural metalwork, and specialty furnishings in bronze, brass, teak, and other fine materials. Clients include museums, historic-preservation firms, architects, and private collectors throughout the tri-state area.

First Church of Christ, Scientist — Door Restoration — after restoration by Olek Inc.

Ecclesiastical

Stained Glass Restoration

Stained glass is among the most fragile and historically significant art forms found in American buildings. Olek’s glaziers perform full-spectrum services: crack repair, re-leading, protective glazing installation, and complete panel restoration for windows dating from the nineteenth century to the present.

We work closely with congregations, preservation committees, and architects to develop phased restoration plans that respect both the artistic heritage of each window and the practical realities of building maintenance budgets.

Marc Newson Black Hole Table after compounded glossy piano finish restoration by Olek Inc. for Friedman Benda

Fine Art

Art Conservation & Restoration

From monumental outdoor sculptures to delicate gilt picture frames, Olek’s art-conservation team combines traditional hand skills with modern analytical methods. Our services include sculpture restoration in bronze, stone, and wood; frame conservation and water gilding; decorative-paint restoration; and specialty automotive fabrication for concours-level collector vehicles.

All work is performed under AIC ethical guidelines, with full documentation and condition reporting provided to the client.

Our Approach

Every specialty project follows a proven path.

Specialty work demands more than skill — it demands method. Whether we are conserving a landmark stained-glass window or rebuilding an Eames shell, the same disciplined process ensures consistent, museum-quality results.

01

Consultation
Share photos and details of your piece. We discuss goals, history, condition, and budget to determine whether the project is a fit for our specialty capabilities.

02

Assessment & Proposal
Our conservators perform a hands-on examination — in-shop or on-site — and deliver a written scope of work with materials, methods, timeline, and firm pricing.

03

Craft & Conservation
Work proceeds in our Manhattan workshop under AIC ethical guidelines. We document every stage and keep you informed with progress updates and photographs.

04

Delivery & Aftercare
Your piece is returned with a detailed condition report and care instructions. We offer ongoing maintenance advice and follow-up services to protect the investment.

Specialty Services FAQ

What makes Olek’s specialty services different from general furniture repair?

Our specialty division operates under the ethical and technical guidelines of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). This means every project prioritizes reversibility, minimal intervention, and thorough documentation — standards that general repair shops rarely follow. Peter Triestman has held AIC membership since 1991, and our artisans have decades of experience with materials and techniques specific to conservation, from hide-glue joinery to water gilding.

Do you work with clients outside the New York area?

Yes. We serve clients across a four-state region (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania) with on-site services, and we handle Eames lounge chair repairs nationwide through our insured shipping program. For large-scale conservation projects, our team regularly travels to client sites, churches, and institutional buildings.

How long does a typical specialty project take?

Timelines vary widely depending on scope and complexity. An Eames shock-mount replacement may take two to three weeks, while a multi-phase stained-glass restoration can span several months. During the assessment stage, we provide a detailed timeline along with our written proposal so you know exactly what to expect.

Can you provide references or case studies for similar projects?

Absolutely. Our portfolio includes landmark projects such as Riverside Church, the Friars Club, and numerous private collections. We are happy to share relevant case studies, client references, and detailed before-and-after documentation during the consultation process.

French gilt Louis XV period mirror after gold leaf restoration and gilding by Olek Inc.

Start Your Project

Have a specialty piece that needs expert care?

Contact us for a free consultation. Send photos of your piece and we’ll provide an honest assessment, a clear scope of work, and a firm quote — no obligation.

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