Expert Consultation for Collectible Design, Restoration & Finishes

Preserve. Restore. Solve. Elevate.

Whether you're a collector, gallery, interior designer, architect, or craftsperson, expert guidance can make all the difference when it comes to restoration, material finishes, and troubleshooting complex issues.

With deep expertise in wood, stone, ceramic, and metal, and a career restoring some of the world’s most sought-after collectible design pieces, I offer tailored consulting to help you restore, refine, and resolve material and finishing challenges.

How I Can Help You

1. Restoration & Conservation Consulting

Not sure if a piece can—or should—be restored? I’ll assess the condition, explain your best options, and outline an approach that preserves value and enhances longevity.

✅ Should I restore or leave as-is?
✅ What are the risks or benefits of restoration?
✅ How will restoration impact its market value?
✅ What’s the estimated cost and timeline?

Ideal for collectors, galleries, and dealers seeking expert insights before making restoration decisions.

2. Condition Reports & Damage Assessment

I provide detailed condition reports that document a piece’s current state, including inspection dates, images, and notes on any structural or cosmetic issues. These reports help you make informed decisions on restoration, insurance claims, or acquisitions.

✅ Identify damage causes and structural integrity
✅ Determine best restoration approach
✅ Ensure preservation of value for resale or insurance

Ideal for collectors, galleries, insurers, and auction buyers who need a professional evaluation before committing to restoration.

3. Purchase & Pre-Acquisition Advice

Before you invest in a collectible design piece, I provide expert insight on its condition and restoration potential, ensuring you make an informed purchase.

📌 Learn whether a piece requires restoration before display or resale
📌 Understand repair costs upfront
📌 Gain insights on material quality, craftsmanship, and longevity

Designed for private collectors, interior designers, and galleries looking to invest wisely.

4. Consulting for Designers & Architects

I help interior designers, architects, and finishing crews troubleshoot materials, coatings, and finishes to ensure precise results.

✅ Furniture or millwork that won’t match
✅ A finishing crew struggling with execution
✅ A custom finish requiring expert guidance

I also formulate custom products and provide:

✅ Tailored finishing solutions
✅ Step-by-step tutorial videos
✅ Hands-on guidance for flawless results

Ideal for architects, designers, and contractors needing expert finishing solutions.

How It Works

📸 Step 1: Submit Your Restoration Form
Complete the restoration submission form with details and photos of your item, especially any damage. This step is essential for preparing a focused consultation. If your project is unique and doesn’t fit the standard form, feel free to skip this step and directly book a consultation call with me.

💬 Step 2: Book a Virtual Consultation
Schedule your 30-minute virtual consultation via phone or Zoom after submitting your form. This ensures I have time to review your information thoroughly before we speak.

📞 Step 3: Get Expert Guidance
In our consultation, I will provide tailored solutions and detailed recommendations based on your submission, helping to ensure the best care for your item.

Consultation Pricing

🔹 Virtual Consultation (30 minutes) – $97
Ideal for quick assessments, troubleshooting, or project guidance. This session is designed to provide concentrated expertise and actionable advice to help you advance your project efficiently.

🔹 In-Person Consultation – Custom Quote
For hands-on evaluations, team training, or testing. Tailored to meet the specific needs of your project, our in-person consultations are available in select locations and provide in-depth engagement and solutions.

Why Work With Me?

✔️ Industry Expert in Collectible Design & Restoration – Trusted by top galleries, collectors, and designers.
✔️ Custom, Tailored Advice – I don’t just offer general guidance—I solve your specific restoration or finishing challenge.
✔️ Proven Track Record – Decades of experience restoring and advising on high-value pieces.
✔️ Global Experience – Official restorer for Design Miami, working internationally with high-caliber materials and finishes.

Let’s Solve Your Restoration & Finishing Challenges

Every project is unique—whether it's a high-value collectible, a custom finish challenge, or a damaged piece needing expert evaluation. Let’s find the best solution together.

Brands I’m Proud to work with

/ Morentz - Pierre Yovanovitch - StudioTwentySeven - Southern Guild - Sarah Myerscough Gallery - Ralph Pucci - Raisonne New York - R & Co - Maison Gerard - Gander & White - Gallery Fumi - Design Miami - Convelio - Carpenter‘s Workshop Gallery - Moderne Gallery - Megan H Gallery - Kelly Behun - Julie Hillman Design - Gallery Scene Ouverte - Fendi - DACRA - Charles Burnand Gallery - Cadogan Tate - Atelier Courbet - Liljencrantz -

/ Morentz - Pierre Yovanovitch - StudioTwentySeven - Southern Guild - Sarah Myerscough Gallery - Ralph Pucci - Raisonne New York - R & Co - Maison Gerard - Gander & White - Gallery Fumi - Design Miami - Convelio - Carpenter‘s Workshop Gallery - Moderne Gallery - Megan H Gallery - Kelly Behun - Julie Hillman Design - Gallery Scene Ouverte - Fendi - DACRA - Charles Burnand Gallery - Cadogan Tate - Atelier Courbet - Liljencrantz -

Working With Austin; Testimonials

  • Simon Stewart, Charles Burnand Gallery Founder & Creative Director

    "Over the many years that I have been working in the industry, I have never met a restorer with such an extraordinary skill set that Austin Kerr possesses. His understanding of materials and attention to detail is truly world class. I would have no hesitation in recommending Austin to anyone who is need of restoration work on collectible design pieces...he is quite simply the best in the industry."

  • Jen Roberts, Design Miami CEO

    “Austin is an excellent restorer. For many years, Austin has restored dozens if not hundreds of precious and valuable items from historic to contemporary works for my clients and at times for myself. He is honest, fair and reasonably priced. I rarely recommend people but Austin is a gem and takes pride in doing a superior job. As far as ability and follow through, I know I can trust Austin completely. If he can't do something, he will say so.”

  • Moderne Gallery

    “Austin’s deep understanding of materials, combined with his extensive experience, makes him an invaluable asset to the gallery. He has an exceptional ability to diagnose and resolve issues more quickly and effectively than anyone I’ve worked with.“

Who is Austin Kerr?

Honesty is at the core of everything I do—in my work, my communication, and my approach to every project. My role isn’t just about restoration or finishes; it’s about advocating for both the piece and the client, ensuring that every decision is made with integrity and expertise.

I started my journey in restoration at just six years old, working alongside master craftspeople in my family’s furniture business. That foundation gave me a deep respect for materials, craftsmanship, and the responsibility that comes with handling valuable pieces. Over the years, I’ve built a career on transparent guidance and expert execution, helping collectors, galleries, designers, and architects make informed choices about restoration, condition reports, and finishes.

As the official restorer for Design Miami, my work is trusted at the highest level—not just for technical skill, but because I believe in preserving integrity, communicating honestly, and ensuring that every project honors the piece’s history and the client’s vision.

If you need an expert who will tell you what’s worth restoring, what’s best left untouched, and how to achieve the right finish with precision, let’s talk.

Interested in having a deeper understanding of materials?

Stop guessing and start knowing – My course teaches what schools don't about materials and finishes.

“Materials In Design” Masterclass

Unlock expert insights into professional-grade materials that deliver superior durability and finish longevity. This online course equips you to make educated decisions when choosing materials that saves you time and money—sign up now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Consultations

How should I prepare for a consultation to make the most of our time?
To ensure an efficient and effective consultation, please fill out the restoration submission form in advance. Providing as much information as possible about the condition and history of the item helps me prepare better. This preparation allows me to approach our meeting with potential solutions, streamlining the process and focusing on addressing your specific needs right from the start.

Are there any types of materials or damage you do not handle in your consultations?
My expertise does not extend to upholstery, including fabric, leather, and suede. Upholstery requires specialized skills, and I recommend seeking professionals dedicated to that trade. While I do not provide consultations for manufactured furniture or complex electrical issues, I can offer general advice on construction quality and direct you to appropriate experts for more specialized needs.

Do you offer consulting for projects that you won't directly be working on?
Absolutely. My role can be as a neutral third-party advisor, not to take over from other professionals but to augment their work with my insights. Whether it's providing a simple solution over the phone, creating an instructional video, or visiting another trade’s workshop to offer hands-on training, I aim to support your project in the most helpful way possible. If specialized materials are needed, I can also formulate these at my studio in Miami and arrange for their delivery directly to your site.

Do you collaborate with other specialists or experts during your consultations if needed?
When a project involves issues outside my expertise or requires local hands-on attention that I cannot provide due to distance or time constraints, I collaborate with other specialists. My goal is always to advocate for my clients' best interests, and if I'm not the best fit for a particular need, I will help you find a reliable expert who can assist.

Can you consult on projects that are not local to your area?
Yes, I provide remote consulting for non-local projects leveraging my extensive experience and ability to assess damages through images. With over 27 years in the field, I've developed a keen eye for interpreting photographic evidence and translating that into accurate assessments, although physical inspections are preferable when possible.

What if I need more than 30 minutes? If our consultation extends beyond the initial 30 minutes, you don't need to worry about booking additional time during our call. I will send you a direct payment link for the extra time at $97 per additional 30-minute increment. You can easily pay the balance through this link, which supports a smooth and hassle-free continuation of our session.