ABOUT US

Renaissance Art, Restoration & Architecture (RARA) is an award-winning firm, founded in 1989 by Dan Tarnoveanu.

Our design-built firm specializes in historic preservation and conservation of murals, mosaics, and other decorated architectural surfaces & architectural elements. We also design and execute interior and exterior artwork; i.e., murals, mosaics, and paintings, for religious and secular buildings. RARA offers personalized services to meet the specific needs of our clients from start to finish, from design to execution. We also provide consulting services: investigation and preparation of documentation & reports for preservation and restoration of historic monuments. RARA received a National Historic Preservation Award and many awards from the State of Minnesota and the State of California.

RARA’s main office is located in Ontario, CA, U.S.A. The second office is located in Selimbar, near the town of Sibiu, Transilvania, Romania, E.U.

Dan Tarnoveanu is founder and senior conservator of our firm. Dan received his master’s degree in architecture from the University of Architecture Ion Mincu in Bucharest, Romania, and a master’s degree and license in Art Conservation and Religious Art from the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate Art and Restoration Commission, also in Bucharest, Romania. His background includes employment with Proiect Galati (architectural and engineering firm), where he was involved in architectural design, urban planning, and historic preservation projects. Later, he participated in the restoration of one of the most important historic landmarks in Romania: Cozia Monastery, a Byzantine style monastic complex, built in 1386 by King Mircea of Wallachia, Vlad Dracul’s grandfather.

Dan’s career is a blend of architecture, historic preservation, and fine art. He has more than 30 years of experience in preservation and architectural work in the U.S. and in Europe.

RARA strongly believes that: There is no real future without preserving our history and our culture. Preserving our history and culture is as important as preserving our natural environment.

In art conservation and historic preservation, it’s been our experience that a small, passionate, and flexible team (i.e., two to three or four members) has proven to be more effective and more efficient than larger teams. An important factor in achieving the best results in conservation is thorough training, education, and close supervision of assistant conservators. RARA uses only the most up-to-date conservation methods and materials

RARA adheres to the following:

  • ICOMOS Charter Principles for the analysis, Conservation and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage
  • ICOMOS Charter Principles for the Preservation and Conservation-Restoration of Wall Paintings
  • Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties (U.S.A.)
  • The Code of Ethics and the Guidelines for the Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (U.S.A.)