ABOUT US

Douglas Distefano

Principal conservator of Monument Conservation Partners, treating outdoor bronze sculpture, commemorative plaques, and architectural metals across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic


AIC Professional Associate Member N o. 668890 35+ years in the Field

Rumson, New Jersey

Rutgers University - Historic Preservation Spring 2024 to Present

NYU SPS Historic Preservation Certificate (May 2025)

Douglas Distefano wearing safety glasses, a black safety helmet, and a reflective vest, taking a selfie at night with the U.S. Capitol building illuminated in the background.

Douglas Distefano is an AIC Professional Member, practicing conservator and founder of Monument Conservation Partners, specializing in the conservation of outdoor bronze sculpture, commemorative plaques, and associated architectural materials in public and institutional settings. His work integrates graduate-level training in historic preservation with extensive hands-on treatment experience, grounded in established conservation ethics, materials science principles, and rigorous documentation standards. He approaches conservation as an interdisciplinary process informed by historical and technological research, careful material assessment, and site-specific conditions. All work is performed in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation's  Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: Rehabilitation as a Treatment and Standards for Rehabilitation.

Distefano’s practice emphasizes the stabilization of corrosion processes, the preservation and reintegration of historically appropriate patinas, and the judicious selection of protective coating systems suitable for exterior environments. His methodology prioritizes minimal intervention, material compatibility, and long-term stewardship, while balancing aesthetic, structural, and interpretive considerations. Through close collaboration with municipalities, universities, architects, and preservation professionals, his work supports both the physical longevity and the cultural significance of historic monuments.. Douglas is a cyclist, runner, surfer, and the proud father of two young adult children and resides in Rumson, NJ. 


Education

Rutgers University
Historic Preservation Spring 2024 to Present

NYU SPS
Historic Preservation Certificate (2024 - Present)
University of Hartford
Bachelor of Arts

Certification

OSHA construction safety

Laser Institute of America
Laser safety, ANSI Z136.1

New Jersey Small Business Enterprise



Profile
Practice and
Approach

Credentials

Education,
membership and certification

A person wearing a safety helmet, face mask with purple filters, and safety vest in an industrial or construction setting.
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Awards & News

American Institute for Conservation - Professional Associate

American Institute for Conservation- Professional Associate March 2026

AIA Award for Finland Embassy - patina finish

Washington Post - Business Article

The Sandpaper Newspaper (article) Lighthouse State Park Bronzes Get Spa Treatment 8/21/2025

RED BANK: VETERANS MONUMENT RESTORATION PITCHED

Email: Douglas@monument-conservation.com

Phone: 917-679-0463

Fox29 Interview at Washington Cross State Park - by David Eitzen - April 2025

A man wearing a white hard hat, sunglasses, and a neon yellow safety vest smiling next to a large metallic statue of a woman's head with a leafy crown.

July 2026‍ ‍MarketPlace - NPR- My Economy
Reported by Sarah Leeson

‍ ‍News12 New Jersey
‍ ‍John Basilone Statue Project
‍ ‍Reported by Kurt Siegelin

Apr 2025 FOX 29 Philadelphia
On-camera interview at Washington Crossing State Park
Reported by David Eitzen

Reported by David Eitzen.

Certifcations

Professional Standing

American Institute for Conservation
Professional Associate, 2026 — Member No. 66890

AIA Award, Embassy of Finland
Patina finish

OSHA logo with black text and a stylized blue and black circular design on a white background.
Logo of LIA, The Laser Institute, featuring a red triangular icon with a white starburst, next to the black text 'LIA' and smaller text 'The Laser Institute' below.
Blue and white badge for New Jersey Small Business Enterprise Certified (SBE).

Procurement & Contracting Information

NJ BCS # 0450125448
NJ SBE # A0537-65
SAM.GOV # INC-GSAFSD11441518
NAIC # 712120, 712110, 238390, 541990
NIGP # 962, 910