Three years later, Richard returned to New York where he began his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker with a series of European masters such as the Yugoslavian Paul Moses, famous for his woodcarvings in cathedrals all around America; and the eminent German “Boulemaster” Rhimler who specialized in marquetry and was famous for producing the prototype for the “Spitfire plane” for the British Army in World War II. Richard then dedicated himself principally to the restoration and creation of furniture for museums around the world, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the National Gallery of Washington, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He also worked with renowned Egyptian chair maker Ahmed Elashaad and the Russian gunsmith August Chekov. Richard was one of the few young Americans who “graduated” from the School of Grand European Masters.

In 1981 Sister Parish, the Grand Dame of American Decoration, hired Richard to work with her. He was in charge of overseeing the construction side of her business. He worked with Sister Parish for over a decade until her death. During those years he was responsible for the supervision of construction and restoration projects for institutional buildings and the residences of many

prominent American families. The list of clientele is illustrious, including The New York Public Library, The Ritz Carlton, DC, The White House, John Paul Getty, Betsy and Jack Whitney, Brooke Astor, and Henry Kissinger. Those years with Sister Parish extended his experience and give him the ability to lead other expert artisans in all the other construction and finishing fields.

In 1983, he met Helena and married her in 1985. That same year, they had a son, Theodore.

Today, Richard works in New York City as a consultant for many of the top architects and designers. He leads an international work force of highly skill craftsmen. He divides his time between New York and Mangenguey, where he is primarily concerned with the technical aspects of craftsmanship and construction on the island.