About Us

I’m Matthew Burch, veteran, craftsman, and founder of Burch Historic Restoration, dedicated to preserving historic homes through faithful stewardship and skilled woodworking.

Called to This Work

Why I Started Burch Historic Restoration

I didn't begin Burch Historic Restoration simply to own a business—I began it because I believe God called me to this work.

Throughout my life, He has used military service, woodworking, architectural design, travel, and restoration to prepare me for a vocation rooted in craftsmanship and stewardship. Along the way, I came to realize that preserving historic homes is about far more than repairing old wood. It is about protecting the beauty, character, and history entrusted to our generation before passing it on to the next.

Too often, original craftsmanship is discarded because restoration requires patience, knowledge, and care. I believe these homes deserve better. The windows, doors, and architectural details built by craftsmen decades—and sometimes centuries—ago were created to endure, and whenever possible, they should be preserved rather than replaced.

A man with long hair and a beard wearing a black T-shirt with religious and patriotic imagery, standing inside a cluttered garage. The garage contains various tools, cords, and hardware on shelves, with a window to the right allowing natural light. The man has a tattoo on his left forearm, wears a watch, and poses with his right hand on his hip and left arm extended.

My Mission

I’m here to serve homeowners with honesty, excellence, and skilled craftsmanship while honoring both the artisans who built before us and the God who created us with the ability to create. Every project is an opportunity to preserve history, steward the resources He has provided, and leave something lasting for future generations.

Close-up of a woodworking clamp securing a piece of wood on a workbench in a workshop.
A person is painting a wooden piece of furniture with a black brush. The furniture is a warm brown color and appears to be a dresser or cabinet.
Close-up of a corner joint of a wooden frame or structure, with two vertical and two horizontal pieces of wood joined together.
Collection of various hand tools including a hammer, tape measure, screwdrivers, chisels, a hacksaw, a spirit level, and other tools on a wooden surface, with a measuring ruler along the top and right edges of the image.

My journey to historic restoration

My journey has been shaped by many experiences, each preparing me for the work I do today. I served eight years in the United States Army, where I learned discipline, attention to detail, perseverance, and the importance of approaching every responsibility with integrity. Those lessons continue to guide the way I serve my clients and care for the homes entrusted to me.

Following my military service, I pursued opportunities that allowed me to develop both my hands and my mind. My background in woodworking, architectural drafting, and design has given me a unique understanding of how historic buildings were created and how they can be thoughtfully preserved. Whether restoring original wood windows, repairing historic doors, or recreating architectural details, I have always been drawn to work that values precision, craftsmanship, and lasting quality.

My passion for preservation has also been shaped by travel, education, and a lifelong curiosity about the way things are made. Experiencing historic architecture across different places deepened my appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of structures built with care.

Through formal studies in creativity, design, and leadership, I gained a greater understanding of how thoughtful solutions often come not from replacing what exists, but from honoring and improving what has already been given to us.

Today, I am the founder of Burch Historic Restoration, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business certified by New York State and a Certified Lead Renovator. I specialize in the restoration of historic wood windows, doors, and architectural woodwork, helping homeowners preserve the character, craftsmanship, and stories held within their homes.

Above every credential or accomplishment is the conviction that this work is a calling. I believe God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, and mine is the privilege of working with my hands to preserve the work of others. It is an honor to restore pieces of history that have served generations before us, trusting that through careful stewardship and faithful craftsmanship, they will continue serving generations still to come.

Beyond my work, my greatest calling is my family. Being a father has deepened my understanding that our homes are more than structures—they are places where God grows families, strengthens relationships, and creates memories that endure across generations. That truth reminds me daily that the work of preservation is ultimately about serving people, faithfully stewarding what has been entrusted to us, and leaving a legacy that points beyond ourselves. Through my work, I hope to honor not only the craftsmen who built before us, but also the families who will continue writing their stories within these homes.