From an early age, Katya Birukova was captivated by the art of conservation, inspired by her upbringing in the historic center of St. Petersburg with its rich 18th and 19th-century architecture. She pursued this passion at the St. Petersburg Stieglitz Academy, where she dedicated six years to mastering the craft of paintings conservation. Here, Katya received her master's degree, specializing in the preservation of Oil Paintings, Tempera Icons, and Gilded Frames, , under the guidance of leading conservators from the State Hermitage Museum.

Katya's professional journey led her to significant roles at leading museums worldwide, including serving as an Assosiate Paintigs Conservator  at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia. There, she performed detailed research on "Paris and Oenone" by Pieter Lastman, who was Rembrandt van Rijn’s teacher.

Following over a decade of enriching experience, Katya established her private paintings conservation studio in Palos Verdes, CA. She is celebrated for her adherence to the highest standards of art conservation and is an active member of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC).

Katya has preserved works from a diverse range of historical periods and styles. Her extensive portfolio includes 14th-century Greek Orthodox icons and seminal works by key figures from the Dutch Golden Age such as Pieter Lastman, Philips Wouwerman, and artists from the School of Fontainebleau. She has also worked on paintings by Benjamin West, a pivotal Anglo-American history painter; Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas, leading Impressionists known for their intimate family depictions; Florine Stettheimer, known for her vibrant early 20th-century portrayals; Marc Chagall, celebrated for his vivid, emotional art that bridges Eastern European and modernist imagery; Ivon Hitchens, renowned for his abstract landscapes; and Hale Woodruff, an influential figure in African American art. Additionally, she has conserved contemporary pieces by Damien Hirst and Robert Swain.

Katya Birukova’s conservation studio stands as a testament to her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of artistic heritage—whether a masterpiece by a renowned artist or a cherished family painting by an unknown artist.