Christopher O'Guin began studying electronics with the hope of becoming a computer technician. It wasn't long before he realized that electronics would not fill his need for creative expression, so he returned to the family painting and wallpaper business and focused on European decorative arts, which were beginning to make resurgence in the late 1980's. While working, he attended intensive trainings at Miller-Wagenaar Studios in Chicago, one of the top three teaching studios in the United States at that time.

Over several years, Christopher studied European glazing, marbling, faux bois, gilding and leafing, and other traditional "painter's arts," offering each new technique to the business' growing portfolio of established clients. He attended numerous schools of the decorative arts, including Midwest Studios, where he was first introduced to water-based mediums that surpassed the traditional European solvent mixtures.

While creating beautiful finishes for clients was always foremost, Christopher and his family felt the need to raise awareness for the decorative arts and share skills with others. In 1997 they established the South Shore Academy of Decorative Arts where they taught a workshop-based program of continuing education for painters and do-it-yourselfers. Christopher was also a guest teacher at the Chicago Institute of Decorative Finishing, teaching advanced technique workshops.

Since moving the family business to Naples, FL in 2002 as O'Guin Decorative Arts, LLC, Christopher has continued to network nationally and internationally. He seeks out old and new materials and methods to create extraordinary finishes for the company's national clientele.

For the past several years, architects have requested Christopher's expertise to go beyond the ordinary stucco and paint combination for building exteriors. In 2007, O'Guin formed Surface Consulting, Inc. to meet this demand, and to apply over 20 years of study of European Decorative art and architecture to the exterior of structures.  

Christopher's knowledge of the latest materials and techniques gives him an expertise that few can match. He works closely with the world's best manufacturers to develop and test new products, and utilizes his skill and craftsmanship to create superb, high-quality exterior surfaces.

In addition to opening Surface Consulting, Inc., Christopher continues to serve as vice president of sales and product development for O'Guin Decorative Arts.