Vaia A. Karagianni, born in Greece, is a Senior Expert Art Conservator and Restorer who holds academic and professional experience in both law and cultural heritage preservation. She is co-founder and Head Director of VENIS STUDIOS, a globally recognized art conservation and restoration company based in Istanbul and Dubai, specializing in the conservation and restoration of paintings and icons, with expertise extending to historical artworks and antiquities.

Karagianni first pursued higher education in law, earning her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Democritus University of Thrace in Greece. Licensed by the Thessaloniki Bar Association, she worked as a lawyer in Thessaloniki, focusing on various legal disciplines, including cultural heritage law and art-related legal matters.

Driven by a profound passion for art and cultural heritage—combined with strong artistic skills—Karagianni transitioned from law to art conservation earning a professional Diploma in Art & Antiquities Conservation and Restoration. During her studies, she acquired advanced knowledge of conservation and restoration methodologies, the ethical principles set by UNESCO and leading international conservation bodies, and the application of approved materials in accordance with international standards.

Her practical training was completed at the professional conservation and restoration laboratory of Senior Expert Art Conservator and Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis in Thessaloniki, where she worked on significant historical artworks and antiquities. In 2012, she co-founded Ieri Parakatathiki Labs alongside Gavrilakis, which became a respected provider of conservation and restoration services in Greece, later expanding into Istanbul.

With over 15 years of professional experience, Karagianni is a specialist in art conservation and restoration of paintings, Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, Ottoman-era artworks, antiquities, historical and modern artworks across multiple materials, including wood, stone, metal, ceramic, and textiles. Her work is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, technical precision, and deep sensitivity to the historical and spiritual value of each piece.

In October 2021, Karagianni and Gavrilakis were honored with an invitation by the Eminence Archbishop of America to conserve and restore a 19th-century icon of St. Nicholas in Manhattan, New York, in preparation for the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States.

In December 2022, they established VENIS STUDIOS, embodying the philosophy of “The Science and Art of Conservation & Restoration.” As Head Director, Karagianni oversees and participates in both laboratory and on-site conservation projects for museums, churches, art galleries, governmental organizations, and private collections in Greece, Turkey, the USA, the UAE, and internationally. She collaborates with expert teams worldwide to safeguard cultural heritage.

Karagianni has extensive experience in the preparation of condition and conservation reports, professional documentation and registration of artworks and antiquities. She has carried out such documentation for several cultural institutions, including museums, churches, and heritage sites.

As editor and curator of VENIS STUDIOS’ scientific studies, publications, and articles, Karagianni has published in Istanbul-based journals and the international scientific journal Conservation of Works of Art (IIC). Together with Gavrilakis, she has presented research at prestigious institutions including Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts and Istanbul University, as well as at international conservation conferences.

Her dedication is to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, with a focus on ensuring that the artistic expression and the cultural, social, spiritual, and humanistic messages embodied in each artwork are conveyed to future generations.