He should not be confused with two other architects by the name of Gornostaev, also engaged in Russian Revival art and preservation: Gornostaev, born in Moscow, completed Saint Petersburg Imperial Academy of Arts in 1895 cum laude, earning a state-paid overseas study tour.

Gornostaev, like some of his contemporaries, preferred to spend most of his tour in Russia, studying old national architecture.

[1] Gornostaev, keen on preserving historical buildings, performed surveys of Monastery of Saint Euthymius in Suzdal, Kursk Cathedral, Baturin and various Moscow landmarks and collaborated with Igor Grabar on "History of Russian arts" (История русского искусства).

In 1913, he compiled his studies of two decades into "Essays of ancient Moscow architecture" (Очерки древнего зодчества Москвы).

His practical work included restoration of Kremlin Wall, Sukharev Tower, Krutitsy, Terem Palace and Church of Ascension in Kolomenskoye.