team

Our collaborative design-build team.

Our team is built on a foundation of passion and kindness. We are consistently looking ahead at “what’s next” in design, construction, and business across the AEC industry, and are eager to continue building a team of like-minded and motivated individuals.

  • Megan Downing, AIA

    Co-Founder + Architect

    Megan founded Emerald House Studio in 2023, which merged with Downing Construction in 2024 to become Emerald Design Build. She graduated with a M.Arch degree at Wentworth Institute of Technology (where she met both Zach + Leo!) and has experience with single family, multifamily, and light commercial projects. Megan is drawn toward puzzle-projects that involve a high level of efficiency, organization, and problem solving... cue M.Arch thesis, “Hot Rodding Mobile.” She has a passion for building science and is committed to leading the Emerald team and its clients toward learning about environmentally friendly, carbon neutral, healthy, efficient, and economically practical design strategies.

  • Zach Downing

    Co-Founder + Contractor

    Zach founded Downing Construction Inc., a general contracting company, in 2017. Downing Construction and Emerald House Studio merged in 2024 to rebrand as Emerald Design Build. Zach has years of experience in residential and commercial project types, with expertise in the modular construction niche. He is particularly passionate about site work, excavation, and big machines! Zach and Megan met at Wentworth back in 2016, where they first started dreaming about the growth of a collaborative design-build team.

  • Katy Downing

    Finance + Human Resources

    With 30+ years of experience in Account Management and Sales Operations in the medical manufacturing industry, Katy is a seasoned professional now driving Finance and HR at her son and daughter-in-law's growing Design Build firm. A licensed Real Estate Salesperson in Massachusetts, she balances her diverse roles with a deep commitment to her family, who remain her greatest source of pride and joy.    

  • Leo Canales-Wong

    Architectural Designer

    Graduating side by side with Megan, Leo obtained a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Wentworth. A quick study with technical prowess and excellent design sensibilities, Leo brings us experience in interior design, specifically in the lighting and textile industries. He also has the eye of a photographer and a gripping writing style. Originally from San Francisco, CA, Leo finds inspiration in everyday life, drawing from architecture, photography, video games, and nature.

  • Tyler Bell

    Construction Project Manager

    Tyler demonstrates exceptional leadership in overseeing a diverse range of residential projects. His acute attention to detail, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of luxury construction standards, has positioned him as a trusted resource in the field. His background stems from managing high-end, custom home projects throughout Greater Boston. With a degree in Architectural and Building Engineering Technology from Vermont Tech, a lifelong passion for construction, and years of experience with custom homes, he brings tremendous value to the team. His journey in the industry has been marked by a passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to turning architectural dreams into reality.

  • Amanda Lombardo, NCIDQ

    Senior Designer

    A graduate of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Amanda is a solution-oriented designer with expertise in residential, large-scale amenity, and workplace projects. Her unique perspective enhances every project, as she understands how spaces impact user experience. Driven by her passion for nature and adventure, she creates meaningful environments that truly resonate.

  • Josh Arsenault

    Carpenter - bio coming soon!

  • Zach Whittemore

    Carpenter - bio coming soon!

  • Josh Whittemore

    Carpenter - bio coming soon!

Other Emerald Ventures…

Vibe by emerald

A dance + fitness studio, where the Emerald brand continues! | 2023-Present

Co-owned by Megan, Zach, and third business partner, Ryan, Vibe stands for the same values that started to create the Emerald identity. The team thrives on a community of kind people who are filled with a passion for what they do. The goal is that this infectious and positive energy will translate across all of the current and future Emerald relationships. This expansion of the “Emerald brand” into the dance + fitness world is a symbol of passion, and Zach and Megan could not be more thrilled to be a part of it.

emerald composure

A leasable photo studio, staged by the Emerald House Studio design team. | 2023-2024

When Emerald House Studio was looking for a new office space to meet with architectural clients, we fell in love with one a little too big for our design needs, and it felt perfect for a photo studio! Alas, @emeraldcomposure was born and for one year we were able to share our newly renovated and beautifully staged space with photographers of Central MA. One of the goals with this dual-endeavor was to expand our professional network and meet all sorts of amazing people!