team

At Emerald, our team is the foundation of everything we create. We are a collective of architects, designers, builders, and visionaries who share a common goal: to craft spaces that are beautiful, meaningful, and built to last. Driven by 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.

  • A woman with light skin and red hair smiling at the camera, wearing gold hoop earrings and a white top, sitting against a plain white wall.

    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.

  • A man with dark hair and a mustache, wearing a black jacket with a logo that says 'Downing Construction,' smiling and standing indoors against a white wall and wooden beam.

    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.

  • A smiling man with a beard and short hair, wearing a dark jacket over a collared shirt, standing in front of a brick wall.

    Tyler Bell

    Director of Construction

    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.

  • A young man with dark hair, facial hair, and earrings smiling with arms crossed, wearing a white shirt, indoors.

    Leo Canales-Wong

    Architectural Designer

    Leo earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Wentworth, bringing strong technical expertise and a keen design sensibility to the team. With experience in interior design, particularly in the lighting and textile industries, he combines a sharp eye for detail with a background in photography and writing. Originally from San Francisco, CA, Leo draws inspiration from architecture, photography, and the natural environment, infusing his work with creativity and thoughtful design solutions.

  • A young woman with long dark brown wavy hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, smiling in a black shirt, standing indoors against a white wall with black window frames.

    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.

  • Rob Downing

    Construction Project Manager

    Since entering the construction industry in 2016, Rob has built a well-rounded career through diverse roles—from carpenter to site supervisor, and now project manager. His hands-on experience in the field gives him a practical edge, allowing him to communicate clearly and confidently with teams, clients, and stakeholders. Rob has successfully managed both commercial and residential projects. His understanding of jobsite dynamics leads to proactive coordination, keeping projects on schedule and on budget.

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    Josh Arsenault

    Carpenter

    Josh brings a unique mechanical edge to Emerald’s construction team. A certified diesel technician for Ford and former head tech at Lahti’s Jeep, he’s our go-to for all in-house mechanical work—from maintaining equipment to troubleshooting on the fly. A proud Leominster native, Josh graduated from Leominster High School and quickly built a reputation for his strong work ethic and positive attitude - he’s rarely seen without a smile!

  • Announcement that a new photo is coming soon, with the message "Stay tuned"

    Zach Whittemore

    Carpenter

    Zach graduated in 2015 from Nashoba Valley Technical High School after successfully completing his studies in Carpentry and Cabinetmaking. He followed in his brother Josh’s footsteps and joined the construction life right out of high school. Zach’s passion for building and problem solving, as well as his inquisitive nature. make him a valuable asset to the Emerald team.

  • Announcement graphic with the text 'New Photo Coming Soon. Stay Tuned' in a minimalist black and white design.

    Josh Whittemore

    Carpenter

    Josh graduated in 2003 from Nashoba Valley Technical high School with a Certificate of Proficiency in Carpentry and Cabinetmaking, and has 21 years of expertise specializing in spray foam insulation and framing. He has a keen eye for project details and has developed a wealth of knowledge in his career in the construction industry. In his spare time, Josh can be found with his wife, daughters and 2 dachshunds!

  • A woman with short brown hair, glasses, wearing a black patterned blouse, sitting on a beige chair against a white wall.

    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.    

Other Emerald Ventures…

Logo for Vibe by Emerald Dance and Fitness Studio in white cursive on black background.

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.

Logo with the text 'Emerald Composure' in stylish fonts on a black background.

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!