team

Megan Rajner, AIA, LEED Green Associate

Business Owner + Architect + Creative

As designers, we have a responsibility to not only care about, but also be an advocate for the world around us. It is for this reason that Megan has a passion for understanding building science and is committed to learning about the ever evolving “most sustainable” design strategies.

Megan graduated with a Master of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology, where she was president of the National Association of Home Builders student chapter and participated in the annual NAHB Residential Construction Management Competition. She has both small- and large-scale residential experience from architecture firms across MA & NY, but always been drawn toward the level of organization and efficiency required in the design of small spaces. Her M.Arch thesis, “Hot Rodding Mobile” aimed to propel a new nomadic generation through architecture to achieve more affordable, investible dwelling solutions. The conception of this thesis was ironically pre-COVID, and revolved around customizing mobile dwelling units to take advantage of travel in a world where so much can be accomplished remotely.

It’s not often that Megan’s brain switches off design mode, but when it does its usually to watch Grey’s Anatomy, to whip up a new creation in the kitchen, to buy more plants, to spend time with her partner, Zach or to snuggle their silver lab, Josie.

Experience

  • Studio InSitu | Maynard, MA

  • CUBE3 Studio | Boston, MA |

    • Stratus Residences: 111 Condominium Mixed-Use Building in Brighton, MA

  • GMT Home Design | Ashland, MA

  • ZeroEnergy Design | Boston, MA

  • Aubertine & Currier | Watertown, NY

  • Grater Architects | Clayton, NY

“You don’t have to know everything. You just have to be willing to learn about anything. Our job as designers of the built environment is a huge responsibility, and we need to be observant and very careful about the moves we make, because they influence things much bigger than ourselves.”

leo canales-wong

Architectural Designer + Executive Assistant

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.

zach downing

Owner of Downing Construction, Inc

Zach is the founder of Downing Construction Inc, a general contracting business established in 2017. Not only has he built the majority of Emerald House Studio’s residential projects with our design-build delivery method, but he has years of expertise in commercial construction, particularly in the modular niche. Zach, too, met Megan at Wentworth, where they first started dreaming about the growth of a collaborative design-build team.

emerald composure

A leasable photo studio, staged by the Emerald House Studio design team.

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 now we can share this newly renovated and beautifully staged space with you. One of the goals with this dual-endeavor was to expand our professional network and meet all sorts of amazing people!

Vibe by emerald

A dance + fitness studio, where the Emerald brand continues!

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.