Michael McDonough
Founder, CEO & Lead Administrator
I grew up in a home my father crafted from the remains of an old stone and timber farmhouse in Cato, NY — surrounded by the forests, fields, and abundant water of New York’s Finger Lakes. That upbringing left me with a deep appreciation for the natural world and a firm belief that humanity is capable of living in harmony with the rest of the Earth. After spending a year building houses with volunteers at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, I knew building was my path — but I was compelled to find a greener way forward. That search led me to an apprenticeship at the Cob Cottage Company’s School of Natural Building in coastal Oregon in 2008, and I’ve been working as a contractor and ecological designer ever since. By 2009 I was instructing natural building workshops, and my fierce independence and tenacity eventually pushed me to build something of my own. Today, as Founder and CEO, I oversee the big picture vision, client relations, project design, and the day-to-day administration that keeps everything running. I’m currently based in Troy, NY, and still travel to teach workshops and take on particularly inspiring projects. When I’m not working, you’ll find me playing guitar, spending time with my family, hitting the slopes, or relaxing somewhere near the water.
Dimitri Tytla
Site Lead/Project Manager
My love of building started early — my parents (somewhat irresponsibly) put a table saw in my hands at age 12, and I never looked back. Growing up doing projects in the backyard on my own or alongside my father, I went on to study furniture-making. Searching for a deeper sense of purpose and impact on the world around me, I found my way to sustainable agriculture, where a growing passion for natural building emerged as the perfect fusion of my two greatest interests. Since joining the company in 2022, I have remained dedicated to big picture planning of the company’s future. When I’m not on site, you’ll find me training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, cooking, spending time outdoors or pursuing my commitment to a healthy, intentional lifestyle.
