Joel Lubell
Owner / Designer / General Contractor

Joel has over 25 years of experience building and designing. He purchased his first table saw at 15 while volunteering after school in his highschool woodshop. He created and managed the deconstruction program at Wake Habitat, designed machines to make sustainable building materials, taught Architecture students to design/build one-of-a-kind structures for local nonprofits, and worked for some of the best builders in the Triangle. As a designer, craftsman and building science enthusiast, Joel understands the beauty of a well-built product and takes pride in every step of a new project.

Joel has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and Master’s degree in Architecture both from the College of Design at NC State University. He’s a licensed general contractor and the owner of Armature Design Build.

Allergic to both cats and fake wood grain. Favorite Sandwich is number 13 Mike’s Way, add cherry pepper relish. When he’s not immersed in the latest edition of Fine Homebuilding, he can be found playing board games with his wife and daughter, or working in his shop.

Stan Seals
Preconstruction Manager

With over 10 years of experience with Habitat for Humanity Deconstruction, Stan’s passion for building was solidified with every structure he disassembled. As a leader in building salvage and reuse, he was able to see the importance of good construction materials and methods.. He applies his wealth of knowledge towards the pre-construction process. His favorite part of working with Armature is working with our partners and project managers to create a well organized project. Whatever the size of the project, Stan focuses on the details and is able to move the project from concept to construction.

When not computering for Armature, Stan can be found outside - hiking and camping with his kids and wife. He’s an avid, long-distance backpacker and loves being in nature. 

His favorite candy is candy corn and old school candy hearts. (seriously, by the bag full)

Phil Palumbo
Construction Operations Manager

As a Licensed Professional Engineer with a Bachelors’ Degree in Chemical Engineering, Phil’s prior professional experience includes project and personnel management in the energy and environmental sectors. By bringing his breadth of project management experience to Armature, he’s able to dive into his passion for hands-on projects, while creating homes that people love. After working years in R&D his favorite part of working with Armature is getting to finish  a tangible product that has lasting results. 

Originally from Pittsburgh, has lived in the triangle area for over 8 years. When he’s not at the jobsite, he can be found repairing and modifying cars and boats, tinkering with electronics, or checking on his latest homebrew. He runs and mountain bikes in his spare time.

Loves the ballet and knock-knock jokes.

Ben Leo
Project Manager

Originally from Massachusetts, Ben has lived in the triangle area for over 12 years. His enthusiasm for making stuff started from a young age and he’s been in the construction industry for over 16 years.  With a background in project management and a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, as well as a sharp sense of humor, Ben is an incredible asset to the Armature team! His favorite part of working with Armature is making the client’s dream space a reality. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with his son and restoring old cars+motorcycles.

Loves all high-fives and snacks.

Sarah Brewer
Project Manager

Sarah’s background is in logistics and event planning. Before Armature, she was the Project Manager for several triangle-area organizations and the Undergraduate Coordinator for the College of Design at NC State University. She loves colorful spreadsheets, working with different types of people, and Pinterest.

Sarah believes that homes can be both functional and beautiful, and her favorite part of working with Armature is working with the clients to make their space meaningful. When she’s not at the jobsite or in front of her computer, she can be found in her expansive vegetable garden, playing with her son, or sewing.

Has strong feelings about Pepsi and glitter. Has incredible hair.

Josh Bryant
Project Manager

Hailing from Martha's Vineyard, Josh grew up in a family of tradespeople. Departing the island at 18, he pursued education in Massachusetts. Returning to Martha’s Vineyard, he worked as an employment trainer for individuals with cognitive disabilities. Despite finding fulfillment in aiding those in need, he yearned life experience beyond his hometown.

Encouraged by a childhood friend, he ventured to Raleigh, instantly falling in love with the city. He managed beloved nightclubs and bars in Raleigh throughout his 20s and early 30s. This period also saw him co-owning an independent record label and managing tours for rock bands. In 2016, Josh sensed the need for a significant life change and, drawing from his familial background, reembraced construction work in Raleigh. As a project manager, he carries boundless enthusiasm, a positive demeanor, and a passion for connecting people with their aspirations. Outside of work, Josh relishes moments with loved ones, contributes through volunteering, indulges in writing, tinkering, laughter, and finds solace in exploring the wilderness.

Waves to jeep owners and non jeep owners.

Mario De Haro
Project Manager

Mario is a life long resident of Raleigh-Durham, originally from Mexico. With over 20 years of experience in residential framing, he has been an active member of his family's framing business since a young age. Being fully bilingual, he has been able to cater to a diverse range of clients, ensuring effective communication, and a smooth construction process.

Outside of work, his greatest joy comes from his beautiful wife, whom he has been happily married to for 13 years (and counting), and their two energetic and joyful kids. He enjoys his free time with soccer games, movie nights, and weekend getaways.

Only eats vegetables, when they’re fried. He thinks he can beat anyone at thumb wrestling.

Tess Ashford-Lavy
Head Goon

Tess is originally from the Raleigh area. She is currently studying at NC State. Her favorite part of working with Armature is that every day is a completely new learning experience. She’s our resident crawlspace cleaner and always brings a sarcastic wit and the cutting observations of a 20 year old to the jobsite. 

Favorite color is chartreuse. Doesn’t know country music.

Chuck
Goon

Born in a hospital in the impoverished town of Manhasset on the north shore of New York's Lawnguyland, Chuck Nintzel chose to attend NCSU in North Carolina instead of some frozen wasteland north of White Plains.  He matriculated in 1986 and returned to Raleigh permanently in 1988. If you need directions using landmarks from the 90’s, he's your guy. An interest in History led him to working as a carpenter with Historic Restoration firms, and then, when he tired of nothing ever being square, he took a job building cabinetry  and displays for a Raleigh Fabrication and Design firm, rounding out his hands-on skills.  He joined Armature Design Build in early 2023. 

Chuck likes to tell stories and be sure to ask him about Brian Eno.