Team

Ben Leer is a Passive House consultant, educator, and builder whose extensive background uniquely combines academic rigor with hands-on construction expertise. As a lead trainer at Emu Passive and an adjunct professor at The City College of New York, he brings a comprehensive perspective to high-performance construction projects.

Benjamin’s experience spans developing advanced building science curricula, conducting energy and thermal bridge modeling, and consulting on certified Passive House projects.. On the construction side, he has managed high-performance window installations, overseen air sealing and insulation applications, and provided consultation on integrating building systems to meet Passive House standards. He also has extensive experience on the material supply side, advising project teams on the selection and application of high-performance building products to optimize durability, efficiency, and sustainability. This blend of academic insight and practical know-how enables him to effectively teach and consult on sustainable, energy-efficient building solutions that bridge theory with real-world application.

Daria Cawthorn is a local Bozeman carpenter and a certified passive house tradesperson. She and her partner operate a small construction company, Larch Creek Builders, which specializes in remodel and new construction. Daria also works as an assistant workshop trainer for Emu Passive, a leading provider of hands-on Passive House training for builders. Training workshops take place online and in-person around the country.

Daria is a passionate student of life and the building industry. She is interested in both high performance and natural building, the intersections of the two and how to bring these high quality homes to more people! In her free time you can find her moving in the mountains, on skis or on foot!

Dilianny is an Architectural & Visual Designer based in the greater NYC area. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture, became a licensed architect in Venezuela, and later completed her Master of Science in Architecture at CCNY. She is also a certified Passive House Tradesperson.

At Emu, she works as the Building Science Design & Communication Lead, combining architectural building-science expertise with strategic communication. Her work spans construction details, PHPP energy modeling, digital presence, technical content, and modeling documentation, integrating design, research, and outreach to strengthen visibility across the high-performance building industry.

She also creates editorial illustrations, loves reading and writing, and enjoys hiking or traveling to new places.

Enrico holds two Master’s Degrees: one in Architecture from the University of Parma, Italy, and another in Sustainable Design from the University of Sydney, Australia. A registered Italian Architect and a Certified Passive House Trainer, Designer, and PHI Certifier, he has gained extensive professional experience across Australia, Europe, and North America. Enrico specializes in building envelope analysis, drawing on thousands of hours spent on construction sites.

With speaking engagements at major conferences in Germany, Austria, China, the US, Canada, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand, Enrico is a recognized thought leader in his field. He is also the Co-Founder of Emu, where he has shaped the Passive House training curriculum, teaching American builders since 2017. In 2024, Enrico took on the role of CEO at Emu, continuing his dedication to advancing sustainable design and building practices.

Jules Fischer-White has a  Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from CU Boulder. Originally from Colorado, Jules spent much of his upbringing in Thailand before returning to the United States for higher education.

At Emu Passive, Jules works as an Energy Modeler, where he builds energy models for Boosts using architectural plans and local environmental conditions. He also prepares Boost Reports and performs thermal bridge modeling.

Outside of work, Jules enjoys running, rock climbing, meditation, and spending time with his friends.

Robin Gezzi is Emu’s Training Program Administrator. With a heart for helping our students succeed, Robin takes pride in assisting our students on their Passive House journey. Beyond Emu, Robin finds joy in spending time with her son, playing games and exploring new adventures together.

Robin’s commitment to excellence and her warm, approachable demeanor make her a valuable asset to the Emu Passive team.