Our Story
Cedar Neck was founded by longtime Martha’s Vineyard friends Rob Ianelli and Trescott Lambert, united by a shared connection to the island and a commitment to thoughtful, durable design. What began as an appreciation for the Vineyard’s independent spirit evolved into a focused response to the growing housing challenges facing Martha’s Vineyard and communities across New England.
As their professional paths converged, Rob and Trescott recognized the urgent need for practical, well-designed housing solutions that respect both place and people. By combining complementary experience in building, design, and project execution, they established Cedar Neck to help deliver attainable, resilient housing suited to coastal and regional environments.
The concept for Cedar Neck took shape aboard a Vineyard original—Hull #20 of the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard–built Vineyard Vixen 34, a sailboat known for its efficient layout, proven performance, and utilitarian beauty. Designed and built in 1982 on Martha’s Vineyard, the Vineyard Vixen remains a model of sensible, purpose-driven design, principles that directly influence Cedar Neck’s residential structures.
“S/Y Nakoda” has been in the Lambert family since 1993, making an annual passage since from Newburyport, Massachusetts to Edgartown Harbor. Her intelligently planned interiors and durable exterior—engineered to withstand demanding coastal conditions—serve as inspiration for Cedar Neck homes. The result is thoughtfully laid-out living spaces, robust exterior materials, and housing designed to endure the New England climate.
Rob Ianelli
Rob started his unbeknownst building career in the sands of Norton Point. Eventually founding several venture backed startups, most notably in ocean plastics, he shifted back to the vineyard and leveraged decades of supply chain and design experience towards constructive housing solutions. He holds an Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License.
Trescott Lambert
Trescott began life in a bassinet swinging between the bulkheads of a sailboat, and subsequently went on to log thousands of nautical miles at sea. Sailing crafted a mechanical mind and he went on to develop a number of innovations in precision manufacturing across multiple industries. He specializes in AutoCad, Revit and marine engineering.
S/Y Nakoda
At 34 feet overall in length and a beam of 10.5 feet Nakoda was an instant realization of what could be achieved on land with an entirely new way of approaching design and construction of a living unit.
What Sets Us Apart
Exceptional Design and Details
Smaller spaces command a greater skill set in both aesthetics and utility. Our accessory dwelling units feel spacious and refined.
Robust Supply Chain
Our collective manufacturing experience enables our builds to be completed faster, and with a highly engineered system of assembly.
Sustainable Materials
Utilizing natural materials and recycled plastics is a major part of our focus on minimizing impact and fostering new ways of building.