The Best Midcentury Modern Home Builders in the US

Midcentury modern homes are homes that became popular at the beginning of a new generation. Prominent in the U.S. during the post-World War II years, this style was created during the cheery period when soldiers were coming home, the economy was booming, and new homes were being built across the country. Many of these innovative homes were built between 1945 and the 1980’s; they can be identified through flat planes, extensive use of glass, innovative building materials, and open design concepts that encouraged a love of the outdoors.

In this list are the best contractors in the U.S. who continue to build these retro homes. These firms have been featured in magazines like Luxe, Dwell, and Professional Builder, and have collected Best in American Living Awards (BALA) and HOBI Awards, the country’s largest builder awards program. These firms are backed by principals with multiple years of experience in the industry.

If you are thinking about building a midcentury modern home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

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817 S. Main st., Las Vegas, NV 89101

A firm that has been featured in Architecture Las Vegas and Las Vegas Magazine, [adapture] has over 30 years of experience in the architecture, interior design, and construction industries. [adapture] provides architectural design and planning for various projects including residential and commercial. So far, one of its most notable projects is McNeil Manor in McNeil Estates—one of the most desirable original neighborhoods in Las Vegas and a location filled with iconic midcentury modern homes that represent the homes seen in the late 50s and 60s. This renovation project consisted of an interior and exterior makeover that transformed the original 1960’s compartmentalized room configuration into an open kitchen/great room concept that allowed views through the home well into the backyard. The new kitchen was detailed with walnut cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops, and a polished concrete floor; materials that alluded to popular mid-century homes built in the ’60s. Other aspects of the renovation included all new windows throughout, new landscaping, a new outdoor patio with a built-in seating area and a firepit.

The firm collected the 2017 International Property Awards’ Architecture Single Residence Nevada Award. Adapture DB is currently managed by principal founder, Jason Strodl. Possessing over 20 years of professional experience in architecture, Strodl was selected as the ‘new architect to watch’ in 2011.

Armstrong Builders

80 Sand Island Access Rd. Suite #209, Honolulu, HI 96819

A firm that specializes in residential, commercial and green developments in Hawaii for 44 years, Armstrong Builders is known for having three divisions— Armstrong Builders, Armstrong Development and Armstrong Design Group. While Armstrong Development focuses on honing its strengths in land planning, development, design, finance, marketing, and construction, Armstrong Design provides clients with quality design assistance from qualified design and architecture professionals. Carrying the advantage of both design and construction, the firm has built up a vast portfolio. One great example of this firm’s abilities is its work on the Diamond Head midcentury modern home. Designed by John Hara Associates’ Karen Wang, this home won the 2016 Building Industry Association (BIA) of Hawaii’s Renaissance Grand Award and Hawaii Home + Remodeling’s Editor’s Choice Award.

For such qualifications and contributions, Armstrong Builders has won the 2016 and 2015 BIA Renaissance Grand Award and the 2015 Preservation Honor Awards. The firm is a member of the BIA, AIA Honolulu, and the National Association Of Home Builders (NAHB). Currently, it is managed by David Miyasaki. Miyasaki has more than 13 years of experience serving as architect and associate of Group 70 International Inc. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects and holds LEED-AP and CDT certificates.

Bannon Builds

66 Tupper Rd., Sandwich, MA 02563

Bannon Builds was only established in 2008, but—even as a relatively new firm—it has a team that holds 30 years of construction experience and is a member of the NAHB and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBRACC). With a discerning eye for details, extensive financial management tools, and a commitment to scheduling, Bannon Builds has built up enough experience and skill to create eye-catching projects for clients everywhere from Nantucket to the North shore.

These projects usually carry the midcentury modern, contemporary, modern, rustic, transitional, and Mediterranean styles. Among its many projects, its most notable is Scrubby Neck. A midcentury modern home dominated by a harmonious combination of wood and stone, it has wonderful views of the beach and the surrounding forest.

Bauhaus Modern Homes

1920 McKinney Ave., 7th Flr., Dallas, TX 75201

A design firm and custom home builder, Bauhaus Modern Homes is a member of the Dallas Builders Association (DBA), the NAHB, and the Texas Association of Builders (TAB). Since its establishment in 2007, the firm has been focusing on designing and building authentic, timeless architecture homes that include the Classic European to the midcentury modern styles. Among these many projects, its most notable is The Hillcrest House. A Bauhaus Architectural Restoration home located in Dallas, The Hillcrest House won the 2013 Preservation Achievement Award and was featured in the 2016 issue of One KindDesign. Nestled along a wood-sided creek, it honors architect O’Neil Ford’s restrained architecture and grasp of the local environment.

With projects that successfully show off the firm’s skills, Bauhaus Modern Homes has been featured in the 2018 issue of Modern Luxury and has won countless awards including the 2013 Associates, Remodelers and Custom Builders ARC awards for Architectural design and interior design. Currently, the firm is managed by Marc Kleinmann who is known for luxurious, high-performance homes built with the latest technology. He is also an NAHB Certified Green professional and has served on the board of Directors of the Dallas Builders Association and is a past chairman of the Green Built Texas Program.

Calvis Wyant

8910 E. Raintree Dr.,., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Founded on the premise of single-source accountability, Calvis Wyant employs experts in architecture, design, and construction. As a firm that has been around for 34 years, Calvis Wyant is known for its streamlined design-build method that makes communication with its clients easier. This process is one of the advantages that has helped the firm win a plethora of awards including the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA)’s MAME (Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence) award for Custom Home of the Year Over $3 million. Last year, it also won the NAHB’s Best in America Living Award (BALA) for the prestigious National Custom Home Builder of the Year award. Alongside its collection of awards, the firm was also included in Luxe’s 2020 Gold list where it was an honoree in the architecture and home builder categories.

This award-winning firm is currently managed by founder Tony Calvis, known for his detailed approach to projects, and architectural designer Gary Wyant who contributes his innate ability to design spaces with a balance of volume, scale, and proportion that invites light and maximizes stunning views. Along with experienced principals, this firm also has memberships with the NAHB and the HBACA.

CarsonSpeer

2131 Woodruff Rd. Suite #2100, #334, Greenville, SC 29607

A firm that has been featured in AtHome, Palmetto Magazine, Heart and Soul, and Town Magazine, CarsonSpeer is known for its team of the finest craftsmen who helped the firm maintain building excellence. Being nationally recognized, CarsonSpeer also limits the number of projects it works on to keep up with quality. In its large portfolio, its most notable project is a midcentury modern remodel of a 3,000 square foot home. Major repairs included repairing the structural foundation, waterproofing, replacing the basement slab, and reroofing the entire home. The firm has only been around for eight years, but it has already won awards such as the NAHB Best in American Living Platinum Award, the NAHB’s Best in America Living Platinum Award, and Best in Region Remodel Las Vegas. In the same year, it also won two of HBA South Carolina’s Pinnacle Awards. By 2019, it also won the Pinnacle Award for Best Full Home Remodel over $500,000.

This award-winning firm currently has Steve Carson and James Speer guiding its activities. Carson is a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. With more than 20 years of construction experience, Carson has a multifaceted perspective on engineering, design, and general contracting. Speer also earned his construction science and management degree from Clemson University and has several years’ worth of experience working in commercial building. Currently, Speer serves as the president of the Home Builders Association of Greenville.

Detail Homes

1610 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

Detail Homes is a boutique design-build firm established in 2009. Along with a design-oriented approach that highlights the firm’s commitment to timeless designs and inimitable attention to detail, Detail Homes possesses a vast knowledge of the estate market. Currently, the firm is managed by co-principals Chris Van Klei and Ben Richter.

Klei has a background in architecture and interior design that makes him skilled in bringing design and planning aspects together; Richter has developed many successful investment properties over the period of his career. The firm has created homes that carry the midcentury modern style alongside the Tudor, colonial, Mediterranean, and urban farmhouse designs.

Dreamscape Homebuilders

4800 Mills Civic Pkwy. Suite #204, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Established by business partners TJ Clemons, Ryan Roberts, and Ou Meksay in 2011, Dreamscape Homebuilders specializes in modern craftsmanship, unique architecture, and innovative designs. With award-winning design professionals and 50 years’ worth of industry experience, the firm has been able to build homes such as Homeshow Brady.

A midcentury modern ranch house, it features an oversized courtyard garage, three skylights, over 30 windows, vaulted main and mid-level open stairs and railings, and an office nook. Aside from building homes like these, Dreamscape Homebuilders also offers minor services such as in-house design where the firm can present granite options, hardwood options, and even smartboard siding.

Hanson Fine Building

86 West Johnson St., Philadelphia, PA 19144

Hanson Fine Building has built several significant landmarks since its establishment. These include Nicholas Biddle’s country estate—Andalusia, Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, and the Historic Bartram’s Gardens and Athenaeum in Philadelphia. Alongside the creation of such important landmarks, the firm has created several single-family homes that carry beautiful designs. One of these is a midcentury modern home designed by architect Vincent Kling. A 1950’s house that included extensive renovations, it gained a new roof and insulation, new Arcadia double-glazed windows, a large-scale masonry restoration, and a new high-efficiency heating and cooling system.

The firm has been featured in the 2018 issue of Dwell, the 2017 issue of The Inquirer, and the 2015 issues of Fine Homebuilding Kitchen and Bath and This Old House. The firm has also won three of the Greater Philadelphia Preservation Alliance Achievement Awards and the AIA Philadelphia Award. The firm is currently led by co-principals John and Christopher Hanson. Christopher Hanson is a LEED accredited professional and has a master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. John Hanson meanwhile is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he received his bachelor’s degree in American Studies and a certificate in Historic Preservation. Currently, he is responsible for ensuring that the firm’s issues are sufficiently addressed at the early stages of a project to create a seamless hand-off to the production staff. Noting their expertise, the firm has memberships within several industry organizations including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Delaware Valley Building Council, the Greater Philadelphia Preservation Alliance, the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA), the Greater Philadelphia Passive House Association, and the Urban Land Institute.

Hammersmith Structures

201 Commerce Dr., #1, Fort Collins, CO 80524

A custom home builder and general contractor with more than ten years of experience in the construction industry, Hammersmith Structures specializes in the design-build of high-end, visually appealing custom homes. Usually such projects highlight the firm’s love for ambitious, difficult projects. One great example of these projects is the Lakeview home which provides a modern twist on the traditional midcentury modern style. One of the home’s most notable features is its open floor plan. To capture lake views from as many angles as possible, the home has huge windows that flood the house with natural light.

The view from the master bedroom’s vanity looks out over the lake with mirrors suspended from the ceiling to minimize interference. Even the basement workout room has an overhead door that rolls up to expose the outdoors. The home’s exterior, meanwhile, possesses traditional Colorado features—cedar siding, steel roofing, and locally sourced stone. Aside from homes with many great features, the firm frequently builds homes that have indoor pools, geothermal systems, or even a two-story waterfall that drops into a koi pond in the basement. Over the years, the firm has built quite a reputation for extensive residential remodels and unique commercial tenant finishes.

Hawkinson Construction Inc.

7700 Hillside Way, Anchorage, AK 99516

A firm that has been featured in the 2018 issue of Chugach Living Magazine, Hawkinson Construction Inc. has over 50 years of experience in the construction and remodeling industry as custom home builders ever since Bob Hawkinson founded it in 1968. During this time, the firm has been hiring some of the best and qualified professionals to keep the company’s high building standards. So far, these standards have helped the team create breathtaking homes that carry the midcentury modern, Scandanavian, modern, and Craftsman styles.

Currently, founder Bob Hawkinson Construction Inc. leads the firm. In his younger years, Hawkinson worked alongside his father, gaining experience that would later help him in his studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage where he got a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. After working 20 years for a local construction company, Hawkinson took over Hawkinson Construction Inc.

Hickman Homes

5412 Strickland Ave., Lakeland, FL 33812

Established in 1985, Hickman Homes is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), and is a certified Green professional by the NAHB. The firm has been recognized with awards for their quality and design construction which is most evident in the firm’s work on Leigh Harris’ mid-century modern home—a chic two-story home that carries a cool color palette, including a striking teal front door. For projects like these, Hickman Homes was able to win the 2018 Spring Parade of Homes award for Remodeler of the Year.

Hickman Homes is currently managed by Mike Hickman who was the past president of the FHBA and the PCBA where he was also a Life Board member. Hickman was also voted twice as the Builder of Record by Habitat for Humanity.

JPaul Builders

1 Reservoir Cir. Suite #100 Baltimore, MD 21153

A client-centric business, JPaul Builders has perfected the collaborative method with its clients after more than 25 years of serving the Greater Baltimore area. Over the years, it has built homes mostly in the midcentury modern and modern styles. One of the projects that most successfully shows the firm’s skills is the custom home in Pikesville. A midcentury modern home, it has open floor plans that highlight extensive views of the outside environment. JPaul Builders has been featured in magazines like Dwell, Architectural Digest, and Luxe. The firm has also won several of HBAM’s Award for Excellence for luxurious and environmentally friendly homes.

Currently, JPaul Builders is managed by company president Steven Lichter and owner Paul Licther who used to work for Toll Brother and other home builders prior to JPaul Builders.

Kasten Builders

3419 Regatta Blvd., Richmond, CA 94804

Established in 1972, Kasten Builders has built up a wide network with various professionals including architects, designers, landscapers, and realtors. During the years it has dedicated to construction, the firm has built single-family homes in the modern, midcentury modern, and new traditional Tudor styles. One of these is a midcentury home in Lafayette designed by architect firm Klopf Architecture. A renovation project, this home required complete interior and exterior upgrades including new cool roofs, high efficiency forced air, prefinished hard panelized siding, and a rain screen system.

Over time, the firm was recognized by magazines like Marin Home Magazine and San Francisco Chronicle. In 2018, Kasten Builders also won AIA’s Merit Design Award for the Two Way House remodel. Currently, this award-winning firm is handled by company president Denny Kasten who got his architectural degree from the Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield, Michigan.

KMV Builders

500 North Washington, 131 W 6th Street Ketchum, ID 83340

A 40-year old firm, KMV Builders is best known for building some of the most distinctive custom residences in Ketchum and Sun Valley. One great example of this is a midcentury modern home with an abundance of glass windows that reveal the home’s open, spacious floor plan. During the years of the firm’s existence, it was able to gain memberships within the USGBC and has gained awards such as the Industry Material Design Award and the Best of the Valley Award. Over time, its clients have recognized and complimented the firm for excellent communication skills and a hands-on work ethic. The firm’s abilities and honed skills can be rooted to the combined guidance and experiences of its founder and principals.

Company founder, Steve Kearns used to be an investment advisor prior to the company where he oversees all aspects of the company. Alongside him is co-principal, Erin McGinnis who has 40 years of experience in the construction industry, and co-principal Victor Vandenberg, best known for his enthusiasm and attention to detail.

Markay Johnson Construction

8679 Sandy Pkwy., Sandy, UT 84070

A design-build general contractor, Markay Johnson Construction is a reputable 30-year old firm known for crafting unique properties from coast to coast. Though the firm was only established in 2000, it has a diverse background in design, structural engineering, large commercial projects, and custom high-end residential construction. Thanks to this experience, the firm has been known to craft custom homes that successfully reflect the owner’s personality and lifestyle.

One of the homes that most exhibits the firm’s capabilities is The Hive. Projects like these are managed with the help of owner Markay Johnson. With a diverse background in structural engineering and construction management, Johnson adds a flair to his residential projects which has earned him the respect of clients and peers.

Moody and Sons Construction

899 Post Rd., Wells, ME 04090

Along the Maine and New Hampshire coasts, Moody and Sons Construction is renowned for building and renovating distinctive residential and commercial properties. Since the firm has been around for over 65 years, it has gathered a team of highly experienced craftsmen and specialized contractors who guarantee quality work. This team has helped the firm become featured three times in Maine Home + Design and in NH Home Magazine.

A great example of the firm’s residential properties is a midcentury modern home found on the southern coast of Maine. A home that’s charged with custom millwork and fine finishes throughout, it has been featured in the 2013 March edition of Maine + Home Design. Aside from building fine homes, Moody and Sons Construction also provides renovations, custom millwork, and sustainable building. Over time, the firm also gained memberships with the USGBC, the Architectural Woodworkers Institute (AWI), and the NAHB.

New Urban Home Builders

6883 Cascade Rd. SE, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

A boutique residential builder, New Urban Home Builders specializes in design-focused custom homes, additions, and renovations for clients in the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore areas. Over time, the firm has built up sturdy connections with some of the best architects, interior designers, and craftspeople in Michigan. Among the many homes it has built with such professionals, its work on a midcentury modern home is one of its most notable ones. Designed by Chad Gould, it features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows at the home’s rear and sides. Adding to its charms are exterior wood elements including a cedar wall built to mimic a fireplace stack and a custom cedar garage door. Its interior, meanwhile, is an open floor plan that seamlessly mixes the kitchen, dining and living rooms together while a floating staircase adds a unique touch to the home. Thanks to the many homes that the firm has built with such skilled hands, New Urban Home Builders has been recognized with 2018’s Cosmopolitan Home Magazine’s Renovation of The Year. At the same time, the NAHB also recognized it with the Best in American Living Award.

Currently, the firm is handled by owner Scott Branc. A former engineer, Branc served on the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and on the board of directors of the Home Builder Association of Greater Grand Rapids (HBAGGR). Currently, he is the president of his NAHB 20 Club chapter.

Prairie Design Build

270 Hillcrest Rd., W, Lake Quivira, KS

Prairie Design Build started off as a local carpentry contractor. Today, it is recognized for offering a wide range of services from new construction and remodels to passive house consulting and energy modeling. Throughout the years, the firm grew to become a full-service design and construction firm with a focus on high performance and delivering comfortable buildings. Prairie Design Build has been recognized with the 2015 REMY remodeler of the year award and the REMY Exterior Remodeler of the Year award.

Company president David Schleicher expertly manages the firm’s projects, guided by his years of experience. Over the last three decades, Schleicher worked closely with some of the city’s most recognized, high-end home builders including Ambassador Construction and Rick Standard.

Riverdell Construction

3262 Old Stage Rd., Central Point, OR 97502

A firm that specializes in building both luxury and modest custom homes, remodels, ‘green’ upgrades, and custom commercial building projects, Riverdell Construction has been one of Southern Oregon’s premier custom home builders for over 20 years. The firm is an Energystar Partner and a member of the NAHB and the Builders Association Southern Oregon (BASO). Since its establishment, Riverdell Construction has been building single-family homes that carry various styles including the modern, farmhouse, midcentury modern, Craftsman, rustic, European, and French country styles. Its most notable one is a midcentury home with a cool, chic palette that frames the home’s style. Though the project has an asymmetrical front façade, its backyard is perfectly symmetrical and has floor to ceiling windows that present an open floor plan.

The various projects that Riverdell Construction has built over the years have been managed and guided by company president Matt Bryant. A graduate of Oregon State University, Bryant is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Oregon and has extensive building and development knowledge. Due to this extensive knowledge, Bryant has been known to work with people in the Los Angeles entertainment industry including a custom home built for actor and comedian Jim Belushi.

Joseph McKinstry Construction Company

3304 Beacon Ave., South Seattle, WA 98144

Established in 1977, Joseph McKinstry Construction Company has been building enough single family homes to successfully get through challenging situations. Over the years, the firm has experienced building in difficult sites, fine-tuned detailing, tight budgets, and tight schedules. Thanks to this experience, the firm has been featured in various industry magazines including Luxe, The Seattle Times, Gray, and Seattle Magazine. So far, the firm has built homes that carry the Queen Anne, Craftsman, and modern styles alongside the mid century modern style. Currently, its most notable project is the Bellevue residence which was designed by architect firm Lane Williams Architects.

Sapia Builders

62 Neck Rd., Old Lyme, CT 06371

Possessing nearly 60 years of experience in the home building and remodeling industry, Sapia Builders is known to focus on building high-end, uniquely designed and crafted homes to homeowners up and down the Connecticut shoreline. It t has a portfolio filled with years’ worth of homes, many in the French country, colonial, and contemporary styles. Among these numerous projects, its most notable is Franzen Modern. Found in Essex, this renovation project was redesigned by Steve Schappacher in 2015. In the same year, the home was able to win the HOBI Award for Best Residential Remodel priced at $500,000 to $750,000. This HOBI award is just one of the many the firm has won over the years.

Sapia Builders is currently managed by owner and principal Nick Sapia. With more than 20 years of diverse project management experience in the construction and home building industry, Sapia is responsible for overseeing job operations and is involved in the entire building process. Sapia Builders is also a member of the NAHB, the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut, and the EPA. It is also a certified Green professional and an Energy Star Partner.

Studio Build

2119 Washington St., Kansas City, MO 64108

In 2008 Missouri added another design-build firm to its roster. Specializing in high-end residential and boutique commercial design, Studio Build builds single-family homes mostly in the midcentury modern and modern styles. The firm’s most notable is Drummond 7348: the most unique element is the basement added during the renovation. This addition remade the home from a small, two-bedroom and single bath home into a comfortable four-bedroom, three-bathroom house.

Noting the numerous projects it has completed during its years, Studio Build has gathered enough fame to gain features within several industry magazines: Kansas City At Home, Kansas City Spaces, Wall Street Journal, ArchDaily, KC Star, Contemporist, and most recently, Kansas City Spaces.

Taconic Builders

39 West 37th St., New York, NY 10018

Taconic Builders has a conservationist mindset. Established in 1987, this firm has a history of responsible recycling and resource management. The firm uses these experiences to create stunning homes that can carry styles from the midcentury modern to the contemporary, urban, farmhouse, and french eclectic styles. With a large portfolio filled with breathtaking homes, Taconic Builders has been featured in countless magazines including Veranda, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, HC and G, Luxe, and Architectural Digest.

President and CEO Vince Tyer guides the firm’s projects with the help of 24 years of management experience. The firm has multiple offices in New York and satellite offices in Los Angeles, South Florida, and London.

Tongue and Groove

6131 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403

Tongue and Groove was a firm founded on uncompromising standards and protecting a client’s financial investment. Since its establishment in 2001, the firm had become nationally recognized for a quality design team capable of managing and guiding the most complex projects. It has a collection of these beautiful homes but one of its most notable projects is The Bridges. With a design inspired by the midcentury architecture of Florida’s Golden Beach, the project has a sensitivity to the environment with a proliferate use of natural elements including stacked white stone façades and support columns that muddle the barrier between the interior and exterior.

The home is surrounded by water—koi ponds and trickling fountains make for a soothing entry; the interior opens up to these features with expansive plate glass walls and windows. Full-length windows double as folding partition doors that open the living room up to the lanai and pool deck. The home has gained several awards, including the 2019 ARDA Awards for best custom home and the 2019 MAX! Awards for best outdoor living space. Such award-winning projects have also gained the company features in publications such as Dwell, Professional Builder, House and Garden, Our State Magazine, Wilmington Business Journal, and Builder.

About Our Rankings

This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.