Modern Rustic Homes’ custom homes masterfully merge Old World craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech
Striving to assist clients with every aspect of bringing their dream home to life, Modern Rustic Homes employs a design-build strategy that realizes clients’ ideas and reflects their desired lifestyle. The company has purposely structured its standards to cater to customer preferences regarding residential style, floor plan and amenities. However, certain elements remain constant throughout the construction process. Indeed, Modern Rustic ensures that every home is plumb, level, and square, with mechanical systems optimized for efficiency and comfort. Additionally, technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the home to enhance connectivity and modern living.
“Modern Rustic Homes’ origins trace back to when Joe Dixon, who was a general contractor, met with me, a designer, to discuss a personal remodeling project. That experience solidified our professional relationship as a design-build team; a partnership that has endured for over 30 years. Since then, we have designed and built over 400 homes and have been featured in national and international publications multiple times. Simply put, our mission is to help customers achieve the house they want; one that truly reflects how they wish to live, showcases their interests, embraces the unique characteristics of the building site, and supports their lifestyle preferences. All of this is accomplished by blending Old World craftsmanship with the latest technologies,” begins Michael Grant, Owner.
Expanding on this topic, Michael explains how Modern Rustic Homes strikes the perfect balance between rustic style, modern demands, and technology. “The way we live in our homes today is more different than ever before. Homes serve as more than just shelter, they are also our place of business, a theater, a gym and a workspace for crafts and hobbies, as well as a gathering place for friends and family. By incorporating rustic materials, we infuse the spaces we craft with a tactile quality that makes them immediately more comfortable while still providing modern conveniences that make daily living a bit easier. For instance, installing CAT 5 cabling or enhancing Wi-Fi connectivity is not as difficult as it once was. Additionally, personal preferences for style and convenience play a significant role. There is a growing demand for specific storage solutions so that everything can have an appropriate and adequate place within the house. Furthermore, our homes are integrated with high-tech features to meet the connectivity needs of today’s families.”
Reflecting on his early days, Michael shares insights into how he became involved in the home building industry. “As a young boy, I spent time on job sites with my dad, mainly helping to pick up nails. I was fascinated by the process of putting a house together and later came to appreciate the value of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Joe, who now oversees the construction side of our design-build company, also discovered his passion for construction and home improvement at an early age. He is notably gifted in transforming 2D plans into tangible, 3D realities. In addition, Joe has an innate ability to immediately envision the ideal placement of a house on the property and manages the construction process for eight to ten houses simultaneously, which is truly remarkable,” he enlightens.
Michael delves into the company’s approach to home building, highlighting how the team effectively manages multiple projects simultaneously. “Typically, we have between 24 and 28 projects on the production board at any given time, encompassing design projects, pre-production, and those actively under construction. Each client and each house is different. At the moment, we are collaborating with developers on two projects to create signature plans that align with the demographics of their target market. This process establishes architectural guidelines, price points and amenities. The North Georgia area, with its beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains, has become a popular destination for many people relocating from larger cities to build their retreat houses or forever homes. I always emphasize to developers that their projects must be executed flawlessly, as you only get one chance to make a good first impression on potential buyers.”
Throughout the years, the home building sector has faced many ups and downs, affecting businesses all over the US. Despite these challenges, Modern Rustic Homes has remained resilient. “Housing is a prime indicator of economic prosperity and downturns, thus the ability to adapt is essential. During the economic debacle of 2008 and 2009, we were fortunate to have a backlog of contracted work, which allowed our crews and subcontractors to continue working. This experience also cemented a relationship of trust, gratitude, and loyalty with them that endures to this day. These skilled professionals understand the quality on which we have built our company’s reputation and are strategic partners in our endeavors. Current economic and cultural circumstances serve as a painful reminder that the housing market is greatly influenced by the costs of materials, loans and skilled labor,” Michael says.
Since the early 2000s, Michael has been a valued member of the Georgia High County Builders Association. We learn more about his role within the organization as well as its purpose. “As a board member, my key responsibilities involve meeting programming and membership recruitment. The association’s mission encompasses several objectives. First, it provides a networking platform for builders and businesses that support construction by supplying materials or services. Additionally, it serves as a conduit for continuing education. Construction is the third largest industry in our area. As such, it’s essential to attract and train new builders to maintain quality and compliance at a professional level. Another aspect of the association’s mission is advocacy. We interact with our elected officials to make sure that they understand the impact of legislation on the industry and the community. This includes voicing our concerns when restrictions on the building industry are punitive or unnecessary. Lastly, we are devoted to giving back. Our association regularly donates time, talent and money to a variety of charities, such as food pantries, scouting programs, scholarships, and affordable housing initiatives,” he informs.
As 2025 comes to a close, Michael reveals what lies ahead for Modern Rustic Homes in the upcoming year. “We are fortunate to have new construction projects lined up for the next two years to keep our crews, subcontractors and suppliers busy. This presents an excellent opportunity for clients to begin the programming stage of designing their new homes. I always tell our clients that the least expensive house they will ever build is the one we design on paper, so it’s essential to get it right before we break ground,” he ends.