PERSONAL.

For Northside Builders, that single word carries tremendous weight. Since its founding in 2019, the Atlanta-based custom home firm has started each of its projects there, planted firmly on the belief that a home is profoundly and uniquely personal. How each client envisions their home is different. Therefore, each build is different. It’s a philosophy that extends beyond blueprints and building codes, shaping the way Northside Builders approaches not only projects but also conversations with clients.

That approach begins with listening. “Every client has different priorities: how they live, what they value, what feels like ‘home’ to them,” says John McHugh, co-owner of Northside Builders. “Our role is to take that input and translate it into a design and build process that reflects their lifestyle—not just something that looks good on paper.”

For McHugh, no two projects are ever the same. “From layout decisions to material selections, we focus on the details that make a space functional, meaningful and lasting. We also bring in the right partners—architects, interior designers, landscape architects, trade specialists and vendors—to ensure every part of the home works in harmony,” he says.

That vision was shared from the beginning by McHugh and architect Jon Davis. Together, they founded Northside Builders to unite high-quality construction with thoughtful design. “I grew up on jobsites, learning the value of doing things right,” says McHugh. “When I met Jon, it was clear we came at building from complementary angles. He brought architectural expertise and a passion for design. I brought hands-on construction and project execution. Together, we balance practicality and artistry.”

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Davis spent 15 years practicing architecture in Atlanta before partnering with McHugh in 2019. McHugh, meanwhile, built his career through commercial construction, multifamily development, infrastructure and residential building. Their combined experience allows them to bridge vision and reality. “We vet design ideas early through the lens of construction—cost, timeline, materials, site conditions,” McHugh explains. “That back-and-forth preserves design integrity while minimizing surprises.”

Collaboration, then, is at the heart of Northside Builders—not only between McHugh and Davis but also with clients and partners. “The best results come when the right people are at the table early,” McHugh says. “We see designers and architects as part of the core team, not as add-ons. When everyone works together, the result is intentional, cohesive and deeply personal.”

And there it is again: personal. It defines not only the homes Northside builds but also the way McHugh and Davis conduct their business. “We’re involved with our clients from the first conversation to the final walkthrough—and beyond,” says McHugh. “We’re not managing from a distance. We’re on-site, in the meetings, making sure the details align with the client’s vision. Every home is a reflection of the people who live in it.”

Challenges, of course, are part of the process, but Northside meets them with clarity. “We prioritize transparency and problem-solving,” says McHugh. “When issues arise, we present clear options and collaborate on solutions. Those moments often lead to creative improvements and to stronger relationships built on trust.”

That trust comes from communication. “Over the past six years, we’ve learned how critical it is to be clear and consistent,” McHugh says. “Clients value honesty about budgets, timelines and potential challenges. We’ve also gotten better at anticipating issues before they arise and involving clients in decisions without overwhelming them. Building trust is as important as building the home itself.”

Innovation excites the team at Northside Builders, especially smarter building science, sustainable materials and technology that enhances everyday living. “Our clients want homes that perform better but still feel warm and timeless,” McHugh explains. “We strive to work with the design professional to build the vision. Design leads, but it’s grounded in thoughtful, future-minded choices. At Northside, we are focused on staying current with what’s next without chasing trends. That means continuing to invest in better methods, tighter project delivery and thoughtful design that responds to how people really live, especially here in Atlanta, where the housing landscape is constantly evolving.”

This balance between forward-thinking and timelessness is reinforced by Northside’s membership in the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. “The Institute emphasizes timeless design principles, classical design, craftsmanship and historical accuracy,” says McHugh. “That perspective sharpens our eye for detail and reminds us that great design is enduring, not trend-driven.”

For McHugh and Davis, every home is more than a project—it’s a story, a reflection of the lives within. By weaving together craftsmanship, innovation and respect for tradition, Northside Builders has carved a distinct place in Atlanta’s evolving landscape, one highly personal home at a time. *

Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her on X at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.