About Midwest Design Homes

Our story begins in 1927 when Jon Huss’s grandfather founded Frank Huss Excavating, laying the groundwork for a family legacy in construction. The business was passed down to the next generation in 1972 to sons Ron and Dan. Growing up around the equipment, job sites, and work ethic that defined the family business, Jon developed a deep understanding of the trades from an early age. He eventually launched his own landscaping business, continuing the hands-on tradition and expanding his knowledge of how homes come together from the ground up. In 1991, Jon took the leap into homebuilding and founded Jon Huss Custom Homes, driven by a desire to create high-quality homes with lasting value.

After starting in landscaping and duplex construction, Jon launched Jon Huss Custom Homes with the vision of building quality homes rooted in craftsmanship and value.

As Jon built more homes and listened to his clients, he recognized a common struggle: custom homebuilding felt overwhelming for many families. In 2005, Jon and his wife, Jodi Huss, co-founded Midwest Design Homes with a mission to simplify the custom building experience. Together, they envisioned a better way forward—offering a series of pre-designed, thoughtfully built homes that had already been tested for livability, flow, and design. These homes served as a solid starting point that homeowners could then personalize to fit their unique needs and lifestyle.

That same year, Jon and Jodi built and opened the Midwest Design Center in Kaukauna, WI. This innovative space brought together all the key selections homeowners need to make—from cabinetry and countertops to flooring and lighting—under one roof. This helped save time, eliminate guesswork, and improve the building process from start to finish.

One of the greatest strengths of Midwest Design Homes is its commitment to continuous improvement. Every plan is constantly refined—whether it’s optimizing space for better flow, adding energy-efficient features, or making small comfort upgrades. These thoughtful tweaks ensure every plan stays fresh, functional, and ready for personalization.

At Midwest Design Homes, we believe in delivering a truly custom feel without the pressure of starting from scratch. Whether you’re building on your own lot or choosing from one of our carefully selected subdivisions, we work with you to make sure your home feels distinct from the neighbors and perfectly suited to your family’s needs. It’s a thoughtful, streamlined approach to custom homebuilding—backed by decades of experience and a legacy of hard work.

With more than 550 homes built and over a million square feet constructed, Midwest Design Homes continues to grow, focusing on building communities in Appleton, Green Bay, and beyond while staying true to its mission: offering a custom feel without the overwhelm.