At Middle Housing Company, we recognize the growing need for housing options that bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments. Our innovative approach focuses on creating thoughtfully designed, high-quality dwellings that cater to a diverse range of needs and lifestyles.
Building Smarter,
Building a Difference
about usFounded in 2020 by Atlanta natives Derek Turner and Knox Rawson, The Middle Housing Company is a home building company specializing in Land Acquisition & Development, Fee Building & Development, and Joint Ventures with not-for-profits, investors, private equity groups, and other partners.
Our design-build expertise allows us to manage projects from inception to certificate of occupancy, working with a skilled team of engineers and architects to deliver designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, and cost.
We take a proactive approach with municipalities to streamline approvals and keep projects moving efficiently. Backed by a strong network of trades and vendors, we provide top-quality craftsmanship at competitive prices.
Committed to addressing cost effective, high-quality housing to provide relative affordability in desirable locations.
Meet the Team
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Founder & President
Derek grew up in a family of homebuilders and has been involved in the business since childhood. After working with his father and completing his education at Georgia Tech, he joined a startup home-building company as an initial employee (Front Door Communities).
Throughout his career, Derek has managed various aspects of homebuilding, including securing funding, obtaining land entitlements, and overseeing development/construction.
Derek helped FrontDoor Communities grow to over 150 annual home closings by playing a crucial role in raising equity & debt, land acquisition & development, and operational duties…including assisting with the disposition to Stanley Martin Homes.
Derek then worked with a boutique real estate consulting firm as a consultant and advised top national, regional, and local builders, providing in-depth market research and financial analysis. He developed land acquisition strategies, assessed project feasibility for builders/lenders, and played a key role in valuating homebuilding companies during the merger and acquisition process across the SE United States.
Today, he is fully dedicated to the success of Middle Housing Company, overseeing every aspect of its operations. His responsibilities include managing land and homebuilding strategies, land acquisition due diligence, financial oversight, investor and client relations, design/permitting, municipal coordination, and property disposition.
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Founder & VP of Construction
Knox is an Atlanta native and has been actively involved in real estate development and homebuilding since 2015.
He began his career constructing high-end single-family homes on expansive estate lots, with most exceeding 4,000 square feet and valued at over $1 million, requiring meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Today, Knox focuses on developing high-density communities with smaller, more efficient homes, often exceeding 20 units per acre and as compact as 500 square feet. These projects demand innovative design solutions, strategic land use, and careful coordination to maximize livability while maintaining affordability.
Knox oversees the day-to-day onsite operations, managing projects from permit approval to certificate of occupancy. He ensures developments remain on schedule and within budget while upholding investor and client expectations. His ability to navigate complex construction challenges and streamline processes is key to project success.
As a licensed General Contractor in Georgia, Knox has extensive experience in both residential and commercial construction, bringing a hands-on, results-driven approach that balances efficiency, quality, and financial performance.
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Strategic Advisor, Minority Owner of The Middle Housing Company through Frontdoor Communities
Terry Russell brings 40 years of homebuilding experience, including 25+ years of leadership in the SE.
Prior to co-founding FrontDoor Communities, he served as President of Reynolds Development and Management Group. He also spent 22 years with John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods, the last five as CEO, leading the company to consecutive years of record revenues and profits. Under his leadership, the company was named "America's Best Builder" in 2005.
As a strategic advisor to MHC., Terry provides invaluable guidance on land acquisition, development planning, and operational strategy, drawing from his decades of leadership in the homebuilding industry. His expertise in market positioning, financial structuring, and builder-developer partnerships helps shape the company’s growth trajectory.
Leveraging Terry’s extensive network and deep understanding of the homebuilding industry, his strategic oversight enhances Middle Housing Co.’s ability to deliver well-executed, high-quality developments.
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Strategic Advisor, Minority Owner of The Middle Housing Company through FrontDoor Communities
Mike Langella brings 30+ years of experience in the homebuilding and community development industry, with extensive work in the Southeast U.S.
Before partnering with Terry Russell to establish FrontDoor Communities, Mike held leadership positions at John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods, including Senior VP of Strategy & Development and President of the Charleston, SC and Atlanta, GA homebuilding divisions.
Prior to that, he worked for WCI Communities, developing and operating communities in SW Florida and California. Mike actively owns and manages Havenn Homes, a SE United States home builder.
As a strategic advisor to the Middle Housing Company, Mike brings decades of expertise in homebuilding, land development, and community planning. His leadership experience at top homebuilding firms, coupled with his active role as owner of Havenn Homes, provides valuable insight into market trends, product design, and operational efficiencies.
His strategic guidance ensures The Middle Housing Company remains adaptable and well-positioned for long-term success in the evolving housing market.
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Controller
Ashley serves as controller for the Middle Housing Company and manages all accounting workflows.
She ran the financial operations for an industrial supplier for 30+ years and co-owned the business for 13 years until it’s sale in 2023.
Ashley has a BSHE degree from UGA in Housing.
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Strategic Advisor, CPA
Tony has over 45 years of experience in tax planning, estate and trust accounting, and financial consulting.
He founded the Alliance of Financial Professionals, AFP, in 1984, which specializes in tax planning, estate and trust accounting, and financial advisory services. Prior, he worked as a Senior Tax Accountant at Ernst & Young.
Tony has served a number of small to large homebuilders throughout the Atlanta MSA while both working at Ernst & Young and with his own company as well.
Tony has been the accountant for Derek’s family of homebuilder’s for all three generations. Today, he shares his financial knowledge and wisdom to guide The Middle Housing Company’s accounting, bookkeeping, and reporting policies. His vast experience and resources are crucial to the company’s successful operation.
A Partner You Can TrustChoosing The Middle Housing Company gives you a partner dedicated to excellence and transparency. We tailor our services to your unique goals and deliver results you can count on. With a proven record of successful collaborations, we’ve earned a reputation as a reliable, forward-thinking homebuilder in the Atlanta area.
Let us bring your vision to life.
