North Carolina’s Premier Home Builder:
Crafting Forever Homes
About Us
McMillan Design Build was founded in 2008 by Michael J McMillan Sr, whose over 25 years of construction career has a proven track record of creating masterful builds, unique luxury homes and innovative renovations of schools and church facilities.
Our previous developments and commercial projects exceed $80 million, and can be seen throughout Charlotte, Myers Park and The Point.
Having developed sites for multiple builds in residential as well for commercial development, McMillan Design Build is poised to transition our expertise into commercial mixed-use development with our partners at VALTC.
At McMillan Design Build, whether you're envisioning a new forever home, planning an addition, considering a major renovation, thinking of a house design or commercial construction, you can trust us to lead the way and look after your best interests at every step.
We take charge of the process to bring your Lake Norman dream home to life, while always keeping your goals and well-being at the forefront.
Meet The Team
Michael McMillan
Michael McMillan is the President of MCM–McMillan Builders, a full-service design-build firm serving the Charlotte and Lake Norman region. With more than 24 years of experience in residential, commercial, and institutional construction, Michael has built a reputation for creating thoughtfully designed, high-quality projects that stand the test of time. Prior to founding McMillan Builders in 2008, Michael spent over a decade as a construction manager with nationally recognized luxury homebuilders and development firms. During that time, he was responsible for building many of Charlotte’s most recognized show homes and HomeArama tour homes in premier communities, including Myers Park, The Point on Lake Norman, and gated luxury neighborhoods throughout South Charlotte. Since launching MCM–McMillan Builders, Michael has led projects ranging from custom luxury residences and renovations to schools, church facilities, commercial developments, and large-scale site development, with completed projects exceeding $80 million in value. Notable work includes the Community School of Davidson where Michael personally built the Arts Wing, Black Box Theater, and major administrative and classroom renovations and the Cornelius Veterans Monument, which he was honored to be selected to build in 2011. An early adopter and innovator in building science, Michael is deeply passionate about barrier-free, healthy, and energy-efficient homes. He is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS III) one of the earliest in the country through the National Association of Home Builders and began formally developing and marketing multi-generational living concepts in 2019. His work focuses on creating “forever homes” that support independence, adaptability, and long-term wellness. Michael is a Master Contractor and has held an NC Unlimited Licensed Building Contractor license in both residential and commercial construction since 1999. He continues to expand the firm’s expertise into commercial and mixed-use development, partnering with forward-thinking collaborators while maintaining a hands-on, detail-driven approach to every project. Michael proudly served in the U.S. Navy’s Construction Battalion (Seabees). While in the reserves, he attended the University of Dayton before relocating to North Carolina in 1997. He remains actively involved in the community and has served on the boards of several nonprofit and civic organizations, including Pharos Parenting (past board member), the National Exchange Club, Evening Club of Lake Norman, and the Rotary Club of Davidson. Michael, his wife Kathleen, and their three children live in Davidson, North Carolina, on a property designed and built by McMillan Design Build in 2020—a reflection of the same principles, craftsmanship, and livability he brings to every project.
Amelia McMillan
Amelia has grown up immersed in design, working for McMillan Builders through school, she now joins us as an Interior Architect and Designer, having graduated from Colorado State University from the CIDA accredited Interior Architecture program. Her love for conceptual design, hand sketching, and ideation is the driving force behind her designs. Passionate about sustainability, and accessible, long lasting design, she is excited to continue her professional career here in North Carolina.
Kathleen McMillan
After 28 years in education, Kathleen made the move into the building industry and now serves as Creative Director and Controller at McMillan Builders. She blends creativity with structure, leading branding and client touch while helping keep projects organized, helping ensure a smooth, thoughtful experience from start to finish.
Explore Our Work
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The Homestead
At the heart of who we are is the McMillan Homestead, our own hand-designed, self-sustainable home set on two acres in Davidson. It is a 1900s-style farmhouse we designed and built ourselves, surrounded by gardens, an orchard, and a certified North Carolina wildlife preserve along a state scenic byway.
The Homestead is more than where we live and work. It is the truest expression of how we think about home: built with intention, rooted in nature, and made to last for generations. The same craft, care, and building science we poured into our own home shapes every project we take on.
Winner of Best Single Family Home—$750k-$1M
Nordic design inspired this forest setting, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and nature. This five-year project incorporated innovative and cost-effective building methods. This home showcases an authentic aesthetic throughout the use of structural steel components, concrete, metal and glass.
The client sought barrier-free living, healthy indoor quality and comfort, and sustainable building assemblies. The drainage system offers drainage to a small erosion control pond. The NAHB certified program of CAPS Universal Design incorporation ensures safe and accessible comfort for all abilities and generations.
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Winner of Best Of The Lake Norman Home Addition — $260,000-$400,000
McMillan Design Build managed to artfully marry a contemporary living space to a 1940’s brick bungalow in Chantilly. The addition preserved the home’s front elevation, and hence the neighborhood’s traditional streetscape.
The delightful surprise of a 1,000-square-foot contemporary addition crafted from Green Glazed Brick and featuring a cantilevered rear porch is just barely visible from the street.
The addition incorporated the sustainable, durable and environmentally friendly building practices and design elements for which McMillan Design Build is known.
