Harrison Homes’ Scott Hudson talks land, legacy and his beginnings

When Scott Hudson bought his first infill lot with his dad back in 2007, he wasn’t just building a house—he was laying the foundation for what would become one of metro Atlanta’s leading custom home builders. Since then, Harrison Homes has built more than 400 luxury residences across the North Metro region, growing from a speculative housing venture into a premier developer known for its design-forward culture, structural excellence and full-service approach to residential construction.

With an eye for land development and a background in asset management, Scott has led the company’s evolution from custom homes to townhome and single-family communities in top-tier markets like Brookhaven, Alpharetta and Milton. Today, Harrison Homes is helping shape the future of residential living across Greater Atlanta—building for rent and for sale, and always with a focus on lasting value.

We sat down with Scott to talk growth, vision and what drives his passion for creating homes with purpose.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your industry story?

I’m the owner and founder of Harrison Homes, which I started in 2007. My homebuilding career began while managing real estate assets across multifamily, residential, office and hotel sectors. I purchased my first infill lot with my dad, and from that single project, our company grew one home at a time. We expanded into custom home building, and then residential neighborhoods.

I love what I do—it never feels like work.

I thrive on every part of the process: finding land, conducting feasibility studies, securing entitlements, and overseeing construction, all within a great team environment. We’re in the business of creating roofs over heads, a vital need today, especially in the Southeast. It’s rewarding to see Harrison’s final product, which turns into homes for the families that inhabit them.

Give us a snapshot on your company?

Harrison Homes is an award-winning general contractor with a reputation for timeless, yet progressive design and structural integrity. Harrison works with developers to design and build detached single-family and multifamily townhome neighborhoods. We handle everyone from site work, architectural design, interior design, preconstruction, procurement and vertical construction.

What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in the building trade today?

One of the biggest challenges for developers and homebuilders is navigating the increasingly complex entitlement and permitting processes along with varying zoning laws. Each municipality operates differently, many of which are experiencing high turnover with staff. This impacts the turnaround time for securing necessary approvals, which makes it more expensive to build homes because the process is slower and less efficient.

What does the labor pool look like? How are you attracting and retaining skilled workers for your projects?

Harrison Homes is fortunate to work with a well-vetted group of Trade Partners. Many of those subcontractors have worked with Harrison for over a decade. We’re always looking for the best talent in the industry, who do quality work and take pride in what they build.

How do you see the role of technology evolving in the residential construction sector?

Technology is reshaping many aspects of residential construction, both behind the scenes and in our finished homes. Internally, AI is revolutionizing our processes—streamlining everything from Accounts Payable to construction management—unlocking efficiency gains we once only imagined.

In our homes, smart technology, Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, and sustainable green solutions are not just features; they’re setting new standards for modern living. We’re only scratching the surface, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements to build smarter, more efficient homes for the future.

How do you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new building materials and techniques?

Harrison Homes is committed to innovation. Our VP of Purchasing works hand in hand with trusted vendors and industry experts to monitor the latest advancements in materials and techniques.

When we discover a new tool or material that boosts efficiency while meeting our high-quality standards, we implement it. This proactive approach ensures that our homes are built with the best, most cutting-edge methods available.

What advice would you give to homeowners looking to purchase new construction?

It’s important that buyers looking at purchasing a new construction home understand the contract specifications and what is included in their builder grade specifications and design finishes. This will vary from builder to builder. They should also research the builder’s reputation and warranty inclusions.

Can you share a story about the uniqueness of the project you have worked on? What made it stand out?

Harrison Homes recently completed the design of some high-end townhomes that are part of an upcoming mixed-use development and the homes have unique features. The premium model offers a private courtyard with options such as an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and temperature-controlled plunge pool.

These homes also feature a detached two car garage with an optional apartment with kitchenette for guests or multigenerational living. The townhomes also have elevators, dedicated golf cart parking, sky view terraces, epicurean kitchens with quartz countertops, a scullery, upscale lighting and trim packages, wet bars, white oak hardwood floors and golf course views. These residences will be stunning.

What do you believe is the future of residential construction?

The housing shortage will spark transformative zoning reforms, which will ultimately impact density.

How are you preparing your business to meet those changes?

Harrison has adapted our business model to focus on more BTR products and building communities.

Describe a typical day.

On a typical day, I’m jumping from managing cash flow, to evaluating the potential of new projects, communicating with construction managers and solving whatever challenges present themselves.

What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?

Connecting with more developers and finding new clients.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the finished product come to life. There’s a great sense of pride knowing that you’ve helped provide quality spaces for people to call home.

What was the best advice you ever received?

“It’s always the darkest before dawn!”

What’s the best thing a client ever said to you?

A simple” thank you” for a job well done is still the best compliment a client can give.