Today we’d like to introduce you to Garland Harris Jr.
Hi Garland, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Garland Harris Jr.’s passion for the built environment took root early. In the seventh grade, a chance meeting with an architect sparked an initial fascination with design. However, the true turning point arrived in the eleventh grade when he watched a grassy field systematically transform into the Telfair subdivision in Sugar Land, igniting a lifelong interest in real estate development. He followed that passion to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), where he studied architecture and community development. During his time at PVAMU, Garland balanced his rigorous academic pursuits with athletics as a member of the football team, notably winning a conference championship in 2009. He ultimately earned both a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a Master’s in Community Development.
Building on that foundation, Garland spent the next 15 years gaining hands-on experience in residential construction. Combined with his background as a former realtor, this multidimensional expertise gave him a comprehensive, ground-up view of the real estate lifecycle. Today, he is a prominent Houston-based developer and the President of Middle Housing Design Co. He champions the “missing middle”—urban infill and walkable neighborhood designs ranging from duplexes and quadplexes to cottage courts and accessory dwelling units—to bridge the gap between single-family homes and mid-rise apartments.
At Middle Housing Design Co., Garland continues to push the boundaries of modern development. His firm offers an expansive catalog of stock house plans, custom architectural design, and a cutting-edge Visual Marketing Suite that leverages generative AI platforms. Expanding his vision for efficient, scalable construction, he also recently launched Middle Housing Mods, a factory-built modular division. His innovative approach to gentle density was recently recognized on a national scale when he earned top honors in both the 2-family and 4-family categories at the 2026 City of Cincinnati Build Ready competition.
Beyond his development projects, Garland is a dedicated media creator who believes in making industry knowledge accessible. Through his YouTube channel, The Middle Housing Network, and his flagship series MHDC: Ground Up, he shares transparent site tours, digital workflows, and data-driven insights to equip the next generation of developers with the tools to transform their own communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nope. I was broke and unemployed for most of 2016 and 2017. I’ve been divorced and have since remarried. My credit score in 2018 was a 518. We had a investor run out on us in a project in 2016 that killed a deal. Even when we began building, we ran into issues. Our first new construction project, we had 20 windows stolen from us the day after they were delivered. We brought a home to flip in 2018 from an auction without a survey and found out later that our fence was on our neighbor’s property and had to buy it back from them. We struggled to get financing on our first project back in 2016. We had a lot that we brought with some partners in 2018 that turned out to be stolen and is still tied up in a legal battle till this day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Middle Housing Design Co, a leading residential design firm based in Houston, Texas. Established in 2019, we specialize in infill development, catering to the diverse needs of urban communities. Our focus lies in crafting innovative designs for townhouses, small multi-family projects, garage apartments (ADUs), narrow lot projects, and small house plans. We also offer educational resources to help individuals begin their journey into developing neighborhoods.
Our Mission
At Middle Housing Design Co, our mission is to transform spaces into vibrant, sustainable communities through thoughtful and purposeful design. We believe in creating homes that not only meet the needs of modern living but also contribute positively to the fabric of their neighborhoods. The Hood is What We Make It!
Our Services
Residential Design:
Our team of skilled residential designers are passionate about creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. From concept development to construction documentation, we handle every aspect of the design process with precision and creativity.
Infill Development:
We specialize in infill development, revitalizing underutilized urban areas and maximizing the potential of existing lots. Our designs seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment, enhancing the overall appeal of the neighborhood.
Educational Resources:
In addition to our design services, we are committed to empowering others in the field of real estate development. Through our ebooks, courses, workshops, and coaching programs, we provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to aspiring developers, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry.
What sets us apart is we are developers ourselves and understand the full process of a project.
We are proud of the work we have produced in neighborhoods around the country. Making modern design more attainable.
Our slogan is, the hood is what we make it! Meaning, just because an area looks bad now, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
More missing middle projects will be built. Cities are revising their zoning rules to make it easier to build 2-4 unit properties and smaller homes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://middlehousingdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middlehousingdesignco/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garland-harris-jr-m-cd-18b10848
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@middlehousingnetwork
