Meet the team behind
Dunning Custom Homes
Dunning Custom Homes is a Pittsboro, North Carolina-based custom home builder specializing in unique, high-end projects. Proudly family owned and operated, our team partners with industry leading vendors and craftsmen to produce inspired, one-of-a-kind outcomes across Orange, Chatham, and Wake counties.
Family is our first priority at Dunning Custom Homes , where we craft homes that are worthy of the memories you'll share within it.
For over 20 years, we've built our business on deep local connections and relentless attention to detail.
What our clients say
Our people make it possible
John M. Dunning
Owner, Founder
John M. Dunning has been the owner and leader of Dunning Custom Homes for 23 years. With 35 years of industry experience and an early career as a New York City based illustrator and graphic designer, John has been able to execute a creative, yet practical approach that marries form to function. John is a proud father of 3 and has been happily married for 29 years. He holds an unlimited building license which allows the Dunning team to tackle residential and commercial projects of any scale.
John L. Dunning
Director of Construction
John L. Dunning is a second-generation builder who grew up on the job-site. In college, he studied supply chain and operations management at NC State, where he learned the importance of standardized processes, responsible sourcing, and lean management principles. Also a licensed general contractor, he has followed in his father’s footsteps to becoming a master-builder. John touts his his unique approach to construction
management, which maximizes quality while offering industry minimal timelines. He is
happily married to Lexy Dunning.
Marner Dunning
Designer, Selections Coordinator
With a passion for bringing new homes to life, Marner is a talented Interior Designer and
Selection Coordinator that specializes in whole house design and product selections.
For years, Marner has been working alongside her brother (John M. Dunning), blending
their skills to deliver exceptional, cohesive designs for Dunning Custom Homes. With a project management and design background, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for
creating harmonious living spaces, Marner plays a crucial role in guiding clients through
the intricate process of selecting finishes and materials that perfectly align with their
vision and lifestyle. Her dedication to quality and the ability to translate client aspirations into beautifully realized homes make her an integral part of this construction team. Marner is mom to two adult children and lives in the Chapel Hill / Pittsboro area.
Lexy Dunning
Operations Manager
Lexy is an integral part of the team who wears many hats. Land search specialist, listing agent, permitting wiz, closing coordinator, and change-order manager, just to name a few (a lot). Lexy works closely with all members of our team to ease the day-to-day and serves as a liaison between us and our clients, helping to maximize and simplify communication.
Susan Dunning
Finance Manager
Susan is a retired career-long Pharmacist whose superb attention to detail has translated to a careful approach to financial management. She is responsible for all incoming and outgoing payments and works closely with our clients and their lenders. She is happily married to John M. Dunning and mother to 3 adult children.
See the difference in design-build
Our collaborative design-build process enables clients to have equal parts control and guidance throughout the home construction process.
Starting with where and how you’ll build, to the finest architectural plans and material selection, Dunning Custom Homes is ready to serve along the way.
