Our Process

You pop the Champagne. We’ll handle the rest.

We seek to create architecturally amazing, functional homes that align with your style, wishes and budget, so we work with you to plan every little detail before we break ground. Our detailed pre-build process helps to determine the exact price and plan for your home and eliminate any unpleasant surprises.

Initial Meeting

First things first. We’ll identify what you are looking for in a home: size, lot, neighborhood, amenities. We’ll then talk process and decide how to bring your vision to life–within your budget, of course.

Build

We break ground; you sit back and relax. Seriously. Our project managers with construction management degrees will oversee your project and make sure it stays on schedule for you. Our proprietary SimpleBuild client portal allows you to track the progress of your home from anywhere in the world. See checklists and photos of the build’s progress and approve change orders with the click of a button.

Planning

Once we’ve determined that an Aspen Home is indeed the right fit (was there ever any doubt?), we’ll start planning. If you know what you want, great! If you need a little (or a lot of) help, we’ll share existing floor plans, elevations and exteriors for inspiration. Our in-house Draftsman will guide you through every step of the planning phase.

Move-in

We’ll walk you through everything from how to operate your smart home equipment to how to maintain your home. Our team will conduct a 30-day and 11-month warranty check to ensure every aspect of your home continues to meet, and exceed, your expectations.

Design

With a design agreement in place, our in-house draftsman will begin piecing together your wish list. This phase involves several meetings to finalize the floor plan and specifications. You will also consult with our interior designers and meet for materials and interior finish selections. Once the interior and exterior designs are complete (yay!), you will receive a final pricing and building contract. Our estimator collects multiple bids from our loyal and trusted subcontractors and suppliers to give you true numbers upfront before we break ground, leaving no surprises for you at the closing table.

Let's Build

Our Team

Meet the team.

Ryan Windmiller

Job Title: Owner, Founder

“It’s really important for me to give our clients an extremely well-built home at a good value and to make sure the experience is outstanding for them from start to finish.”

Ryan is a visionary entrepreneur and the esteemed president and owner of Aspen Homes and Windmiller Design Build. From a tender age of 12, Ryan’s profound passion for home building became apparent. His unwavering dedication to the craft has been a driving force throughout his life. However, Ryan’s greatest joy lies in spending quality time with his beloved family, especially when they engage in water-related activities that create cherished memories. Starting with humble beginnings, Ryan initially swept the floors of his father’s job sites, gradually immersing himself in the world of custom home construction. Armed with a degree in Marketing and Management Entrepreneurship from Iowa State University, he founded Aspen Homes after college, focusing on constructing affordable yet exquisite custom homes for families. A decade later, Ryan took on the reins of Windmiller Design Build, allowing his father to concentrate on design and development. One of Ryan’s cherished aspects of Windmiller Group is the opportunity to collaborate closely with an exceptional team of professionals. Through his leadership and passion for creating dream homes, Ryan has cultivated an enduring legacy in the industry.

Bryan Mixdorf

Job Title: Lead Draftsman, Design Consultant

“I’m fortunate to have turned my passion for art and architecture into a career with a team that lives and breathes creative freedom.”

Bryan, armed with an AA in Drafting from Hawkeye Community College, is an exceptionally gifted draftsman known for his unwavering commitment to detail and authentic design. With a deep-rooted passion for architecture, he embodies the essence of a purist in his craft. For more than two decades, Bryan has been leaving his mark on the Quad Cities by designing captivating houses that seamlessly blend form and function. One of Bryan’s greatest joys stems from engaging with his clients, attentively listening as they share their vision for their dream home. It is through these interactions that he is able to transform their aspirations into a stunning reality. When he’s not immersed in his architectural endeavors, Bryan finds solace in his love for golf, reveling in the serenity and challenge of the game. Moreover, he possesses an uncanny ability to inject a Seinfeld quote into any conversation, adding a touch of humor and wit to his interactions. Bryan’s unwavering dedication to his profession, his love for golf, and his ability to infuse levity into everyday conversations make him a truly remarkable and well-rounded individual.

Stephanie Rudd

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

“Lighting is the perfect earrings that finish off the dress, it is the most important accessory of the home.”

Meet Stephanie. Stephanie is a highly skilled interior designer with a wealth of experience in her field. Graduating from Illinois State University, with her Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science and Interior Design, she honed her craft and developed an exceptional eye for design. Stephanie’s passion for interior design led her to teach at Scott Community College, where she shared her knowledge and inspired aspiring designers. Throughout her career, Stephanie has developed a particular affinity for selecting light fixtures and carefully curating spaces that exude elegance and functionality. When she’s not immersed in her work, Stephanie cherishes the summer season. You can often find her spending time with her fiancé Josh and their two fur babes or enjoying her favorite pastimes while unwinding by the pool. Stephanie’s dedication to her craft and her love for summer activities make her a vibrant and multifaceted individual in both her personal and professional life.

Jason Hansen

Job Title: Director of Construction Operations

“I love working with our team to create unique homes for our amazing homeowners.”

Jason Hansen is a dedicated professional and family man with a passion for both work and leisure. As the Director of Construction Operations for Aspen Homes and Windmiller Design Build, Jason brings his expertise in business management, earning his AA degree from Clinton Community College. Although his childhood dream was to become a Land Surveyor, he found fulfillment in the construction industry.

On weekends, you’ll find Jason cheering for the University of lowa football games or attending his children’s wrestling meets. His love for quality homes extends beyond the workplace, as he enjoys collaborating with excellent trade partners to create unique and well-crafted residences.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Jason cheers for the Chicago Cubs and the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his diverse sports interests. At home, he shares his life with his wife, their kids, and Stella, a lively 3-year-old German Shorthair Pointer.