Today we’d like to introduce you to Becca Frasier And Ashley Hunte
Hi Becca Frasier, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Casa Sisu was founded by Becca Frasier and Ashley Hunte in 2023. We first met while working as designers at a design-build firm, where we quickly learned that our respective skill sets and backgrounds were perfectly complementary. After we each left that design-build firm for separate reasons, we met to catch up over coffee and left an hour later with a business plan. Within three days, we had a company name, logo, website, and full suite of branding materials.
We chose the name Casa Sisu as a tribute to where we came from and what we stand for. Sisu (pronounced see-sue) is a Finnish word that lacks a direct translation in English, but it can be summed up as steadfast determination even in times of extreme adversity. It’s a deep-rooted drive to overcome any challenge. We paired this word with “casa” not just because it’s fun to say; it’s also a representation of our unflinching dedication to solving the challenges our clients experience within their homes.
Ashley has a BFA in Interior Design from a CIDA-certified program and has worked at high-end, world-renowned design firms spanning from Boston to NYC – and now Austin. Her in-field experience includes luxury residences, mixed-use residential buildings, historical preservation remodels, and more.
Becca worked as a copywriter and creative director for 15 years before she jumped at a rare opportunity to begin a new path as an interior designer. Since then, Becca has remodeled dozens of gorgeous homes throughout Austin and won multiple local and national awards for her designs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In general, it has been a smooth road, but we’ve certainly had to be deliberate about building and growing our company. The biggest hurdle was signing our first client. It’s difficult to sell someone on your expertise and potential when your most recent portfolio highlights are tied to a previous employer. It’s tempting to underbid to get your foot in the door, but we stood firm and fortunately were able to convey the skills and value we provide.
As you know, we’re big fans of Casa Sisu. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Casa Sisu is founded on three core principles: beauty, functionality, and adaptability. We create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also improve our daily lives and contribute to our overall well-being. A Casa Sisu space is a tailored balance of not too little and not too much.
In residential design, we often see two extreme ends of the spectrum. Affordable projects risk being so streamlined that they are stripped of any personality, and high-end projects can be so bespoke that they become inaccessible to average homeowners. We have found a nice balance of being able to provide a blend of bespoke, high-quality design at accessible prices. Our past experience in the design-build world gave us first-hand knowledge of what it takes to build our designs, which enables us to keep the cost of construction in mind when designing a space.
As a brand, we are extremely proud of our technical documentation. Our drawings are far more detailed than what is typically provided by interior design firms, which has helped us build strong relationships with general contractors. We strive to proactively address any questions or issues that may come up, leading to shorter construction timelines.
At Casa Sisu, we believe that great design is a collaborative effort that brings together a diverse team of creative minds. With a shared passion for creating exceptional spaces, we work together to transform ideas into stunning realities. Our collaborative process begins with understanding our clients’ visions, needs, and preferences. We engage in open discussions and brainstorming throughout the schematic design phase and continue that approach all the way through the project’s execution.
We work closely with our clients to ensure a seamless design experience. Behind the scenes, we also work closely but individually take the lead in areas of our respective strong suits while keeping one another involved in the process. This dynamic consistently sparks new, innovative ideas that continue to elevate Casa Sisu’s designs.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Clients and vendors can work with us by filling out the contact form on our website (casasisu.com). The best way to support us is by following our Instagram account (@casasisuatx) and sharing our projects with friends and family.
Pricing:
- Express bathroom design package: $8,750
- All other projects are estimated on an individual basis
- Complimentary 30-minute virtual consultations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.casasisu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casasisuatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casasisuatx
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-sisu-austin
- Other: https://kb.nkba.org/profile/casa-sisu/
Image Credits
Wes Ellis, Allie Provost
