--- title: "Forsite Studio — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/forsite-studio-pfvwus-pf~1476462963 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1476462963.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Forsite Studio" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5573bb6f0ea1df05_2831-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1205 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78702, United States" latitude: 30.2638 longitude: -97.7166 phone: "(512) 842-4841" website: http://forsitestudio.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 11 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 255 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Forsite Studio > Austin Award-Winning Design-Build Firm > Specialty in New Construction Original Houzz profile: [Forsite Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/forsite-studio-pfvwus-pf~1476462963) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Serves:** Austin, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2018–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - Eco-friendly - Verified Hires ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - References available - Eco-friendly - 4 Verified Hires Follow us on instagram: @forsitestudio Forsite Studio is an Austin, Texas architecture and design-build firm — a Texas-registered architecture practice (TBAE Firm Registration BR 2920) creating modern, sustainable buildings since 2007. Our integrated practice spans architectural design, construction and renovation, project management, and custom furniture and cabinetry — so we shape every phase of a project, delivering solutions that are both innovative and cost-effective. The work reflects a clean, modern sensibility infused with handcrafted detail and a sensitivity to local vernacular. We are committed to sustainable design and construction: we salvage and reuse materials wherever possible, and we educate clients on the impact good design has on both the environment and the health of the people who use our buildings. We believe good design, sustainability, and economy are intrinsically linked. Our backgrounds in architecture and sculpture shape our approach to every project. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Austin - West Lake Hills - Rollingwood ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 3 million $500,000 - 3 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Forsite Studio | | Address | 1205 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78702, United States | | Phone | (512) 842-4841 | | Website | http://forsitestudio.com | | Followers on Houzz | 255 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/forsitestudio - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/forsite-studio-llc - Blog — http://www.forsitestudio.com/ - Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/forsitestudio/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Forsite Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/forsite-studio-pfvwus-pf~1476462963) - **Website:** http://forsitestudio.com - **Phone:** (512) 842-4841 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2018–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 45.0 - Value: 45.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★ — nato2k3, Aug. 2020** > Well designed home and quality construction. > I would suggest this company to anyone looking for a unique home in the Austin area. ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Julianna Scruggs, May 2022** > Forsite Studio designed and built two homes for us, both with over the top requirements and design constraints. They did nothing short of amazing with both the design and construction. We absolutely love the homes they have built for us. It might sound obvious, but the greatest thing about Forsite is their foresight. They were excellent guides when building our first new construction. The result has always been a home that we really like living in, often because of needs they anticipated that I did not. The second greatest thing is their credibility. They are trustworthy which is extremely important because you are completely beholden to your home builder. The last of my top 3 favorite things – they are really good at sticking to a budget, better than any other builder in Austin I've heard of. Budgets nowadays are literally impossible to predict due to dramatic changes in labor and material costs. Still, Forsite is able to stick within a very narrow contingency while producing a very desirable (even enviable) product. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to build a home in Austin. **★★★★★ — Niki Saukam, Oct. 2019** > We worked with Forsite Studio to design and build a garage apartment. From initial conception to final product, they were a pleasure to work with. Firm principal AJ Smith was very helpful in helping to distill our ideas into a more cogent vision that, very importantly, could be realized within our budget constraints. Our project lead Eduardo Ponce then translated that vision into a thoughtful, clever design that exceeded our expectations in every way. Eduardo also oversaw the project's construction and kept us fully informed and engaged throughout the process. Our garage apartment was ultimately delivered on budget and as reasonably close to time as you can expect for a construction project. Suffice it to say, we are very happy with the results and would welcome any future opportunities to work with Forsite Studio again. **★★★★★ — Richard Schneeman, Nov. 2017** > Foresite did a design/build job for a back house in East Austin for us. We spoke to a few firms and ended up commissioning designs from two. We liked the design for Foresite the best, and their price was way better than the other firm. It was win/win for us. > > One of the things I most liked about working with this firm is that I could vary the level of involvement required from my wife and I. We were very interested and involved in the early design. Foresite took our (crude) drawings and after meeting with us about what we hoped to get out of the project made a full 3D rendered model of the project. They gave us several variations on the design to choose from. We picked the one we liked the best and then iterated until it was just perfect. > > For the actual building, we were very hands off. The few changes we requested were implemented quickly and with no hassle. We had them design the entire interiors and it turned out great. We have guests stay over and all the time they make comments like "i never want to leave, this place is so nice". They did an amazing job of balancing finding high quality materials that look great but don't break the bank. > > I've worked with a lot of contractors and GCs. One thing I usually hate is having to constantly followup and "pester" them for small things. I never had this problem with foresite. The project was very well organized. > > All in all I really enjoyed working with Foresite. If I had another property to build on, I would call them first. **★★★★★ — Alan Garza, Aug. 2017** > An architect/realtor friend of mine gave me a list of five architects. Of the five I found Forsite Studio to be the best for what i needed. They also were the builders, so any hiccups in the project were handled immediately. There was no pointing fingers between architect and builder. Any problems that came up (of all the houses i'v had built, something always comes up) it was handled almost always in the same day, even into the night to keep on track. But the best thing about Forsite Studio is that they came in under budget. **★★★★★ — James Sigmon, Jan. 2015** > My wife and I met AJ, the owner of Forsite Studio, after viewing his work on the 2014 Austin Modern Home Tour. We initially wanted to work with Forsite on a design build project, but we had trouble locating a suitable lot. Eventually we found a fixer upper in Travis Heights. AJ was kind enough to come along with us to view the house, prior to purchase, to help guide our vision for the remodel and set a realistic budget. We had a tight time frame, and AJ worked fast to meet our deadlines. AJ has an amazing sense of space and a great eye for design. He was able to open our eyes to possibilities I wouldn't have thought possible. I was also pleased to find that AJ knew where to cut costs but also knew where to splurge a little. He helped guide us through the process and allowed us to make the decisions but was also a great adviser on all things design/construction related. After listening to the horror stories of friends who have taken on other similar projects, I can't imagine hiring anyone else besides Forsite. The bumps we encountered along the way were minor and AJ helped cushion any blows by coming up with creative and cost conscious solutions. 5 stars all the way. **★★★★ — Noel Barnes, Feb. 2014** > Complete remodel using FHA loan. A very aggressive schedule. Forsite came in on time and budget. We are extremely happy with the work. Some unexpected surprises were dealt with calmly and efficiently. The process was collaborative and our vision was brought to life. All problems were resolved. This was our first remodel so a considerable learning process but AJ helped get us there and we couldn't be happier. **★★★★★ — c88moore, Sept. 2013** > I had an excellent experience. Great mix of creativity and professionalism. Honest and budget conscious throughout. Highly recommend. I'll use them again. **★★★★★ — hanker1002, Aug. 2013** > AJ with Forsite Studio understands the balance of design and business. I have used Forsite Studio for 5 projects because of his attention to detail, his professionalism, and his ability to work within a budget. > > As a small business owner, I rely on the hard work of other people, and Forsite Studio is the only design/architectural group I plan on working with. **★★★★★ — shukadosen, Aug. 2013** > I hired Forsite Studio to design and build a custom off-grid house for me in the country. From the beginning brain-storming sessions they proved to be creative, innovative, and very responsive to my ideas. They were clear about costs and worked hard to keep within budget. We were all on the same page about wanting to do the project with the least impact on the environment as possible. They cheerfully dealt with the complications of the distance from Austin that the job site presented. I found them to be knowledgeable about the latest technologies and also were willing to work with salvaged materials. The finished house is all I had hoped it would be, an idiosyncratic expression of my esthetic and conscientious values. (And other people think it's pretty cool, too!) **★★★★★ — mybrendabell, Aug. 2013** > Forsite Studio handled the design/construction of a detached carport and accessory dwelling unit, plus additions to main house. A professional, creative and conscientious team, they were easy to work with and it was a fun project. The apartment was featured on the city's annual "cool house" tour for energy-efficient homes. It is beautifully designed and is currently rented for top dollar. I highly recommend Forsite Studio. ## Selected projects - [Embouldin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/embouldin-pj-vj~5592905) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 14 - Description: Set in a south Austin neighborhood where peacocks roam the streets, this four bedroom house strives to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor. The archetype gabled, second story volume, wrapped in board and batten siding, spans between two single story, integral-color stucco cubes. The resultant space of this 28' clear span is a covered veranda, perfect for al fresco dining or taking a respite from the hot Texas sun beside the pool. Floors and accent walls of white oak illuminate the in… - [Rio Vista](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rio-vista-pj-vj~5563695) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 14 - Description: This resort style residence wraps around a central pool, creating a modern courtyard that takes advantage of the nearly year-round temperate climate. Easing the interior-exterior transition is an engawa-type space, created by extending the roofline and upper floor. Views from the street provide a glimpse through the house to the central pool and offer an invite to a private oasis. By placing an emphasis on exterior living space, the house reimages how we live in a post-covid world. Additionally,… - [Camp Koko](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/camp-koko-pj-vj~7728311) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Camp Koko is designed as a resilient and serene retreat, responding thoughtfully to its natural surroundings. Conceived as four parallel, interconnected volumes moving in and amongst the tree canopies, the massing composition takes cues from vernacular structures with moments reminiscent of a tree house. Distributed throughout the site, the program flows in and out to avoid tree critical root zones but generally follows the creek. Double-height steel windows rise to carve out a glade amongst the… - [Elizabeth Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elizabeth-residence-pj-vj~7663246) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Set just off South Congress Avenue in Bouldin Creek—a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic charm and walkable proximity to downtown—this residence draws from the intimacy of a Brooklyn brownstone while embracing Austin’s urban energy. Spanning three levels, the home orients living spaces around a private courtyard with a saltwater pool, covered lanai, and separate pool house studio. With its own entrance, the studio provides flexibility for guests, extended family, or a quiet workspace. T… - [Lake View Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-view-residence-pj-vj~7728364) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Set along Canterbury Street with filtered views of Lady Bird Lake, this home is organized around clean curved lines, practical detailing, and a straightforward modern layout. Inside, an open floor plan connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, with large picture windows and a neutral palette that keeps the spaces bright and functional. A central staircase serves as a key organizational element, lit by high windows that bring daylight into the core of the home. The upper-level balcony offer… - [S 5TH STREET RESIDENCE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/s-5th-street-residence-pj-vj~2898619) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - [Plantanillo Bed & Breakfast](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plantanillo-bed-and-breakfast-pj-vj~2522833) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 7 - [Rockingham Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockingham-residence-pj-vj~2068253) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 13 - [Westview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westview-pj-vj~2532355) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 6 - [Alligator Creek Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alligator-creek-retreat-pj-vj~242716) - Location: Taylor, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: Alligator Creek is a completely off-grid house located on a 60-acre prairie preserve. Drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture and Texas vernacular construction, the design is reminiscent of a farmhouse with Japanese-style bays. The project contains an 18,000 gallon cistern integrated into the foundation for on-site waste water management and the house is naturally ventilated with high performance operable skylights that capture prevailing winds. - [Middle Eight](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/middle-eight-pj-vj~6330014) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 2 - Description: Forsite completed the design for the renovation of this 2,000 sf mid century residence on Lake Austin. Buttressed by two stone fireplaces, the living space bridges a dry creek draining to the lake below. The house is characterized by horizontal, deep overhangs and a tall central space with clerestory light. Our objective for this renovation was to restore the gracefulness of the original composition by removing later alterations and restoring the ceremonial front entrance. New full-height window… - [CASE STUDY HOUSE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/case-study-house-pj-vj~6685907) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 2 - Description: A rare new build in a historic, Central Austin neighborhood, this house seeks to contribute to its mid-century context with a modest scale and integration with the site. Set on a shallow, wide lot, the house negotiates numerous protected trees on a single story. A low pitched roof with expansive glazing connects the front yard to the back and, conversely, the interior to an idyllic neighborhood park directly across the street. Entry is choreographed between two massive limestone walls bookending… - [Wellspring House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wellspring-house-pj-vj~5563605) - Location: Hamilton, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: Inspired formally by local limestone formations such as Hamilton Pool Preserve and cenotes found throughout the southwestern US and Mexico, the Wellspring House eschews the book-ended, flat hilltop for a challenging hillside location. Entering the site, the house slowly materializes in parallel with downtown views. Water guides visitors from the top entrance to the public, entertaining areas down through the pool level and culminates in the private bedrooms. Functionally, the house is intended t… - [Sun Gazer Landing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sun-gazer-landing-pj-vj~6330005) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 5 - Description: A meandering staircase tactfully winds through breaks in the sheer rock wall to access the single slip boat dock. Approaching, the hyperbolic paraboloid form- evocative of a ship's prow, a flying kite or an egret searching for food - all images one may encounter while enjoying a relaxing day on the water, becomes visible. A vessel is moored at water level with a second floor viewing area. A net of woven wood slats, sitting atop the structure, allows dappled light to reach the deck below. With ju… - [Mariposa Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mariposa-residence-pj-vj~7888481) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/forsite-studio-pfvwus-pf~1476462963) ## Video - [Company video](https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/p/2605401/sp/260540100/playManifest/entryId/1_lljw7ycl/format/applehttp/protocol/https/a.m3u8) ## Ideabooks - [panels and rainscreens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53858127/list/panels-and-rainscreens) — 14 ideas - [stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55538360/list/stairs) — 17 ideas - [guesthouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/40514801/list/guesthouse) — 16 ideas - [westover](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34773654/list/westover) — 2 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/forsitestudio) ## Community Q&A **Q: How do you attach the wood to the posts?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, lovely privacy screen. How is this made? Thanks A: Hi We used self tapping metal screws to install the wood to the steel columns! **Q: how big is the shower?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Gail, Shower is Approx. 5' x 5' **Q: Love the island. How deep is it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Sand and sealed concrete floors **Q: Love Exterior Cladding** *(in Photo Questions)* What material is the horizontal exterior cladding? A: Its a dark metal metal panel **Q: what type of tile is used in the shower area, and what size is it** *(in Photo Questions)* A: the large tiles are a 12x24 porcelain and the shower floor is a 2x2 porcelain mosaic **Q: What tile was used for the shower wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: its a 4x12 matte white by daltile --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*